RMEF Conserves Vital Wyoming Elk Habitat
Posted on: Sep 01, 2022
MISSOULA, Mont. — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation worked alongside landowners who cherish the wildlife values of their land to acquire and conserve 6,659 acres of prime wildlife habitat in southeast Wyoming.
“This is a significant conservation victory for elk and other wildlife, hunter access and wildlife management,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We salute the vision of Sam Shoultz and Frank Petrouskie and appreciate their patience in making this transaction a reality.”
The Mule Creek property lies near the southern Laramie Range Mountains between Casper and Laramie. It provides winter and year-round elk range and is also home to mule deer, pronghorn antelope and a variety of other wildlife species.
Rich in natural springs and located on or near several contributory drainages to Mule Creek and Sheep Creek, it is an expansive and ecologically diverse property in the heart of southeast Wyoming’s Elk Hunt Area 7.
“This project is especially important because it links 38,000 acres of contiguous state and federal land in a part of Wyoming where public access is challenging, at best, due to a large number of private ranches and landlocked state and federal land,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “And since elk populations are well above population objectives, biologists can better utilize hunters to manage elk numbers.”
RMEF previously collaborated with the landowners and Wyoming Game and Fish Department to create the Mule Creek Public Access Area, which allows elk hunting access on foot or horseback.
On the broader regional landscape, RMEF contributed more than $500,000 to complete 40 habitat enhancement projects, and eyes plans to do more on the immediate property while a long-term ownership plan is formulated.
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.