MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation awarded $212,970 in grant funding for 15 projects that enhance Arizona’s wildlife habitat and hunting heritage.The grants benefit 7,464 acres across Apache, Coconino, Maricopa, Navajo, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma Counties. There are also three projects of statewide benefit.
“One of the major issues that threaten quality habitat in the desert Southwest is the invading presence of conifer species which tend to choke out vital native forage for elk and other wildlife. This funding will assist to thwart that spread,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “RMEF also seeks to bolster the next generation of hunters by directing grant funding toward eight Arizona projects that include youth camps, hunts, programs and similar events.”
RMEF volunteers in Arizona generated the funding through chapter banquets, membership drives and other events.
Here is a sampling of the 2017 projects, listed by county:
Apache County—Remove 9,000 yards of silt and re-establish a silt catchment as part of an effort to repair a spring and earthen reservoir about one mile south in Pulcifer Canyon severely impacted in the 2014 San Juan Wildfire to improve water availability for elk, mule deer, waterfowl and other bird and animal life.
Coconino County—Remove encroaching juniper trees across 3,003 acres of private land as part of a landscape-scale project designed to improve connectivity between Anderson Mesa and lower elevation grasslands to the north and enhance range condition and wildlife habitat.
Statewide—Provide funding and volunteer manpower for the second annual Youth Elk Camp by offering to provide meals and education on the role hunting plays in conservation for young hunters and their families.
Since 1986, RMEF and its partners completed 463 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Arizona with a combine value of more than $32.8 million. These projects conserved and enhanced 400,981 acres of habitat and opened or secured public access to 21,585 acres.
Arizona project partners include the Apache-Sitgreaves and Coconino National Forests, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and private landowners as well as sportsmen, government, civic and other organizations.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 222,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 7.1 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 www.rmef.org, www.elknetwork.com or 800-CALL ELK.
