The California Coastal Commission (CCC) has approved the removal of a miles-long fence that restricts Tule elk along Point Reyes National Seashore, as announced in a news release from In Defense of Animals — who has long campaigned to help the elk. The decision follows widespread outcry including LFT’s petition, pressure from activists, and public comment periods for responses proposed by the National Park Service (NPS).
In Defense of Animals reported that the current barrier — consisting of wire strung between 8-foot wooden posts — confines the elk to land with an inadequate water supply, which has caused the death of more than 475 animals. It was installed decades ago to prevent the elk from infiltrating livestock on commercial ranches in the area, according to the Press Democrat.
At the time, NPS believed the elk would adjust to the limited environment. However, their assumptions did not account for climate change and ensuing droughts.
The installation of the fence effectively “sentence[d] hundreds of elk to starve and die of thirst by restricting the movement of these wild animals in a national park,” according to In Defense of Animals. The group also noted that the number of Tule elk who have died due to the fence is higher than the number of elk currently living on the reserve.
The Press Democrat reported that the approved proposal comes after the NPS invited public feedback on three previously proposed responses. These responses included maintaining the status quo, which involved park officials providing supplemental water and mineral licks during droughts; cruelly culling the elk to manage the herd; or removing the fence.
Once the fence is removed, the Tule elk will have access to over 68,000 additional acres and – most importantly – a life-sustaining water source. In Defense of Animals said that with these new resources and the opportunity to intermingle with other elk herds in the park, the Tule elk population will grow and become healthier.
LFT thanks the more than 38,000 readers who signed our petition and all the dedicated activists who urged the NPS and CCC to remove the fence and finally free the Tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore.
