thumbnail

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

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5119-C
Ecosystems Mission Area—Biological Threats & Invasive Species Research Program and the Species Management Research Program
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245119C

Links

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 the 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 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).

Suggested Citation

Cotterill, G.G., Cross, P.C., Cole, E.K., Cook, J.D., McEachran, M.C., and Graves, T.A., 2025, Evaluating elk distribution and conflict under proposed management alternatives at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming, chap. C of Cook, J.D., and Cross, P.C., eds., Decision analysis in support of the National Elk Refuge bison and elk management plan: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5119, 32 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245119C.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix C1. Core Elk Winter Areas Defined by the Expert Panel
  • Appendix C2. Predicted Elk Use of Winter Feedgrounds in the Northern Fall Creek Elk Herd Unit
  • Appendix C3. Adjusted Use Predictions for Jackson Elk Attending State Feedgrounds in the Gros Ventre River Drainage or in the Native Winter Range
  • Appendix C4. Elk Summer Predictive Maps from the Broad-Scale Resource Selection Function
  • Appendix C5. Elk Predictive Maps from the National Elk Refuge Winter Resource Selection Function
  • Appendix C6. Near-Term Rankings (5 years) of Measurable Attributes
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluating elk distribution and conflict under proposed management alternatives at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5119
Chapter C
DOI 10.3133/sir20245119C
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Description Report: vii, 32 p.; Software Release
Country United States
State Wyoming
City Jackson
Other Geospatial National Elk Refuge
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details