Comments on a proposal to shift elk herds among Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor counties show a spectrum of opinion.
But most say don’t do it, according to one Fish and Wildlife official.
“Most of the comments appear to be not supporting the proposed alternative,” said Dave Ware, Department of Fish and Wildlife game manager.
The public comment period on the proposal ends Saturday.
Department of Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager Sue Patnude said comments are “going both ways.”
“There’s an interesting mix of views on this.”
Moving herds
The proposed alternative calls for relocating between 75 and 100 Sequim-area Dungeness elk to the Wynoochee River Valley.
About the same number of elk from a herd that already exists in that valley would be relocated to the Snow Creek and Salmon Creek area in Jefferson County between Quilcene and Discovery Bay.
The proposed relocation is inspired by development in the rapidly growing Sequim area.
Agricultural damage from grazing elk and the threat of the animals running onto roads and U.S. Highway 101 are signs of a growing clash between humans and the elk, say proponents of the proposed relocation.
Ware said some people are suggesting alternatives to moving the elk such as fencing to prevent elk trespass on agricultural land or onto roadways.
What’s next
Once the comment period ends, officials from Fish and Wildlife and members of the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, who are co-managers of the Sequim herd, will assess the comments and meet to arrive at a decision about the elek.
Sage said there is no set schedule for a final decision.
Patnude said she had recently called Jefferson County Commissioner David Sullivan, D-Cape George, because he complained that county officials had not been involved in the process soon enough.
“After reviewing the comments, if we still want to relocate the elk, we’ll meet with [Jefferson County commissioners],” said Patnude.
“What we’re trying to do is protect the elk,” she said.
