The mission of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Founded more than 36 years ago, RMEF is fueled by hunters and a membership of nearly 235,000 strong and has so far conserved more than 7.9 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.

RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND REACTIVATION (R3): Hunting Is Conservation! Hunting and conservation are connected historically, biologically, financially, physically and scientifically. Watch the video below to see how hunting not only strongly supports conservation and wildlife management but doing so fosters an appreciation of nature, wildlife and conservation.

CONSERVATION PARTNER EDUCATION SERIES: In the first half of 2020, RMEF worked with a wide range of partners to carry out 12 land projects that permanently protected 13,017 acres of elk habitat. Those projects also opened or improved public access for hunting, fishing and other recreational pursuits to 18,388 acres. One example (see photo below) protected a 10-mile stretch of critical elk and riparian habitat highlighted by Wyoming’s scenic Grand Canyon of the Black Hills. Go here for more information.

Land and Water Conservation Fund: Mission Accomplished! Fifty-six years after being created, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is finally permanently and fully funded. RMEF played an integral and intimate role in making that happen.

In March 2020, Senators Steve Daines and Cory Gardner secured a meeting with President Trump. Daines then reached out to RMEF to acquire high-quality maps, photos and other details about RMEF’s Falls Creek project, which permanently protected 442 acres of wildlife and riparian habitat along Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front and greatly improved access to 27,000 acres of public land beyond.

During their meeting, the senators shared project details with the president including how $250,000 in LWCF funds helped close the transaction. President Trump then stated that “sealed the deal” for him and he called on Congress to send him a bill to provide permanent, dedicated funding to LWCF. The Senate and House voted in favor and on August 4, 2020, President Trump signed it into law.

For more information:

Mark Holyoak
RMEF Director of Communication
(406) 523-3481
mholyoak@rmef.org