Nebraska Pheasants Forever Chapters Reach Millionth Acre

ARCHIVED 2002–2016: Originally distributed via the eWire press wire service. Preserved as historical record.

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE |

Conservation & Wildlife

Corporate Responsibility

Science & Technology

Syndication Partners

**************************************************************************

E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE

**************************************************************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nebraska Pheasants Forever Chapters Reach Millionth Acre

ELBA, NEBRASKA, Aug. 27 -/E-Wire/-- Nebraska Pheasants Forever announced the completion of a conservation milestone: the establishment, enhancement, and maintenance of one million acres of habitat in Nebraska. The habitat work has included projects such as food plot plantings, nesting cover establishments, tree plantings, and land acquisitions. The one million acre mark was set at the Sherman Reservoir Wildlife Management Area where Pheasants Forever volunteers, equipped with 12 tractors and discs, worked to improve the habitat on nearly 400 acres of public land in a single day last spring.

"It is fitting that the Sherman Reservoir project be the signature effort for the millionth acre," reported Pete Berthelsen, Pheasants Forever director of conservation programs for Nebraska. "It exhibited an extraordinary commitment of time and equipment from dedicated volunteers and it showcases the relationship we have with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). Really, without the partnership programs we've developed with the Game and Parks Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Districts, and others, we couldn't have reached the one million acre mark." Sherman Reservoir is a Wildlife Management Area open to public hunting. Through the 'Focus on Pheasants' partnership between Pheasants Forever, the NGPC, and USDA, nearly 400 acres of the Sherman Reservoir were disked and then planted to a specially developed legume mixture.

"Pheasants Forever's accomplishments here in Nebraska are amazing," explained Jim Douglas, NGPC wildlife division administrator. "They have been a great partner for the Game and Parks Commission and we are proud to be continuing that partnership as we move forward with our 'Focus on Pheasants' program. In fact, there are already plans for more habitat work at the Sherman Reservoir next spring."

The Elkhorn Valley Chapter in Madison, Stanton, and Pierce Counties was Nebraska's first chapter. That chapter was established on March 4, 1986. That following spring, Pheasants Forever improved 2,857 acres in Nebraska. From those humble begins, Nebraska Pheasants Forever has grown to 59 chapters and a habitat juggernaut that accomplished 237,750 acres of habitat improvements in 2003, the biggest year to date. Also during that time, Nebraska chapters participated in five land acquisitions totaling 1,556 acres. Those five locations are now open to public hunting and other outdoor recreation. However, the whopping majority, 894,365, of the million acres have been improved for nesting cover with private landowners throughout the state. A lack of quality nesting and brood-rearing cover is the number one limiting factor for pheasants in Nebraska.

"This million acre mark is a real credit to the dedicated 13,000 Pheasants Forever volunteers and members across the state," added Berthelsen. "I personally want to thank all PF volunteers for their time, sweat, donations, and dedication. Without them, these accomplishments wouldn't have been possible."

To celebrate the achievement, Pheasants Forever chapters across Nebraska will be holding a special millionth acre medallion raffle. At each Nebraska chapter banquet this fall and next spring, 60 of the millionth acre medallions will be sold for $10 each. One finalist will be selected from each banquet and a grand prize winner will be selected from those finalists. The grand prize will be the winner's choice between a Weatherby 28 gauge shotgun, a gold engraved Ruger Red Label shotgun, an original Charlotte Edwards painting, or an African Safari.

Nebraska Pheasants Forever

Pete Berthelsen, (308)754-5339

Keith Brus, (308)754-4815

Mark Heckenlaible, (402)687-2004

Bob St.Pierre, toll free (877)773-2070

http://www.NebraskaPF.com

**************************************************************************

To Transmit Your News Over E-Wire, visit http://www.ewire.com or

call 1-[REDACTED-PHONE]. E-Wire Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide

**************************************************************************