Early returns on an elk population study at Great Sand Dunes National Park revealed far fewer animals than officials expected.
“The result of the first year of the study show that this population is significantly smaller than thought, that it has been steadily declining for about the last six years, and that it is at a level well below that which the habitat can support,” superintendent Steve Chaney said.
The survey involved helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and radio collars. Findings indicate about 2,000 fewer animals than expected, principally because of a decline in calf recruitment. The next two years of the study will focus on impacts of grazing inside the park, while attempting to assess reasons for herd decline.
Boost for wildlife
In a late action before the electoral recess, Congress passed legislation to continue three popular conservation programs, including the key North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
First authorized in 1989, NAWCA is critical to habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. An area of more than 20 million acres has been impacted to date, and the legislation would extend the program five years.
The other programs are the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act and the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. All await the signature of President Bush.
