MISSOULA, Mont.-As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates 100 years of adventure, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is saluting the youth organization’s historic work in habitat conservation and more recent partnership for elk country.
The Scouting movement was founded Feb. 8, 1910, a date still commemorated as part of Scout Week nationwide. A centennial black-tie gala is slated Feb. 9 in Washington D.C.
“Boy Scouts began as a way to develop character, responsibility, citizenship and personal fitness, and since the very beginning Scout leaders understood that all of those qualities can be cultivated through outdoor activities-including wildlife habitat projects,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “The cumulative impact of Scouting on conservation in America is immeasurable, and we both congratulate and sincerely thank the millions of young people who’ve been a part of it.”
In 1992, RMEF began a partnership with Boy Scouts when a local troop requested funds to repair a wildlife drinking station in New Mexico. Since then, the partnership has grown to 17 states and over $162,000 in RMEF expenditures for Scout projects, events and activities.
Boy Scouts have used RMEF funding to re-vegetate winter range, restore aspen stands, treat weed infestations, repair and remove fencing, install educational kiosks, and more.
RMEF also has sponsored Boy Scouts attending everything from day camps to weeklong high adventure bases. In fact, between 2004 and 2009, more than 5,500 Scouts and 225 volunteers trekked across RMEF’s Torstenson Wildlife Center in New Mexico.
The Boy Scouts of America currently boasts 2.8 million young people between the ages of 7 and 20 plus 1.1 million volunteers in more than 290 local councils throughout the U.S. and its territories. For more information, visit www.scouting.org.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres-a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
