WhatJust a few years later, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation teamed up with others, including lead partner—the Trust for Public Land– federal, local and state government officials, and scores of RMEF volunteers who pooled their time and talents to raise the necessary funding.
Together, this united band purchased the ranch and placed it into public ownership—now managed by the Bureau of Land ManagementWhereNestled in the western slopes of the Big Horn Mountains about 15 to 20 miles east of Lovell, you’ll find a gateway for hunters, hikers and anglers to freely come and go. WhoRocky Mountain Elk FoundationTrust for Public LandLocal & State Government OfficialsRMEF VolunteersWhy It’s ImportantFormerly referred to as the Devil’s Canyon Ranch, these 11,179 acres were the epicenter of dispute and controversy. Citing an increase in vandalism and careless use, the previous owners closed the ranch to public access in 1998.
Devil’s Canyon, Wyoming, is about as wild as wildlands get. Sheer rock walls and dramatic cliffs punctuate a landscape as rough and rugged now as it has been for thousands of years.More InfoToday, it remains open to public access for hunting, fishing, hiking and other forms of recreation, PLUS the transaction opened the door to an additional 20,000 acres of surrounding public land. And it’s since been the site of more than a dozen habitat enhancement projects.
You and I aren’t the only winners. Devil’s Canyon provides critical habitat for elk, mule deer, big horn sheep and countless other wildlife.
It is truly a win-win for all involved…and stands as yet another example of RMEF’s dedicated efforts to open and secure public access to the best of elk country.