11/16/09

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) _ The National Elk Refuge has received its
first shipments of alfalfa pellets for the winter supplemental
feeding program.

As many as nine loads are being delivered each day from Sebs
Feed and Supply in Terreton, Idaho.

The refuge expects to stock more than 6,800 tons of pellets. The
feeding season typically starts in late January.

The pellets cost about $1.1 million. The cost is 45 percent
cheaper than last winter, and refuge managers took advantage of the
lower price to stock up on feed. Officials expect this season's
pellet deliveries to last into next winter's feeding season.

The cost of the feed is evenly split between the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
___

Information from: Jackson Hole News And Guide,
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-11-16-09 1219MST<