CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME 41 



space was available and to transfer the animals there. He also sug- 

 gested the possibility of reducing the size of the herd and keeping its 

 maximum at 12 animals, the surplus to be butchered and marketed, or 

 turned loose. Thus the matter Avas, from time to time, brought up and 

 discussed for a period of nearly three years, but no definite solution 

 was reached. 



Early in 1932, Superintendent Thomson interested Charles G. Dun- 

 woody, Director of Conservation of the California State Chamber of 

 Commerce, in the National Park Service's problem with the Yosemite 

 elk herd which he hoped to solve by locating a satisfactory area in 

 which to place the animals. Dunwoody at a subsequent meeting of the 

 State Chamber, announced Superintendent Thomson's problem and 

 asked if any of those in attendance could suggest a suitable place to 

 which to transfer the herd. 



Fig. 7. This type of country extends along tlie Owens River for at least 60 miles. 

 The elk were released on the river about at the place marked by the cross. The 

 Sierras are seen in the background, the Wliite Mountains border the other side 

 of the valley. 



G. W. Dow, Lone Pine, a leader among Owens Valley sportsmen, 

 was present at this meeting and stated that he would like to have the 

 elk moved to Owens Valley. Dow explained that he considered this 

 an ideal locality in which to permit the animals to roam at large a 

 strip of seemingly ideal habitat bordering Owens River for a distance 

 of nearly 70 miles and owned almost entirely by the City of Los 

 Angeles. He pointed out the natural attractions of Owens Valley for 

 elk habitat, stressing the fact that little agriculture now exi.sts in the 

 valley wdth w^hich the animals could interfere and asserted that the 

 sportsmen and people of the vicinity would welcome the introduction 

 aiid protect the animals. 



Dow and Dunwoody shortly thereafter met with other interested 

 parties in Los Angeles to contact the Water and Power Board with 



