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LAST EDITED ON Apr-13-07 AT 09:18AM (MST)[p][FONT SIZE=4]Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Press Release[/FONT]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? April 13, 2007
Contact: Mark Armstrong, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
406-523-3431 or [email protected]
Volunteers Work 257,000 Hours in 2006 to Complete Projects in Every Corner of the Country
(April 13, 2007) Missoula, Montana ? Volunteers have made the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation one of the most successful wildlife conservation organizations in the world by committing their time, talents and energy to the foundation?s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.
Next week, the nation?s 2007 National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), the Elk Foundation is recognizing 10,000 volunteers who work in nearly every state in the country organizing Big Game Banquets in 550 Elk Foundation chapters to raise funds for the organization?s mission, then roll up their sleeves to complete conservation projects on the ground.
In 2006 alone, the foundation?s 10,000 volunteers worked 257,000 hours ? time valued at $4.6 million.
?The strength and success of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has always been driven by its volunteers,? said Peter J. Dart, President and CEO of the Elk Foundation. ?Since we were founded in 1984, our passionate volunteers have inspired by example and have helped us leave a legacy for future generations. They are the heart and soul of this organization.?
From Alaska to Pennsylvania, Elk Foundation volunteers have tirelessly worked to provide reliable water sources for wildlife, improved forage on crucial winter range, and have worked side by side with state wildlife managers to trap and collar elk to gather valuable data for their long-term health and survival.
Following are just a few examples of volunteer-led projects completed in recent years to benefit elk habitat throughout the country:
Alaska ? Gun Collectors Association Youth Firearms Day
Alaska volunteers helped co-sponsor the Alaska Gun Collectors annual youth day at the Birchwood shooting range in Anchorage. Approximately 480 youth, ages 12 to 18, turned out for the 17th annual event. The kids received one-on-one instruction as they tested their skills with a variety of firearms. Hunter safety was a key component of the instruction.
Arizona ? Tusayan Water Development Repair and Maintenance
The Tusayan project aims to provide a more reliable water system for wildlife living within the Kaibab National Forest south of Grand Canyon National Park, near the town of Tusayan. The project, currently underway, involves the installation of a water pipeline from the town?s water treatment facility to six catchments in areas with ample wildlife forage, but limited water. The project also involves increasing the capacity of 23 existing catchments to make them more self-sufficient, constructing up to 23 new water sources, and renovating up to 20 earthen tanks to improve water retention capability. In 2006, 60 Elk Foundation volunteers contributed an estimated 4,670 hours to repair and build catchments.
Arkansas ? Buffalo River National Park Fence Removal
Volunteers from Arkansas and Missouri removed more than one mile of old barbed wire fence on the Buffalo River National Park elk range recently, making the land safer for elk and other wildlife. Before the area was a national park, it was privately owned farms and cattle ranches whose fences still crisscross the park. The National Park Service estimates that hundreds of miles of old fencing remains in the area, and volunteers are planning future fence pulling projects. The Buffalo River area is home to about 500 elk.
California ?Tule Elk Relocation
The Elk Foundation recently helped capture tule elk from the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in Concord and relocated them to the Cache Creek Wildlife Management Area and other areas with established tule herds. The fenced military base is slated to be closed, and biologists wanted to take the opportunity to transfer elk that live there into a free-range environment with better public access. Managers moved 26 elk to Cache Creek, seven to Grizzly Island and two to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. Foundation funds paid for helicopter time, and 30 volunteers played a hands-on role in the relocation.
Idaho ? Boundary Creek Wildlife Management Area / Smith Creek Planting
Volunteers from the Elk Foundation?s Sandpoint Chapter as well as The Nature Conservancy came out to help the Idaho Department of Fish and Game?s ongoing effort to restore wildlife habitat within the Kootenai River floodplain at the foot of the Selkirk Mountains. Volunteers helped plant trees and shrubs to provide forage and cover for elk, as well as grizzly bears, moose, deer, nesting bald eagles and other wildlife that use this area.
Kentucky ? Elk Capturing and Data Collection
During the past three years, Elk Foundation volunteers in Kentucky have assisted in capturing 111 elk calves to collect data that will ensure the future health of the herd. This is an annual event that takes place for about four weeks each year -- from late May through the third week of June. Capturing this many elk calves is very labor intensive, and volunteers are critical in providing the workforce necessary to get it done. The data collected from the calves includes weight, length, and sex. Blood collected from the calves is analyzed to build a genetic profile of the Kentucky elk herd.
