Ely, Nevada – The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has acquired nearly 200 acres of private inholdings in Nevada’s spectacular Goshute Canyon Wilderness. The acquisition prevents development, keeps intact a large sweep of wildlife habitat and opens public access.
The land eventually will be conveyed to the Bureau of Land Management, which administers Goshute Canyon Wilderness.
“This area is classic summer range for elk with perennial streams and aspen forests, ranging in elevation from 6,400 feet up to a dramatic 10,200 feet. It’s also home to deer, raptors, mountain lions, chukars and grouse,” said Bob Hammond, lands program manager for the Elk Foundation.
The inholdings, some 20 miles north of Ely, were part of Indian Valley Ranch owned by Michael and Dorothy Hastie.
“The Hasties approached us for help with this project. Thanks to their conservation spirit and lots of hard work, elk will always roam this special place in Nevada’s high country,” said Hammond.
The Elk Foundation obtained funding from a private donor, and White Pine County commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the acquisition.
In the 1990s, the Elk Foundation led a collaborative effort to re-establish elk in the area.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Missoula, Mont., the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation and its partners have permanently protected or enhanced over 5.2 million acres, a land area larger than Connecticut, Delaware and District of Columbia combined. More than 500,000 acres previously closed to public access are now open for hunting, fishing and other recreation. To help protect wild elk country or learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.