December 18, 2017
$25,000 Donation to Kick Off New Montana Public Access Program
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation contributed $25,000 to the Montana Public Land Access Network, a new program that will promote public access in the state of Montana.
“Access to quality wildlife habitat is one of the most important challenges facing hunters in Montana. All too often, land ownership patterns prevent hunters and others from accessing public lands,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “The Montana Land Access Network will provide a critical funding source to help the state, conservation organizations and private landowners work together to secure even more access. We are pleased to make a significant contribution to the network.”
The new program places donations from organizations and individuals into a fund designed to help the State of Montana secure access to state and federal public lands—primarily through access easements with private landowners.
RMEF presented a $25,000 check to Governor Steve Bullock at the Montana State Capitol in Helena to kick off the program.
“Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) would like to commend Representative Alan Doane and Governor Bullock for their leadership on this issue, as well as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and others who have consistently committed to facilitating greater access to places to hunt and fish in Montana,” noted Zach Widner, CSF’s Northwest States Manager. “Collaborative access approaches like House Bill 597 (now a state law) are essential to ensuring that sportsmen and women will have ample opportunities to pursue their outdoor pastimes.”
To date, RMEF assisted public access efforts by opening or improving access to nearly 300,000 acres in Montana alone through key acquisitions and easements.