Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s New Initiatives Continue to Improve Wildlife Habitat

As a hunter and outdoorsman, I’m naturally interested in wildlife and habitat management. These and other efforts usually come under the umbrella of conservation, and they’re positive undertakings for hunters, naturalists, photographers, and other outdoorsmen. 

I’m amazed by the number of organizations and initiatives specifically aimed at protecting and improving both landscapes and wild animals that call them home – not just the game animals like deer and elk, but many other creatures, including birds. 

Founded in 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) started doing just that. In fact, to date, they’ve helped protect and/or enhance almost 9 million acres of vital habitat for elk and other wildlife. They’ve also improved access to more than 1.3 million acres of land for public hunting, fishing, and other activities for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Restoring elk country is fundamental to RMEF’s mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and North America’s rich hunting heritage.  

Here are just a couple of their recent projects. 

Invasive Plant Control in Kentucky 

When I think of elk, the Pacific Northwest usually comes to mind. What I didn’t know was that Kentucky houses the biggest elk population east of the Mississippi. While that’s awesome, the bluegrass state is also home to invasive vegetation in the state’s southwest region. 

Here, the thick, heavy-canopied forest was once void of grasslands needed for the health of native deer, elk, and black bears, as well as birds such as quail, grouse, and turkeys. After 750,000 acres were converted from tight canopied forest land to grasslands, deer, elk, black bears, and other species would thrive.  

When it was discovered that much of these grasslands transformed into heavy autumn olive cover, action was necessary. After all, it was detrimental to elk calving and even prevented the entrance of wild turkeys. The invasive, non-native shrubs were taking over the beneficial grassy cover.  

RMEF projects and funding not only benefit hunters but many
landscapes and wildlife species.

The RMEF, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and other partners developed a strategy to address the negative trend. 

During 2022 and 2023, project members targeted thousands of acres, with both herbicide treatment and controlled burning. and multiple treatment areas encompassing more than 2,200 acres with a combination of prescribed burning and aerial herbicide application. 

The result has been improved habitat and grasslands and increased forest health. The project is ongoing with continued assessment and management.   

Improved Habitat – Crooked River National Grassland, Oregon 

Jefferson County, Oregon is home to 173,629 acres. It’s also home to the Crooked River and a grassland harboring a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, quail, and chuker. Winding through north-central Oregon, the expansive Crooked River National Grassland is also a wonderland for anglers, hunters, photographers, and hikers.  

Since 1995, the RMEF has not only provided funding for the effort but contributed funding towards it. There have been several projects aimed at enhancing wildlife habitat. Efforts continue to include prescribed burning, fence improvements, and restoring wildlife water guzzlers. Project workers have also planted a lot of native grass and shrub seeds. 

Prescribed burns like this one near the Crooked River, restore and
enhance habitats for many wild animal species, not the least of
which are elk.

The result has been the restoration of grasslands in place of an overabundance of conifers. The result has been an improved abundance of healthy grazing, forbs, and an improved range.  

Whether, you’re a hiker, hunter, photographer, or simply enjoy outdoor spaces, check out RMEF and their past, current, and future endeavors.