Elk Foundation Voices Support for Elk Restoration in Virginia

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation today voiced its official support for the concept of restoring elk populations in Virginia, and praised the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for its research and analysis of five proposed alternatives for restoring a species native to the Old Dominion State.

“There is no higher calling in conservation than restoring a native game species to sustainable, hunt-able, balanced populations,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “When the citizens of Wisconsin, Kentucky and Tennessee decided to bring elk back to those parts of their former range, we were there to help, and those successes are among the most rewarding and popular accomplishments in our organization’s history.”

Allen encouraged Virginians to get involved in the process. The public can comment on the agency’s proposals at a series of meetings and online by Aug. 1, 2010.

Learn more about elk restoration and management alternatives in Virginia at the URL/link below:
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/elk/management-plan/

Meeting details:

• Russell County: June 24, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Russell County Government Center, 137 Highlands Dr., Lebanon, Va.
• Wise County: June 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Wise County Courthouse, 206 E. Main St., Wise, Va.
• Dickenson County: June 30, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Ralph Stanley Museum, Community Room, Main St., Clintwood, Va.
• Buchanan County: July 1, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Appalachian School of Law, Booth Center, 1169 Edgewater Dr., Grundy, Va.
• Lee County: July 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Lee County High School, auditorium, Clyde Pearson Rd., Jonesville, Va.

Submit comments online at the URL/link below:
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/elk/management-plan/comment/


About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

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