Read the draft management plan and environmental review from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, learn about the issues being considered, and submit a public comment through the official process if you choose to share your perspective. The current comment period is open through October 13, 2026.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — National Elk Refuge
October 13, 2026
National Elk Refuge Management Plan
A draft federal management plan would guide future management of elk, bison, habitat, and wildlife on Wyoming’s National Elk Refuge.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has released a draft Elk and Bison Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for Wyoming’s National Elk Refuge. The plan considers how the refuge will manage elk and bison populations, habitat, wildlife health, disease risks, and interactions with surrounding lands and communities. The National Elk Refuge is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where elk are an important prey species for wolves and other large carnivores. The Service is accepting public comments on the draft plan and environmental review through October 13, 2026.
Why It Matters
Elk are an important part of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem and are among the native species whose habitat the National Elk Refuge was established to conserve. Management decisions affecting elk, bison, habitat, and wildlife health can therefore influence the broader ecological community supported by the refuge. The current draft plan considers long-term herd sustainability, habitat restoration, wildlife health, disease risk, and conservation of other wildlife across the refuge and surrounding ecosystem.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
SOURCE
STATUS
Active
DEADLINE
LAST UPDATED
September 16, 2026
CATEGORY
Conservation Action