Elk Foundation's First Chapter Celebrates 25 Years

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MISSOULA, Mont.—Shortly after the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation launched in 1984, conservationists in Flagstaff, Ariz., formed the organization’s first official chapter. Today that chapter has raised over $1.2 million and continues its work to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat across the U.S. In fact, Flagstaff will hold its 25th anniversary RMEF big-game banquet on Saturday, Aug. 1.
 
The event begins at 4:30 p.m. at the High Country Conference Center, 201 West Butler Ave., in Flagstaff. For ticket info, visit www.rmef.org or contact RMEF volunteer Randy Servis at (928) 527-9916.
 
“Nationwide, Elk Foundation volunteers have generated most of the funding needed to protect or enhance over 5.6 million acres of habitat—and it all started in Flagstaff. In many ways, the Flagstaff chapter symbolizes what is now an international conservation movement for elk country,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
 
“To everyone in Flagstaff who has hosted, supported or attended an Elk Foundation fundraiser over the years, thank you and congratulations on 25 great years,” he added.
 
In addition to national conservation projects, dollars raised in Flagstaff have supported 367 RMEF conservation projects in Arizona, protecting or enhancing 337,993 acres of habitat within the Grand Canyon State.
 
In the Flagstaff area, 51 Elk Foundation projects have impacted 55,829 acres, including:

• Prescribe burns and thinning to improve range conditions
• Aspen rejuvenation projects
• Water tank inventories, repairs, installations, replacements and modifications
• Fence modifications for improved wildlife passage 

Most projects affected wildlife and habitat in the Coconino National Forest. The Flagstaff chapter is also involved with additional projects in the Kiabab National Forest.
 
The first RMEF project in the Flagstaff area was a 1986 research project designed to reduce road-killed elk and deer. Funds were used to install a highway reflector test section along one mile of Interstate 17 about 20 miles south of Flagstaff.
 
A variety of conservation education projects in the Flagstaff area, mostly for youths at Camp Colton, also have been funded by RMEF.
 
 
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

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