06/06/2026
Tug Valley Agriculture recently toured West Virginia’s elk restoration program, where they learned from the program biologist and wildlife management staff about herd monitoring, habitat work, and conservation practices.
Students saw how elk restoration connects directly to agriculture by improving forage, fighting invasive species, restoring reclaimed mine lands, and managing natural resources responsibly.
They also learned that elk programs can support rural economic growth. Kentucky reports elk hunting alone creates more than $3.5 million in annual economic impact, while Tennessee has estimated elk viewing and hunting at about $10.25 million in economic impact.
This was a great opportunity for students to see local agriculture, wildlife management, land stewardship, tourism, and economic development working together.
