MISSOULA, Mont.—Three counties in Minnesota are slated for wildlife and habitat conservation projects using $38,272 in new grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Betrami, Kittson and Marshall counties.
“Our volunteers across Minnesota helped drive the 2008 fundraisers that made these grants possible. This is where Elk Foundation banquets, auctions and other events transform into on-the-ground conservation work, and it’s part of the payday for supporters who are passionate about giving something back to the outdoors,” said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.
Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following Minnesota conservation projects, listed by county:
Kittson County—Establish two new forage openings for elk and other wildlife near Skull Lake, Caribou and Beaches Lake wildlife management areas; mechanically thin encroaching aspen to enhance habitat on 85 acres in Caribou Wildlife Management area.
Marshall County—Mechanically thin 250 acres of brush to improve forage for elk, maintain firebreaks to accommodate prescribed burning, and seed/fertilize 67 acres of forage at Grygla, Moose River, Thief Lake and Wapiti wildlife management areas (also affects Beltrami County).
Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 86 conservation projects in Minnesota with a value of more than $40 million.
Partners for 2009 projects in Minnesota include Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, other agencies, 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 conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 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.
