RMEF Expands Public Access & Conserves CO Elk Migration Corridor
Adam Scepaniak 04.01.24
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has been able to expand public access and conserve more of a precious Colorado elk migration corridor. Found on the shoulder of scenic V Rock Mountain southeast of Pagosa Springs, and less than two miles from the South San Juan Wilderness, the specific property in question features aspen stands, mountain meadows, scattered ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests, two ponds and intermittent streams. As such, it supplies vital summer and winter range habitat for many wildlife species and serves as an elk migration corridor.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Coverage on AllOutdoor
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Improves Access to 78,000 Acres
- Idaho Wildlife & Research receive $3.8 Million from RMEF & Partners
- RMEF Achieves Conservation Milestone in Appalachian Elk Country
- RMEF Habitat Conserved, Opened to Public Access in PA’s Elk Range
- Nevada Wildlife Habitat Gets $1.3 Million Upgrade from RMEF
Missoula, Montana – A key chunk of elk and mule deer habitat that also serves as a migration corridor is now conserved and opened to the public in southwest Colorado.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation worked with a family to acquire and then simultaneously convey a 160-acre inholding to the San Juan National Forest.
“This would not have happened without the conservation vision, ethic and passion of the Saunders family that resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We salute and thank them as well as our San Juan National Forest partners for working together to conserve this important landscape,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO.
The transaction will improve habitat management, public access in an important hunting and recreation area, forest planning and wildlife management for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
“Conserving land in the public trust is at the core of the Forest Service mission,” said Dave Neely, Forest Supervisor for the San Juan National Forest. “With the invaluable assistance from our partners at RMEF, this acquisition enhances that conservation mission for current and future generations.”
The USFS (United States Forest Service) utilized Land and Water Conservation Fund funding to complete this project. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) carried out extensive conservation work in this part of the state over the years and holds four voluntary conservation agreements protecting 12,119 acres of wildlife habitat just 10 miles to the south of V Rock Mountain. This is an enormous win for outdoorspeople in Colorado as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has preserved more land for animals of all kinds once again. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and this preserved elk migration corridor in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
