Pennsylvania Elk Watching and Nature Tourism Project

Interview with Tom Toman, Conservation Program Manager,
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Friday, June 8, 2001

Fermata Draft Report

RMEF sees some sensitivity over the wording "strategic plan for the future management and interpretation of the elk herd." Fermata should make clear that the subject of the report is visitor management, not elk management, since that’s the purview of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and they have a thorough plan based on elk biology related to herd management. RMEF sees a need to clarify that the purpose of the study is management of elk viewing and nature tourism. RMEF is very supportive of the strategic planning initiative for nature tourism in Pennsylvania, and has visited the area numerous times since 1992.

RMEF involvement

Since 1992, RMEF has assisted with habitat enhancement, land acquisition, funding for economic study on elk-related tourism.

RMEF perspective on main challenges to elk viewing in North Central Pennsylvania

Keeping people from approaching the elk beyond the viewing site on Winslow hill is the primary challenge for visitor management. Enforcing regulations in Benezette that prohibit feeding elk is a logical link to this first issue. Historically landowners fed the elk to lure them into their fields in late winter so the bulls would shed their antlers there; this represented lucrative income for them. Benezette area residents need increased exposure to the economic benefits of tourism, and they need partners to help them with techniques for managing visitation rather than being managed by it.

Upcoming hunt

RMEF points out that the seven public meetings held around the state met with surprisingly little resistance to the hunt. There were no demonstrations, no organized campaigns from PETA, or other types of vocal dissent. This will be the first modern day hunt since the elk herd was reintroduced from Yellowstone in 1913. The herd has reached 660 animals, and although the Game Commission wants a final population between 800-1000 elk, the commission feels that it is time to start providing hunting opportunities. However, the 50-50 split on acceptability indicates some need for public education-outreach on this issue. RMEF notes that plans to keep viewing areas closed to hunting should assure allow for uninterrupted viewing, and for the separation of hunters from viewers. The limited number of permits issued should also minimize the conflict between tourists and hunters.

Arkansas started hunting its elk a few years back, and they have been in contact with Pennsylvania. RMEF can provide contacts if the nature tourism team wants to talk with someone on hunt acceptance by the public and management in conjunction with viewing. Mike Cartwright (870)297-4331.

Kentucky is also planning its first hunt this fall. The state herd exceeds 1,000 animals. When introduced in 1997, it was made clear from the beginning that hunting would be a part of the management plan. Contact: Jonathan Gassett (502) 564-4406, ext. 348.

Winslow Hill

RMEF believes that the trailer, the seasonal interpreters, and the viewing site on Winslow Hill represent an excellent beginning for elk interpretation. Moreover, RMEF recognizes that the Pennsylvania investment of personnel and resources into elk viewing is considerably more than the activities of states with similar or larger elk herds. Taking this success to the next level will be greatly abetted by the current planning process. RMEF believes that Pennsylvania’s investment in grass roots, local support for elk tourism is a more dependable and effective long-term strategy than a program that depends exclusively on agency or donated funding. RMEF believes that the DCNR/Game Commission/North Central planning process is an excellent approach in this regard.

Elk Management

RMEF has worked with the Game Commission to create herbaceous openings as a means for keeping elk off croplands. Native, cool season forage also helps draw elk to viewing areas, and improves the tourism cycle. Typical elk habitat contains about 40% herbaceous openings, whereas the Pennsylvania range has only about 5%. The expansion of these plantings for the benefit of the herd and to protect private land interests should be an important part of the management plan.

Areas in which mining reclamation is underway can augment elk habitat by planting buckwheat the first season, as it benefits elk and other types of wildlife. The next season, cool season native grasses can be planted to replace the buckwheat.

Western Elk Herds

Unlike Pennsylvania, Rocky Mountain herds are most visible on winter ranges, excepting herds at Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Tetons, and Banff. The Jackson elk herd has an innate conflict involved in discouraging tourists from feeding the animals because the managers themselves are doing what they proscribe for visitors. Visitors see the feeding, and no matter what the rationale for visitors not feeding the elk, they will go ahead and offer the animals food.

Eastern Herds

Kentucky and Tennessee have elk herds now and are looking to Pennsylvania as a model. All partners in this project should be aware that they are being watched by other states with herds, as well as by organizations interested in the conservation of elk and other wildlife. The Pennsylvania project is significant because it will influence elk viewing programs all over the U.S. Arkansas and Oklahoma also have elk herds, and there are feasibility studies for elk reintroduction in New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and Missouri.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is in close contact with these other states and shares ideas for hunting, management, and viewing. These close relationships can be expected to deepen as a result of this project.

Private Land Issues

RMEF strongly believes that Pennsylvania’s food plot strategy works. RMEF has worked intensively with the Game Commission on trap and transfer techniques, and these physical relocation management tools are effective as well. A forage enhancement project on pipeline and transmission right-of-ways is another example of creative solutions/partnerships that draws elk off private lands and gives them more forage.

Areas such as Ladd Canyon, Oregon, successfully lured elk away from private lands via habitat and access management. This involved cutting down on roadway vegetation density and the process was strongly supported by the public.