For a few restoration and hunting identity initiatives in Missouri and Arkansas, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated$ 294, 714*. RMEF supplied$ 80, 556 which utilized$ 217, 158 in lover money.
From funding research to maintaining and maintaining the ecology of elk populations, to funding youth exterior programs, projects range from planting forage.
According to Blake Henning, RMEF’s key conservation officer,” These bucks benefit growing moose populations and the improved habitat they need in both states.” ” We’re also pleased to support children archer, recreational shooting groups, and other outdoor events and activities.”
There are 10 RMEF sections in Missouri and five in Arkansas.
Without our volunteers who organize banquets and other events, we would not have the cash to set back on the ground. To them we say,’ Bless you,'” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO.
With a total budget of more than$ 3.3 million, RMEF and its partners have completed 152 conservation and heritage outreach projects in Missouri. These jobs enhanced 11, 912 hectares of wildlife.
In 1992, RMEF completed 112 conservation and heritage outreach projects worth more than$ 5.4 million. These jobs opened or improved open access to 514 acres while conserving or improving 80, 664 hectares of wildlife.
Below is a job list, shown by state and county.
ARKANSAS
Newton County
- To treat aggressive vegetation, lower erosion, and rebuild existing fireplace breaks to support future prescribed burns, restore 200 acres of habitat to the Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area. The work rewards wild, stag deer, exotic turkey and other animals. The acreage was included in RMEF’s first voluntary conservation agreement ( conservation easement ), which was signed by a landowner and RMEF and was later given to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Statewide
- Co- sponsored the Arkansas Youth Hunter Education Challenge local event, a program for hunter- qualified youth ages 19 and under to expand and test their skills in firearms, archery, social hunting, wildlife identification, map and compass orienteering, and more.
MISSOURI
Atchison County
- Grant money to expand the Atchison-Holt County 4-H Shooting Sports Club, which provides opportunities for youth aged 8 to 18 to compete in shotgun, rifle, and archery competitions ( also benefits Holt County ).
Carter County
- Peck Ranch Conservation Area and Ozark National Scenic Riverways, both within the Missouri Elk Restoration Zone, offer 350 acres of plant forage ( which also benefits Reynolds and Shannon Counties ).
- Provide financing to deploy 100 devices to better estimate the country’s deer people. Reynolds and Shannon Counties benefit from ongoing studies, which are among the most recent initiatives.
- Charity assistance will be provided until the original restoration project is finished, removing the deer pen and wire.
Christian County
- Finance the Chadwick Cardinals Archery Team, a group of students in grades four through twelve, to study and engage in the National Archery in the Schools Program.
Clinton County
- Offer cash for Clinton County 4- H Shooting Sports, which offers archery training and competition for players ages 8 to 18 ( even benefits Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clay, DeKalb and Ray Counties ).
Cole County
- Provide funding for Cole County 4-H Shooting Sports to assist youth in learning how to use firearms and archery equipment responsibly in a safe, enjoyable environment ( also benefits Miller, Moniteau, and Osage Counties ).
New Madrid County
- Grant funding to expand the Gideon School District No. 1 archery program 37 to add additional classroom space and 3D targets.
Wayne County
- Provide funding for the Boy Scouts of America Perryville Troop 250 to host a fishing tournament ( also benefits Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson, Perry and Scott Counties ).
Statewide
- Supply funding to support Missouri 4- H Shooting Sports, a program that engages youth in the American traditions of hunting, shooting and conservation. Participants learn teamwork, self- confidence and sportsmanship while taking part in air rifle, air pistol, smallbore rifle, smallbore pistol, archery and other skills.
Project partners include the Missouri Department of Conservation, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and various conservation, sportsmen and business groups as well as individuals.
( *States received the funding in 2023 but its impact carries over into 2024 and beyond. )
