WISCONSIN ELK STUDY

PROGRESS REPORT NO.2

Accomplishments since Progress Report-1 (2 February, 1994):

16 February 1994 - U.S. Forest Service issued Environmental Assessment (EA), announced approval of request to conduct the elk study, and solicited comments on the decision during a following 30-day period. Approximately 35 responses were received.

20 April 1994 - U.S. Forest Service issued Final Decision to allow the proposed study. A 45-day appeal period, relative to this Final Decision, follows this announcement. Appeals must be filed on or before 4 June 1994. If no appeal is filed, the study initiation date is 10 June 1994, 5 business days after the close of the appeal period. If an appeal is filed, the study "...may be implemented 15 days after the date of the last appeal deposition".

The possibility of getting elk from Michigan is becoming a reality. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is currently formulating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WDNR, Michigan DNR, and The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. A draft of the MOU is expected to be completed by 5 May.

The Wisconsin Elk Study Committee (WESCO) met with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) field representative Bill Hunyadi to begin planning for an informational public meeting/banquet at Lakewoods, near the proposed study area between Clam Lake and Cable, in August 1994 and the possible organization of a Chequamegon Chapter of RMEF.

Neil Paulson delivered letterhead stationery that he designed for the project.

A detailed study plan is nearing completion. Scott Anderson, a graduate student at UW-Stevens Point, is formulating the plan. Primary and Secondary elk study ranges and boundaries have been defined and areas calculated. Agencies in Canada, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota and Michigan were contacted for updated procedures and results of translocation efforts, holding and testing pens, traps, and transportation. Lazy Elk Country elk ranch near Bloomer, WI was visited to inspect facilities and gain advice.

A proposal to RMEF requesting financial assistance is being formulated and will be submitted when final approval of WDNR and USFS is obtained.

We responded to several requests for public presentations about the elk study including radio, television, RMEF and Safari Club International chapters in WI, print media, and paper presented to the Wisconsin Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

A protocol of a solar-powered, ear-tag, radio-transmitter has been designed, received, and is being tested.

Select and prepare a release site on the Chequamegon National Forest.

Plan details of securing elk from Michigan when MOU is agreed upon and signed. This includes arrangements for capturing and holding for 6-month quarantine period, and testing for disease. Our tentative schedule is to capture elk as soon after the rut as is possible next fall in order that they can be shipped and held for gentle release prior to calving time in early June.

Complete research plan and submit to WDNR for approval.

Continue fund-raising efforts.