Northwest Ringnecks become state’s 25th PF chapter
Lignite, N.D. – June 9, 2008 – Conservationists and upland hunters in North Dakota’s Burke and Divide Counties have formed the state’s newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, the Northwest Ringnecks Chapter of PF. The state’s 25th PF chapter – already over 40 members strong – is dedicated to habitat improvement that benefits pheasants, upland birds and other wildlife.
The Northwest Ringnecks chapter’s chief habitat goal will be establishing winter cover and enhancing that winter cover with food plots, according to Laurie Chrest, the chapter’s newly-elected president and a resident of Lignite. Located in the northwest corner of the state, Burke and Divide Counties are in an area where the availability of winter cover – such as woody areas or cattails – is a significant limiting factor for pheasant populations. “Working with landowners to establish cover and food plots is something we can do to help the birds combat the severe winters they may face in this region,” Chrest said.
“Interest in the Northwest Ringnecks has taken off,” said Jesse Beckers, PF Regional Representative for North Dakota, “With a dedicated membership, this chapter is poised to accomplish great things for wildlife with Pheasants Forever’s local model.” PF empowers county chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent – the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.
The Northwest Ringnecks chapter has also elected Greg Lindemann of Crosby as treasurer. The chapter will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 7 PM at Mr. K’s Steakhouse & Lounge in Crosby. The public and media are invited to attend. The chapter is also planning a fall fundraising banquet. For more information about the upcoming meeting and the chapter, contact Chrest at (701)933-2524.
For more information on PF in North Dakota, to start a chapter or join one of the state’s existing chapters, contact Jesse Beckers at (701)202-8120 or via email jbeckers@pheasantsforever.org.
The first North Dakota PF chapter formed in 1986. Since then, the state’s 25 chapters and over 2,000 members have spent over $1.37 million to complete 3,721 habitat projects benefiting over 40,000 North Dakota acres for pheasants and other wildlife.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 127,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.
