Commission Approves Elk Feeding Contingency Plan

Heavy snow where forest fires burned a significant part of Unit 28 last summer could trigger emergency feeding of elk. Meeting in Orofino December 6-8, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved a plan by Salmon Region staff to feed elk where the 210,000-acre Clear Creek fire burned in late summer. The plan sets criteria based on snow depth and other factors that could call for feeding. Fish and Game staff will monitor snow conditions, animal condition and mortality in the Panther Creek/Clear Creek area of Unit 28. Range vegetation there did recover substantially as fall rains followed the fires. Snow depths of less than 18 inches on south slopes will be considered normal. Depths of 18-24 inches will warrant close monitoring of elk body condition and mortality as well as snow-crusting conditions. More than 24 inches of snow may bring on supplemental feeding operations. Two potential feeding spots have been identified and details of a feeding operation have already been planned.