MISSOULA, Mont. — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation collaborated with a private landowner and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to acquire and convey 2,496 acres of wildlife and riparian habitat to expand the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southeast Idaho.
USFWS documented almost 250 species of birds on the high elevation bullrush marsh, of which about 100 species are known to nest there. It is also home to one of the largest breeding concentrations of sandhill cranes in North America.
“This speaks volumes to what RMEF is all about. Our mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage,” said RMEF Chief Conservation Officer Blake Henning. “The refuge with this newly added waterfront parcel helps so many species of ‘other wildlife,’ like birds, small mammals and fish, but it also serves as summer range and critical birthing grounds for elk and mule deer.”
The NWR is part of a local migration corridor so conserving it is in line with RMEF’s strategic priorities since elk and mule deer use the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to the north and Georgetown Summit WMA to the south. Moose, upland birds, migrating waterfowl and other species are also found there.
The property features sagebrush, aspen and mountain mahogany stands, and half a mile of McCoy Creek. It is next to public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, creating connectivity with many public access benefits including hunting, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, wildlife photography and other activities.
RMEF helped complete more than 30 land conservation and access projects in the region. Dating back to 1985, RMEF and its partners completed 718 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects statewide in Idaho with a combined value of more than $93.2 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 724,248 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 45,952 acres.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Now in its fifth decade of conservation accomplishment and fueled by hunters, RMEF has conserved more than 9.1 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.