July 23, 2008
Conservationists, Realtors Join Forces for Elk Country
MISSOULA, Mont.— More and more elk country is going up for sale. But a new effort by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and United Country Real Estate aims to connect sellers with conservation-minded buyers, keeping large parcels of habitat intact rather than subdivided or developed.
“Today’s economic climate means countless acres of rural land will change hands in the next few years. We believe this transition could critically impact the future of elk,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.
Dan Duffy, CEO of United Country, added, “Our company has an 80-year history of specializing in rural properties including recreational lands, ranches and farms. Conservation and stewardship are core values for us. Joining forces with the Elk Foundation is a natural extension of our business.”
The joint effort has several important components including these highlights:.
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“The true measure of this joint effort will be realized by our grandchildren and their children,” said Duffy.
No figure is available for acres of elk habitat in private ownership but Allen describes it as significant, saying, “Privately held rangelands, particularly in the West, often provide crucial winter range adjacent to public land. If key properties are subdivided or developed, local elk herds will have to be reduced to balance them with remaining winter-range habitat.”
The Elk Foundation is continuing its historic roles brokering conservation purchases and acquiring lands itself for conveyance to public ownership.
About United Country Real Estate
United Country Real Estate is the only national franchise system specializing in rural real estate throughout the small cities, towns and surrounding communities across America. With a heritage dating back to 1925 and more than 700 offices nationwide, we are the partner of choice for buyers, sellers and real estate brokers of country property. United Country’s marketing systems, which include top rated web sites, nine specialty real estate catalogs, direct mail and other unique programs, reach millions of people a year. In 2007, United Country realized approximately $3 billion in transaction volume. For more information on United Country Real Estate or to view tens of thousands of properties for sale across America, visit http://www.unitedcountry.com/.