Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elk Management Zones

Elk use a variety of habitats, but a mix of forest and openings, dominated by grass and herbaceous plants, is ideal. Elk also use forest openings, glades and woodland habitats. Since the mid-1990’s habitat management on public lands and other properties in and around the restoration zone have created habitat that is conducive to numerous wildlife species, including elk. The number of elk that can be supported in any given management zone is influenced by many factors, including weather, habitat quality, predation, hunter harvest, and the need to minimize elk-based crop and property damage (agricultural impacts). One or more of these “limiting” factors can often prevent an elk herd from growing further or limit the ability of wildlife managers to maintain current elk herd numbers. For each proposed elk zone, park staff identified the limiting factors using flight surveys, elk population trends over 10 or more years, changes to available habitat, reported agricultural impacts (crop and property damage), known or suspected causes of elk mortality, assessments of predator populations and predation impacts, and other data and elk management experience. The severity of each identified limiting factor was classified as low, moderate, or high. Limiting factors common to most park elk populations are predation and habitat. Severity of these limiting factors varies across the park and even within zones.

Elk habitat management in the park includes many diverse techniques. Through the grassland and fenced management program, the elk herds are managed under natural conditions to assure a genetically sound breeding population, provide appropriate viewing opportunities for public enjoyment, and support scientific studies. Elk are an ideal management “tool” because they range over large areas, eat and trample a variety of prairie plants, and turn the soil with their wallowing. This disturbance helps keep native plant communities diverse and healthy. Park lands, however, can only support a certain number of elk. Grassland habitat management strategies are designed to maintain or improve grassland health and provide forage for elk. Prescribed fire and planned periods of rest, or non-disturbance, are used in combination with grazing by elk in an effort to mimic the historic processes that helped shape the native plant communities of the park. Other habitat management in the park strives to maintain the existing diversity and abundance of various native birds and other wildlife by providing a mosaic of habitat conditions. Biological monitoring of native birds and other wildlife is carried out to the greatest extent possible with current staffing and management priorities. Grassland management keeps grass stands healthy so they continue to provide long-term conservation benefits. It is important for native as well as non-native (introduced) grassland ecosystems. Well established native grasslands, however, typically do not need ongoing insecticide or herbicide treatment for weed control. Grassland management, especially weed control, is critical in the first few years after grass is planted. Removing dead plant residues through, mowing, clipping, grazing or controlled burning invigorates grassland by creating open soil for new grass growth. Burning is especially useful in killing weed seeds, insects and other pests as well as recycling nutrients to promote vigorous plant growth. Common additional grassland management activities include long-term invasive species management and re-seeding problem areas. Other aspects of grassland management vary depending on whether and how the grassland is used, e.g., for habitat, pasture, hay, biomass for biofuels or native seed production.

Environmental benefits: Prevents grassland from turning into brushland; Maintains or enhances the soil erosion, water quality, soil quality and carbon sequestration benefits of existing grassland; Protects restored habitat for many plants and animals important in the park including elk. 

Practical benefits: Improves the quality and yield of forage, biomass or native seed production; Keeps unwanted species from getting established and becoming a nuisance; Provides opportunities for hunting, birding and wildlife watching; Keep grass-based conservation practices working properly; May support nearby habitat health by providing long-term habitat for animals that eat insect pests and habitat for pollinator species that many plant species rely upon, such as bees; Helps prevent gully formation that requires expensive corrective measures.

Elk require large amounts of food because of their body size and herding tendencies. In spring and summer, when food is plentiful, elk are mainly grazers—eating grasses, sedges, and a variety of flowering plants. In fall, elk increasingly become browsers, feeding on sprouts and branches of shrubs and trees, including conifers as a last resort when snow covers other plants. During fall and winter, elk continue to eat grasses when these are available and not covered by deep snow.

Tags: great-smoky-mountains-national-park, grsm, wildlife
Organization: Department of the Interior