Forest openings provide vital forage in the form of grasses and other vegetation for elk and other big game, and all wildlife across the country.
That holds especially true in Wisconsin where forestland is extremely dense.
Dating back to 2006, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation combined with partners to put more than half a million dollars on the ground to enhance elk habitat in the Great Divide Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest – the epicenter of Wisconsin’s northern elk range.
In 2015, RMEF worked with the Forest Service to conduct a comprehensive inventory of opening locations, including the acreage linked to the decommissioned U.S. Navy ELF or extremely low frequency communication lines.
A decade later, this system for mapping and managing these openings remains in place and supports 265 wildlife openings across 762 acres.
Crews have a goal to maintain them on a rotational basis every four years.
Treatments include mowing, cutting woody vegetation, weed treatments, prescribed burning and seeding or planting native grasses and forbs.
That work benefits elk, whitetail deer, ruffed grouse and woodcock, other birds, small mammals and pollinators.
The managed openings provide public access to and are open for hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking and other recreational activities.
ONE SQUARE MILE A DAY.
OVER 10 MILLION ACRES BY 2030.
At RMEF, we’re not just conserving what’s here today, we’re creating what’s possible for tomorrow. That means more access, healthier habitats and a stronger future for all big game.