RESOLUTION #2025-01 

RE: SUPPORT FOR ELK DAMAGED PROPERTIES 

WHEREAS, Jackson County passed Resolution24-4-99, re-introduction of Elk to Jackson County, WI after discussion. Said resolution indicated in part "the management plan will contain appropriate measures to minimize risks to agricultural interests and control herd distribution" and 

WHEREAS, since that time, the elk have been re-introduced to Jackson County with the designated Black River Elk Range, however, the elk have traveled out of the range, crossing the Black River, and damage to agricultural interests has steadily increased annually; and 

WHEREAS, Town of Alma residents have voiced their concerns since the elk herd migrated into Alma Township, as their agricultural fields are being damaged and most recently with the DNR at two meetings for other townships in May & June 2024, regarding the request to allow public hunting on private property if abatement funds will be requested and due to this requirement, cash crop farming and other agricultural activities are already declining; and 

WHEREAS, in some instances crops will no longer be planted hoping the elk will move to better grazing areas and potentially other counties; and 

WHEREAS, no consideration was given to non-agricultural damage done by the elk such as fruit trees and bushes, fencing being destroyed, vegetable gardens having destruction; and 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Alma Board considers it unfair that the residents of the Town of Alma incur excessive costs due to the reintroduction of the elk in the area and the inability to maintain their private property as they deem necessary; and 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Board of Alma calls on Jackson County and the State of Wisconsin oversight committees to investigate this matter. It also be requested that the Department of Natural Resources offer a lease of agricultural lands to plant diversionary crops, resulting in the landowners maintaining their agricultural status and income; and 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of Town of Alma is hereby authorized and directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, State Legislators with a constituency within Jackson County, other Municipalities within Jackson County, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

Township of Alma, Jackson County Board 

Charla & buth 

Charles E. Smith, Chairman