Mo. bill requires conservation agency to own elk

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri conservation officials are bringing elk back to the state for the first time since the Civil War. Now, some state lawmakers want the agency to pay for damage the animals cause.

The state Conservation Commission this past fall approved a plan to restore wild elk in a 346-squre-mile protected zone in parts of Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties. Up to 150 animals could be introduced into a largely wooded area of southeastern Missouri later this spring.

But the plan has prompted opposition from farmers and others. Critics have raised concern about crop damage, spreading disease to livestock and accidents with vehicles.

Rep. Rodney Schad is sponsoring legislation that would require the Department of the Conservation to own any elk within Missouri and to pick up the tab for damaged crops and pastures, sickened livestock, trampled fencing and wrecked vehicles after collisions with elk. Landowners would be allowed to kill elk that damage their property.

"Although we cannot as a Legislature do anything to stop this dangerous act by the commission, we can pass legislation that will begin to make restitution to Missourians to pay them for damages caused by their decision," said Schad, R-Versailles. His bill was approved by a House committee this past week.

Conservation officials said that in North America, wildlife is not considered to be owned by anyone and can be enjoyed by all. They said the legislation would establish a dangerous precedent for the ownership of other wild animals such as deer, turkey and squirrels. The department said it was unsure how much it could be forced to pay out under the legislation.

People skeptical of the plan to bring elk back to Missouri said conservation officials should be held financially responsible if something goes wrong.

Bobby Simpson, whose farm near Salem in southern Missouri is relatively close to the planned restoration area, said he was concerned elk would get into pastures and knock down fences and allow cattle to get free. Simpson said he also feared motorists could be injured.

"There is going to be damage, and people are going to get hurt and there is going to be loss of life sooner or later with this project," Simpson said.

The elk introduced into Missouri would be given radio collars so that conservation officials can monitor their movements. The department plans to keep the animals to the restoration zone through trapping and relocation and euthanasia. Officials say that bringing elk back could offer an economic boost through tourism and hunting.

Several states including Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have restored elk. Virginia has approved a plan to restore the animals.

In Missouri, elk are to be introduced into an area in which more than three-quarters of the land is held in public trust or is privately owned but open to the public. Most of the land is forest and open woodland. There are 33 miles of blacktop highway within the region, according to state conservation officials.

Conservation officials said they were likely to introduce the elk even if the legislation were to pass.

"I think we'll move forward no matter what. It would create challenges with management in the future," said Aaron Jeffries, the assistant to the Conservation Department director.

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Elk ownership HB115

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov