The Natural Resource from Ben Meadows August Issue

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Elk in Wisconsin

We're always grateful that The Natural Resource provides us with the opportunity to interact with you, our customer. We're delighted when you write to us to share something about you or the work that you do. With this in mind, we thought we'd take advantage of an opportunity to tell you a little about us and the state where you can find our headquarters, Wisconsin. Specifically, we'd like to share a little bit about Elk in Wisconsin.

Elk (Cervus elaphus) were extirpated from Wisconsin in the mid to late 1800’s due to over hunting and rapid decline in habitat. Back in the 1930’s, elk were reintroduced to the Dairy State but due to poaching the last four elk were killed in 1948. In 1989, the State Legislature directed the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to look into the possibilities of reintroducing elk, moose, and caribou back into Wisconsin. It was determined that moose and caribou would most likely not reestablish themselves in Wisconsin because they are susceptible to brainworm, a parasite carried by white-tailed deer. However, elk had the best chance for success because they are less susceptible to the brainworm.

In 1993, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-SP) started to evaluate the potential for releasing elk into the Great Divide District of the Chequamegon National Forest near Clam Lake in northern Wisconsin. The elk’s main habitat used to be the prairie/savannah lands in southern Wisconsin but due to the loss of habitat to agriculture and human population growth; the northern part of the state was a better choice.

In February 1995, 25 elk from Michigan were trapped and quarantined for 90 days for testing. Then they were transported to a holding pen near Clam Lake, Wisconsin for two weeks to get acclimated to the environment. In May of 1995, the elk were released into the Chequamegon National Forest.

So far the elk have been doing well in Wisconsin. The main predators of the elk are black bears and timber wolves, however, humans have had an influence in some of the deaths. As of May 13, 2010, the elk herd was estimated to be at 131 animals. There was an estimated 38 calves born this year bringing the population estimate to 164 elk.

With the Clam Lake herd being on its way to reaching the population goal, a new elk herd is to be started in the Black River Falls area. This, however, is being delayed due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the white-tailed deer population. With CWD present, movement of cervids across state borders has been stopped completely.

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Last month we asked this question:
New, Neopro™ Climbing Lines have a tensile strength of how many pounds?

Alan from Minnesota knows that Neopro™ Climbing Lines have a tensile strength of 5,800 pounds.

We're sending Alan a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool!

Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here.

Now here's the question:
NASTEK Plant Stress Detection Glasses rely on technology developed by what organization?

If you know, send us the correct answer before Sept. 14, 2010. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool (a $60.00 value)! Be sure to include your name, mailing address and how best to contact you. Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com