Elk enthusiasts raise $40,000 at convention for conservation efforts

ByLloyd Call
Ben Nielson from Springville looks over live auction items, including a majestic elk painting, at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation last Saturday in Ephraim. Photo by Lloyd Call.

      EPHRAIM—About 300 elk enthusiasts gathered in Ephraim last Saturday to socialize and raise funds for the Utah chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF).

      Ron Camp, Utah regional director, noted that RMEF projects have conserved and enhanced 1.37 million acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 32,136 acres. Camp reported that about $40,000 was raised at the event. On April 6, the foundation will assign the raised funds to specific Utah projects.

Riley Thomas (right) gets instructions on bidding for auction items from volunteer at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation fundraiser. Photo by Lloyd Call.

      The Elk Foundation is a national organization founded in 1984 with the motto “Hunting is Conservation,” whose objectives are to conserve habitat for wildlife and carry out hunting heritage outreach projects. RMEF has raised more than $143 million since its inception.

      RMEF conservation efforts unite with partners to permanently protect quality elk range, migration corridors and calving areas. Conservation tools include land acquisitions and exchanges, conservation easements, contributions and other goals.

      Habitat stewardship provides financial support to carry out prescribed burning, forest thinning, noxious weed treatments, the establishment of wildlife water developments and other projects to enhance elk habitat.

                Opening and securing quality public access means promoting public access across the country for hunters, hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

The Shepherd family from Wales and Northern Utah are filling out their bid forms at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation fundraiser last Saturday. (L-R) are Summer, Katie (holding Bobby), Ken, Sarah, June, Mindy, Wyatt and Hannah. This is the Shepherd family’s first time attending the convention. Photo by Lloyd Call.