Public comments on DNR draft elk management plan due Oct. 28

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Interested citizens can make final comments on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) draft Strategic Elk Management Plan through Wednesday, Oct. 28.

“Two local working groups had numerous recommendations regarding elk populations and management in northwestern Minnesota,” said Steve Merchant, DNR wildlife program manager. “Many of these recommendations are reflected in the plan’s latest draft as well as several comments received online.”

A draft of the plan, which seeks to maintain a free-ranging, wild elk population in northwestern Minnesota, has been available online and open to public comment since April.

“DNR envisions a healthy, reproducing, yet limited population that affords optimum recreational opportunity for all state citizens, including regular hunting seasons,” Merchant said.

The current draft of the plan, which incorporates all changes, is available online. An online comment form is provided, and people are encouraged to use it because of the short time available for final comments.

“This round of public input via the Web site is quite condensed,”
Merchant said. “The final plan needs to be presented to the county commissioners of Roseau, Kittson and Marshall counties on Nov. 3 so the mid-November deadline of having a management plan in place is met.”