Southeast Missouri to be site of wild elk restoration

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Plans to bring wild elk to Missouri are back on track.

The state Conservation Commission decided Friday to resume a planning process to place elk around the Peck Ranch Conservation Area in southern Missouri's Carter, Shannon and Reynolds counties.

The commission studied the feasibility of restoring Missouri's elk population 10 years ago. But those efforts were suspended because of concerns about chronic wasting disease and inadequate habitat.

Conservation Department Director Bob Ziehmer says elk habitat on public lands has improved since then. He says there also is a better understanding of chronic wasting disease.

Gov. Jay Nixon praised the commission's decision. He says restoring elk could help tourism and hunting.