MISSOULA, Mont.—Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO David Allen accepted an invitation to participate as a roundtable speaker on the economic impact of the U.S. outdoor resources and facilities at the National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting on July 24 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, vice-chair of the NGA’s Natural Resources Committee, invited RMEF and Allen to address a joint session of the Economic Development and Commerce and Natural Resources Committees about state strategies for outdoor recreation and the related economic development.
“Hunting, fishing, the shooting sports and other outdoor-related activities are vital economic drivers for nearly every state, especially in suburban and rural communities,” said Allen. “I appreciate this opportunity to speak to our nation’s governors while representing RMEF’s 205,000-plus members and our mission.”
“The economic impact of hunting, fishing and shooting sports is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy and it has unique significance when you consider how much of it is driven by a ‘user pay’ system. Combine that with the fact that state wildlife and natural resource agencies are the cornerstone of the American model of conservation management and enforcement,” Allen added.
A native of Deadwood, South Dakota, Allen is a lifelong conservationist with a passion for elk, elk country and hunting. Allen spent more than 30 years in sports and brand marketing before he joined the RMEF Board of Directors in 2004. He is currently in his eighth year as president and CEO. Allen also served on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Board and is currently serving on the Wildlife Hunting Heritage Conservation Council as well as the Executive Committee of the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports.
Fellow speakers include Robert Hutting, Pittsburgh Pirates chairman of the board, and R. Cooper Shattuck, University of Alabama System general counsel.
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is a bipartisan public policy organization made up of the nation’s governors from its 55 states, territories and commonwealths.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 205,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 6.6 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.