Wyoming Receives $6 Million for Elk Habitat, Research, Public Access

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and its partners allocated $6,046,939 in 2022 grant funding to conserve and improve wildlife habitat, enhance public access and assist scientific research in Wyoming. RMEF directly granted $310,656 that leveraged an additional $5,736,283 in partner dollars.

“This funding is extremely critical and goes on the ground for 20 different projects across the state including wildfire restoration, aspen enhancement, invasive weed control, stabilizing stream bank erosion, conifer thinning, water source improvement and three research projects,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “Other projects include conserving more than 2,200 acres of elk habitat, providing funding to improve elk hunting access on private land and more than a dozen projects that support hunting, recreational shooting and outdoors-related endeavors.”

“Our dedicated volunteers have a long and successful history of generating funding at chapter banquets and other events in Wyoming,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We express our sincere gratitude for them and their ongoing efforts that help further our mission.”

Below are a few examples of the 2021-funded projects. Click here to view the complete list.

Albany County

Plant up to 100 seedlings per acre across 900 acres of habitat on the Medicine Bow NationalForest, where the 2018 Badger Creek and 2020 Mullen Wildfires burned nearly 200,000 acres. The project is part of RMEF’s ongoing $1 million commitment toward wildfire restoration work (also benefits Carbon County).

Park County

Provide funding to identify the most crucial sections of fence to be removed or modified as part of research to assist elk migration patterns.

Statewide

Provide funding for the state’s Access Yes program to secure and improve public access for hunting and fishing on privately-owned land.

For more information, visit rmef.org.