RMEF Acquisition Provides Access for Public and Crucial Habitat for California Elk

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation acquired 231 acres of key elk habitat in north-central California thanks to a gift by RMEF supporter Ted Martin. The transaction links together existing parcels of Bureau of Land Management acreage and creates public access to what was previously private property.

“This relatively small acquisition has big ramifications,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Not only does it maintain the integrity of year-round range and calving areas for more than 100 tule elk, but it opens the door to an area not previously accessible to hunters and those who enjoy viewing wildlife.”

Located approximately 70 miles northwest of Sacramento, the property offers prime opportunities to view elk along Highway 20. The acquisition ensures it will not be subdivided or developed, which would have been detrimental to the health and future of the herd.

Moderate slopes with open flats are the dominating features at an elevation of 1,500 feet, however it also contains riparian habitat. Indian Creek is a seasonal drainage, Cache Creek is a year-round stretch of water, and there is also a small pond. The vegetation is mostly grassland with mixed brush, some oak and riparian plants along the waterways and supports elk, deer, quail, turkey, raptors and other species.

Land on three sides of this Indian Creek property is owned by the BLM. RMEF will eventually transfer the property to the BLM, which plans additional on-site restoration work, with assurances that it remains available habitat for elk and other wildlife. RMEF is working on an additional acquisition in the same area.

“This transaction would not have been possible without Mr. Martin’s continued support of the RMEF’s Permanent Land Protection program,” added Allen. “Properties like this don’t come available often, and when presented to him, he jumped at the opportunity to make the acquisition happen. RMEF would like to thank Ted Martin for continuing to assist us in protecting valuable California wildlife habitat.”

Since 1988, RMEF protected or enhanced more than 107,000 acres of habitat in California.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

The mission of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. In support of this mission the Elk Foundation is committed to: Conserving, restoring and enhancing natural habitats; Promoting the sound management of wild, free-ranging elk, which may be hunted or otherwise enjoyed; Fostering cooperation among federal, state, tribal and private organizations and individuals in wildlife management and habitat conservation; and Educating members and the public about habitat conservation, the value of hunting, hunting ethics and wildlife management.