Download Mount St. Helens Management Plan [Nov 2006] PDF Format [2.05MB]   Download the Draft Mount St. Helens Management Plan [May 2006] PDF Format [735K] Acknowledgments: The Mount St. Helens Elk Herd Plan has been a collaborative effort by many Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife employees. The original draft was completed by former employee Min Huang (retired) and Regional Wildlife Manager Fred Dobler. This draft was then edited and released in draft form by George Tsukamoto, Wildlife Planner, retired. The current draft has been compiled and revised by Patrick Miller, District Wildlife Biologist and Dr. Scott McCorquodale, Statewide Deer and Elk Specialist. Scott’s assistance has been critical in improving the text and technical sections. Robin Woodin, Chehalis Wildlife Biologist- District 10, spent countless hours in the air collecting data and at the computer analyzing the data. Her efforts contributed greatly to the information presented in this document. District Wildlife Biologist David Anderson and Wildlife Biologist Eric Holman contributed to the section of the plan that dealt with elk issues in the Gorge District (District 9). Wildlife Area Manager Brian Calkins has been a key player in activities in the vicinity of the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area and the recent re-location of elk. Region 5 would like to thank the countless volunteers that have helped with elk flights and other important data gathering functions that have contributed to this document. Among these volunteers are former employees Mike Mercer and Gary Suhadolnik. Current employees Ken Jundt, Alan Thomas, Mark Hart, Jay Brightbill, Rod Woodin, and Scott Brummer spent many hours in the air helping the Wildlife Program with elk surveys, as well. Dedication This elk plan is dedicated to the memory of Clyde R. (Ray) Pleasant our helicopter pilot for over 20 years. Ray was instrumental in flying the elk herd composition flights for most of the years that this plan is based upon. His ability to see elk from the air was phenomenal and rarely could anyone spot the animals before he did. Ray was also the pilot we used in captures for elk in the St. Helens elk herd as well as other locations in Washington. He always put our safety first and was the consummate gentleman. He will be missed. Other Elk Herd Plans: Blue Mountains Hanford Mt. St. Helens North Cascade (Nooksack) North Rainier Selkirk South Rainier Yakima

MOUNT ST. HELENS ELK HERD PLAN Prepared by: Patrick J. Miller and Scott M. McCorquodale, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Mount St. Helens Elk Herd is one of ten herds identified in the state. It is one of the most important elk herds in the state as it provides significant recreational, aesthetic, and economic benefit to the citizens of Washington. The purpose of this document is to provide direction for the management of the Mount St. Helens elk resource into the future. This is a 5-year plan subject to amendment. Before the fifth year this plan should be updated, re-evaluated, amended, and implemented for another 5-year period. The plan will serve as a valuable reference document and guideline for the Department, agency cooperators, landowners, tribes, and the general public. Priority management activities can be implemented as funding and other resources become available. The three primary goals of the Mount St. Helens Elk Herd Plan are: (1) to preserve, protect, perpetuate, manage, and enhance elk habitat to ensure healthy productive populations; (2) to manage elk for a variety of recreational, educational, and aesthetic purposes, including hunting, scientific study, and photography; and (3) to manage harvest of the elk herd for a sustained yield. Specific elk herd and habitat objectives, problems, and strategies are identified in the Plan. These are priority objectives identified to address specific problems in elk management. To accomplish each objective, a variety of strategies have been proposed. The following objectives have been identified: Manage the Mount St. Helens Elk Herd using the best available science. Manage all open-entry elk units for post-hunting season bull ratios consistent with the Game Management Plan (12 to 20 bulls per 100 cows) in conjunction with overall bull mortality rates < 50%. Manage quality GMUs for minimum post-hunting season bull:cow ratios at approximately 20 bulls per 100 cows, in conjunction with overall bull mortality rates of < 40%. Manage the Mount Saint Helens elk population in balance with both the habitat and cultural carrying capacities of the region. The current population goal for achieving this balance is approximately 10,000 elk. Population adjustment will be made over the next 5-8 years, beginning in 2007. Minimize human conflicts and property damage caused by elk. Support public appreciation of the elk resource and non-consumptive values of elk including viewing and photographic opportunities. Continue to monitor the health and winter survival of elk wintering in GMU 522 (LooWitt) and the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area. Improve the quantity and quality of elk habitat on the Mount St. Helen Wildlife Area. Maintain the current level of elk winter range along the Lewis River. Work with other agencies and private landowners to improve habitats for elk. Spending priorities have been identified for the next 5 years. The recommended annual priority expenditures for the Mount St. Helens elk herd are as follows: Priority Expenditure 1st Year 5 Years Aerial elk surveys $25,000.00 $185,000.00 Habitat improvement $30,000.00 $125,000.00 Elk survival study N/A $200,000.00 Quantify elk forage condition $40,000.00 $120,000.00 Monitor elk body condition N/A $40,000.00 Monitor annual harvest $12,000.00 $60,000.00 TOTAL $147,000.00 $780,000.00