Study to look at beetle infestation on elk habitat

A $448,000 study begins next month looking at the impact of mountain pine beetle infestation on elk habitat and herd movement in the Elkhorn Mountains, north of Boulder. The project entails collaring 30 cow and 15 bull elk -- and possibly two wolves -- allowing researchers to closely monitor herd movements over a four-year period. Researchers will look to see how the extensive beetle infestation and death of ponderosa, lodge pole, and white bark pine are affecting elk movements, hunter access, elk security, hiding cover, and forage availability. Data derived from an elk movement study conducted in 1982 and 1992 will provide researchers comparisons on elk locations pre-beetle infestation and now. If possible, two wolves will be collared so that elk movements relative to wolves may be tracked as well. All capture and collaring operations for this study are expected to be completed in early February. Funding for the study has been appropriated by the Forest Service and FWP, with contributions from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Montana Department of Military Affairs, and the Cinnabar Foundation. The Elkhorn Mountains are managed in partnership as the Elkhorn Cooperative Management Area by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and FWP. Within the USFS, the Elkhorn Mountain range is the only one of its kind, designated and managed as a Wildlife Management Unit...more