MISSOULA, Mont.—A conservation-minded landowner donated 3,450 acres of critical elk, mule deer and whitetail deer winter range in western Montana to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
“We are grateful to John Greytak for this extremely generous and substantial donation,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We commend John for recognizing the crucial wildlife values of this land while making the decision to permanently protect them. He’s been a RMEF member since 1999 and recently elevated his commitment to conservation by becoming a RMEF life member and joining RMEF’s Legacy Lands Program.”
Located just north of Interstate 90 in the Bearmouth area of Granite County, the property is about 45 miles east of RMEF headquarters in Missoula. It lies within a vast landscape of various public and protected land ownership and provides important connectivity of wildlife habitat.
“I know what the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation does is like-minded to my passion. In fact, I’d say their passion kind of spawned my passion,” said Greytak. “It’s a win for me. It’s a win for RMEF. And in the long run it will be a win for the general public and the wildlife so I’m happy to have done it.”
The property continues to regenerate quality habitat as it recovers from a 2013 wildfire. Approximately four miles of perennial streams, including parts of three Clark Fork River tributaries, flow through the property providing quality water for elk, fish and other species ranging from moose and small mammals to songbirds and raptors. It is also well suited for public hunting opportunities.
RMEF is currently formulating a management and long-term ownership plan for the property but will make it accessible to the public for hunting and other recreational activities.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded more than 35 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of nearly 235,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 7.9 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.
