By Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
• Dec 17, 2020
Credit Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Commentary: Thanks to the actions of conservation-minded landowners, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation helped permanently protect 970 acres of important elk habitat in southcentral New Mexico. We appreciate Gary and Laurie Fonay for their desire to reach out to us to place a conservation easement on their property, said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. They are long-time RMEF members and volunteers but more than that, they are stewards of the land who understand and cherish its wildlife resources.
The property is about 15 miles east of Ruidoso and 50 miles west of Roswell in an area known as Pajarita Flats in the Sacramento Mountains. Located in the headwaters of the Rio Hondo River between the Lincoln National Forest and Mescalero Apache Tribal lands at an elevation of 6,600-7,100, expansive grasslands dominate the landscape dotted with oak, pinyon, juniper and