The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation rolls into its 30th year of existence fresh off a fifth consecutive year of record membership, the unveiling of a new endowment to boost its core mission programs and having topped 6.4 million acres of land protected or enhanced. “There’s no doubt that 2013 was an incredible year for us, perhaps one of the best ever,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We are so grateful to our volunteers and members because their dedication and commitment to elk, elk country and conservation made it all possible.”
2013 highlights:
Enhanced or protected 112,760 acres of land toward an overall lifetime mark of more than 6.4 million acres
Opened or secured access to 62,027 acres toward an overall lifetime mark of more than 707,000 acres
Completed 562 projects bringing lifetime number of projects to 8,651
Unveiled $30 million Torstenson Family Endowment to further core mission programs of permanent land protection, habitat stewardship, elk restoration and hunting heritage
Restored a wild elk herd to Missouri
Fueled continuing elk restoration project in Virginia
Recorded fifth straight year of record membership, now at 203,703
Provided 357 grants in 44 states for hunting heritage and conservation outreach, directly reaching more than 184,000 children and adults
Maintained the highest rating of 4 stars from Charity Navigator, America’s top charity ratings service
Announced 100 percent of revenue from national convention tags to be awarded to individual states to benefit wildlife conservation
Topped 100,000 Facebook followers
With scores of on-the-ground conservation projects planned or already in the works across the nation, hundreds of local banquets and fundraisers scheduled in the coming months, and the unveiling of an exciting, new RMEF endeavor later this year, expectations are soaring for 2014.
“We recognize RMEF’s 30th anniversary as the ‘Year of the Volunteer’ and we’re working with a full-speed-ahead mentality to accelerate our mission like never before,” added Allen. “We also look forward to capping off 2014 at Elk Camp in early December when we unveil the new Hunter Christmas Exposition in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo.”
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 200,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 6.4 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 www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
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