Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat, Youth Outdoor Programs Get $528,023 in Funding Support

Posted on: Oct 17, 2024

MISSOULA, Mont. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a host of partners supplied more than half a million dollars to enhance habitat for elk, deer, black bears, turkey and other wildlife in Pennsylvania. The funding also supports youth recreational shooting programs and gatherings focused on conservation, hunting, fishing or other outdoor activities. 

Invasive vegetation and insects crowd out and have a negative impact on native plants and grasses that elk and other wildlife rely on for life-sustaining nutrition. Two of the projects are invasive vegetation treatments which will enhance habitat in the heart of the states elk range, said Jenn Doherty, RMEF managing director of Mission Operations. 

RMEF supplied $178,424 which helped leverage $349,599 in partner support. 

We appreciate the efforts of our volunteers across Pennsylvania who plan and host banquets and other activities to raise this funding we can put back on the ground in their home state, said RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver. 

There are more than 13,000 RMEF members and 29 chapters in Pennsylvania. 

Go here to view a list and approximate location of all 19 projects. 

Project partners include the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas Outdoor Fund, private individuals and volunteers, and other conservation, sportsmen, civic and business organizations. 

Since 1991, RMEF and its partners completed 569 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Pennsylvania with a combined value of more than $29.2 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 29,449 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 10,838 acres. 

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.