The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation brings hands-on accomplishment of its mission to Elk Camp 2013 by announcing grants for the state of Nevada that aid elk, elk country, youth and educators.
“It’s important for us to not just ‘talk a good game’ as we gather to celebrate in Las Vegas early next year, but to continue our long-term commitment to conservation in Nevada,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
RMEF grants for 2012 total $41,550 that benefit Carson City, Douglas, Elko, Humboldt, Lyon, Nye, Storey, Washoe and White Pine counties, and statewide.
“Prescribed burns and forest thinning projects improve key habitat for Nevada elk and other wildlife,” said Blake Henning, RMEF vice president of Lands and Conservation. “When you include the installation of wildlife-friendly fencing and the construction of two 1,800-gallon guzzlers, those projects will have a positive impact on more than 1,000 acres of Nevada habitat.”
RMEF’s mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Since 1985, RMEF and its partners completed 197 different conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Nevada with a combined value of more than $15.4 million.
Funding for RMEF grants is based on local membership drives and banquet fundraising by RMEF chapters and volunteers in Nevada. Allen thanked RMEF supporters for their dedication to conservation both in Nevada and all across elk country.
RMEF grants will help fund or already helped pay for the following 2012 projects in Nevada:
Carson City—Provide sponsorship for Tom Brooks Memorial Free Fishing Day. Program engages youth in traditional outdoor recreation and conservation (also affects Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties).
Elko County—Prescribed burning, noxious weed treatment and reseeding to revitalize meadow and riparian habitat on RMEF conservation easement northeast of Wells, Nev.
Nye County—Installation of two 1,800-gallon guzzlers and a water collection skirt on elk habitat in the eastern portion of the Grant Mountain Range. To date, RMEF volunteers helped construct 11 guzzlers on the Ely Ranger District.
Statewide—Provide sponsorship of Great Basin Educators Workshop. Program is a five-day hands-on workshop to aid educators grades K-12 in implementing hands-on science projects into their classrooms that increase student understanding of the wildlife, biology, ecology, geology, archaeology and history of the region.
Washoe County—Provide sponsorship of Maison T. Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp. Program is a three-day camp to teach youth age 11-16 outdoor skills and safety (also affects Carson City, Elko, Humboldt, and Lyon counties). Provide sponsorship of Reno Host Lions Club/Sparks Rotary Kids Fishing Event. Program introduces youth to fishing and outdoor activities.
White Pine County—Removal of invasive pinyon pine trees and juniper shrubbery to improve 350 acres of habitat in the southern portion of the Schell Creek Range or within the southern portion of the White Pine Range. Project provides valuable summer range for elk, mule deer, sage grouse and many other species (also affects Nye County).
Conservation projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities. RMEF volunteers and staff select hunting heritage projects for funding.
Partners for 2012 projects in Nevada include the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Great Basin National Forest, Nevada Department of Wildlife, other government and civic organizations and sponsors.
Elk Camp 2013, RMEF’s annual convention, will take place Feb. 28-March 3 at the Mirage and Las Vegas Convention Center.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that protected or enhanced habitat on more than 6.2 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.