Evaluating Elk Distribution and Conflict Under Proposed Management Alternatives at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming

Authors

Gavin G. Cotterill, U.S. Geological SurveyFollow
Paul C. Cross, U.S. Geological SurveyFollow
Eric K. Cole, U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceFollow
Jonathan D. Cook, U.S. Geological SurveyFollow
Margaret C. McEachran, U.S. Geological Survey
Tabitha A. Graves, U.S. Geological SurveyFollow

Document Type

Article

Author ORCID Identifier

Gavin G. Cotterill https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1408-778X

Paul C. Cross https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8045-5213

Eric K. Cole https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2229-5853

Jonathan D. Cook https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7000-8727

Margaret C. McEachran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8390-451X

Tabitha A. Graves https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5145-2400

Publisher

U.S. Geological Survey

First Page

1

Last Page

44

Publication Date

1-8-2025

Abstract

We evaluated measurable attributes describing the current and future distribution of Cervus elaphus canadensis (elk) across a region surrounding Jackson, Wyoming, for five feedground management alternatives proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a revision to 2007 "Bison and Elk Management Plan" of the National Elk Refuge. A resource selection function evaluated measurable attributes of interest to managers, including elk use of private property and sensitive habitat types at monthly timesteps and varying winter conditions. The study area boundaries were created through an expert elicitation process and consist of the Jackson Elk Herd Unit, Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and the northern third of the Fall Creek Elk Herd Unit. For each of the five alternatives, we distributed monthly elk numbers calculated in a concurrent analysis that simulated chronic wasting disease dynamics in this system for 20 years. Measurable attributes representing potential elk use of (1) private property, (2) cattle properties as an index of Brucella abortus risk, and sensitive habitats consisting of (3) Populus tremuloides Michx. (quaking aspen), (4) Populus angustifolia E. James (narrowleaf cottonwood), and (5) Salix L. (willow) in core winter use all areas all closely followed the declines of elk abundance projected by the elk chronic wasting disease model. After 20 years, the continue feeding alternative ranked most favorably in terms of limiting elk days on private property and reducing brucellosis risk from elk to cattle because this alternative concentrated elk on the National Elk Refuge and resulted in the lowest elk population sizes. However, other management alternatives, including increase harvest and reduce feeding, tended to limit elk use of sensitive quaking aspen, narrowleaf cottonwood, and willow habitats during winter (December–April).

Recommended Citation

Cotterill, G. G., P. C. Cross, E. K. Cole, J. D. Cook, M. C. Mceachran, and T. A. Graves. 2025. Evaluating elk distribution and conflict under proposed management alternatives at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming. Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey. SIR 2024-5119-C..