Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Frank Carroll (605) 673-9216, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

ELK PARTNERS CELEBRATE 15 YEARS OF SUCCESS

CUSTER, SD: JULY 22, 2005

Officials working to improve elk habitat and strengthen multiple uses in the Black Hills met recently to review and reflect on 15 years of wildlife habitat improvement on public lands.

Populations of elk in the Black Hills are up dramatically over the past 15 years say Forest Service and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation partners.

RMEF has worked with Forest officials to acquire over 19,000 acres of prime wildlife habitat since 1990. As multiple use lands of the National Forest System, the new acres are managed for improved wildlife habitat and uses such as grazing cattle.

Grazing and wildlife habitat can be controversial but often go hand in hand say RMEF officials. “The reality is that livestock grazing, when managed appropriately, is actually beneficial to the land and resources that are found there,” said Larry Baesler, land program manager in the Black Hills.

Baesler said Grazing can be used to "release" more palatable and nutritious forage plants by regulating season of use, grazing duration, and timing to allow for effective use of less desirable plant species like weeds and break-up crusted soils to allow for greater soil moisture saturation.

“The real message here is that public land managers and organizations such as RMEF see livestock use of the public land as one of the many tools available to help accomplish our goals in restoring and enhancing native landscapes throughout the western states,” Baesler said.

Mike Lloyd, Hell Canyon district ranger and an active RMEF volunteer said the additional acreage is often prime habitat for wildlife. “We so appreciate the efforts of groups like RMEF to help improve wildlife habitat for all species,” he said. “Our partnership works to benefit the whole forest and all of the creatures that live there.”

Deputy forest supervisor Brad Exton said RMEF and the Forest Service look forward to continuing their strong partnership in the future they work toward common goals throughout the Black Hills National Forest.