Montana ?Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area Fence Removal
Fifty volunteers, representing 13 different Montana Elk Foundation chapters helped remove three miles of barbed wire and one-half mile of wooden ?Jack Leg? fence along road right-of-ways. The project was organized as part of the Elk Foundation?s Summer Rendezvous. The Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area is the largest wildlife management area in Montana. The Elk Foundation has played a critical role in conserving private land that is now contained within the 65,000 wildlife management area.
South Dakota ? Mystic Ranger District Wildlife Guzzler Repair
Elk Foundation volunteers are working with the U.S. Forest Service to revive water sources in the Black Hills for elk and other wildlife. Many guzzlers (water retainers) built between 1970 and 2004 are in need of maintenance, but the necessary federal funds and workforce have not been available to get the job done. The Forest Service and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks are providing support and materials, while Elk Foundation volunteers are doing most of the on-the-ground work. The goal is to repair 36 guzzlers within the National Forest.
Washington ? Mount Saint Helens Forage Stabilization
The Elk Foundation helped fund the seeding of two miles of an erosion-prone area along the Toutle River with a grass and legume mix designed for erosion control to help prevent further losses of elk forage and habitat. The project team also fertilized nearly 120 acres of existing forage in adjoining areas. Elk Foundation volunteers played a key role in the project, providing the necessary workforce to get the job done.
Wisconsin ? Habitat Enhancement Project, Clam Lake Elk Range, Wisconsin
Along Otter Creek, within the Clam Lake Elk Range, the Elk Foundation helped fund a project to clear, lime, fertilize and seed 6.2 acres of private lands within the Chequamagon National Forest to increase quality spring forage for elk. The improved forage will enhance cow and fetus nutrition and promote herd health. Woodcock, grouse, deer, numerous songbirds and a variety of mammals will also benefit. The project will also include developing a secure trapping site to aid the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in capturing and collaring elk to monitor the herd's growth and health.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation and its partners have permanently protected or enhanced nearly 5 million acres, a land area more than twice as large as Yellowstone National Park. Approximately 500,000 acres previously closed to public access are now open for hunting, fishing and other recreation. The Elk Foundation has more than 150,000 members, a staff of 150 and 10,000 active volunteers. To help protect wild elk country or learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.
Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? April 13, 2007
Contact: Mark Armstrong, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
406-523-3431 or [email protected]
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Recognizes Work of
10,000 Volunteers during National Volunteer Week
10,000 Volunteers during National Volunteer Week
Volunteers Work 257,000 Hours in 2006 to Complete Projects in Every Corner of the Country
(April 13, 2007) Missoula, Montana ? Volunteers have made the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation one of the most successful wildlife conservation organizations in the world by committing their time, talents and energy to the foundation?s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.
Next week, the nation?s 2007 National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), the Elk Foundation is recognizing 10,000 volunteers who work in nearly every state in the country organizing Big Game Banquets in 550 Elk Foundation chapters to raise funds for the organization?s mission, then roll up their sleeves to complete conservation projects on the ground.
In 2006 alone, the foundation?s 10,000 volunteers worked 257,000 hours ? time valued at $4.6 million.
?The strength and success of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has always been driven by its volunteers,? said Peter J. Dart, President and CEO of the Elk Foundation. ?Since we were founded in 1984, our passionate volunteers have inspired by example and have helped us leave a legacy for future generations. They are the heart and soul of this organization.?
From Alaska to Pennsylvania, Elk Foundation volunteers have tirelessly worked to provide reliable water sources for wildlife, improved forage on crucial winter range, and have worked side by side with state wildlife managers to trap and collar elk to gather valuable data for their long-term health and survival.
Following are just a few examples of volunteer-led projects completed in recent years to benefit elk habitat throughout the country:
Alaska ? Gun Collectors Association Youth Firearms Day
Alaska volunteers helped co-sponsor the Alaska Gun Collectors annual youth day at the Birchwood shooting range in Anchorage. Approximately 480 youth, ages 12 to 18, turned out for the 17th annual event. The kids received one-on-one instruction as they tested their skills with a variety of firearms. Hunter safety was a key component of the instruction.
Arizona ? Tusayan Water Development Repair and Maintenance
The Tusayan project aims to provide a more reliable water system for wildlife living within the Kaibab National Forest south of Grand Canyon National Park, near the town of Tusayan. The project, currently underway, involves the installation of a water pipeline from the town?s water treatment facility to six catchments in areas with ample wildlife forage, but limited water. The project also involves increasing the capacity of 23 existing catchments to make them more self-sufficient, constructing up to 23 new water sources, and renovating up to 20 earthen tanks to improve water retention capability. In 2006, 60 Elk Foundation volunteers contributed an estimated 4,670 hours to repair and build catchments.
