Idaho Conservation Projects Draw RMEF Funding

MISSOULA, Mont.—Wildlife conservation projects in seven Idaho counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $34,929, will affect Boise, Clearwater, Custer, Idaho, Lemhi, Madison and Valley counties.

Another project has statewide interest.

“These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Idaho volunteers—most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 380 different projects in Idaho with a combined value of more than $41.1 million.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following projects, listed by county:

Boise County—Provide funding for wing fences to help funnel migrating deer and elk into new wildlife underpasses along Highway 21; prescribe burn 1,800 acres to improve forage quality in ponderosa pine forests in Poorman Creek area of Boise National Forest.

Clearwater County—Purchase GPS radio collars to assist with Idaho Department of Fish and Game research on effects of wolf predation on elk survival in Clearwater and Boise national forests (also affects Boise and Valley counties).

Idaho County—Improve forage conditions for elk by prescribe burning 15,000 acres in the Clearwater and Nez Perce national forests (also affects Clearwater County); treat 270 acres of noxious weeds along the Salmon River in Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness to improve habitat for elk, deer, bighorn sheep and other wildlife (also affects Lemhi, Valley and Custer counties).

Madison County—Prescribe burn 1,443 acres to improve forage, cover and calving habitat for elk and mule deer in Big Hole Mountains of Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

Statewide—Sponsor Idaho Sportsmen’s Caucus 2010 Advisory Council, which works to monitor and influence state issues affecting hunters and other sportsmen.

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.

Partners for 2010 projects in Idaho include the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Transportation, U.S. Forest Service, tribes, other organizations and landowners.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.