MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will host representatives from 18 states and two federal agencies at a two-day summit May 3-4, 2016.
The conference will address successes, challenges and strategies affecting elk populations, public lands management, habitat, hunting, public access, scientific research, disease and other timely topics.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for us to rub shoulders with our partner agencies that do so much to look after elk and elk country,” said Blake Henning, RMEF vice president of Lands and Conservation. “It also gives the state and federal agencies a chance to discuss commonly-held challenges and solutions to a myriad of land and wildlife issues.”
Directors or assistant directors from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming will participate. Other states may also offer written updates about their elk populations. Additional representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and RMEF will attend.
Steven Rinella, award-winning author, RMEF life member and host of the TV Show MeatEater, will address the summit as well as RMEF President/CEO David Allen, other RMEF executive staff and board members.
“RMEF remains committed to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage by offering financial and other means of support to state and federal agencies. We look forward to working together to make that happen,” added Henning.
RMEF assisted with successful elk restoration projects in Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and is offering assistance for ongoing efforts in West Virginia.
As of March 31, 2016, RMEF and its partners have completed 9,966 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects with a combined value of more than $1 billion. These projects have protected or enhanced more than 6.8 million acres of habitat and opened or secured public access to 852,628 acres.
RMEF hosted its first national elk summit in June of 2013.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership 220,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 6.8 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 or 800-CALL ELK. Take action: join and/or donate.