April 8, 2008
Elk Foundation Announces Pennsylvania Conservation Grants
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, an international conservation organization focused on habitat protection and enhancement, has announced its 2008 project grants for Pennsylvania.
Four grants totaling $86,571 will affect Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton and Elk counties.
The Elk Foundation has allocated another $17,314 for additional Pennsylvania grants to be announced later this year, plus $69,225 in funding for the new Pennsylvania Wilds Elk Country Visitor Center at Winslow Hill. This new conservation education attraction, expected to break ground later this year, is being developed around local input and a wide variety of public and private partners.
“This is all about ensuring the future of elk in Pennsylvania and helping the public enjoy this magnificent native species as well as the other wildlife that shares elk habitat,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO. “Grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets in Pennsylvania, as well as worthy project proposals.”
The newly announced Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following Pennsylvania conservation projects, listed by county:
Cameron County—Treat weeds, re-seed, lime and fertilize 1,300 acres in an ongoing program to improve forage for elk and other wildlife on state game lands, Elk, Moshannon and Sproul state forests, Kettle and Parker Dam state parks (also affects Centre, Clearfield, Clinton and Elk counties).
Elk County—Reclaim 40 acres of mining lands using lime, seed and fertilizer to enhance habitat for elk and other wildlife at State Game Lands #311; provide funding for educational exhibits and signage at Winslow Hill; manage forage on 55 acres to attract elk to public viewing area and reduce conflicts on surrounding private lands at Winslow Hill.
Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 150 conservation projects in Pennsylvania with a value of nearly $13 million. Partners for 2008 projects in Pennsylvania include Dominion Foundation, Domtar-Johnsonburg Paper Mill, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, other organizations and landowners.