Evaluation of a potential overabundance of elk in Rocky Mountain National Park and the adjacent town of Estes Park; evaluated from both an interdisciplinary ecological perspective and from the perspective of park visitors and the residents of Estes Park.
Francis J. Singer

Summary: Elk were extirpated in the Estes Valley but were reintroduced in 1915. Elk were managed in the park until 1969 when a shift in park management was made to a hands-off or no control management within the park boundary. Access to harvests of elk outside the park, especially in and near the town of Estes Park located on the very eastern park boundary, became more limited in the late 1970s. At about that same time elk became habituated to humans in the town boundaries and their numbers began to build up. Elk increased to about 900-1200 animals within the park boundaries and mangers and scientists became concerned about potential overbrowsing and damage to the winter range in the park -- especially to declining willow and aspen stands.

In 1994-1999, the National Park Service with support from the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a large, interdisciplinary science-based evaluation of the ecological effects of the large elk population. Studies of the human dimensions and human perspectives of the elk situation were later added. Herbaceous plant offtake was found to be high -- 58-61% consumption of annual biomass, where 30-35% use is rated moderate (recovery possible) and > 50% use is rated as declining or stable (but any recovery or restoration unlikely). Experiments revealed willow stands were influenced to some extent by stream flows, water levels, beaver and river geomorphology, but the overwhelming influence on willows came primarily from high levels of elk herbivory. This herbivory greatly limited heights, aerial cover, and recruitment of willows across much of the elk winter range. Seed production, leaf litter inputs, and ultimately soil fertility was reduced in the heavily browsed short-willow patches. Elk herbivory also contributed to a lack of aspen stem replacement, and aspen stands on the core winter range tend to have open, grassy understories.

The large, habituated and highly visible population of elk draws park visitors to the town of Estes Park, especially during the fall rut. Elk may be seen rutting on the town's golf course, motel and residence lawns, in the town's pastures, in addition to spectacular dawn and evening rut activities within the park. The town's motels and businesses gain economically from the influx of viewing public. However, the elk in town are tame and lack wildness, and this lack of wildness decreases the aesthetic experience to some visitors. Elk feed on lawns and ornamental shrubs in very close proximity to humans, and close calls between humans and defensive mother elk or harem bulls are occurring. Physical injury is a possibility. Approximately 90% of park visitors agreed that if natural conditions dictate, there should be fewer elk in the park, and the elk herd should be reduced. However, 20-30% of respondents said they would visit the park less if seeing or hearing elk was less likely.