Concerns about elk proposal

As reported by the Southeast Missourian, I attended the public meeting held in Van Buren to discuss the Missouri Department of Conservation's proposal to reintroduce elk in Missouri.

Missouri Farm Bureau's concerns pertain to public safety, property damage and disease. Elk will cross roads both in and outside the designated area. There is no doubt that elk will migrate. The question is how many and how far? Hay, alfalfa and other crops will be foraged.

KY3 News in Springfield reported last week that elk are "an ever-growing nuisance to north Arkansas landowners" who "have lost income, fences and forage to the elk." Although MDC officials believe the planned disease-testing protocol will protect livestock, it has not been tried anywhere yet.

Finally, with tight budgets forced cutbacks, it's difficult to justify an expensive new initiative that will put additional responsibilities on MDC and state animal health officials.

LESLIE HOLLOWAY, Jefferson City, Mo.