Point Reyes to Remove Enclosure, Allow Tule Elk to Roam Freely

The National Park Service plans to dismantle a 2-mile fence confining tule elk, addressing long-standing concerns over drought impacts and habitat access.

• The tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore will soon roam freely as the National Park Service begins removing a 2.2-mile fence at Tomales Point, potentially starting this week.
• The fence, installed in 1978, was criticized for limiting the elk's access to water and forage, particularly during droughts that caused significant herd die-offs.
• An environmental assessment conducted in 2023 determined that removing the fence would improve the elk population's resilience and support a more natural ecosystem.
• While conservationists celebrate the decision, some ranchers in the area express concern about potential impacts on grazing lands and the viability of local dairy farms.
• The tule elk population at Tomales Point stands at 315, and while most are expected to remain in the area, some may expand their range into other parts of the park.

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