|
|
|
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and the Arizona Game & fish Department (AZ G&F ) as well as the United States Forest Service (USFS) held their annual Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting at Camp Colton in Flagstaff to discuss which elk projects would be funded this year in Arizona .There were a total of 30 projects to be looked over by the committee for possible funding . These projects were brought to the table by the local Habitat Partnership Committees (HPC) located throughout the state . The HPC are made up of local sportsmen, ranchers,and AZG&F, USFS personal that meet on a year round basis to discuss how to improve the areas habitat for both wildlife and livestock . These discussions lead to the forementioned projects.
Each of the 30 projects are looked at and are discussed and must meet RMEF objectives to be funded . First they must by of a benefit to elk , second any funding by RMEF must be matched dollar for dollar by either the AZ G&F or USFS , third if a project is on private property there must be public access to the property . If these objectives are met then they are voted on by the entire PAC which consist of 1 AZ G&F biologist, 1 USFS Field supervisor, 1 RMEF staff and 2
Arizona RMEF volunteers . Of the original 30 projects 27 were funded by RMEF at
a cost of $314,740 . These 27 projects consist
of critical water development and
distribution systems ,grassland
enhancement , pinon & juniper removal where
they are invading grasslands as well as conservation education projects for
Arizona’s youth. Since 1986 the RMEF has funded more projects in Arizona than any other state . A total of 240 projects consisting of 219,013 acres at a cost of $ 4.9 million dollars , and currently has 4200 members statewide . The RMEF raises its money for projects from 15 fundraising committees in Arizona and from the sales of raffle tickets from a Special Arizona Elk tag donated by the Arizona Game & Fish Commission . See a complete listing of RMEF 2001 projects in Arizona below and for more info on RMEF in Arizona including our 2001 elk raffle see our website at www.azod.com/azrmef
Dan Hunter Arizona RMEF Volunteer State chairman
|
|
|