§ 3952

The department shall develop a statewide elk management plan, consistent with the state’s wildlife policy as set forth in Section 1801. The statewide elk management plan shall emphasize maintaining sufficient elk populations in perpetuity, while considering all of the following:

(a) Characteristics and geographic range of each elk subspecies within the state, including Roosevelt elk, Rocky Mountain elk, and tule elk.

(b) Habitat conditions and trends within the state.

(c) Major factors affecting elk within the state, including, but not limited to, conflicts with other land uses.

(d) Management activities necessary to achieve the goals of the plan and to alleviate property damage.

(e) Identification of high priority areas for elk management.

(f) Methods for determining population viability and the minimum population level needed to sustain local herds.

(g) Description of the necessary contents for individual herd management plans prepared for high priority areas.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 291, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)