Idaho Elk, Elk Habitat Receive $2.1 Million in Upgrades

Posted on: Sep 12, 2022

MISSOULA, Mont. — Better groceries are on the way for Idaho’s elk population. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated $2,103,338 in grant funding to improve wildlife habitat in Idaho.

“Once completed, these projects will enhance nearly 60,000 acres of elk habitat,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “That’s good news for elk, hunters and a myriad of other wildlife, bird and plant species.”

To highlight one of the 16 projects, crews in southcentral Idaho will plant 60,000 seedlings across 1,000 acres and spray cheatgrass on 1,500 acres in the Sawtooth National Forest, site of the 2020 Badger and 2012 Cave Canyon Wildfires. The project is part of RMEF’s $1 million wildfire restoration commitment.

Other conservation projects include aspen enhancement, watershed restoration, prescribed burns, invasive weed treatment, removing encroaching conifers and dilapidated fencing, and support for various hunting heritage activities.

RMEF directly granted $375,436 that leveraged $1,727,902 in partner dollars.

Idaho is home to 18 chapters and more than 8,500 members.

“From the Panhandle to Idaho’s southernmost reaches, we greatly appreciate our volunteers who plan and host successful banquets and other events that raise critical funding for our mission,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO.

Go here to view a county-by-county breakdown of Idaho’s 2022-funded projects.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Founded more than 38 years ago and fueled by hunters, RMEF maintains more than 225,000 members and has conserved nearly 8.4 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 America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.