Seeking to raise additional funding for Virginia’s elk herd and the habitat needed for the population to survive and thrive, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) launched the Explore the Wild Sweepstakes.
Participants have the opportunity to win a trip for four and have a special guided tour with DWR staff to view elk in the southwest portion of the state. The prize package also includes two nights in a cabin, meals and other prizes.
All proceeds from the sweepstakes will go toward DWR’s Restore the Wild initiative and specifically be used for elk habitat restoration and viewing work at Breaks Interstate Park.
Phase 1: Control of invasive shrubs on project area to promote diversity of habitat structure and forage composition for elk and other wildlife.
Estimated Funding Goal: $7,500
Phase 2: Conversion of non-native grass species to a high-diversity native plant species composition promote a native composition of grass and herbaceous species that will provide cover and forage for elk and other wildlife.
Estimated Funding Goal: $3,500
Phase 3: Install infrastructure (parking areas, barriers, interpretive signage, etc.) to promote wildlife viewing access to the project area.
Estimated Funding Goal: $10,500
Virginia recently announced it will hold its first-ever managed elk hunt in 2022. The planned hunt marks a tremendous conservation victory. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided funding and volunteer manpower to assist with the successful restoration of elk to their historic Virginia range in 2012.
Go here to enter and for rules and additional information.
(Photo source: Bess Thompson/Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources)