GAYLORD -- State officials want public comment on Michigan's elk herd.
The state Department of Natural Resources will work with groups to consider elk management concerns and potential strategies. A draft elk management plan should be completed by fall 2010.
The DNR will hold two meetings to gather comment, one in Gaylord and another in Atlanta.
The first meeting will be Jan. 13 at Northland Sportsmen's Club, 1592 Old Alba Road in Gaylord, while the second will be Jan. 20 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall at 11761 Pettenger Road in Atlanta. Both will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.
Written comments can be submitted by sending e-mail to dnr-wld-wild@michigan.gov, or by mailing correspondence to DNR Wildlife Division, 1732 W. M-32, Gaylord, MI 49735.
Michigan is home to the largest elk herd in the eastern United States. An estimated 800 to 900 elk roam throughout the Pigeon River Country State Forest and other adjacent areas in Otsego, Montmorency, Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties.
