Big Game Days in Missoula puts habitat work at the center

At Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation headquarters in Missoula, the group highlights how that work reached beyond events like archery, elk calling, live music and outdoor gear. It also sends volunteers into the field for hands-on projects.

"There's so many different aspects of conservation. One is land, making sure that land exists for wildlife to use. But it's more than just land. That land has to contain quality habitat. RMEF is involved in land conservation. We're involved in habitat stewardship," Adam Heggenstaller, the foundation's director of communications, said.

Volunteers are heading to Lolo Creek and Bearmouth for two habitat projects. At Lolo Creek, they're removing old fencing that could block wildlife movement and update other sections with a safer design. Near Bearmouth, they're clearing conifers crowding aspen, cottonwood stands, and invasive plants so native vegetation has more room to grow.

"The other huge part of conservation is people. It takes people who are putting boots on the ground to do some of these projects. It takes people willing to donate to the cause, to contribute to the cause, to allow agencies and organizations like RMEF to have the resources to conserve that land," Heggenstaller said.

The foundation is also using the weekend to explain how healthy habitat and public access could help more than hunters. Since 1984, the foundation says it has conserved or enhanced more than 9.2 million acres while opening or improving access to another 1.6 million.

"Conservation brings people together from all different backgrounds. We can all agree that good habitat benefits wildlife, we can all agree that access is a good thing for folks who want to be out on the outdoor and in the outdoors and enjoying the outdoors. We can come together on things like that," Heggenstaller said.

For a foundation based in Missoula, the weekend also serves as a way to introduce more people to its work in western Montana and across the country. Readers can find event details through the Big Game Days webpage.