Michigan may not have the largest elk herd in the United States, but volunteers for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are certainly leaving their mark there. Fourteen volunteers, including 12 committee members and representatives from the Saginaw Valley, Thunder Bay, Traverse Bay, Lakeshore and Mid Michigan Chapters, rolled up their sleeves to enhance elk country.
Volunteers carried out two different projects. They cleaned out a large storage shed that will be torn down and reassembled by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Two hours later, the group filled up a 30-yard dumpster with scrap wood and debris.
The other project took place at the headwaters of the East Branch of the Black River on land that recently came under DNR management after a swap. Volunteers cleaned out a house, garage and shed. After three hours of work, they filled another 30-yard dumpster.
Afterwards, volunteers enjoyed a group dinner and talked about future projects.
Wildlife officials estimate there are approximately 1,000 elk in Michigan.
(Photo source: Sarah Topp)