The National Elk Refuge announced its Step-Down Plan to end the supplemental feeding of elk and bison to preserve a healthy population of its species in the future.
In February 2021, the Wildlife Game and Fish Department released Phase 1 of its process to wean supplemental food off of elk and bison. The Phase 1 report noted the feeding began to keep elk and bison from taking over the ranchers' hay and preventing cattle from getting brucellosis from the elk.
"We are committed to following our Step-Down Plan to reduce the reliance of elk and bison on supplemental feeding, while working with our conservation partners to ensure healthy populations of these species in the future," Frank Durbian, project leader, said in a March 21 news release.
The March announcement noted the supplemental feeding program ended March 20, at the end of the 2021-22 winter season, the release reported. This was approximately two weeks earlier than the long-term average end date. This is in line with a 2019 plan to help the animals reduce their reliance on the supplemental feeding.
The National Elk Refuge protects more than just elk and bison. Wolves, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, cutthroat trout and bighorn sheep are also residents of the Refuge, which is surrounded by the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges.
Frank Durbian has managed the National Elk Refuge since July 2020, although he has worked within the National Refuge System since 1995, according to a Jackson Hole feature.
