Ontario Seeks Public Input On Elk Management
November 23, 2009 12:53 PM
McGuinty Government Releases Draft Plan for Consultation
The Ontario government is looking for feedback on a proposed plan that will help support a healthy and self-sustaining elk population.
After disappearing in the 1800s, elk were reintroduced to four areas of the province a decade ago. Over the last 10 years, the Ministry of Natural Resources and its partners have focused on re-establishing and monitoring the species in Ontario.
The draft Elk Management Plan marks an important milestone: a progression
from restoring the herds to managing them sustainably. The draft plan includes
goals and objectives for managing elk and their habitat, and addresses issues
such as climate change, predators and societal interests.
The draft Elk Management Plan has been posted on the Environmental Registry and comments will be accepted until January 7, 2010. The final plan is expected to be released in spring 2010.
QUICK FACTS
- Elk disappeared from Ontario in the late 19th century due to unregulated over-hunting and pressure from human settlement.
- A total of 443 elk from Alberta's Elk Island National Park were released in Ontario as part of a multi-partner restoration program.
- Wild elk now live in four areas of the province: near Lake of the Woods, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Bancroft.
CONTACTS
- Media Desk
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2106
- Stefanie Millon
Minister's Office
416-314-2212
- Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Heari
ontario.ca/natural-resources
"The successful restoration of elk to Ontario is due in large part to the tremendous support and contributions of our partners. We are now seeking input into an Elk Management Plan that will guide the next phase of sustainable elk management in Ontario."
– Donna Cansfield
Minister of Natural Resources
Communities
