National Park Service unveils plan for managing Point Reyes tule elk herd

The National Park Service has issued a record of decision in response to reports of tule elk dying at Point Reyes National Seashore, allowing the continuation of commercial cattle ranching on park lands while making “improvements” to the elk population’s management.

The record of decision for the NPS’ general management plan for Point Reyes and the north district of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area will require infrastructure and operational changes that the agency said will allow cattle ranchers to co-exist with the elk population within the 28,000-acre planning area.