September 22, 2009
Elk Foundation Supports Florida Youth, Sets Fundraiser
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced its 2009 grants for conservation education projects in Florida, and scheduled a fundraiser for Oct. 3 in Ft. Lauderdale.
The Elk Foundation’s Everglades Chapter will hold its annual big-game banquet Oct. 3 at the Miami Showman’s Association, 3391 Griffin Rd., in Ft. Lauderdale. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The event features food, fun, games, prizes and an auction. For reservations, call Shelly at (954) 953-5312 or register online at http://www.rmef.org/.
RMEF chapters and partners across Florida since 1997 have completed conservation and education projects valued at more than $166,000.
Highlights have included workshops, clinics and programs to introduce youth and other newcomers to the outdoors, promote hunter safety and responsibility, provide physically challenged individuals with a hunting experience, and engage kids in conservation.
For 2009, Elk Foundation grants for Florida have been allocated as follows:
1. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received an RMEF grant in support of the agency’s hunter safety programs. Also includes support for the Youth Hunting Program of Florida, Florida National Archery in the Schools, Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman.
2. Florida 4-H Foundation received an RMEF grant in support of the 4-H Conservation Shooting Sports Program. In addition to firearm safety training, this program also maintains an archery instruction component at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. The program has become increasingly popular, and RMEF has provided funding for seven straight years.
The Elk Foundation emphasizes habitat conservation in states with wild elk herds, but a portion of funds raised in Florida and other non-elk states are kept at home to benefit local conservation education and hunting heritage activities.