Steve Wagner, Blue Heron Communications, 800-654-3766 or steve@blueheroncomm.com

March 7, 2010 Elk Foundation Honors, Welcomes Volunteers from 12 States

RENO, Nev.—Conservationists from 12 states—Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming—have been honored as top volunteers or welcomed aboard as volunteer directors for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The volunteers were recognized during the Elk Foundation’s 26th annual convention, which concluded March 7 in Reno, Nev.

RMEF Chairman’s Award recipients:

Joe Treadway, RMEF chairman of the board, said, “Chairman’s Awards recognize volunteers from each of four RMEF regions for their standout role in making conservation happen in elk country. The work of these individuals last year was a real inspiration to the 10,000-plus of us who volunteer for RMEF.”

Louisiana—Russell Bumgardner, Baton Rouge. In the RMEF southeast region, Bumgardner has worked his way through the volunteer ranks over the last decade to serve in many aspects including state chair and now regional chair. He contributes his time, passion and professional expertise to ensure volunteers are having a good time and coming back for more. It seems that everyone who comes into contact with Baumgardner learns of his passion for RMEF.

Michigan—Dan Grice, Grand Haven. In the RMEF northeast region, Grice has been the Michigan state chair for four years while continuing as chair of the Lakeshore Chapter. He served as the interim regional director for Michigan where he assisted in restarting a chapter and provided leadership for all Michigan chapters.  He established the first state leadership team and organized a traveling squad of volunteers to provide assistance at Elk Foundation events.

Oklahoma—Jeff Steele, Oklahoma City. As the Oklahoma state chair in the RMEF southwest region, Steele has been instrumental in building a state leadership team, serving as the Oklahoma City chapter chair and has not missed a banquet in Oklahoma in the last three years. He avidly promotes RMEF at his archery shop in Oklahoma City. Along with his wife, Gayle, the Steeles donate time to teach archery skills at Boy Scout camps and Hunter Education classes in Oklahoma, all the while relaying the value of the Elk Foundation mission.

Washington—Bob and Marci Stokke, Bellevue. In the RMEF northwest region, the Stokkes have been active in the Sammamish Valley Chapter since 2002. Marci is editor of Washington Tracks newsletter for volunteers and chapter chair since 2003. Bob has been the development and merchandise committee chair for four years. Bob also has been instrumental in tracking elk for a research project with the Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group.

RMEF Youth Award recipients:

Colorado—Caitlin Soliday, Longmont. Served as ticket chair for the 2009 Colorado Super Raffle, responsible for data entry and communications for the fundraisers. Travels across Colorado with her father, RMEF State Chair Brian Soliday, to help support RMEF fundraisers and other events. She has volunteered at big game banquets at Longmont, Fort Collins, Greeley, Denver, Lamar, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Trinidad, Monte Vista, Estes Park and Grand Junction. Also has represented RMEF by volunteering at the Fall Hunting Classic at Bass Pro Shops and the Elk Fest in Estes Park.

South Carolina—Dexter Rogers, Easley. A member of the RMEF Upstate South Carolina chapter, Rodgers attends meetings, solicits donations, sells tickets, sets up and takes down events, runs games and raffles, and more. A dedicated RMEF volunteer for three years who is sought out for advice by other volunteers. His chapter peers say that if all their members had Dexter’s commitment, work ethic and motivation, their chapter would be RMEF’s best!

New RMEF Directors:

North Carolina—Linda Powell, Summerfield. Press relations manager, Freedom Group family of companies including Remington, Marlin, H&R, Dakota Arms, Bushmaster, DPMS and Barnes Bullets. RMEF life member.

Montana—Chuck Roady, Columbia Falls. Vice president and general manager, F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. President, Montana Wood Products Association board of directors. Society of American Foresters. Member, RMEF Lands and Conservation Committee. RMEF life member.

Oregon—Gary “Swede” French, Eagle Creek. Retired, firefighter. Previously served on RMEF staff as regional director for western Oregon, and as a volunteer as northwest regional chair and Oregon state chair. RMEF chapter member, life member, Habitat Partner.

Texas—Bill L. Olson, Houston. Publisher/editor, Texas Outdoor Journal; host, Ford Trucks/Texas Outdoor News radio show; president, Olson Interests Inc. Previously served as a board member of RMEF and chair of RMEF Lands and Conservation Committee. Founder and original chair of Houston RMEF chapter.

Tennessee—Lee Gamble, Dandridge. Owner, Development Services; previously served as RMEF Tennessee state chair, eastern regional chair, Finance Committee member, RMEF Chairman’s Award recipient, founder of four RMEF chapters in Tennessee.

Wyoming—Glenda Wilson, Cody. Retired, U.S. Forest Service. Owner, Glenda L. Wilson Engineering Management Consulting Co. Member, RMEF Lands and Conservation Committee. RMEF life member, Habitat Partner, Habitat Council, Trails Society. Previously volunteered for several RMEF chapters and committees.