From research focused on the cause of declining elk numbers to projects aimed at enhancing wildlife habitat and supporting hunting heritage, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and its conservation partners supplied $2,176,597 to Colorado in 2023.
“The more verified, scientific information we can gather about elk and habitat usage, the better management decisions will be made for all wildlife going forward,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “This funding bolsters five research efforts, helps improve wildlife habitat and both defends and supports hunting.”
Twenty-three different projects in Colorado received $491,808 in RMEF funding that helped leverage $1,684,789 in partner dollars.
“We recognize and thank our passionate volunteers for planning and hosting banquets and other events across the state that raised this funding,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO.
RMEF projects supported in Rio Blanco County included supplying funding for Family Cast, Blast and Twang in Meeker, a free event offering those interested an opportunity to learn outdoor skills including .22 rifle and shotgun shooting, archery, fly fish casting and spin fishing (also benefits Moffat, Routt and Yuma Counties); and providing volunteers to remove one mile of barbed wire fencing in the Blanco Ranger District of the White River National Forest to allow elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope and other wildlife to more easily cross the landscape.
Press Release | Submitted to the Herald
