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J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve
Elk Reintroduction

elk roam free on Pumpkin Flats North American elk (Cervus elaphus) were once common throughout the Ozarks. The ecological role of these large ungulates in Ozark ecosystems is not well understood. However, their presence would likely have contributed to high species diversity and landscape diversity. The loss of this species has been identified as a source of stress to this ecosystem that evolved and developed over millennia in the presence of elk. The Rocky Mountain subspecies of elk has been reintroduced to numerous sites throughout the Eastern U.S., including four state wildlife management areas in eastern Oklahoma. An elk reintroduction to the Nickel Preserve would be the first such project on a Conservancy preserve anywhere in the United States.

An Elk Reintroduction Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2004 to assess the biological and sociological feasibility of restoring elk to the preserve. The study covered two key objectives:
  1. To determine the biological potential for restoring elk to the Nickel Preserve, including habitat suitability, range requirements, and disease risk.
  2. To assess the sociological factors potentially affecting a successful elk reintroduction program, including agricultural conflicts, poaching, roads, land ownership, and public attitudes.

The study found that suitable elk habitat exists on the Nickel Preserve, especially in the northern and eastern areas where fire management has been used in recent years. Sparse development and low road densities were considered especially favorable. Meetings held with neighboring landowners found favorable opinions and cooperative attitudes toward elk reintroduction.

Nickel Preserve staff recently completed an Elk Reintroduction Implementation Plan detailing the plan of action needed for a successful reintroduction. Funding was secured, and the initial group of elk arrived on the preserve on March, 8th ,2005. Initial herd size for the release was 20 animals, including fifteen females (10 adults, 5 sub-adults) and 5 males (3 adults, 2 sub-adults), with 20 more possible the following spring. A holding enclosure was constructed in Sawmill Hollow that incorporates grasslands, forests, and adequate water to hold the elk. The elk will be released from the enclosure after about three weeks.


Larry tracking the elk

The 20 initial elk released will be radio-collared to enable preserve staff to track movements. Animal locations will be obtained twice a week to determine habitat use of elk. This information will allow staff to adaptively manage vegetation for elk use within the context of preserve management goals. Knowledge of animal movements will also allow staff to locate animals that have moved off the preserve and need to be returned. Elk management will occur in concert with overall restoration goals for the preserve. Ongoing native grass restoration (100 acres/year) and an expanding fire management program will continue to enhance habitat for elk. The core release area in Sawmill Hollow will be planted in a winter forage mix in the fall prior to release. Following release, most of this area will be planted in a native grassland/wildflower mix, with approximately 10 acres maintained in a long-term food plot to enhance elk attraction to the core area of the preserve.

The Nickel Preserve Elk Reintroduction Project will bring back a key piece of the original Ozark ecosystem that was lost more than a century ago. Elk will once again reclaim its role as the principal mammal that help shaped these woodland and savanna landscapes. This inspiring project will restore a truly majestic piece of our natural heritage to the hills above the Illinois River.

In addition to the ecological benefits of restoring a large herbivore to the ecosystem, an elk reintroduction may reap programmatic benefits as well. Elk would enhance the aesthetic values of the Nickel Preserve, perhaps generating more awareness of our conservation work on the Preserve. We anticipate a strong response to the opportunity to see---and possibly even hear---elk in the wild. Increased visitation could lead to greater interest in the preserve and an increased support for our conservation work.