Colorado Elk, Mule Deer Migration Corridor Habitat Conserved

Posted on: Jul 11, 2024

MISSOULA, Mont. A vital migration corridor for both elk and mule deer in west-central Colorado remains intact and is now protected thanks to a collaborative effort by a conservation-minded landowner and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

A voluntary conservation agreement between the two sides conserves 1,049 acres northeast of Montrose near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BCGNP) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CNRA).

Were grateful for a landowner who not only recognizes and understands the wildlife values of the property but translated that knowledge into action by conserving it, said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO.

The acreage supplies transition and critical winter range for approximately 7,700 elk as well as mule deer. Combined with adjacent public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management and BCGNP, the immediate area serves as a migratory corridor for both species, as noted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It also offers habitat for black bears, wild turkey, raptors and other wildlife.

In addition to woodlands, meadows, grasslands and sagebrush steppe habitat, it also features important riparian habitat since more than two and a half miles of the Pinon Springs Draw flows through the property.

Protection of the migration corridor is in line with RMEFs migration initiative work, Secretarial Order 3362 and important Colorado priorities.

When combined with other projects in the BCGNP and CNRA vicinity, RMEF collaborated with landowners to conserve more than 13,000 acres of habitat for elk and other wildlife.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: 

Founded in 1984 and fueled by hunters, RMEF has conserved more than 8.9 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of Americas hunting heritage. Discover why Hunting Is Conservation at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.