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Forest Service announces feedground decisionCHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)--Despite criticism from conservation groups that elk feedgrounds spread livestock disease, the U.S. Forest Service has approved Wyoming's request to extend use of five elk winter feedgrounds in northwest Wyoming for another 20 years. However, the agency denied or made no decision on the state's request to expand two other feedgrounds and extend the permit for a third. The decision is subject to appeal over the next 45 days. Wyoming operates 22 feedgrounds that provide winter feed to some 16,000 elk. At least six of the state feedgrounds are located on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Sublette and Teton counties. Critics of the elk feedgrounds contend the operations promote the spread of diseases by congregating elk in the winter. Proponents say the feedgrounds keep elk away from domestic cattle and prevent massive winter kills due to starvation. Bridger-Teton Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton signed a decision July 22 approving the state's continued use of the Dog Creek, Fall Creek, Fish Creek, Muddy Creek, and Upper Green River feedgrounds. However, she declined to approve continued use of the Alkali Creek feedground, saying she needed more information. The state also had asked to increase the size of the Fish Creek and Patrol Cabin feedgrounds because wolves were causing elk to bunch up. Patrol Cabin is on state land now, but the proposed expansion would have extended it onto forest land. Hamilton rejected the Fish Creek expansion and part of the proposed Patrol Cabin expansion. "I decided not to permit an increase in authorized area at this time because of the environmental effects to vegetation and wildlife habitat that result from this intensive use," Hamilton said in a statement. She withheld judgment on another part of the Patrol Cabin proposal. A decision on the Patrol Cabin and Alkali Creek plans is expected before 2011, the agency said. Gary Hornberger, feedground supervisor for the state game department, said Wyoming will continue to seek expansion of the Patrol Cabin area and hope that the Forest Service decides to let the state keep the Alkali Creek feedground open. Hornberger noted the Forest Service did approve a small expansion to the Muddy Creek feedground. 7/28/08 Date: 7/23/08
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