We’re certainly glad the issue of reducing the growing elk herd in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park finally has an end in sight. But the process has reminded us of what’s wrong with government these days. It has taken years to get to this point – the National Park Service has released its 666-page Elk Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement with a preferred alternative of having park employees lead teams of volunteer shooters to reduce the size of the elk herd. Years of discussion and study and 666 pages later, we’ve reached the same basic, common sense conclusion that most people involved favored years ago – letting volunteer hunters help thin the elk herd. But should it really be that difficult? And should it cost roughly $2.25 million, as does the preferred alternative? The answer, of course, is no. But when you page through the document available online at (www.parkplanning.nps.gov/parkHome.cfm?parkId=167), you’ll see why it took so long.