hompson 164. Rocky Mt. Natl Parks June 23, 1931 Beaver, Moraine, Horseshoe & Black Canyon trip with Solinsky Madger Ripon & Knight. Black Canyon has an abundance of willow, nine-bark, sage, aspen. It is good elk & deer winter range. Beaver has good grass & willow. It seems to be the main wintering grounds for elk & deer & is most essential to the park. Last winter elk began stripping the bark from aspens all the way from Black Canyon to Horseshoe & for several miles up the Fall River Road, indicating a serious lack of forage and last winter was mild. Either the elk herd must be reduced or more winter range acquired. Even when these 4 parks are acquired the herd must be held to or below its present number. Only experience can determine the carrying capacity. Two sheep were seen at Sheep Lake. They stay here through winter & spring. Deer tracks were abundant everywhere.