The Calhoun County Chapter of Pheasants Forever recently held its annual meeting.  There were a number of speakers at the meeting, including Jim Hazelman from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Bryan Kidder, president of the local Pheasants Forever Chapter presented Mr. Hazelman a check for $4,000 to help support their on-going work. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service conducts a diversified habitat restoration program assisting thousands of private landowners.  In their Partners Program, locally-based field biologists work one-on-one with private landowners and other partners to plan, implement, and monitor habitat projects.  Partners Program field staff help landowners find other sources of funding and help them through the permitting process, as necessary.  This personal attention and follow-through is a significant strength of the Program that has led to national recognition and wide support.   The Calhoun County Chapter of Pheasants Forever is happy to support the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in these extremely valuable efforts.

Also speaking at this year’s meeting was Ron Mahler, the Calhoun County Chapter L.E.P. chairman.  The Leopold Education Project (LEP) is a youth education program consisting of a multi-disciplinary curriculum based on the “land ethic” writings of conservation pioneer Aldo Leopold.  Our local Calhoun County Chapter currently has over 240 members along with over 40  “Ringnecks”.  Calhoun County is one of the few chapters that has its own LEP youth education coordinator.  Ron holds at least four youth education sessions a year educating over 50 youths in land conservation and a greater appreciation for nature.  The Calhoun County Chapter guaranteed Ron Mahler funding for $1,500 to further these youth education efforts.  An initial check for $700 was presented.

Pheasants Forever (PF) is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs. Pheasants Forever's unique system empowers county chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent. PF, and sister quail division, are the only national conservation organizations that operate through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, grassroots chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally.  The Calhoun County Chapter would like to thank all of its local members for their generous contributions to help support worthwhile projects such as these.  For more information, please visit www.calhouncountypf.com.