Elk Foundation honors Colville Forest habitat efforts

PUBLIC LANDS — The Colville National Forest’s Newport and Sullivan Lake ranger districts have received an Elk Country Habitat Enhancement Award from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The two districts have pursued partnerships with RMEF and other groups for 20 years to fund projects that improve habitat and forage for elk and other wildlife in the Pend Oreille River Watershed.

Their efforts have paid off in funding 44 cooperative projects designed to maintain and improve conditions that support a local elk herd of about 1,500 animals.

Read on for more details.

“These awards honor some of the finest people and efforts in wildlife conservation today,” said Blake Henning, vice president of lands and conservation for RMEF. “We’re proud to call these BLM and U.S. Forest Service professionals our partners because they’re helping us make a real difference in elk country.”

During the districts have completed 28 prescribed burns totaling 7,724 acres and six aspen restoration projects totaling 285 acres and maintained a noxious weed program. The staffs have reduced open road densities and increased elk security while using creative methods supported by the public.

District Ranger John Buehler and Colville National Forest’s lead wildlife biologist Jim McGowan thank the district staffs and recognized the districts’ wildlife biologist Mike Borysewicz for his dedicated efforts, long hours, and leadership.

Borysewicz was chosen to travel to Reno, Nev. to attend the RMEF annual convention in March to accept the award and bring it back to his district.

On receiving the award Borysewicz noted, “This is the result of many years’ efforts of many people, some who are now retired, in the wildlife and fire staffs working of the ranger districts.”

In addition to the funding provided by RMEF, the projects have utilized numerous volunteers from local RMEF chapters, the Mule Deer Foundation, Conservation Northwest, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Boy Scouts of America, and other local sportsman and environmental groups.  One aspen fencing project was used as an Eagle Scout project by a Colville Boy Scout.

The Newport and Sullivan Lake districts are located on the easternmost side of the Colville National Forest near the boundaries of Idaho and Canada.  To reach the Sullivan Lake Ranger Station in Metaline Falls,WA call (509) 446-7500 and to reach the Newport Ranger Station in Newport,WA call (509) 447-7300.  To visit the Colville National Forest’s website, visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville