MN Elk Habitat Gets an Upgrade from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Adam Scepaniak 06.22.22
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is known for protecting and preserving habitat for elk anywhere they are found in the United States including some lesser known areas like Minnesota. A long time ago elk were indigenous and native to the forests of MN, but over time they were over-harvested and driven out like numerous other areas. Through the help of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Minnesota has regained a viable herd of elk and the RMEF improved their efforts in sustaining and growing that herd’s population.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Coverage on AllOutdoor
- RMEF Gives $1 Million Toward Wildfire Recovery Efforts
- RMEF Grants Over $750,000 to Idaho Conservation Efforts
- RMEF Shells Out $180,000 To Aid Elk Migration Research
- RMEF Gives New Mexico Wildlife a $291,000 Boost
With over 7,400 RMEF members and 19 chapters in Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” has a lot of people working towards improving habitat for elk in MN. Kyle Weaver, the RMEF president and CEO, had stated that, “we appreciate our volunteers who worked hard to generate this funding so it can go back on the ground in the state they live.” All of the counties and programs that benefited from this fundraising in 2021 can be read below:
- Kittson County – Establish and maintain quality forage plots across 50 acres within select wildlife management areas (WMA) and private lands in the Karlstad area.
- Marshall County – Shear 500 acres of over-mature brushland to trigger the re-sprouting of early successional new growth within the Thief Lake WMA (also benefits Beltrami County).
- Nicollet County – Provide funding and volunteer manpower to support the 2021 Minnesota Outdoor Youth Activity Day for nearly 200 boys and girls to learn about conservation and take part in more than 40 hands-on skills including archery, trap and muzzleloader shooting, bowfishing, cooking and more.
- Scott County – Provide funding for a three-day mentored pheasant hunt workshop for women including instruction in shotgun basics and safety, working with dogs and other skills (also benefits Le Sueur and Pine Counties).
- Statewide – Provide funding to assist the 2022 Minnesota State High School Clay Target League Trap Shooting Championship. More than 340 high school teams and 8,000 student athletes are expected to participate.
- Sheer 500 acres of brush within the Grygla, Moose River, Thief Lake and Wapiti WMAs and create five miles of firebreak to prepare units for future prescribed burning.
As you can see, not only is the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation looking to improve the habitat and herds of elk, but they are also looking within areas to foster and grow the community of shooting and hunting as well. As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
