December 8, 2010
Elk Foundation to Fund Arizona Conservation Projects
MISSOULA, Mont.—Wildlife conservation and public education projects in five Arizona counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.
The new RMEF funding, totaling $75,600, will directly affect Apache, Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai and Yuma counties.
Two additional projects have statewide interest.
“Thanks to our volunteers in Arizona, and their dedicated work in staging successful banquets and fundraisers over the past year, we are continuing our long tradition of funding worthy conservation and education projects across the state,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 380 different projects in Arizona with a combined value of more than $29.3 million.”
This year’s RMEF grants will help fund the following projects, listed by county:
Apache County—Prescribe burn 2,000 acres to improve crucial winter forage for elk in Apache National Forest; provide sponsorship for White Mountain 2010-11 Youth Hunter Camps to teach youngsters about hunting, outdoor skills and conservation (also affects Navajo County).
Coconino County—Thin 559 acres of ponderosa pine forest to help restore aspen and grassland habitat for elk and other wildlife, and build 1,051 feet of fencing to protect regenerating aspen stands, in Kaibab National Forest; provide sponsorship for Camp Colton’s Project LIFE program, which offers every six-grade student in Flagstaff, Ariz., an opportunity to learn outdoor skills and conservation; in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, sponsor Unit 6A-Mormon Lake 2010 Youth Elk Hunting Clinic.
Statewide—Provide sponsorship for “The Poacher Chronicles” outdoor radio show to highlight the role of law enforcement in modern conservation; sponsor Arizona Antelope Foundation sporting clays competition to raise money for habitat conservation.
Yavapai County—Provide sponsorship for Prescott Valley Charter School 2010 National Archery in the Schools Program to engage students in outdoor recreation and conservation.
Yuma County—Provide sponsorship for Scholastic Clay Target Program to introduce Yuma students to recreational sport shooting.
Habitat projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities. A committee of RMEF field staff and volunteers selects education projects.
Partners for 2010 projects in Arizona include Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Forest Service, other conservation organizations, schools and landowners.