A Native American tribe in eastern Minnesota is seeking public input on a plan to reintroduce elk to their native range in the eastern part of the state.
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa along with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are providing funding for studies targeting the effort. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton also signed a bill in 2016 that allocates $300,000 in funding.
If deemed successful, authorities are considering reintroducing more than 200 elk over the period of several years.
There is currently an elk herd about 80 miles to the east near Clam Lake, Wisconsin. RMEF is part of ongoing restoration elk work which began in 1995.