![]() “RMEF played an integral role in that process. “Kentucky did elk restoration in a big way in the late 1990s by moving 1,500 elk into the state,” says Henning. Many states have worked hard to help elk populations flourish to a level that now allows for hunting opportunities (most recently, Wisconsin and Missouri). RMEF has been able to support all eastern elk states in their efforts to restore and support healthy populations of elk, according to Henning. “Following the success of the restoration program, RMEF is helping ensure healthy elk herds continue to thrive through land protection, access, and habitat enhancement projects.” “Through RMEF’s Eastern Elk Initiative, past elk restoration efforts have helped ensure a future where the residents and visitors to states east of ‘classic’ elk range have an opportunity to view and eventually hunt elk,” says Henning. Henning said RMEF is deeply invested in restoring wild elk herds to their former ranges, which means they must engage and educate thousands of people to help them understand the importance of conservation and hunting to the future of elk, other wildlife, and their habitat. “Since then, the organization has spent millions of dollars both directly and indirectly to support the efforts of seven states (Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin) and also Ontario, Canada.” “It’s been part of RMEF’s mission since 1990 when the first project east of the Mississippi was completed in Wisconsin,” says Blake Henning, chief conservation officer for RMEF. There’s still much work to be done, but several states already have high enough elk numbers to warrant a hunting season. RMEF has been at the forefront of eastern elk restoration and they’ve worked with state and local wildlife agencies to put elk back on the landscape. In the last few decades elk are making a comeback in the East, thanks to the efforts of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), state fish and game agencies, and a variety of other conservation partners. But habitat changes and overhunting led to a severe decline in populations. And an Appalachian ridge cutting through the Pennsylvania countryside.Įlk once ranged across our nation. A forest glade in Wisconsin’s northwoods. Picture sprawling meadows of rugged, reclaimed coal mine land in Kentucky. But there’s another option that’s steadily becoming available. ![]() When most hunters think of elk hunting, they envision snow-capped mountain peaks with dark fir forests, alpine meadows gracing the high country, and golden aspens shimmering in the foothills. Pennsylvania started reintroducing elk in the early 1900s. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |