Discussion about reintroducing elk in Missouri has been revived by the Missouri Conservation Commission.
The
plan calls for reintroducing elk on Peck Ranch, which is in Carter,
Shannon and Reynolds counties, according to a news release from the
Missouri Department of Conservation.
The decision came today during the commission's monthly meeting in Cape Girardeau.
Resource scientist Lonnie Hansen presented a report on an elk-restoration feasibility study conducted in 2000.
That effort was suspended due to the emerging issue of chronic wasting disease and concerns about adequate habitat.
The
commission requested the presentation in response to inquiries from the
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, continued citizen inquiries and media
coverage on possible elk restoration, according to the department.
Following
the presentation, the Commission directed Department staff to
reinitiate plan development, based on current information and knowledge.
The commissioners also indicated the want for a well-defined
elk restoration zone around Peck Ranch and established herd management
guidelines, including a release protocol, population objectives and
hunting as the primary management tool.
Other requirements
include effective health protocols, including disease testing and a
contingency plan to ensure the health of domestic livestock and
wildlife, and provisions for dealing with elk that leave the restoration
zone.
The area around Peck Ranch was selected because it has
suitable elk habitat, a high percentage of public land, low density of
public roads and a limited amount of row crop and livestock production.
Conservation
Director Bob Ziehmer said several things have changed since the
Conservation Commission first considered the idea of elk restoration.
"The
department has continued to stay engaged on the restoration topic since
2000. There have been significant improvements in habitat for elk on
public land around Peck Ranch in the past 10 years," Ziehmer said.
"Efforts to restore natural communities on a landscape scale have paid
off in ways that would benefit elk - a species native to our state. We
also have a better understanding along with testing options for chronic
wasting disease than we did 10 years ago. Other states have developed
and successfully implemented protocols to address animal health
concerns."
Commission Chairman Chip McGeehan said that Arkansas,
Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin all have
successfully restored limited elk populations. He said these restoration
programs have provided significant economic benefits through ecotourism
and hunting, without adverse affects on agriculture or wildlife.
"The
elk is one of Missouri's historic native species," said McGeehan.
"Bringing this species back to the Show-Me State is very much in line
with our longstanding commitment to landscape-scale conservation. We
will engage citizens by providing information and working to gather
their thoughts about elk restoration."
The department will hold
public meetings in the area around Peck Ranch to gather citizen input.
Details of public meetings on possible elk restoration will be announced
later. The Conservation Department will accept public comments at any
of its offices statewide and at http://mdc.mo.gov/contact-us.
Staff will prepare and submit a report with findings to the commission in October.
