Improving the distribution of elk in Wisconsin through assisted dispersal
By Jonathan Gilbert, Ph.D., GLIFWC Wildlife Section Leader
Clam Lake, Wis.—Cooperating agencies are preparing for a second assisted dispersal from the Clam Lake elk herd this winter in an effort to improve the status of the herd. GLIFWC, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) successfully dispersed a segment of the population in 2011 as part of a fo
ur-year dispersal plan.
Since the release of elk into Wisconsin in 1995, the elk herd has grown in size to approximately 160 animals in 2011. However, most elk remain within only a few miles of the original release sites and are not dispersing to surrounding areas of suitable habitat. In order to encourage the herd's habitat expansion and improve the distribution of elk around Clam Lake, the three agencies launched the 'assisted dispersal project.
According to Laine Stowell, elk biologist for the WDNR, the relatively sedentary lifestyle witnessed in the Clam Lake herd is common to elk in the eastern US. Unlike elk along the western mountains that move from summer to winter ranges up and down the slopes of the mountains, eastern elk do not exhibit this same kind of seasonal movements. As a result, the elk herd stays within the same general areas throughout the year. This lack of movement keeps elk from exploring and locating new areas of suitable habitat.
Single, isolated populations, especially of a small number of animals, are vulnerable to catastrophic events that can have significant impacts on the sustainability of the population. The elk population in Wisconsin is like this, a relatively small population that is concentrated in an isolated area. This is a worrisome situation from a conservation perspective. Disease, predation or other catastrophic events could more easily harm this population.
In order to secure elk in Wisconsin, it is advisable to establish multiple populations close by each other. If multiple populations are established, and some calamity happens to one of these populations, then animals from the other population will be able to help augment the nearby population. In this way there is some stability to the elk herds.
In other eastern states, elk population growth rates and the size of the elk populations increased following assisted dispersals. Although the population of elk in the Clam Lake area continues to increase, the rate of that population growth has slowed over the past years. It is hoped that the assisted dispersal project will have a similar effect in Clam Lake as it has had elsewhere in the eastern US and that the elk population in Wisconsin will increase its growth rates.
How does an assisted dispersal project work? The assisted dispersal project proposes to take 10–12 elk per year from the main herd and place them in appropriate habitat within the elk management area but greater than 3 miles from the main herd. The goal is to establish another elk herd at the new location far enough from the main herd so they will not wander back. The proposal calls for movement of elk to take place for 3–4 years. Elk will be captured during the winter as part of routine health monitoring and radio-collaring. Of those elk captured, a few 2 or 3-year old cows and the remainder yearlings (both cows and bulls) would be inspected, have a health check, be radio-collared, and then be transported to a holding pen. 
The holding pen is a 3–acre fenced enclosure that is designed to hold the elk until spring. Elk will be provisioned with food and water throughout the winter, but human contact will be minimized.After green-up and there is green forage available to the elk, the holding pen will be opened, and the elk allowed to go free. It is hoped that the older cows will have calves shortly after release and that these cows will become the leaders of new elk maternal groups.
The three agencies (GLIFWC, WDNR and CNNF) have met several times over the past year to identify potential release sites for the dispersal project. It is anticipated that releases will occur for the next three years and a series of potential locations have been identified. Plans are well underway for the dispersal of 10–12 more animals this winter. (Watch GLIFWC's Facebook page for updates!)
During the 2011 dispersal, the elk that were moved were blessed by a Lac Courte Oreilles spiritual leader during a ceremony at the dispersal site. Ceremonies also welcomed the elk when they were first released at Clam Lake in 1995 during the initial phase of the elk restoration project. It is important to recognize these ceremonies and to thank those who conduct them for us (and the elk).
