Home / Environment / Elk Refuge Faces CWD Threat to Jackson's Water
Elk Refuge Faces CWD Threat to Jackson's Water
26 Sep
Summary
- CWD prions may contaminate soil and enter Jackson's water supply.
- Jackson's drinking water wells are located on the National Elk Refuge.
- New management plans shift focus from feeding to hunting elk.
Leaders at the National Elk Refuge are evaluating long-term management strategies for elk and bison, with a growing focus on the potential threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) to Jackson's water supply. A recent study suggests CWD prions could transfer from soil into groundwater, raising alarms as three of Jackson's drinking water wells are situated on the refuge. This concern emerged during a public meeting on August 28th, where refuge staff presented four management options for public comment.
Wildlife filmmaker Shane Moore specifically questioned the plan's evaluation of CWD risks to Jackson's water, noting the town's wells are located on the refuge. While refuge biologist Eric Cole stated prions are expected to bind to soil, reducing immediate groundwater risk, he acknowledged ongoing research. The refuge is collaborating with the town and the U.S. Geological Survey to test soil and water for CWD prions.
As of September 26, 2026, refuge officials confirmed two cases of CWD in elk on the refuge, first detected in an elk euthanized on April 15. The new management proposal favors reducing the number of elk wintering on the refuge from an average of 7,500 to 5,000. This shift prioritizes hunting, particularly targeting short-distance migrating elk, over extensive feeding operations.
Officials aim to decrease the overall feeding season by ending it approximately two weeks earlier. This strategy is expected to lower CWD prevalence, improve herd health, and reduce management costs associated with feeding approximately 7,500 elk and 500 bison daily. The public comment period for the draft environmental impact statement closes on October 13, 2026.
