MISSOULA, Mont.—Conserving habitat and supplementing recreational access—two goals that merge as a single purpose for a new partnership between the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Recreational Aviation Foundation.
The organizations have agreed to join forces and finances on land conservation projects where placement of an airstrip is both feasible and compatible with wildlife values.
“We always look for ways to improve public access for hunting and other outdoor recreation, and this partnership opens a new door for accomplishing that,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
John McKenna, president of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, said, “Part of our mission is increasing the availability of airstrips in order to access public lands. In future RMEF projects where this goal harmonizes with ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat, we’d like to bring our checkbook and cooperation.”
A memorandum of understanding outlines the partnership for the next five years.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
The Recreational Aviation Foundation (www.theraf.org) is a non-profit public charity whose mission is to protect, preserve and develop opportunities for the enjoyment of aviation in the backcountry of America.