Fond du Lac, DNR propose restoring elk herds in northeast Minnesota

CLOQUET — Elk may soon again roam the grasslands and forests of northeastern Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are accepting comment on the Northeast Elk Restoration and Management Plan, in coordination with other tribal entities, local governments, landowners and stakeholders.

Consistent with funding and direction from the 2023 state Legislature, the DNR is working to support the Fond du Lac Band’s goal of restoring omashkooz, or elk, to the Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding areas within the 1854 Treaty Territory.

“The Fond du Lac Band has been working patiently for the last 10 years to bring omashkooz (elk) home,” stated Mike Schrage, band wildlife program manager, in the release. “This process has been about restoring a native species, providing future elk hunting and viewing opportunities, and re-establishing a species adaptable to a wide range of future climate scenarios.”

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1854 Treaty Authority

The Bois Fort Band of Chippewa and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa also retain 1854 Treaty rights and cooperate in co-management of this ceded territory.

The Fond du Lac Band prepared a proposal and conducted feasibility studies for restoring elk in northeastern Minnesota. The 2021 proposal calls for moving 100-150 elk from northwest Minnesota in small increments over the course of several years.

The DNR stated in a news release that agency supports this work while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of existing herds in the northwest.

Historically, tens of thousands of elk lived throughout most of Minnesota. Currently, a small population of elk roam lands in northwest Minnesota owned and managed by private landowners, the DNR, the Nature Conservancy and the Fish and Wildlife Service. This area also overlaps with the Red Lake Nation’s 1863 Old Crossing Treaty boundary.

Opportunities for people to help inform the scope of the plan include:

• Attending the online public meeting, scheduled 6-8 p.m. Feb. 10. The access link is available on the DNR elk management webpage.
• Attending the in-person public meeting, scheduled 6-8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Room 195, 2101 14th St., Cloquet.
• Complete an online questionnaire available on the DNR elk management webpage by Feb. 28.
• Submit comments by email sent to ne.elk.plan.dnr@state.mn.us by Feb. 28.

An additional public comment period will open this fall before the plan is implemented.