MISSOULA, Mont.—Lawmakers working with a better understanding of elk habitat conservation and management. That’s the ultimate goal behind the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 2008 platinum-level support of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.
Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, said, “There is a direct link between legislative actions and successful on-the-ground conservation and access for hunters to public lands. The Elk Foundation understands this link and is a longstanding supporter of our organizations. We are grateful for the Elk Foundation’s active support and leadership in the conservation community.”
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation provides hunters with a voice in Congress, the Administration and federal land management agencies. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus is one of the largest and most active caucuses in Congress, comprised of Republican and Democratic members from nearly every state.
The National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses is the umbrella organization for state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses nationwide. Thirty-five states have sportsmen’s caucuses totaling over 2,000 legislator members from both sides of the political aisle.
“These two organizations help us navigate the political maze and get our issues in front of decision makers. They’re the best allies that wildlife and sportsmen’s groups can have in this arena. We’re proud to be among only a dozen groups who sponsor at the platinum level,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.
Allen said the Elk Foundation must address its mission—ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat—with increasing urgency. Across elk country, habitat is being lost at alarming rates to development, subdivision and other land-use changes.
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.
