PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITEE PROCESS

In order for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to make the best use of its funds for the protection and enhancement of elk, other wildlife and their habitat the PAC process has been developed. A Project Advisory Committee (PAC) has been developed in each of the traditional western elk states and in two of the eastern elk states. The committee is comprised of wildlife or habitat biologists from the state wildlife agency, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the state university wildlife department. In some states wildlife biologists from private timber companies are also part of the PAC.

Projects reviewed by the PAC are comprised of habitat enhancement, wildlife management, research, conservation education and hunting heritage. Most land acquisitions and conservation easements are not reviewed by the PACs, but undergo a rigorous review process by the Lands and Conservation Programs Committee.

The project proposals from these organizations are submitted through their representatives for review and prioritization. The prioritized projects are then forwarded to the RMEF Field Director for that state. Projects originating from sources not represented on the PAC are submitted to the RMEF Field Director. The PAC convenes (usually twice a year) to review and discuss the proposals submitted and to recommend those projects that will produce the most benefit for elk and other wildlife resources in the state. The evaluation is based on the cost of the project, match fund ratio (must be at least 1:1), coordination between cooperators, potential success for the technique proposed, need for the project, short vs. long term benefits and how this project ties in with other planning and project efforts. Projects that are part of an integrated management plan receive the highest priority.

Once the PAC recommends projects they are taken before the RMEF Headquarters Project Review Committee for final approval. This committee is made up of the Vice-President Conservation Programs, the Vice-President Field Operations and the Conservation Programs Director. This review ensures that the recommended projects meet the RMEF "mission test" i.e. that the project supports the mission "to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat".

The projects recommended by the Wyoming PAC are funded by 30 percent of the net proceeds raised by the RMEF Big Game Banquets (BGB) held in Wyoming. All other BGB funds raised are pooled together into the National Project account and are used to fund projects throughout North America. Since the remaining states do not have a direct elk country tie, the projects funded in those states are primarily conservation education and hunting heritage projects.

Throughout the process, the RMEF Field Directors are the primary contact for PAC representatives and project coordinators. Canadian projects are coordinated by RMEF Vice President Lyle Dorey (403) 845-6492. Questions regarding PAC, project proposals, project evaluation, project status or financial information may also be directed to the Conservation Programs Department. Please contact Tom Toman, Conservation Programs Manager at 1-800-225-5355 ext. 443 or email at tom@rmef.org.

2007 Wyoming PAC Members:
Co-Chairs Wyoming Regional Directors; Rick Pallister Buffalo, WY 307-684-5285 Email	Jill Tonn Thermopolis, WY 307-867-2613 Email
RMEF Volunteer State Chair; Mike Cuin, Co-Chair Rawlins, WY 307-328-1048 Email	RMEF Volunteer State Chair Lee Blake, Co-Chair Casper, WY 307-234-2124 Email
WY Game & Fish Dept.; Gary Butler Supervisor, Habitat Section Cheyenne, WY 307-777-4565	BLM Sate Office; Dave Roberts Wildlife Biologist Cheyenne, WY 307-775-6099
US Forest Service; Melanie Woolever Wildlife Program Manager Rocky Mountain Region Lakewood, CO 303-275-5007	Research Advisor; Bill Alldredge Thermopolis, WY 307-867-2518