Elk and Vegetation Management Plan

Elk graze in Moraine Park
Elk graze in Moraine Park

NPS/Ann Schonlau

 

Elk and vegetation management in Rocky Mountain National Park is guided by a 20-year plan that addresses the impacts of overabundant elk on vegetation. The goal is to begin restoring the natural range of variability in the elk population and affected plant communities.

The plan relies on a variety of conservation tools including temporary fencing, vegetation restoration, redistribution and culling. The park may use additional management tools in the future using adaptive management principles.

Current Conditions

The elk population is currently at or below the winter population objective of 600-800 animals using the winter range in the park. A report on vegetation conditions for the first adaptive management review will be released in 2015.

 
 
 
 
 

Last updated: July 14, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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