2024 News
Reva Ecker starts work as a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist in Brown County
New Ulm native returns to area to assist private landowners with CRP, other conservation initiatives
SLEEPY EYE, Minn. — Reva Ecker brings knowledge of the area and a love for the outdoors to her new role as a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist in Brown County.
Ecker holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science from South Dakota State University in Brookings. While in college, she completed an internship with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Nicollet Wildlife Management Area office. She also completed an internship with the DNR as an Aquatic Invasive Species specialist.
A native of New Ulm, Minnesota, Ecker said her experiences hunting and fishing drove her to a career in conservation. “Growing up, I was outdoors a lot. I wanted to do something that would let me give back for everything hunting and fishing has given me. With Pheasants Forever, we’re working with habitat that will give future generations a chance to enjoy something that I’ve enjoyed, and that’s really satisfying,” Ecker said.
Ecker said she is looking forward to working with landowners in the county where she grew up. “I know the area pretty well and I think that will really help,” she said.
“We’re excited to have Reva on board and we’re looking forward to seeing her work come to life out on the landscape,” Pheasants Forever Minnesota Private Lands manager Josh Pommier said. “She brings a passion for the outdoors to her work that’s easy to see, and we’re sure she will be a great asset for landowners interested in conservation projects on their property,” he said.
Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists in Minnesota work directly with landowners and local conservation partners including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other government entities and non-profits. They assist private landowners with identifying technical and financial resources to help meet their conservation goals.
Ecker works from the USDA service center in Sleepy Eye and primarily serves the Brown county area.
-Media contact: Dave Schwarz, dschwarz@pheasantsforever.org, 320-260-9739
Sabin Adams
The Habitat Organization Promotes Sabin Adams to Minnesota State Coordinator
Dedicated upland habitat advocate will step into new role
St. Paul, Minn. – May 22, 2024 – Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are proud to announce Sabin Adams’ promotion to Minnesota state coordinator. In his new role, Adams will drive habitat programs, lead a talented team of field staff and work closely with partners, local chapters and other stakeholders. This work will ensure habitat continues to be recognized as a critically important driver of abundant wildlife populations while supporting sustainable agriculture, healthy soil and clean water.
“Sabin has excelled in every capacity he has held for our organization,” said Eran Sandquist, PF and QF’s director of conservation delivery for the Midwest. “He has displayed excellent leadership and problem-solving qualities, preparing him to take us to new heights through this role.”
Adams’ resume with PF and QF runs long, starting in 2013 with his position as a Farm Bill biologist in Todd County. He then served as a habitat restoration specialist before his most recent role as a statewide public land manager, where he worked with Minnesota partners, chapters and supporters to restore and permanently protect land in fee-title, creating critical wildlife habitat and public land access.
Adams will now coordinate and lead state level habitat and advocacy efforts in Minnesota. He’ll ensure effective conservation delivery throughout Minnesota’s pheasant range on both public and private lands. Adams will also help build new and existing landscape-level habitat initiatives, including Minnesota’s Farm Bill biologist program, Enhanced Public Lands and acreage acceleration of Wildlife Management Areas in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
“Throughout my career with PF, I have witnessed all that the Minnesota PF team can do for our habitat mission on all levels,” Adams said. “It is truly humbling – I am very proud to have the opportunity to lead this team and continue to see the progress on the landscape.”
For more information about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Minnesota, contact Sabin Adams at sadams@PheasantsForever.org.
- Media Contact is Mikayla Peper, 715-294-0688, mpeper@pheasantsforever.org
New Area Wildlife Biologist positions added to Minnesota Pheasants Forever private lands team
NRCS partnership strengthens private landowner resources
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Habitat Organization has added three new Area Wildlife Biologists to assist private landowners and partners with conservation efforts in Minnesota.
Formed in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the positions are designed to support and oversee the work of Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists working in local NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices.
The Area Wildlife Biologists will also work with staff from partner agencies in training on wildlife and habitat related practices and programs, both through virtual and in-person sessions.
Area Wildlife Biologists are seasoned conservation staff members with experience in a wide variety of specialties.
“Just a few months on the job and these three individuals are already becoming trusted NRCS partners, hosting training events, and onboarding new Pheasants Forever staff. Minnesota Private Lands manager Josh Pommier said. “I am thrilled at the progress being made by them and I can’t wait to see the positive changes in the conservation landscape in five years.”
A fourth Area Wildlife Biologist serving the northeast quadrant of the state is expected to be added to the team this fall.
Gemma Kleinschmidt
Gemma Kleinschmidt
Gemma Kleinschmidt has served as a Farm Bill Biologist in Swift and Lac Qui Parle counties for more than 10 years. She became a Senior Farm Bill Biologist in 2018. Originally from the Red River Valley town of Thompson, North Dakota, she attended the University of Minnesota- Crookston and received a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management with a minor in horticulture. Kleinschmidt worked previously with several conservation organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota. She will now serve as the Pheasants Forever Southwest Minnesota Area Wildlife Biologist based in the Benson USDA service center.
Jonathan Eerkes
Jonathan Eerkes
Originally from Edmonton, Canada, Jonathan Eerkes brings many years of conservation experience to his role as Northwest Area Wildlife Biologist. He graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology. He worked for 20 years with the Nature Conservancy in the Tallgrass Aspen Parklands office in Karlstad, where he managed the preserve systems there and worked with partners to manage other protected lands in the region. Eerkes is a certified prescribed burn boss and has experience with prairie plantings, brush management and invasive species control. He will work from the NRCS area office in Thief River Falls.
