The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s volunteer force of 11,000-strong donated more than $21 million in labor during 2017.
“We have a profound gratitude for our volunteers who give so much of their time, talents and energy on behalf of RMEF,” said Nancy Holland, RMEF president and CEO. “They constantly go above and beyond in helping to further our shared conservation mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.”
The Independent Sector used data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to calculate the 2017 value of one volunteer hour as $24.14. RMEF volunteers average approximately 80 hours of service annually. If you do the math, that equates into $21,243,200 of total value for elk and elk country.
RMEF volunteers host fundraising banquets, membership drives and other events across more than 500 chapters from coast-to-coast. Those generated dollars are put back on the ground in their respective states and around the country to benefit elk, elk habitat, public access projects, hunting outreach events and scientific research.
Volunteers also give of their time to help with youth seminars, camps and other activities that bolster the future of hunting and conservation. Additionally, they roll up their sleeves to carry out work projects such as fence pulls, noxious weed treatments, building and repairing wildlife water sources, assisting with elk restoration and other activities. RMEF volunteers carried out more than 130 such projects across 30 states in 2017.
Since 1984, RMEF volunteers helped to protect or enhance more than 7.3 million acres of wildlife habitat, open or improve access to 1.2 million acres, complete more than 11,000 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects, and assist with the successful reintroduction of elk in seven states and one Canadian province.
“There is absolutely no doubt that RMEF would not be where it is today without our dedicated volunteers. We encourage all men, women and children interested in conserving elk and elk country to join us,” added Holland.
Go here to learn more about becoming a RMEF volunteer.