The elk study in Clam Lake has not shown any significant damage done by elk to native plants communities. Any time a species is placed upon the landscape, there will be an ecosystem effect. However, elk are a native species to Wisconsin, and have a legitimate place within the ecosystem. Before any releases occur, there would first need to be endorsements of the proposal by local governments, preparation of a site-specific elk management plan and environmental assessment, public participation of the management plan, and approval by the Department. Currently there is a proposal to reintroduce elk into the central forest of Wisconsin.
Elk can be hosts to a variety of diseases just like cattle or deer.
However, a strict health protocol was followed before the Clam Lake release and would be followed for any further introductions. Before any animals are brought into Wisconsin, they undergo a ninety-day quarantine in the state of capture and are tested for a large variety of diseases. There has been no indication that the Clam Lake herd has experienced any health problems. How many years away the prospect of hunting will depend upon the speed with which the herd grows and whether or not further introductions occur. Elk are classified as protected, not as an endangered or threatened species in the State of Wisconsin.