Elk populations in southwest Colorado are struggling so the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will host a series of public meetings to help guide its management efforts.
According to a report in the Durango Herald, approximately 65 percent of elk calves born in the southwest portion of the state die before reaching one year of age. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided funding for research to help determine why numbers are ailing.
“Elk management plans are revised approximately every 10 years,” said Matt Thorpe, CPW area wildlife manager. “Public input provides guidance to wildlife managers who attempt to balance the biological capabilities of the herd and its habitat with the public’s demand for wildlife recreation opportunities. These Herd Management Plans drive important decisions, which include the license-setting process as well as strategies and techniques to reach herd population objectives.”
The struggling population is yet another reason why a ballot initiative that would forcibly introduce wolves into Colorado would be detrimental. (Go here to view a video.)
Go here to view the public meeting schedule.
(Photo source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)