MISSOULA, Mont. — A stunningly scenic 507-acre swath of rich wildlife habitat in southern Wyoming is conserved thanks to a collaboration between a conservation-minded family and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
“We recognize and appreciate Dennis and Cathy Faerber, long-time RMEF partner-landowners, for entering into this voluntary conservation agreement to protect the wildlife values of this incredible property,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO.
About 20 miles southwest of the small community of Encampment, Aspen Alley is an inholding within the Sierra Madre Range of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. It is well-known by locals and featured by photographers and artists alike due to its towering aspen stands, especially during the colorful fall foliage.
“Aspen Alley is a unique ranch with spectacular beauty and rich habitat. As stewards of the ranch, we felt strongly that it needed to be reserved and protected for wildlife and future generations,” said Dennis Faerber. “Working to put Aspen Alley in a conservancy with the RMEF has been a great process and we look forward to partnering on enriching the ranch for wildlife together going forward.”
The conservation agreement protects a diverse landscape ranging from riparian zones and conifer forests that support elk, moose, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, predators, raptors and many other animal, bird, fish and plant species.
“Aspen Alley is an iconic piece of the Wyoming landscape, and it is also fantastic habitat for a wide array of native species,” said Bob Budd, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust director. “Thanks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Faerber family, the wildlife and their habitats will be there for many generations into the future.”
RMEF gives special thanks and acknowledgement to the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition, Knobloch Family Foundation and the Faerber family as project partners.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded more than 38 years ago and fueled by hunters, RMEF maintains more than 225,000 members and has conserved more than 8.6 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
Photo credit: Jose Alonso