Wildfire-Charred Forests Get Boost From Elk Activists

Wildfires in New Mexico Photo by USFS

Western landscapes recently impacted by wildfires are receiving $7.8 million in forest restoration treatments.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation allotted $330,000 in 2023 grant funding to help recover habitat for elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, turkey and other wildlife, upping its overall 2021-2023 commitment to $1.6 million. Those funds helped leverage $6.2 million from RMEF’s conservation partners.

“Healthy forests mean healthy habitat. These active forest management projects positively affect elk and scores of other species,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We recognize this would not happen without the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state and county agencies, private landowners and other partnerships.”

Wildfires in New Mexico Photo by USFS

Habitat enhancement projects include invasive weed treatment, planting native grasses and shrubs, aspen restoration, conifer thinning, fence removal and/or replacement with wildlife-friendly fencing, riparian restoration and repairing or constructing wildlife water sources.

As of today, there are 41 wildfire restoration grants awarded to 10 states from 2021 through April 2023 with work continuing through 2025. Below is a list of the most recent 2023 projects slated to receive support.

Nevada

Wildcat Wildfire Antelope Bitterbrush Planting – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Utah

Halfway Hill Wildfire Rehab & Stabilization – Fishlake National Forest, BLM Color County District, Fillmore Wildlife Management Area & private land

Washington

Lick Creek Wildfire Native Grass Reseeding – Asotin Creek Wildlife Area
Vantage Highway Wildfire Restoration – L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

Wyoming

Ryan Wildfire Cheatgrass Treatment – Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland
Mullen Wildfire Musk Thistle Control in the Platte River Wilderness – Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Click here to view a list of projects, scientific studies and other information about the importance of active forest management and reducing the risk of large-scale wildfires.