Are there specific elk conservation efforts in the Coast Range?

Habitat Restoration and Improvement

In the Oregon Coast Range, elk habitat restoration and improvement efforts focus on enhancing and reconnecting fragmented habitats. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) work together to restore wetlands, meadows, and riparian areas. For example, the 2019-2023 Owyhee River Habitat Restoration Project aims to improve 30 miles of river habitat and connect 20 isolated wetlands. Habitat restoration also involves reintroducing native vegetation and removing invasive species.

Research and Monitoring

Researchers from Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Oregon study elk behavior, habitat use, and population dynamics. The Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (OCFWRU) has been monitoring elk populations in the Oregon Coast Range since the 1970s. Recent studies have focused on the effects of climate change on elk migration patterns and habitat quality. This research informs conservation and management decisions, such as the development of the Oregon Elk Management Plan.

Collaborative Management

Collaborative management among state and federal agencies, Tribes, and stakeholders is essential for effective elk conservation in the Oregon Coast Range. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife works with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians to manage elk populations and habitats. The Oregon Elk Management Plan, developed in 2019, provides a framework for collaborative management and addresses issues such as overwintering habitat, migration corridors, and human-wildlife conflict.