November 16, 2010
Elk Research Headlines RMEF Grants in Kentucky
MISSOULA, Mont.—A habitat research project using radio tracking devices on 16-20 bull elk in Martin County, Ky., headlines a statewide list of conservation and education projects selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.
All together, the new RMEF funding totals $43,250.
“These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Kentucky volunteers—most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 69 different projects in Kentucky with a combined value of more than $6.3 million.”
RMEF also was, of course, heavily involved in the state’s historic elk restoration efforts.
The new elk research project, to be conducted in an area of reclaimed coalmines, will determine the animals’ preferred habitats, movement patterns and survival rates. Results will help refine future management strategies. Partners in the project include the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the University of Kentucky.
RMEF grants also will help fund the following projects, listed by county:
Barren County—Provide sponsorship for The Future of Bowfishing 2010 Youth Tournament to engage youths in outdoor recreation and conservation.
Floyd County—Build an interpretive kiosk about elk at Jenny Wiley State Park.
Franklin County—Provide sponsorship for National Archery in the Schools Program two-day archery camp for students in grades 4-12.
Harrison County—In partnership with Licking River Outfitters, provide hunting opportunities for disabled veterans and terminally ill youths.
Leslie County—Provide sponsorship for Hayes Lewis Elementary School involvement in National Archery in the Schools Program.
Letcher County—Provide sponsorship for Letcher County Kids Day to engage youths in outdoor recreation and conservation.
Statewide—Conduct a literature review and publish a document including all existing research on wildlife responses to reclaimed surface mines in the eastern U.S. and Texas. Document will serve as a reference for regulators and wildlife managers; provide scholarships for need youths who would like to attend the Kentucky Conservation Camp, a program to engage students in outdoor recreation and conservation.
Webster County—Provide sponsorship for county schools’ involvement in National Archery in the Schools Program.
Habitat projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities. A committee of RMEF field staff and volunteers selects education projects.
Partners for 2010 projects in Kentucky include Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky State Parks, University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee, other organizations, companies and businesses, schools and landowners.