Elk Network2021: A Year of RMEF Conservation Accomplishment

Conservation , News Releases | February 3, 2022

MISSOULA, Mont. — As the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation looks to advance conservation with its 2022 mission work, it looks back on a year of conservation accomplishments.

“From completing the first phase of a landscape-scale conservation and access project in Oregon to conserving nearly 12,000 acres of tule elk country in California, while also protecting and enhancing habitat nationwide, the bottom line is we put real dollars on the landscape that make a real difference for elk and other wildlife,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “In doing so, we remain resilient and financially strong despite the ongoing challenges during these unique times.”

RMEF also provided more support for wildlife management, scientific research, advocacy issues on behalf of its mission and worked to maintain and improve America’s hunting heritage.

2021 conservation highlights

  • Surpassed 8.3 million acres in lifetime mission accomplishment
  • Completed 183 habitat stewardship and wildlife management projects that enhanced 138,276 acres of habitat
  • Committed an additional $2.2 million that leveraged $22.4 million in partner dollars (1:10 match) toward future projects
  • Opened or improved public access to 31,205 acres of public land in eight states
  • Completed 15 projects in 11 states that protected 26,276 acres of wildlife habitat
  • Maintained a membership of 225,000+
  • Allocated $670,000 for scientific elk research that leveraged $5.5 million in partner dollars (1:8 match)
  • Completed 209 hunting heritage projects
  • 11,000+ volunteers generated mission funding & completed on the ground projects

“We greatly appreciate our volunteers, members, partners and supporters for strengthening and standing with us in ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage,” said Mark Baker, RMEF Board of Directors chair. “We cannot do it without them and looking forward, our aim is to accelerate that mission in 2022.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Founded more than 37 years ago and fueled by hunters, RMEF maintains more than 225,000 members and has conserved nearly 8.4 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.