MISSOULA, Mont. — Western landscapes recently impacted by wildfires are receiving $7.8 million in forest restoration treatments.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation allotted $330,000 in 2023 grant funding to help recover habitat for elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, turkey and other wildlife, upping its overall 2021-2023 commitment to $1.6 million. Those funds helped leverage $6.2 million from RMEF’s conservation partners.
“Healthy forests mean healthy habitat. These active forest management projects positively affect elk and scores of other species,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We recognize this would not happen without the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state and county agencies, private landowners and other partnerships.”
Habitat enhancement projects include invasive weed treatment, planting native grasses and shrubs, aspen restoration, conifer thinning, fence removal and/or replacement with wildlife-friendly fencing, riparian restoration and repairing or constructing wildlife water sources.
As of today, there are 41 wildfire restoration grants awarded to 10 states from 2021 through April 2023 with work continuing through 2025. Below is a list of the most recent 2023 projects slated to receive support.
Nevada
- Wildcat Wildfire Antelope Bitterbrush Planting – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Utah
- Halfway Hill Wildfire Rehab & Stabilization – Fishlake National Forest, BLM Color County District, Fillmore Wildlife Management Area & private land
Washington
- Lick Creek Wildfire Native Grass Reseeding – Asotin Creek Wildlife Area
- Vantage Highway Wildfire Restoration – L.T. Murray Wildlife Area
Wyoming
- Ryan Wildfire Cheatgrass Treatment – Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland
- Mullen Wildfire Musk Thistle Control in the Platte River Wilderness – Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
Click here to view a list of projects, scientific studies and other information about the importance of active forest management and reducing the risk of large-scale wildfires.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded more than 39 years ago and fueled by hunters, RMEF maintains more than 225,000 members and has conserved more than 8.6 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.