ABSTRACT
From the large original herds of the California Tule Elk, approximately 425 animals have survived. Conflict among different economic interests has resulted in a policy of holding the Tule Elk located in Owens Valley (Inyo County, California) to a population level of 250-300 head. An analysis of the socioeconomic habitat in Owens Valley indicates that the Elk population there could be increased and kept at a higher level indefinitely. Such expansion would provide a significant increase in human social benefits. The order of magnitude of this increase in social benefits is estimated in relation to social costs. Policy changes are recommended to make it possible to maintain the Owens Valley herd at the higher level and to safeguard the survival of the Tule Elk through the establishment of two additional free-roaming herds.
