Historic Conservation Roundtable at the Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic
Leaders from country’s top critter and conservation groups discuss the future of conservation in Northwestern Kansas.
Colby, Kansas
The Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic hosted the largest gathering of conservation organization leaders in recent history when officers from Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever (PF/QF), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA), Delta Waterfowl (DW), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) participated in a roundtable at the event’s closing night banquet Saturday November 16th. The panel discussed conservation, agriculture and their efforts to address declining participation in hunting before a sold-out room at the City Limits Convention Center.
The Ringneck Classic raises funds for the Northwest Kansas Conservation Foundation and other projects in the region. Sponsors from across the country participate in the event and hunt pheasants with local landowners and hosts. Since its inception in 2011, the organization has raised more than $400,000 and is championing a local effort to dedicate the un-irrigated corners of center pivot fields for long term grassy habitat. Corners for Wildlife is a cooperative effort of PF and Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
The roundtable capped the three day event, and was moderated by noted Minnesota conservationist Ryan Bronson. MDF CEO Miles Moretti, Chief Conservation Officer of the RMEF Blake Henning, DW Vice President of Waterfowl and Hunting Joel Brice, KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless, NWTF VP of Conservation Ross Melinchuk, PF/QF CEO Howard Vincent, and TNC Kansas Director Rob Manes filled out the panel.
The Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic is an annual event, and you can get more information by visiting http://www.kansasringneckclassic.com/.
The Ringneck Classic, Inc. is a 501(c)3 corporation in the state of Kansas. The Classic is committed to contributing to Northwest Kansas, the youth of our communities, habitat improvement and land conservation. Event proceeds support the Northwest Kansas Conservation Foundation.
