Charlie Ross
3175 W King Eider
Jackson, Wyoming 83001
(307)413-7449
“Live a Fuller life”
Rufunsa Conservation Project
My work in Zambia since 1983 in whitewater rafting, canoeing and safaris has furthered my interest in wildlife conservation and the pressure of population and poverty on the natural resources. Wildlife and habitat protection must empower local people and provide sustainable economic opportunities through tourism, resource protection, cottage industries, and agriculture.
A friend and I started the The Rufunsa Conservation Project in 2019 to partner with communities, protect the resources, stop poaching and rescue wildlife, particularly elephant orphans. A team of Jackson Hole donors have provided start up capital to put the ‘boots on the ground’ and complete a Management Plan to survey wildlife, resources and community needs. Collaboration with tour operators, NGOs and the Japanese have leveraged these funds to accelerate to project. Join this group in the early start up stage of the Rufunsa Conservation project and be part of something special!
Game Ranger’s International https://www.gamerangersinternational.org/
is our partner leading the Rufunsa Conservation Project operational activities: anti poaching rangers, community outreach, wildlife rescue and conservation education. Donations are appreciated to contribute to this needed work. https://www.gamerangersinternational.org/donate
The Rufunsa Conservation Project operates within the Rufunsa Game Managment Area which is 800,000 acres, twice as large as Grand Teton National Park and located in the southeast corner of Zambia bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Combined with adjacent Lower Zambezi National Park and Luano GMA, there are almost 3 million acres under protection. The entire ecosystem spans the 3 countries and connects Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Rufunsa is a critical piece in the puzzle to reestablish the migration corridors and secure habitat from the Luangwa Valley in Zambia to the Zambezi River and beyond in Zimbabwe and Mozambique resulting in millions more acres of a greater Luangwa/Zambezi ecosystem.
Please contact me if you would like additional information, advice on travel to Zambia or the region, or wish to be part of this Jackson Hole based partnership in conservation.
Grand Teton National Parks Foundation
“Live a Fuller life”
I am on the Resource Council which is an advisory group to the Board. I developed funds to restore and stabilize the historic BAR BC Ranch which was established in 1912, the 763-acre Bar BC Dude Ranch is a central element of Jackson Hole’s rich cultural history due to its integral role in the dude ranching movement. Its fame spread far beyond Jackson Hole through the reputation of its colorful owners and clientele that included Ernest Hemingway, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and William Faulkner.
The Grand Teton National Park Foundation is extremely important to conservation and maintenance of GT National Park and your support would be most appreciated.