#Elk River

[unteriors]

N Front Street, Elk River, Idaho.

[eopederson2]

End of the Road Post Office, Elk River, Idaho, 2024.

While not literally at the end of a road, Elk River is about as isolated a town as one can find in northern Idaho connected by a paved road. The official census population is only 125, but it has a quite amazing array of services, including a fine if rather quirky coffee shop.

[corgiboobs]

Photos of the old Hobbs Bridge in Tennessee back in January 2024.

[lensandpenpress]

Indian Creek McDonald County - timeless

                                         Real photo postcard: Indian Creek Scouts, Anderson, MO. September 4, 1913 “Shall we gather at the river? The beautiful, the beautiful river?” Familiar lyrics bring images such as this to mind. Since before photography people have gathered at the river to play, to relax, to share momentous events and ceremonies like baptizings. Indian Creek flows from the…

[hotelbooking]

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Elk River, MN Nestled in the charming town of Elk River, Minnesota, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson offers a cozy retreat for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. With its 2.5-star rating, this hotel promises a delightful stay with its warm hospitality and array of amenities. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Country Inn & Suites is the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a friendly and attentive staff that is dedicated to making your stay memorable. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, allowing you ample time to settle in and unwind. The hotel features 100 well-appointed rooms, each thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Whether you choose a standard room or opt for a suite, you can expect modern amenities and cozy furnishings that will make you feel right at home. When it's time to explore the area, you'll find that Country Inn & Suites is ideally situated near...

[valhikes]

Humboldt Bay Trail, California

Out on the Humboldt Bay Trail, which goes a little further now, where the Elk River, the largest tributary to Humboldt Bay, reaches that bay.

[howlongis1instant]

It's that time of year again, where I fixate on that time my mom sent my suicidal teen self to a wilderness camp and reread all my journal entries about being cold and sad

[pnw-forest-side]

At the confluence

[sumbluespruce]

On the edge of the Yellowstone

11/24

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Predation, not fear of wolves, keeps elk from denuding Yellowstone

So you remember that "how wolves change rivers" video that came out a few years ago? The premise was that with the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park, they singlehandedly altered the behavior of overpopulated elk, who were less likely to damage riparian vegetation and allowed rivers to recover to a more natural state.

It is true that elk behavior has changed, and that has had a positive effect on ecosystem within Yellowstone. However, a new in-dept study demonstrates that it was more of a group effort of several different species of predator--humans included--rather than the wolves alone. It isn't just the presence of wolves that cause the elk to be more fearful, but increased risk of predation overall.

Obviously this is a new study, and it stands alone at the moment. So there will almost certainly be critiques that help us fine-tune our understanding of what's going on here. But the more information we have to flesh out the story of Yellowstone's rewilding, the better.

What I want to emphasize is that this is NOT an argument against the positive ecological role of wolves as a keystone species. There are all too many anti-wolf activists who will see this as an excuse to vilify this species, since those of us who support wolf reintroduction often leaned on the earlier studies to show the benefit of wolves within Yellowstone.

Rather, I want to promote the idea that this study helps demonstrate that biodiversity = good! Wolves are good, mountain lions are good, grizzly bears are good, because they are all a part of the native ecosystems within Yellowstone and beyond. Obviously we now have to balance this out with post-settlement human conflicts, but we have increasing evidence that there are so many more options besides the wholesale extermination of large predatory species anywhere they might ostensibly come into contact with humans or our livestock.

So no, wolves are not the miracle animal that earlier narratives have painted them as, but they are still a crucial keystone species in the ecosystems they historically inhabited prior to European/American colonization and extermination efforts, and this study still supports wolf reintroduction, particularly within Yellowstone.

[theoristofbears]

San Juan Mountains, Colorado

[lycawoon]

❝A wolf's life is about one thing: passing on its genes to the next generation.❞

[eopederson2]

Fire hydrant decorated with elk, Elk River, Idaho, 2024.

[noordinarysunset]

Elk River Falls Elk Park, North Carolina

[sitting-on-me-bum]

“A cool drink”

“A bull elk stopping in the Oconaluftee River in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to a refreshing drink.”

© Alan Taylor

2023 Nature Conservancy photo contest

[kurtoutdoorman]

One of these is not like the others.