MISSOULA, Mont. – The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated $329,809 in grant funding to improve Michigan habitat for elk and other wildlife while also supporting youth shooting sports programs.
“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to both maintain and enhance suitable habitat in the core of the state’s elk range. That’s also good news for elk, deer, black bears, ruffed grouse and many other animal species. We are grateful to help with that effort,” said Jenn Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations. “Grant funding will also help 10 different youth recreational programs or events.”
RMEF supplied $135,430 that helped leverage $194,379 in partner funding.
“We appreciate our RMEF volunteers across 15 in-state chapters that host fundraising banquets to generate these dollars we can put back on the ground. Their efforts help us further our mission,” said RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver.
Since 1990, RMEF and its partners completed 187 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Michigan with a combined value of more than $7.7 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 6,912 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 1,601 acres.
Below is a list of the projects, shown by county:
Delta County
- Provide funding for the Delta County Crushers, a youth trapshooting team for ages eight to 18, to buy clay targets for the squad’s practices and shoots.
Genesee County
- Provide funding for the Grand Blanc High School Scholastic Clay Target Program to help purchase shotgun shells and shooting vests.
Kalamazoo County
- Supply financial support for the Schoolcraft High School Clay Target League to participate in the USA High School Clay Target League, which features student athletes in grades six through 12.
Mecosta County
- Supply financial support for the Raised at Full Draw Michigan Archery Camp. Youth ages 12 to 17 learn shot placement and angles, tree stand set up and safety, hunting from a ground blind, judging distance, tracking, spot and stalk techniques, calling, wilderness first aid and other skills.
Muskegon County
- Provide funding for Sportsmen for Youth, a nonprofit to host a one-day, family-friendly event for youth ages 17 and younger. The event features hands-on learning like shooting, trapping, a trout-filled fishing pond, hunting, safety demonstrations, wildlife exhibits and more (also benefits Kent, Newaygo, Oceana and Ottawa Counties).
Otsego County
- Burn 2,210 acres in the Pigeon River Country State Forest over the next three years (also benefits Cheboygan, Montmorency and Presque Isle Counties).
Saginaw County
- Provide funding for the Saginaw Field and Stream Club to bolster its youth membership base with offerings that include high school trap and skeet shooting, rimfire introduction and archery.
Washtenaw County
- Supply funding for the Pistol Prodigies Youth Pistol Team, which takes part in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program. Youth ages eight to 18 learn safety, shooting skills, teamwork, responsibility and other life skills (also benefits Jackson and Lenawee Counties).
- Provide financial support for the Manchester Young Guns, a team-based shooting sports program for youth grades three through 12 (also benefits Lenawee County).
Statewide
- Supply financial support for the Michigan Youth Sportsmen Competition, an annual, weekend outdoor skills and safety training for hunter education graduates up to 18 years of age. Participants test their skills in muzzleloader, .22 light rifle, shotgun and archery as well as hunter safety, orienteering and wildlife identification.
Project partners include the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, various outdoor, conservation, civic and business organizations, and private citizens.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded in 1984 and fueled by hunters, RMEF has conserved more than 8.9 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.