Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Celebrates 36 Years of Conservation
May 23, 2020
Thirty-six years to the day after four elk hunters in northwest Montana combined meager means with staunch perseverance to form the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; the conservation movement advances on during challenging times.
“It is almost like we’ve come full circle,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president, and CEO.
“We live in unique times with extreme circumstances, yet it is in our DNA as an organization to endure and succeed. And that is what we’re doing.”
Despite obstacles and slowdowns related to COVID-19, including rescheduling the majority of its fundraising banquets, RMEF continues to further its mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage.
2020 Successes
·Completed nine land projects in four different states that permanently protected 12,133 acres and opened or improved access to 14,336 acres
·Played intimate role in President Trump calling for full, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
·Awarded grant funding in Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington to conserve and enhance elk habitat, promote hunting and fund research, with millions of dollars for other states yet to be announced
·Recognized RMEF volunteers for their vital support of conservation
·Launched a redesigned, mobile-friendly website
·Worked with Congress, state and federal agencies, state legislatures and sportsmen and women on behalf of elk-related issues
·Hosted a news conference highlighting a reckless ballot initiative to forcibly introduce wolves into Colorado
·Shined a spotlight on incidents in Pennsylvania and other locations in the U.S. and Canada to increase the visibility of poaching nationwide in an effort to combat it better “We are grateful to our founders and their families for their dedication and endurance in creating the path that RMEF walks today. As we go forward, we honor them and also thank our volunteers, members, sponsors, and so many others for their support. It is truly appreciated,” added Weaver.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded more than 35 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of nearly 235,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 7.9 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 rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
Jeremy Mallette is co-founder of International Sportsman. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he has spent more than a decade in the outdoor industry, from hiking and camping to silencers and hunting. His father taught him to shoot at age six, and he received his first firearm at age eight — a 1942 Colt Commando .38 special revolver. He enjoys yearly trips to Kansas for pheasant hunting, spending time with his children at the deer lease, and collecting unique firearms.