Funding research to monitor the health, survival and recruitment of elk, as well as providing sponsorship of multiple hunting heritage events are the focus of grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for the state of Kentucky. The RMEF grants total $87,600 and directly affect 22 counties: Anderson, Bell, Breckinridge, Breathitt, Bullitt, Carter, Daviess, Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Knott, Laurel, Letcher, Madison, Meade, Mercer, Oldham, Perry, Scott, Shelby, Spencer and Woodford. RMEF also provided funding for several programs of statewide and national benefit.
“Kentucky is a shining example as one of the nation’s most successful elk reintroductions. It is imperative we continue to monitor the health and behavior of this thriving elk population, and that’s exactly what this RMEF funding will do,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We are also pleased to sponsor a variety of activities that will enrich Kentucky’s hunting tradition.”
Since 1995, RMEF and its partners completed 100 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Kentucky with a combined value of more than $6.7 million.
“We have more than 1,500 RMEF members in Kentucky. We thank them and our dedicated volunteers who raised the money for these projects thanks to their banquet fundraising and membership drive efforts,” added Allen.
Allen also thanked RMEF chapters and volunteers around the nation for their dedication to conservation all across elk country.
RMEF grants will help fund the following 2013 projects, listed by county:
Breckinridge County–Provide funding to purchase archery equipment for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) at Saint Romuald School (also affects Meade County).
Bullitt County–Provide funding for Zoneton Middle School to establish a NASP program for boys and girls in grades six through eight. Students will have the opportunity to practice, refine and develop archery skills, and compete in local meets.
Carter County–Provide funding to help purchase equipment for the East Carter High School NASP archery team.
Daviess County–Provide funding to purchase air rifles and equipment to enhance the Daviess County High School National Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program.
Fayette County–Provide funding to repair equipment and purchase supplies for the Tates Creek High School archery team.
Franklin County–Provide sponsorship of an archery camp at Frankfort’s Cove Spring Park for youth ages 8-18 following the NASP format (also affects Anderson, Mercer, Scott, Shelby and Woodford counties); and provide funding to help purchase more equipment for Capital Day School to expand NASP to more students.
Jefferson County–Provide funding to offset the cost of purchasing bows and targets for Valor Traditional Academy to form an archery team which will compete in NASP and Scholastic 3D sanctioned tournaments (also affects Bullitt County); and co-sponsor an event aimed at introducing women to shooting sports including archery, rifle, shotgun and handgun skills at the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club (also affects Fayette, Franklin, Letcher, Oldham and Spencer counties).
Knott County–Provide funding for an elk collaring and tracking study to reassess cow elk survival and cause-specific mortality in the 16-county elk zone of southeastern Kentucky. The project will also assess the survival and recruitment of elk calves to provide data to best manage the herd of 10,000-plus through the next decade (also affects Bell, Breathitt and Perry counties).
Laurel County–Provide funding to purchase equipment for the expanding NASP program at Wyan Pine Grove Elementary School, which now offers afterschool service.
Letcher County–Provide funding for Letcher County Kids Day, which features games, entertainment and food for the entire family.
Madison County–Provide funding to help Foley Middle School promote proper land and wildlife conservation by purchasing equipment for under-privileged children to participate in the NASP and 3D shooting programs.
Statewide–Provide funding to cover the cost of monitoring for Chronic Wasting Disease of Kentucky’s elk herd, previously paid for by federal funding; co-sponsor the 10th Annual NASP National Tournament held in Louisville; provide partial scholarships for 30 disadvantages youth to attend a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Conservation Camp; provide funding to offset expenses and purchase supplies for two wounded warrior hunts for injured servicemen and women (also has nationwide benefits); and provide funding for the Kentucky Chapter’s annual gathering of The Wildlife Society.
Conservation projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies. RMEF staff and volunteers select education projects to receive grants. RMEF volunteers and staff select hunting heritage projects to be funded.
Partners for 2013 Kentucky projects include the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Kentucky, and other wildlife, volunteer and business organizations.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on more than 6.3 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains 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.