Moose Advisory Committee Report

Habitat

Conservation

Enjoyment

MAC Summary Recommendations

Social dimensions

Raise the public profile of moose in Minnesota by building a diverse constituency that will recognize the ecological, cultural and economic value of moose.

Communication

Inform the public of impacts to moose and mitigation strategies through a vigorous outreach and educational program.

Research

Continued monitoring of population status is critical and research is needed to improve understanding of factors affecting moose populations.

Moose harvest

Moose hunting can be continued in northeastern Minnesota but monitor harvest and population indicators that could initiate clusure of hunting seasons.

Deer management and deer impacts on moose

Through deer harvest and a ban on recreational feeding of white-tailed deer in northeastern Minnesota's moose range, deer should be managed at low densities to reduce potential parasite-mediated impacts to moose.

Habitat

Assure future availability of wetlands and other habitats where moose are most secure from heat stress.

Funding

Increased funding and personnel are needed to enhance moose research and management in Minnesota. This needs to be a collaborative effort involving DNR, other state agencies, federal agencies, tribal governments, academics and other non-governmental organizations.

Designation of moose as a State-Listed Species

MAC members were unanimous in believing that it is inappropriate at this time to designate the moose as either a threatened or endangered species, as defined in Minnesota Statute 84.0895. After considerable discussion, a narrow majority of committee members who voted supported state-listed status as a Species of Special Concern, which accurately reflects the animal's vulnerable status but conveys no additional legal status or protections.