The Elk Foundation accepted the gift of the Double H Ranch in New Mexico from the Torstenson Estate in 2003. Acceptance included the understanding that the late Bob Torstenson wished that the ranch be used in part for educating people—especially youth—about conservation and wildlife. Now called the Torstenson Family Wildlife Center (TFWC), the ranch is an active conservation and hunting heritage education center for the foundation.
Programs in place on the TFWC include a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America to conduct a High Adventure Base Camp. Between 900 and 1,200 scouts annually participate in this outdoor living and hiking adventure. Other activities hosted by TFWC include a conservation education day for local youth, fly fishing clinics, hunter education classes and guided trips on the ranch for youth and adults.
TFWC’s programs cultivate future conservationists by providing in-depth experiences that encourage youth to become leaders in the field and equip them with the knowledge and skills to do so.