[Vision2020] Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in the Crosshairs

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (December 22, 2010) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with
special thanks to Kathy Judson of DeSmet.

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Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in the crosshairs

On Dec. 9, Friends of the Palouse Ranger District received a phone call
from a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Bugle magazine contributing
reporter in regard to the Upper Lochsa Land Exchange. They wanted to know
why FPRD was against the exchange.

The FPRD representative told Bugle there were numerous problems with
exchanging lands elsewhere in Idaho where there are documented prolific
elk herds, unlike the Lochsa where elk don't winter, there is steep
terrain, low coverage and little forage. This is known by RMEF's local
membership, and other elk advocates. Why then is the National RMEF
organization promoting the exchange when their canvassed membership is in
opposition to RMEF's attempts to promote it?

Bugle reporter said lots of people support the exchange. Who? The Nez
Perce Tribe, they said. Is this statement accurate? No. FPRD tried to
explain that although the tribe would like to see the Lochsa back in
public ownership, they have not supported the exchange.

Why then is RMEF using untruths to promote the exchange? Maybe it has
something to do with the evolution of RMEF into a big money nonprofit that
sees its mission as amassing more wealth and notoriety than preserving elk
herds. When RMEF loses members in favor of those who offer large donations
to achieve their agendas, the mission of RMEF is lost.

When RMEF strives to "block up" checkerboard private ownership in the
National Forest at the expense of elk herds elsewhere, it is not promoting
their mission, nor supporting their membership. What is worse, they are
doing it at the expense of the public.

It's time for RMEF members to raise a bugle, and call 'em in.

For Friends of The Palouse Ranger District

Kathy Judson, DeSmet

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown