ELK POPULATION: Lumber companies, hunters destroying it

Lumber companies and out of state hunters are DESTROYING our elk population and here's how. According to lumber companies, they state that their goal is to replant after taking. So yes, the lumber companies are replanting and attempting to regrow the habitat that they took from. Though, they are taking new patches of trees every day before allowing the new trees to fully regrow. For a pine tree to provide cover and habitat for all of our animals, it would take more than seven to 10 years. Only then would it be even large enough to provide shelter and cover for animals. The other problem with this is they are taking a large amount of trees from our location, Unit 4 Cataldo.

The beautiful mountains of North Idaho (unit 4) are being stripped of its green forest which is affecting our elk population immensely. As lumber companies take more coverage, the elk are forced to move to the same area as campers and citizens in Cataldo. This is making it easier for hunters and predators to minimize the elk population leading to it being destroyed. As well, the Fish and Game are selling elk tags to out of state hunters for (unit 4). This means now our elk population is not only being hunted by double the hunters, but the lumber companies are taking the only defense they have from them — coverage. According to the 2020 Elk Population Status by Elk zone, “more than 120,000 elk, Idaho continues to provide an incredible variety of excellent elk hunting opportunities desired by sportsmen.” 120,000 throughout ALL of Idaho. Though in unit 4 of North Idaho where you would once see 20 to 30 Elk in a herd, you now only see 5 to 8 IF that. Fish and Game states that the elk population in Idaho in unit 4 has 15 or more Elk in a herd which is completely false.

Anyone who has been hunting, hiking or just exploring the beautiful lands of unit 4 could tell you that it used to be the prime life for elk. Now with all of the lumber companies making the elk grounds smaller and DOUBLE the hunters and the local predators, the elk population in North Idaho will cease to exist. The once beautiful thriving mountains full of animals and life will no longer be there for the families and people who have enjoyed the land for years. If something isn't done soon, we will destroy these animal’s habits and them in the process.

ALEXANDRA WALLER

Cataldo