February 2000
Contact: Tim Smith, Legislative Liaison (360) 902-2223

Situation

Healthy elk populations characterize the quality of state natural resources. Elk are valued both by wildlife viewers and hunters, and both activities bring significant economic benefits to the state and local economies. In addition, elk have cultural significance and value to members of state tribes.

Both Roosevelt (Olympic) and Rocky Mountain elk are native to Washington. Elk populations flourished from the 1930s to the 1960s because timber harvest practices (clear cutting) provided open ground and encouraged the growth of low vegetation for elk forage. Elk numbers increased from an estimated 10,000 in 1900 to a peak of over 70,000 in 1980. Since that time eight of Washington's 10 herds have declined. Our current elk population is estimated at just under 55,000.

Of Washington's 10 elk herds, five are considered to be in serious decline. Populations have dropped in the Olympic, Nooksack, North Rainier, South Rainier and Blue Mountains herds.

Several factors are associated with the declines including over-hunting, urbanization and other changes in habitat conditions, harsh winters and predation. Besides urban sprawl, which is taking over prime elk habit in some areas, restrictions on clear cut logging has reduced the amount of open ground where forage plants grow. The nutritional value of forage also is deficient in many locations, particularly in western Washington. High road density and human disturbance along those roads also is discouraging elk in many areas.

Supplemental feeding has become necessary in portions of eastern Washington where winter ranges have been lost to agricultural development. Elk are fed at several sites on WDFW's L. T. Murray and Oak Creek wildlife areas, to discourage the animals from entering private land and causing damage.Successful management of Washington's elk herds requires active participation and cooperation between the state and treaty tribes. The so-called "Stevens Treaties" reserve certain hunting privileges for many of Washington's federally recognized tribes. These rights create a vital role for the tribes in cooperative management strategies for elk resources in Washington.

Problem

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife needs more accurate, reliable and consistent scientific information about elk herd population size and harvest, as the first essential ingredient in the effort to rebuild declining herds.

However, the Department currently lacks the financial resources to conduct comprehensive, on- going surveys of herd numbers and more complete monitoring of hunter harvest.

Proposal

Gov. Gary Locke has requested $250,000 to allow WDFW to improve monitoring of harvest and population levels in declining elk herds. With more accurate information about baseline population levels and harvest, elk recovery strategies can be identified and implemented to allow the Department to work effectively in preserving this valued natural resource.

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