Effects of highways on elk (Cervus elaphus) habitat in the Western United States and proposed mitigation approaches

Why Elk? Elk are an excellent species to use as a “terrestrial wildlife indicator” for highway impacts. First, they are widespread and exist in all western states as well as several midwestern and eastern states. They are prevalent on many National Forest lands, Bureau of Land Management lands, USDI Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service lands. Much elk habitat is on public lands in the western United States (Flathers and Hoekstra 1989, Peek undated, Thomas and Toweill 1982). Elk are also one of the best studied animals in North America. This is particularly true in respect to the effects of roads on elk. Very few wildlife species have as much scientific literature directed at them. Information such as food habits, density, behavior, fecundity, migration patterns, home range sizes and other important scientific data also abounds. Socially, elk are almost universally accepted as important native wildlife. They are generally not controversial, and their presence is usually accepted or even cherished. Economically, elk are one of the most important wildlife species in the western US. The economics of elk includes revenues to state wildlife agencies, motels, restaurants, airlines, and sporting goods manufacturers and retailers. Elk are enjoyed by the public for hunting, for food value, for viewing, and other aesthetic purposes