GRANT FUELS WORK IN ELK RANGE

Photo above by Carol Mulvihill

"Elk tourism," a major economic and social force in southern Cameron County and growing force in southern Potter County and surrounding areas, will get another shot in the arm later this year.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced another round of investments in the region. RMEF will put another $17,300 into the Pennsylvania Wilds Elk Country Visitors Center to be built on Winslow Hill, near Benezette in Elk County.

The 7,000 sq. ft. elk-viewing and education facility, a joint project of RMEF and the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, is due open by mid-2009.

Visitors will be able to learn about elk and other wildlife in the region and may see grazing elk in the wild. On site will be interpretive exhibits, wildlife trails and viewing blinds, along with rest rooms and parking.

RMEF has also awarded more than $86,000 for elk habitat improvement on state-owned land in Cameron, Elk, Centre, Clearfield and Clinton counties. In Cameron and Elk counties, weeds will be treated, grass re-seeded and lime and fertilizer spread.

Plans in Elk County include reclaiming 40 acres of mining lands with lime and placing seed and fertilizer to enhance habitat on State Game Lands No. 311, between Benezette and Grant.

RMEF will also help pay for educational exhibits, habitat work to attract elk to public viewing areas, and signs to reduce conflicts on private lands at Winslow Hill.

"This is all about ensuring the future of elk in Pennsylvania and helping the public enjoy this magnificent species, as well as the other wildlife that shares elk habitat," said David Allen, Elk Foundation president and CEO.