The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, have completed our research examining the feasibility of restoring elk to northeastern Minnesota. Two reports have been completed, including: 1) Feasibility of restoring elk to northeastern Minnesota: Habitat availabiltiy and social acceptance, and 2) Northeastern Minnesota elk: A study of landowner and public attitudes toward potental elk restoration in Minnesota.
Acknowledgements
We thank the many private landowners and local residents who allowed us to access their land, participated in focus groups, and responded to questionnaires. M. Ditmer and J. Berini assisted with developing field methods. G. Barnas, A. Erickson, M. Kaminski, C. Minnick, M. Mullin, J. Wagner, T. Weise, and S. Wesche collected field data. L. Cornicelli, L. McInenly, C. Balzar, G. Bernu, G. Beck, S. Olson, T. Rusch, N. Hansen and J. Meyer assisted with study design and questionnaire development. L. Cornicelli, B. Keller, A. Landon, and L. McInenly reviewed drafts of this report. W. Bartsch, C. Beal, J. Erb, W. Hakala, C. Humpal, J. Kelash, D. Ryan, M. Swigen, M. Westphal, and D. Wilson provided GIS data. D. Beyer, H. Campa III, B. Dhuey, J. Gilbert, and C. Williamson provided habitat suitability model information. The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Fond du Lac Resource Management Division, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided funding and other support for this project.