H.B. 180
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Feb 22, 2023
SESSION 2023 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH40093-LG-22
Short Title: Adopt Haywood County as Elk Capital of NC. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Pless.
Referred to:
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT ADOPTING HAYWOOD COUNTY AS THE ELK CAPITAL OF THE STATE OF
3 NORTH CAROLINA.
4 Whereas, due to overhunting and habitat loss in the mid-1800s, the elk population
5 was drastically reduced in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; and
6 Whereas, in 2001, an initial 52 elk were released in Cataloochee Valley, a section of
7 the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Haywood County as an experimental
8 project to reintroduce elk in the area; and
9 Whereas, reintroducing the elk has been a resounding success in Haywood County,
10 resulting in a herd that has grown to over 200 elk; and
11 Whereas, the herd can be spotted in Cataloochee Valley, Maggie Valley, and other
12 parts of Haywood County; and
13 Whereas, the elk project has played a large role in tourism to Haywood County; and
14 Whereas, local restaurants and shops in Haywood County proudly post pictures of the
15 elk in front of their establishments and on social media to attract more customers; and
16 Whereas, the elk is a great part of Haywood County's brand and is used heavily in its
17 logo and marketing; and
18 Whereas, Haywood County created the Smoky Mountain Elk Fest, an annual festival
19 to celebrate the reintroduction of the elk and the conservation and habitat of the elk; and
20 Whereas, Haywood County should be adopted as the official elk capital of the State
21 of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
22 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
23 SECTION 1. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new
24 section to read:
25 "§ 145-52. State elk capital.
26 Haywood County is adopted as the official elk capital of the State of North Carolina."
27 SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law.
*DRH40093-LG-22*