News - Information meetings planned to discuss elk management plan for Minnesota

[Rick]

People interested in learning more about the elk herds of northwestern Minnesota, and elk management and research, can attend one of three information meetings to discuss the draft Strategic Management Plan for Elk in Minnesota for 2016-2020. This draft plan replaces the five-year plan in effect from 2009-2015. Meetings are scheduled:

• New Brighton Community Center, 6:30-9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, 400 10th St. NW, New Brighton.
• Lancaster Community Center, 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 95 2nd St. W., Lancaster.
• Grygla Community Center, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-9 p.m., 127 S. Main Ave., Grygla.

The draft plan addresses elk population goals, elk-landowner conflicts, and opportuni¬ties to hunt and view elk. It includes input from local elk work groups made up of a broad spectrum of stakeholders in northwestern Minnesota.

“The goal of the draft elk management plan is to maintain a healthy elk population that offers recreational and economic opportunities to citizens of the state,” said John Williams, DNR northwest region wildlife manager. “To provide these opportunities, the DNR must also address conflicts between elk and landowners.”

The meetings include an open house beginning at 6:30 p.m. when attendees can learn more about elk in Minnesota and the draft management plan. A formal presentation and opportunities for comment will begin at 7 p.m. followed by time for participants to speak with DNR staff as well as provide written comments on the plan.

“The meetings will allow citizens to learn about our state’s elk herds and how elk are managed,” said Steve Merchant, DNR wildlife populations and regulations manager. “We also want to give people the opportunity to hear about the upcoming research on elk movements and habitat use and plans to evaluate citizens’ perspectives toward elk in northwestern Minnesota.”

Elk are managed to maintain a free-ranging, wild population in northwestern Minnesota. Three herds totaling an estimated 130 animals roam portions of far northwestern Minnesota and comprise the state’s entire elk population, according to the DNR’s most recent population survey.

The Caribou-Vita herd is Minnesota’s largest herd. It is estimated at 120-150 elk that migrate between northern Kittson County and Manitoba. Seventy-nine elk were counted on the Minnesota side in the 2015 aerial survey. The Kittson-Central herd is located near Lancaster in Kittson County and includes just over 30 elk. The Grygla herd in Marshall County has declined in recent years; only 18 elk were counted during the last survey. A public comment period on the draft elk management plan runs from Monday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Dec. 27.

After reviewing the draft plan comments may be submitted online on the elk management page. or via electronic or postal mail. Email comments, including your name and address, to [email protected]. Send comments via postal mail to: Elk Comments, DNR Wildlife, 2115 Birchmont Beach Rd NE, Bemidji, MN, 56601.

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