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Minnesota Conservationist Joins Elk Foundation Staff

MISSOULA, Montana-A longtime, avid volunteer for wildlife conservation efforts in Minnesota, Pat McMullen of Farmington, Minnesota, has been hired as the state's regional director by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

McMullen will be responsible for rallying and coordinating Elk Foundation volunteers in chapters across the state, fundraising, working with partners such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and organizing on-the-ground conservation efforts.

Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 70 conservation projects in Minnesota with a value of nearly $1.4 million. In 2008, the organization awarded four grants totaling $21,586 will help fund habitat enhancement projects in Beltrami, Kittson and Marshall counties.

A small-business operator throughout central and northern Minnesota, McMullen also is an avid outdoorsman with over 24 years of volunteer service to various wildlife and waterfowl organizations. He specializes in grassroots fundraising, special events and committee development. McMullen also has served on the Brainerd area Elk Foundation committee for over 10 years.

"Pat is the new face of the Elk Foundation in Minnesota and we're very excited and proud to have him aboard. He's a Minnesota native with a real passion for elk and habitat conservation. And he brings invaluable experience working with our organization as well as Ducks Unlimited," said Ralph Cinfo III, director of Elk Foundation field operations for the central U.S.

McMullen will begin his new duties on Sept. 1, 2008.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Missoula, Mont., the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation and its partners have permanently protected or enhanced over 5.2 million acres, a land area larger than Connecticut, Delaware and District of Columbia combined. More than 500,000 acres previously closed to public access are now open for hunting, fishing and other recreation. To help protect wild elk country or learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.