Local Pheasants Forever build on top chapter status

Plymouth County Pheasants Forever, recognized as the No. 1 chapter in the nation, is working hard on habitat projects in the county while also promoting safe hunting.

The chapter is celebrating this fall that top designation for national support which includes programs, habitat projects, youth efforts and national expenditures.

The Plymouth County chapter is also No. 1 for number of sponsors, according president John Koley.

"In 2009, we have 230 sponsors," said Koley. "Their sponsorship gives us the resources to be able to get projects done. Between our general members and participation at our banquet, that sponsorship really makes a difference."

In 2009, the local chapter spent in excess of $40,000 on habitat projects in addition to the $15,000 spent on the Remsen Well Field Project.

"Now the state of Minnesota is trying to replicate what we're doing here," Koley said.

John Linquist, Regional Representative for Pheasants Forever, Inc., said one of the reasons for success of the Plymouth County chapter's habitat program is its incentive money to landowners.

"The Plymouth County chapter offers a cost share to landowners to put habitat and buffer strips and then to keep it in," Linquist said.

The buffer strips, he added, do a good job providing clean water and good habitat.

"We offer a $200 bonus in addition to any government payments and bonuses for farmers willing to put in buffer strips," said Koley. "We also do border strips and wetlands restoration."

The group started the wetlands restoration projects in Plymouth County about three years ago.

"It's grown every year. We budgeted $40,000 and managed to exceed that," said Koley.

Habitat plots may range from small 2- to 3-acre plots to one they have put in along Highway 60 north of Seney which has 68 acres of native grasses.

"My grandfather broke sod years ago and now I'm putting it back," Koley said with a laugh.

That established habitat, Koley said, helps prevent runoff into waterways, streams and creeks from nearby farm fields.

All of the Plymouth County chapter's habitat projects are within the county.

The Plymouth County chapter also focuses on youth and getting them involved in the organization.

The chapter will host its free youth hunt Saturday and Sunday and expects between 60 and 70 participants.

"For a lot of them, it's their first time hunting," said Koley.

Any youth who has passed the hunter safety class is welcome.

"We provide the guides and the dogs," Koley said. "Those kids have a lot of fun and it's fun to watch them, too."

Local chapter members see young people as an important part of their organization.

"We're heavily investing in our youth because we see that as our future of conservation," said Koley. "The habitat we try to establish will go on forever, and we need to get young people excited about it so us older ones can pass the baton."

The group also recognizes the importance of its sponsors, and will host a sponsor appreciation night Nov. 14 at Hole N' the Wall Hunting Lodge near Akron with special guest national Pheasants Forever President Howard Vincent.

Every chapter has success at different levels, according to Linquist.

"The best thing with Plymouth County is the diversity of backgrounds of members," Linquist said. "They have a large committee and pull in a lot of different talents."

"They're a great group of guys who draw people to their committee," Linquist said, "They've got lawyers, farmers, insurance guys and so much more."

The chapter's support with cost share dollars to landowners is another asset for the group.

The pheasant population, while down 26 percent statewide is highest in northwest Iowa according to Linquist.

"Northwest Iowa is the hot spot for anyone looking for a good bird population," Linquist said, "and that brings money to local economies too."