Elk NetworkTeam Effort Expands Public Access in Montana’s Elkhorn Mountains

Conservation | September 22, 2021

There’s now more acreage to hunt and explore in Montana’s aptly-named Elkhorn Mountains.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation collaborated with the Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Helena-Lewis and Clark and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, and landowners to acquire 1,418 acres of wildlife habitat and conveyed it to the U.S. Forest Service.

“Well, you know there every once in a while, a project comes along that just needs to happen,” Mike Mueller, RMEF senior lands program manager, told KTVH-TV. “This whole country that we are standing in is miles and miles and miles away from the communities and towns and the populated areas of Montana. It just makes sense to conserve these special places,” said Mueller.

At an elevation of 7,000 feet, the property consists of rolling mountains and mountain foothill habitat with a combination of timbered areas and mountain sagebrush and grassland habitat. The East Fork of Dry Creek, Turman Creek, Sand Creek, and Dahlman Gulch flow through the property and contribute to valuable riparian areas and meadow complexes.

“The land will provide year-round and winter habitat for elk, as well as habitat for deer, bears, wolves, moose, mountain lions, ferruginous hawks, and a variety of grassland birds,” added Mueller.

Go here to watch a TV news report about the project.

(Photo source: Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest)