MISSOULA, Mont.–Emphasizing habitat protection and enhancement, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced its 2008 grants for conservation projects in Nevada.
Nine grants totaling $86,085 are being awarded.
Grants will affect Elko, Lincoln, Nye, Washoe and White Pine counties. An additional project has statewide interest.
“This is all about ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat in Nevada,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets and other events in Nevada, as well as worthy project proposals.”
The new Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following Nevada conservation projects, listed by county:
Elko County–Reconstruct exclosure fencing around watering devices to improve habitat for elk and other wildlife on BLM lands in Twelve Mile area.
Lincoln County–Mow, treat and re-seed 843 acres to enhance forage for elk in Cave Valley area (also affects White Pine County).
Nye County–Construct exclosure fencing around Murphy Spring to protect riparian habitat in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
Statewide–Collect elk teeth from hunters volunteering to help with research to determine age structure of Nevada’s elk herd.
Washoe County--Promote conservation education in Reno via a youth excursion into elk habitat in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and elk-related classroom materials for an after-school Elk Club.
White Pine County–Install a watering device to enhance habitat for elk and other wildlife in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest; increase water availability by thinning pinion/juniper, reseeding and expanding an existing pond in Lookout Spring area; establish baseline data for management of invasive weeds in High Shells, Becky Peak, Goshute Canyon, Mt. Grafton and White Pine Range wilderness areas.
Nevada’s RMEF leadership team also allocated $5,445 to the organization’s Strategic Land Protection Fund.
Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 167 conservation projects in Nevada with a value of more than $12 million. Partners for 2008 projects in Nevada include Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Division of Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, corporations, landowners and organizations.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has already conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.4 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. Most work occurs on public lands. More than 561,000 acres have been opened or secured for public access including hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
