The Ontario government is looking for feedback on a proposed plan that will help support a healthy and self-sustaining elk population.
After disappearing in the 1800s, elk were reintroduced to four areas of the province a decade ago. Over the last 10 years, the Ministry of Natural Resources and its partners have focused on re-establishing and monitoring the species in Ontario.
The draft Elk Management Plan marks an important milestone: a progression from restoring the herds to managing them sustainably. The draft plan includes goals and objectives for managing elk and their habitat, and addresses issues such as climate change, predators and societal interests.
The draft Elk Management Plan has been posted on the Environmental Registry and comments will be accepted until January 7, 2010. The final plan is expected to be released in spring 2010.
QUOTE
“The successful restoration of elk to Ontario is due in large part to the tremendous support and contributions of our partners. We are now seeking input into an Elk Management Plan that will guide the next phase of sustainable elk management in Ontario. “
– Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources
QUICK FACTS
Elk disappeared from Ontario in the late 19th century due to unregulated over-hunting and pressure from human settlement.
A total of 443 elk from Alberta’s Elk Island National Park were released in Ontario as part of a multi-partner restoration program.
Wild elk now live in four areas of the province: near Lake of the Woods, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Bancroft.
TO LEARN MORE
Read and comment on the draft Elk Management Plan on the Environmental Registry (ontario.ca/environmentalregistry), Registry Number 010-8381.