High Country Habitat Partners
By Lance Schul, Colorado Senior Regional Director
In June I had the pleasure of taking some of Colorado’s most active Habitat Council members into the White River National Forest to get a firsthand look at how we spend their money. Donations from many individuals and companies—such as Shell and Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company—have helped fund projects with RMEF and the Forest Service that are having a positive impact in elk country.
Controlling noxious weeds is just one of the ways the Elk Foundation and Forest Service have teamed up on the forest’s Blanco Ranger District. The Forest Service has been diligently fighting weeds across nearly 60,000 acres annually to increase and improve elk forage. Forest-wide weed coordinator Hal Pearce and his crew are making a big dent, knocking back some noxious weed infestations on the district by as much as 80 percent! While we were touring the range we ran into at least 200 cows and bulls, not to mention countless calves that were undoubtedly enjoying the fruits of our labor.
Habitat Partners from all walks of life are a key component to the Elk Foundation’s success. Don’t overlook people or corporations because the business they are in doesn’t fit our mold. Take the time to talk with them and find out what their interests are. You might be surprised to learn that they, like you, want to do their part in keeping elk country wild, healthy and open to the public.