Arkansas ? Buffalo River National Park Fence Removal
Volunteers from Arkansas and Missouri removed more than one mile of old barbed wire fence on the Buffalo River National Park elk range recently, making the land safer for elk and other wildlife. Before the area was a national park, it was privately owned farms and cattle ranches whose fences still crisscross the park. The National Park Service estimates that hundreds of miles of old fencing remains in the area, and volunteers are planning future fence pulling projects. The Buffalo River area is home to about 500 elk.
California ?Tule Elk Relocation
The Elk Foundation recently helped capture tule elk from the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in Concord and relocated them to the Cache Creek Wildlife Management Area and other areas with established tule herds. The fenced military base is slated to be closed, and biologists wanted to take the opportunity to transfer elk that live there into a free-range environment with better public access. Managers moved 26 elk to Cache Creek, seven to Grizzly Island and two to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. Foundation funds paid for helicopter time, and 30 volunteers played a hands-on role in the relocation.
Idaho ? Boundary Creek Wildlife Management Area / Smith Creek Planting
Volunteers from the Elk Foundation?s Sandpoint Chapter as well as The Nature Conservancy came out to help the Idaho Department of Fish and Game?s ongoing effort to restore wildlife habitat within the Kootenai River floodplain at the foot of the Selkirk Mountains. Volunteers helped plant trees and shrubs to provide forage and cover for elk, as well as grizzly bears, moose, deer, nesting bald eagles and other wildlife that use this area.
Kentucky ? Elk Capturing and Data Collection
During the past three years, Elk Foundation volunteers in Kentucky have assisted in capturing 111 elk calves to collect data that will ensure the future health of the herd. This is an annual event that takes place for about four weeks each year -- from late May through the third week of June. Capturing this many elk calves is very labor intensive, and volunteers are critical in providing the workforce necessary to get it done. The data collected from the calves includes weight, length, and sex. Blood collected from the calves is analyzed to build a genetic profile of the Kentucky elk herd.
Montana ?Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area Fence Removal
Fifty volunteers, representing 13 different Montana Elk Foundation chapters helped remove three miles of barbed wire and one-half mile of wooden ?Jack Leg? fence along road right-of-ways. The project was organized as part of the Elk Foundation?s Summer Rendezvous. The Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area is the largest wildlife management area in Montana. The Elk Foundation has played a critical role in conserving private land that is now contained within the 65,000 wildlife management area.
South Dakota ? Mystic Ranger District Wildlife Guzzler Repair
Elk Foundation volunteers are working with the U.S. Forest Service to revive water sources in the Black Hills for elk and other wildlife. Many guzzlers (water retainers) built between 1970 and 2004 are in need of maintenance, but the necessary federal funds and workforce have not been available to get the job done. The Forest Service and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks are providing support and materials, while Elk Foundation volunteers are doing most of the on-the-ground work. The goal is to repair 36 guzzlers within the National Forest.
Washington ? Mount Saint Helens Forage Stabilization
The Elk Foundation helped fund the seeding of two miles of an erosion-prone area along the Toutle River with a grass and legume mix designed for erosion control to help prevent further losses of elk forage and habitat. The project team also fertilized nearly 120 acres of existing forage in adjoining areas. Elk Foundation volunteers played a key role in the project, providing the necessary workforce to get the job done.
Wisconsin ? Habitat Enhancement Project, Clam Lake Elk Range, Wisconsin
Along Otter Creek, within the Clam Lake Elk Range, the Elk Foundation helped fund a project to clear, lime, fertilize and seed 6.2 acres of private lands within the Chequamagon National Forest to increase quality spring forage for elk. The improved forage will enhance cow and fetus nutrition and promote herd health. Woodcock, grouse, deer, numerous songbirds and a variety of mammals will also benefit. The project will also include developing a secure trapping site to aid the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in capturing and collaring elk to monitor the herd's growth and health.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation and its partners have permanently protected or enhanced nearly 5 million acres, a land area more than twice as large as Yellowstone National Park. Approximately 500,000 acres previously closed to public access are now open for hunting, fishing and other recreation. The Elk Foundation has more than 150,000 members, a staff of 150 and 10,000 active volunteers. To help protect wild elk country or learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.
Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
