Elk Herd Re-Introduction

SYNOPSIS

The Pennsylvania Wilds region has found great success in reintroducing wild herds of Elk into portions of its area. The Elk herds tend to congregate in specially-designed grazing meadows, where visitors can safely view the animals. In our area, Elk used to roam and graze in large numbers (the Elk River’s name reflects this history!). This project investigates whether suitable land could be provided to support an Elk herd, grazing meadows and viewing areas, while keeping the Elk away from crops and farms.

PROJECT STATUS

SCP has conducted research into amounts and type of land that must be available for wild Elk to roam; recommendations range from 0.5 to 3.5 square-miles-per-animal. Two principal areas have enough land to host a reasonably-sized herd: the 11,000-acre Appalachian Conservation Institute (“ACI”), southeast of Tracy City; or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (“TWRA”) Bear Hollow Wildlife Management Area, adjacent to Head of the Crow State Park, south of Sewanee, consisting of multiple TWRA parcels and private conservation easements, totaling at least 50,000 acres.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Elk herds have been re-introduced in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and northeastern Tennessee.  They have provided a strong draw for visitors. A significant source of revenue for maintenance of the herd is raised from an annual hunting lottery. 

• Re-introducing Elk to the South Cumberland area would be a significant and complementary addition to our area’s emerging outdoor recreation economy.

CHALLENGES

• Encouraging TWRA and/or ACI to commit to the re-introduction of Elk in this area.

• Ongoing monitoring of the Elk herd for size, health and distribution, including collar monitors on each animal to determine if any members of the herd pose a crop depredation danger to nearby agricultural interests.

• Organization and promotion of the annual Elk hunt lottery process.

PROJECT NEEDS

• A Project Coordinator is needed for outreach to (and negotiation with) TWRA, ACI and adjoining landowners.

• Property for Elk viewing sites and viewing infrastructure must be identified and purchased, and appropriate viewing infrastructure added.

• Coordination with TWRA regarding the annual Elk hunt, once the herd is established.