An Evaluation of Elk and Cattle on the Chemical and Microbiological Water Qualify of Flat Creek, Teton County, Wyoming

Abstract

The National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (administered by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife) covers an area of 23,754 acres and provides winter range for approximately 60 percent of the Jackson Hole elk herd. When deep crusted snow prevents the elk from grazing normally, a supplemental feeding program is put into operation. In order for Teton County to meet the 1983 National Goal on water quality (PL 92-500) it is important to determine to what extent the winter feeding of elk is influencing the water quality of Flat Creek which flows through the National Elk Refuge.