ERI develops and maintains resources for CWD research, conducts research, and forms collaborations with other scientists. The Institute operates two primary facilities and has extensive animal resources available to support a variety of research. All facilities and animals are CWD free and strict policies are in place to protect them from CWD exposure. Both of these facilities are the only such operations in the nation.

Our breeding facility is located in Oxford, Colorado, on an 80-acre property which is divided into 13 irrigated pastures. The elk herd at this location is intensively managed. Here, a state-of-the-art handling barn is equipped with a hydraulic squeeze chute, a video monitored infirmary, and medical room. These allow for the safe and humane handling of the animals and the efficient collection of scientific data. Routine weighing, vaccinating and worming as well as more complicated procedures including artificial insemination, ultrasound pregnancy checking, and surgeries are performed

ERI also operates a 1460-acre double fenced, CWD-free facility in Hesperus, Colorado. This facility is located at the San Juan Basin Research Center (SJBRC) and is operated in conjunction with Colorado State University. Here a research herd of approximately 125 animals are evaluated against environmental stresses. This site is equipped with capture, sorting and holding barn with hydraulic squeeze chute.

ERI presents the information gathered through these efforts at seminars, speaking engagements, public awareness programs, membership newsletters, and on this website. If you or your organization is interested in engaging one of our speakers for an event, please contact us.