Uses and Valuation of the National Elk Refuge, Wyoming

Kahn, H.

The National Elk Refuge is a 25,000-acre wildlife refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—one of the most treasured, recognizable, and visited ecosystems in the world. The refuge was originally established in 1912 as winter range for the Jackson elk herd. Since then, its mission has expanded. Currently, many people use the refuge for activities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, jogging, and biking. Conflict frequently arises over proper management of the NER, which is fundamentally not about elk habitat, forage production, or other biological or technical issues, but rather about the equitable allocation of human values. Commonly, these values are labeled as “politics” and discounted. However, ignoring values does not reduce the potential for conflict, as current lawsuits demonstrate. To understand the values that affect refuge management more explicitly, this paper uses an interdisciplinary method that integrates human values into decision making. Since 1912, there has been an increase in value interactions associated with population growth, a decline in community “ownership” of the refuge, and increased centralization, bureaucratization, and professionalization of the National Wildlife Refuge System. These important historical trends are described as a way to project future social dynamics. Criteria and priorities are described to help clarify and secure common interests in decision making about the refuge’s management.

Uses and Valuation of the National Elk Refuge, Wyoming

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