Elk (Cervus elaphus) are key components of lowland and montane ecosystems in both Mount Rainier National Park (MORA) and Olympic NP (OLYM). MORA was created in 1899 to preserve the sights and ecosystems associated with Mount Rainier, including its fish, wildlife, and renowned subalpine meadows. OLYM was created first as Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909 by Theodore Roosevelt for the expressed purpose of protecting the last stronghold of Roosevelt elk (C. e. roosevelti) and its native forested habitat following the largescale national decline in elk populations at the turn of the last century.