MISSOULA, Mont. — Celebrating four decades of conservation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation formally recognized six partner organizations at its recent 40th anniversary celebration that helped further its mission over that time – U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), Bass Pro Shops-Cabela’s, Browning, Leupold and Weatherby.
“The Forest Service and Idaho Fish and Game truly have been conservation partners for four decades. Together, we have carried out meaningful and ongoing work for the benefit of elk, mule deer, moose and so many other wildlife species,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer.
RMEF-USFS Cumulative Project History
- 3,715 projects
- 3,861,508 acres enhanced
- 157,091 acres conserved
- 363,373 acres of improved public access
- $388.6 million in conservation value
RMEF-IDFG Cumulative Project History:
- 263 projects
- 277,806 acres enhanced
- 21,287 acres conserved
- 22,987 acres of improved public access
- $19.8 million in conservation value
“Bass Pro Shops-Cabela’s, Browning, Leupold and Weatherby support us because they believe in and value our mission. They did so 40 years ago and they do so today,” said Steve Decker, RMEF chief revenue officer.
Recognized Partners on RMEF (click here to watch a video)
U.S. Forest Service Associate Chief Angela Coleman: “What an incredible history, an incredible legacy and incredible friendship. We want to say thank you for teaching us how to share leadership, how to share stewardship.”
Idaho Game and Fish Idaho State Wildlife Manager Rick Ward: “One thing I learned in my career is conservation is a team sport. I think RMEF exemplifies that.”
Bass Pro Shops-Cabela’s Senior Director of Conservation Bob Ziehmer: “You look at the RMEF and it’s one of the best conservation programs that are out there based on reputation as well as accomplishments.”
Browning CEO Travis Hall: “Our company wouldn’t be where it is today without people like you and creating the opportunities. It’s always been a pleasure and the people are what make this organization so great.”
Leupold President & CEO Bruce Pettet: “We have a responsibility to leave what we do to future generations and what we have and try to make it better. That’s the thing that I think RMEF has done.”
Weatherby CEO Adam Weatherby: “My grandpa was an innovator and when he saw something that was going to do something pretty cool, he got behind it. And that was the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 1984.”
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 America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation”® at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.