Will Cataloochee Valley retain its unique, precious character?



That’s a question many are asking now that elk have been released
and crowds are mounting.



Cataloochee has always been one of the often-crowded Great Smoky Mountains
National Park’s hidden jewels. It is hard to get to and quaint,
but that isn’t stopping hordes of visitors who want to see the
elk who are apparently adapting well, having babies and allowing themselves
to be seen frequently as they graze and move about.



The elk release was, arguably, the most exciting and popular wildlife
experiment to ever occur in the park. After years of study and then
more time to actually plan the logistics, 25 elk were brought to Cataloochee
in February. A thousand people showed up for the event.



Two months later, the elk were released from their acclimation pen.
They began cautiously exploring their new home, slowly expanding their
range. A couple of the animals have even wandered off park land, and
rangers are urging citizens to use care if they encounter the animals.



Now, the herd in Cataloochee Valley has become a huge attraction. Cars
flock to the valley at sunset to catch glimpses and take pictures as
they animals come out of the forest and into the open meadows to graze.



But mixed in with this wonderful opportunity to observe wild animals
is a bittersweet reality — the Cataloochee of years past is probably
gone forever. The old buildings help explain the pioneer past, when
brave families lived in a stunningly beautiful valley far removed from
town life. It wasn’t uncommon to go into the valley and find just
a handful of cars and visitors. Hikers, anglers, campers and others
went there because it was so isolated.



In July of last year, during one of the busiest summer travel months,
only 3,483 vehicles went into the valley. This July, that number doubled
to 6,842.



“There is no doubt, it’s the elk,” said park spokesperson
Bob Miller.



Cataloochee is probably well-equipped to handle the increase. It recently
expanded visitor amenities. And many of those who come stay just a few
hours and then depart.



In the bigger picture, what we gain from the elk release should outweigh
any negatives. If the early success holds, those studying the animals
will gather a lot of data about the reintroduction of species. Visitors
and others may also, perhaps, gain a deeper appreciation of the need
to preserve habitat and ecosystems so more animals won’t have to
be “re-introduced.”



But as a descendant of one Cataloochee’s pioneer families said
recently, the crowds coming to see the elk present a “bittersweet”
reality. That sums up the situation pretty well.

 

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Copyright 2001, The Smoky Mountain News.