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Maryland To Study Elk Reintroduction

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland is home to Elkton and Elkridge, but elk haven't roamed the state since the 1700s.

However, that could soon change. The Department of Natural Resources says it is forming a partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Foundation to study reintroduction of the species to western Maryland.

The study will take at least a year and look at the biological, social and economic feasibility of elk reintroduction. The
assessment will include contacting farmers and others who might be affected, as well as studying potential elk habitat.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO David Allen says there is no higher calling in conservation than restoring a species to an area where it had once been, but citizens must support the effort.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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