Garrett commission, Farm Bureau opposed to proposal
Michael A. Sawyers Cumberland Times-News
— CUMBERLAND — Of the 809 Marylanders who responded to a telephone survey about the possible reintroduction of Rocky Mountain elk into Garrett and Allegany counties, almost 75 percent of them think it is a good idea.
The survey was done by Responsive Management of Harrisonburg, Va., and the results were announced in a press release from a partnership that is investigating the return of the large ungulates to ground they have not occupied since the 1700s. Of the respondents, 230 were from far Western Maryland.
The survey was funded by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The other partners are the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation.
“These initial findings are most encouraging, but by no means conclusive,” said MLSF spokesman Bill Miles.
Yet to come will be face-to-face meetings between the partnership and people interested in or affected by any elk that would be brought to Maryland. A habitat and economic evaluation will be completed by DNR.
Miles said the plan is to have all evaluations in hand by Oct. 31.
The Garrett County commissioners and the Maryland Farm Bureau have officially opposed the reintroduction.
Miles said other Garrett County entities will be contacted, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission. “And we hope the commissioners will reconsider once all the evidence is compiled,” he said.
“I am in the process of setting up dates to bring all the appropriate people to Western Maryland for discussions,” he said.
Jerry Zembower, president of the Allegany-Garrett Sportsmen’s Association, said Tuesday that AGSA is awaiting additional information about the reintroduction and will take a stance at the June 19 meeting. AGSA represents more than 20 rod-and-gun clubs in the two counties.
The survey also uncovered some strong opposition in far Western Maryland, especially from the agriculture community that fears additional crop depredation. Others in opposition include those who oppose hunting and owners of at least 20 acres in the two counties.
“Maryland residents place particular importance on the knowledge that the state could benefit economically from tourists who come to watch or photograph elk; at the same time, the chance of a vehicle collision with an elk and the disease risk posed by elk are two of the most important potential concerns,” the report’s authors write.
The partnership’s press release, which includes a link to the report, can be found at www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2012/051512a.asp.
“The overwhelming majority of Maryland residents (87 percent) said they had heard nothing about the possible reintroduction of elk into Maryland. About one in 10 residents (11 percent) had heard a little, and very small percentages said they had heard a moderate amount (2 percent) or a great deal (1 percent),” the report states, adding that residents of Garrett and Allegany counties were more likely to be aware.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.
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