Have Your Say on Elk Conservation: Join CDFW’s Public Meetings in Northern California
In a move that promises a more inclusive approach to managing the North Coast Roosevelt Elk, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced two public meetings to be held in Humboldt and Del Norte counties on May 22 and 23, 2023. This initiative aims to engage local communities and stakeholders in discussions on the present and future management of the elk population.
The Roosevelt Elk, indigenous to Northern California, is a significant part of the region’s ecosystem. The North Coast Roosevelt Elk Management Unit has been instrumental in preserving and maintaining the balance of this species in the wild. These upcoming meetings will provide an overview of the current population status and offer attendees an opportunity to collaborate on the unit’s direction, policies, and regulations.
Such collaborative approach is in line with the CDFW’s broader objectives as outlined in the 2018 Elk Conservation and Management Plan. By involving community partners in the discussion, the CDFW aims to refine and finalize plans tailored specifically to the North Coast Roosevelt Elk Management Unit.
For residents of Humboldt County, the meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a break from noon to 1 p.m., at the Humboldt Grange Hall, located at 5845 Humboldt Hill Road, Eureka.
The Del Norte County meeting will take place the following day, Tuesday, May 23, at the Lake Earl Grange Hall, situated at 6820 Lake Earl Drive, Fort Dick, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Despite the increasing reliance on virtual communication in recent times, these meetings are set to be in-person events, providing a valuable opportunity for direct dialogue between the CDFW and the public.
For those unable to attend or wishing to submit questions or comments in advance, they can reach out to CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist Shawn Fresz. He can be contacted at (707) 601-6281 or via e-mail at Shawn.Fresz@wildlife.ca.gov.
