We frequently hear that the roads in Eastern Oregon have made elk less "secure" compared to periods with lower road densities, but does the evidence back up this assertion?
When examining the modeled elk population numbers over time, a consistent or rising trend in population is observed over the past 45 years. If you were led to believe that elk were in a vulnerable state and that populations were declining due to motorized access, based on a biologist's statement, that would be incorrect.
The straightforward truth is that, as ODFW frequently informs USFS Staff, the issue isn't security; it's a vegetation (feed) problem.
The numbers speak for themselves. Elk populations are not declining in Eastern Oregon. For more evidence, consider elk populations around 1912 and earlier, when roads were nearly absent in the Wallowa-Whitman, Malheur, and Umatilla National Forests, yet elk numbers were almost nonexistent. In fact, it could be argued that roads played a crucial role in the elk's resurgence. Roads were developed from the 1920s through the 1970s, and elk populations continued to grow into the herds we see today. The misconception of "Elk Security" suggests that people make elk less secure, when in truth, federal and state policies are to blame. These policies range from reduced predator control and the reintroduction of nonnative predators to land management practices that create stagnant landscapes unable to support wildlife species.
As we enter the planning phase of the Blue Mountains Forest Plan, it's important to critically evaluate the information you're given. Even if someone claims to be an expert due to their degree, it's essential to question their statements. Always remain courteous, but if you encounter something you believe is incorrect, document it and ensure your perspective is communicated.
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