Reintroducing Missouri elk

In response to Mr. Sullivan's Friday article regarding the elk reintroduction: This program was a cooperative one with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Much of the cost was born by this conservation organization, not just taxpayers. The Mission of the RMEF is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. The RMEF has hundreds of thousands of members who support and work to support this mission. Mr. Sullivan also uses the term "feedlot" to indicate a source of food. I think he should have used "food plot." A food plot is a method to improve habitat by planting various plants that may be used for food by wildlife not just elk. It is much different from placing food out for them to eat as one would for cattle in a barn yard. The professional wildlife managers at the Missouri Department of Conservation would not have reintroduced the elk if they had to rely on a "feedlot" concept to support the elk. As long as their habitat is maintained to support wildlife, including elk, they will not be migrating off in search of greener pastures.

MICHAEL FIEHLER, Cape Girardeau