RMEF works with partners to conserve quality elk range, migration corridors and calving areas while seeking to open or improve quality public access opportunities. Conservation tools include land acquisitions, voluntary conservation agreements, contributions and other means.
Quality habitat (food, water, cover and space) is essential to ensuring the future of elk and other wildlife. RMEF and its partners provide financial support to carry out prescribed burning, forest thinning, noxious weed treatments, the establishment of wildlife water developments and other projects to enhance elk habitat. Additionally, RMEF provides grants for wildlife management and research.
Forest managers and scientists agree that executing active forest management techniques such as prescribed burns, thinning and other treatments enhance habitat for elk, mule deer, moose, turkey, pronghorn antelope and other wildlife while also improving overall forest health.
RMEF provides grants for wildlife management and research projects in states with wild, free-ranging elk herds across the country, funding work that directly affects elk populations such as disease surveillance, wildlife-friendly fencing, road management and research that scientifically expands the body of knowledge regarding elk, their habitat, movement, interactions and more.
RMEF, state wildlife agencies and partners have helped restore elk populations in West Virginia (2016), Virginia (2012), Missouri (2011), North Carolina (2001), Tennessee (2000) and Ontario, Canada (1998), Kentucky (1997) and Wisconsin (1995). Through RMEF’s Eastern Elk Initiative, past elk restoration efforts have helped ensure a future where the residents and visitors to eastern states have an opportunity to view and eventually hunt elk. Following the success of the restoration program, RMEF is helping ensure healthy elk herds continue to thrive through land conservation, access and habitat enhancement projects.
Ensuring the future of our hunting heritage is a crucial part of RMEF’s work. Hunters were the first conservationists and remain the mightiest force the conservation world has ever known. RMEF provides grants for hunting heritage and conservation education programs to help people learn more about our hunting heritage and help them engage in hunting and other outdoor pursuits. Go here to learn more about RMEF hunting heritage grants.
Opening and securing quality public access lies at the heart of the RMEF mission. Since 1984, RMEF has opened, secured or improved public access to more than 1.6 million acres of elk habitat across the country for hunters, hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is proud to introduce Conserving Country, a program dedicated to America, music and landscapes.
RMEF helps people of all ages, backgrounds and interests, experience and understand wildlife and wild places. We also help create a thriving, dedicated community of hunters, well-equipped with outdoor skills, shooting skills, hunting ethics and conservation principles.
RMEF works with Congress, federal and state agencies, legislatures, wildlife commissions and on other fronts to advance RMEF’s mission.