National Elk Refuge Bison & Elk Management Plan

Press Release

National Elk Refuge Bison & Elk Management Plan

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bison and Elk Management on National Elk Refuge

Aug 28, 2026

States

Wyoming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2026

Contact: fws_press_r6@ios.doi.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bison and Elk Management on National Elk Refuge

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released a draft environmental impact statement for an updated bison and elk management plan (Appendix A) on the National Elk Refuge. It outlines long-term strategies for managing elk, bison and habitat, as well as promoting public access and wildlife dependent recreation at the refuge.

The proposed updates reflect new scientific research and changing conditions and establish conservation goals and management strategies to guide future management of bison and elk on the refuge. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of what makes the National Elk Refuge unique and unparalleled in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Through conservation efforts, the refuge serves to benefit the people of today and future generations. 

The Service worked with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, tribes and other partners to develop the updated plan and draft EIS. Local stakeholders also played a key role in shaping the proposed alternatives, including providing information during the 2024 public scoping.  

The draft EIS presents four alternative management strategies for the updated plan to improve wildlife health, reduce disease risk and restore natural habitat. These alternatives consider the long-term sustainability of the bison and elk herds; conservation of other wildlife and habitat on the refuge and in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem; the cultural, spiritual, and economic importance of bison and elk to the community and tribes; wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on the refuge; and minimizing human-wildlife conflict.

The draft, updated plan (Appendix A) and draft EIS are available for public review and comment for 45 days through Tuesday, October 13, 2026. To support public engagement, the refuge will host two informational sessions: 

In-person: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. mountain time.
Virtual: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. mountain time.

To join the virtual information session, click here . If you experience technical difficulties, please email nerbemp@fws.gov.

Members of the public are invited to review the draft EIS and submit comments by Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Comments can be submitted by: 

Email: nerbemp@fws.gov 
Mail: National Elk Refuge, 675 East Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001

All related documents and information event details are available for review on this page.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.