Between 1982 and 2002, the United States lost 34.5 million acres of rural lands—almost 5,000 acres a day—to poorly planned growth, rapid subdivision and development. Much of this land was valuable wildlife habitat, working farms, ranches and forests. Even before 1982, elk had lost more than 80 percent of their once-expansive range, and what remains is increasingly fragmented and degraded.

Healthy elk herds are a sign of healthy ecosystems. They are part of an interconnected natural and human community that includes thriving hunting and ranching traditions and a rich diversity of wildlife.

Conservation Initiatives
The Elk Foundation has the vision, discipline and focus required to strategically use our resources to secure the future of elk and other wildlife. We are setting national priorities and developing conservation strategies by focusing on a series of landscape-scale initiatives. Drawing from the best ideas and methods of the scientific and conservation community—and from the best traditions of hunters, conservationists and philanthropists—we are protecting and stewarding the most important and threatened wildlife habitat in elk country.

A Clearly Defined Approach
We accomplish this through a clearly delineated approach that is both broad-minded and sharply focused. On-the-ground action includes permanently protecting lands, stewarding habitat and supporting research, restoring elk to their historic ranges, and educating people about the role humans play in conserving wildlife. For us to achieve our conservation goals and objectives, we must evaluate the effectiveness of our actions. Ongoing, consistent monitoring and evaluation is critical to efficient allocation of human and financial resources.