Wildlife habitat enhancement, research and hunting heritage projects across Washington state have received over $1.9 million in funding provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) this year, according to a news release.
One focus of Washington’s 23 RMEF chapters is the Mount St. Helens elk herd. Part of the grant has gone toward treating 160 acres of noxious weeds to enhance native plant species for the herd and other wildlife across Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
“This funding helps enhance nearly 15,000 acres of Washington’s elk country (statewide), some of which is ailing due to the spread of noxious weeds and encroaching conifers that choke out native shrubs and grasses so crucial for elk and other wildlife species,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer in the release.
RMEF directly provided $215,712 for this grant, which leveraged an additional $1,685,136 in partner dollars.
Founded over 37 years ago, fueled by 231,000 members, RMEF has conserved more than 8.2 million acres for elk and other wildlife nationally. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Read more at rmef.org or 1-800-CALL ELK.
