To improve nearly 5, 000 acres of habitat for deer, mule deer, ptarmigan animal, turkey, and a variety of other wildlife species, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated$ 3, 754, 957 in grant money.
Arizona has a good elk herd, but some of its range is not as wholesome. By removing encroaching pine and pinyon growth, two habitat enhancement projects, according to Blake Henning, RMEF general conservation officer, improve forage in northcentral Arizona. ” To emphasize two additional projects, one expands wildlife water sources, and the other safely removes unauthorized wild horses from tens of thousands of acres to aid in the restoration of essential downstream habitat and wildlife.”
For children clay target shooting and archery groups, four more projects offer monetary support.
The funding provided by RMEF, which contributed to the leverage of$ 3,439,995 in partner funds, was$ 314,922.
” Across Arizona, we salute and thank our RMEF individuals.” We were able to reinvest these funds in deer, different wildlife, searching, and conservation thanks to their devoted fundraising efforts, according to Kyle Weaver, president and CEO of RMEF.
More than 6, 000 RMEF people and eight pages are based in Arizona.
With a combined worth of more than$ 38.7 million, RMEF and its partners have completed 534 protection and hunting heritage awareness projects in Arizona since 1986. These initiatives opened or improved open access to 21, 585 acres while conserving and enhancing 468, 065 land of wildlife.
See the full project list, organized by county, above.
County of Apache
- In the Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, provide funding to assist in the safe removal of wild horses that outcompete local wildlife and harm the vegetation and riparian habitat. Fences will be rebuilt to defend habitat while helping moose, mule deer, and other animals after crews remove the horses.
County of Coconino
- By removing encroaching pine growth in the Red Rock Ranger District on the Coconino National Forest, you can restore 3, 135 acres of farmland biodiversity and big game corridors while lowering the risk of severe fire. Elk spring selection and year-round habitat for antelopes antelope and mule deer make up the project area. Additionally, bighorn sheep, black bears, and various types benefit from it.
- To enhance wildlife habitat and general forest health, reduce encroaching pine and pinyon from 400 hectares in the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. Indigenous areas that rely on wood to heat their homes can purchase timber from the project.
County of Maricopa
- provide funding to encourage Wickenburg Christian Academy students to compete in the Western National Tournament’s National Archery in Schools Program( NASP ), which attracts more than 3, 000 shooters from all over the West.
- Give Pilgrim Lutheran School money so they can form a NASP team to encourage shooting sports and an appreciation of the outdoors.
County of Navajo
- provide funding for the White Mountain Clay Busters team’s participation in the national and three state Scholastic Clay Target Program ( SCTP ) championships.
County of Yavapai
- Install a thermal compressor at an existing well in the Prescott National Forest’s Chino Valley Ranger District. To increase year-round water supply for deer, Coues whitetail elk, black bear, turkey, and other wildlife, crews will even install two and a half miles of underwater pipeline, two wildlife drinkers, as well as two 12, 000 gallon storage tanks.
County Yuma
- Provide money for the Yuma Young Guns SCTP program, which trains students in elementary school through college to engage in a secure environment while learning about gun safety and teamwork.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino and Prescott National Forests, as well as several protection, golfers groups and individuals, are among the funding partners.
