Dave Shirk, Town Planner
Estes Park Municipal Building
P.O. Box 1200
170 MacGregor Ave.
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Dear Mr. Shirk,
I just learned of the overpopulation problem that has developed among the elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. Of the proposed solutions, I am least in favor of the stealthy sharpshooters whose employment has been considered. I suppose I am most in favor of offering the elk contraception, which was briefly referenced as a possible solution in a recent New York Times article. This may be the most problematic solution, however. America’s national parks rely on federal funding, which has already been reduced under the Bush administration. As the White House seems to be no fan of contraception, if they get wind that you are passing out condoms to the wildlife, they will likely snip the purse strings all together.
We know, of course, that the hunting of animals is encouraged and practiced by the administration. Perhaps they would not stand in the way of the reintroduction of wolves to help thin out the elk herds. This seems like the best solution, for even if there was no opposition to giving the elk contraceptives, it may prove difficult to teach them their proper use.
Truly,
Liz Mann
