In the near future, more than half of all large private tracts of land in the U.S. will change ownership. Many of these tracts will likely be subdivided. These private lands often contain critical elk calving grounds, winter ranges and migratory corridors, which could be lost forever. Already, elk and other wildlife lose hundreds of acres of their crucial habitat every day.

The growing demand for land, coupled with dwindling financial return for traditional agricultural uses, is forcing many ranching and agricultural families to sell their land. Land conversion often compromises wildlife habitat. It could even mean the end of an elk herd. As subdivision accelerates, land values are pushed to unprecedented heights.

The Elk Foundation must act quickly to save the best of elk country. Our Strategic Land Protection Fund (SLPF) will help make this possible.

Since 1985, we have worked with willing landowners to permanently protect more than 700,000 acres of elk and other wildlife habitat by securing purchased or donated conservation easements, acquiring land, exchanging land, or using other conservation tools. To meet the skyrocketing costs of conserving wildlife habitat head on, the SLPF will provide ready capital for top priority permanent land protection projects.

The SLPF is a revolving fund, whereby the revenue received from completed projects will be used to replenish the account for future projects. One hundred percent of funds from the SLPF will be used for our Permanent Land Protection Program. The SLPF will enable the Elk Foundation to leverage matching project funds through granting programs and/or private donations to make every dollar work harder.

Launched in 2006, the SLPF currently has assets in excess of $4 million. Our 10 year goal for the SLPF is $55 million.

Revenue for the SLPF will accrue from land sales, bargain sales and interest from the account balance. Charitable contributions are an essential revenue source, especially during the initial start up of the SLPF. All land protection project costs may be paid from the SLPF, including appraisals, title work and other associated project costs.

Approved Revenue Sources:

• Charitable gifts of $2,500 or more.
  
• Philanthropic loans
  • Minimum investment is $50,000.
  • Investors will be paid a below-market annual interest rate of 3 percent.
  

Land protection is a smart investment. By growing the SLPF, we will not only protect the best of elk country from Alaska to Tennessee, but will also conserve irreplaceable open spaces and scenic views, traditional working landscapes and clean water sources. We will also increase public access and opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.