November 20, 2008
Floridians Support Conservation In and Out of Elk Country
MISSOULA, Mont.— Florida was never home to wild elk, but the species remains a true inspiration for conservationists active in Florida chapters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Since 1984, Florida elk enthusiasts have raised over $1.2 million for elk habitat projects mainly in the West, plus thousands more for conservation and education initiatives at home. To date, these initiatives have helped instill a stronger outdoor ethic in more than 13,000 Floridians.
Elk Foundation banquets and other fundraiser events, billed as “Great Times for a Great Cause,” are coming up in Fort Myers, Vero Beach, Dania Beach, Jacksonville and elsewhere in Florida. To learn more, visit www.elkfoundation.org.
“Florida is home to thousands of conservationists who are fascinated by elk and devoted to ensuring the future of elk habitat. While they’re at it, they’re also supporting worthy causes right in their own backyards,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
A 2008 grant from the Elk Foundation helped fund the recent Florida 4-H Shooting Sports Classic Shootout. Previous grants funded Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops, 4-H marine ecology, archery, habitat evaluation and shooting programs, and activities and events for outdoor newcomers and youths.
A committee of local Elk Foundation volunteers and staff awards grants each year.