Maura Curry
Maura Curry
Maura Curry grew up in Saint Paul and attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. There her studies focused on soil and plant science, and she produced a senior thesis on nitrogen loading to the nearby Narragansett Bay. After college Curry became a Farm Bill Specialist in North Dakota, working closely with landowners to help them enroll in programs like the Conservation Reserve Program. After working on a vegetable and livestock farm in Washington and a small dairy in Wisconsin, she returned to Minnesota as a Soil Health Program Organizer for the Land Stewardship Project. She will serve as the Pheasants Forever Southeast Area Wildlife Biologist based in the Farmington USDA service center.
Joe Quehl
Farm Bill Biologist Joe Quehl brings conservation experience to role in Aitkin, Carleton Counties
Aitkin-based biologist ready to build relationships with landowners in north-central Minnesota
AITKIN, Minn. — Joe Quehl looks forward to working in a unique region of the state as a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist.
Originally from Mendota Heights, Quehl attended the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and received an undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology and management. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
Quehl has worked as an intern in wildlife management for a summer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He spent a summer in Kansas working as a pheasant research technician with Kansas State University, studying how pheasants use cover crop fields for nesting. He also took part in an Iowa State University study using drones to study wetland occupancy for waterfowl broods.
“I worked with a lot of private landowners through the process of getting my master’s degree. I found it really rewarding to work with landowners who are passionate about wildlife management and improving habitat on their land. I see this job as an opportunity to do more of that.” Quehl said.
Being located in north-central Minnesota presents Quehl with a unique set of conservation challenges, different from more prairie-focused parts of the state.
“Most farm bill biologists work primarily with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). I’ll be looking to other programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUP) to manage for sharp-tailed grouse and other open landscape species,” Quehl said.
EQIP is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides resources for restoration work on a variety of land types.
“We’re excited to see the results of Joe’s work out on the landscape,” Pheasants Forever Minnesota Private Lands manager Josh Pommier said. “The location of the position brings unique challenges and opportunities. Joe has the skills to guide landowners through the process and improve habitat in the area.”
Quehl works from the USDA service center in Aitkin. He works primarily in Aitkin and Carlton counties.
Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists in Minnesota work directly with landowners and local conservation partners including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other government entities and non-profits. They assist private landowners with identifying technical and financial resources to help meet their conservation goals.
Media contact: Dave Schwarz, dschwarz@pheasantsforever.org, 320-260-9739
Pheasants Forever Volunteers, supporters celebrate success during Minnesota convention in Willmar
Organization’s President and CEO, Minnesota DNR Commissioner highlight gathering of state conservation advocates
WILLMAR — More than 200 Pheasants Forever chapter leaders gathered in Willmar Jan. 19-20 to celebrate the past year’s success and look to the future of conservation in Minnesota.
Supporters gathered for two evening events and a full day of seminars at the Willmar Conference Center. Minnesota DNR commissioner Sarah Strommen and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever President and CEO Marilyn Vetter were keynote speakers.
“There are few things better than being in a room filled with volunteers who are passionate about conservation. These folks are the absolute backbone of everything we do and the energy they bring to our mission as volunteers is contagious,” Senior Regional Representative Chance Steward said.
The leaders represent about 70 Pheasants Forever chapters throughout Minnesota. The organization operates on a unique model in which spending decisions for all funds raised are made by local chapter volunteers. It was founded in St. Paul in 1982.
Rice County received the Chapter of the Year award. Leaders were honored for their work in supporting land acquisitions statewide, hosting a successful Hands-On Habitat event and for adopting every Wildlife Management Area in their county.
The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Tri County chapter president Mark Dean. Nominated by chapter volunteers, Dean was lauded for juggling many roles in the chapter while still managing to keep everything fun. The chapter represents southeastern Minnesota and holds their annual banquet in Rochester.
Kandiyohi County chapter president Kevin Ochsendorf received the Bill Sandy Making a Difference award. The award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond the call of duty to further the organization’s mission. Ochsendorf was honored for successfully coordinating the chapter’s many diverse programs, making it a leader nationally.
The Spirit Lake (Iowa) Protective Association received the Partnership of the Year award. The association was instrumental in acquiring the Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area, donating $250,00 and supporting the project through completion. The project met the group mission by positively impacting water quality in the area and providing public recreational benefits.
The Pelican River chapter received the Mission Maker award for their efforts in new and varied events, including a youth turkey hunt, a Women and Wine and Wild Game night and planning for an upcoming Pheasants Forever 5K, the first in the organization’s history.
The Brood Booster award is given to an agency, NGO or partner organization that contributed to the mission of Pheasants Forever. This year’s winner was the McLeod County Habitat Conservation Society. The society was cited for their assistance in acquiring a 200-plus acre wildlife area in Jackson County and other important conservation work.
New this year, the Next Generation of Forever Award was given to Chippewa County. The award recognizes the trailblazers of the next generation and is given to a chapter that inspires progress, empowers change makers and ensures forever.
The Carver County chapter was awarded with the Focus on Forever award during the banquet. Down to just a few board members not long ago, the chapter is once again thriving, becoming relevant in their community and making a positive impact for conservation.
DNR Land Acquisition Coordinator Jeff Tillma was presented the Wildlife Professional of the Year by public lands manager Sabin Adams. Tillma was cited for his commitment to conservation and his assistance in navigating the complex acquisition process behind public lands.
Pheasants Forever Minnesota Wetland Restoration Specialist Tyler Zimmerman received the Above and Beyond Award. The award is given to an employee of the organization who demonstrates a commitment to Pheasants Forever beyond the minimum job requirements.
Chapters throughout the state were recognized for their total cumulative contributions with the Conservation Excellence award. The awards were as follows: Scott County for $1 million. Renville County for $2 million. Cottonwood County for $3 million. Traverse County for $4 million. Big Stone, Carver, Meeker, Sibley counties and the Pine to Prairie chapter for $5 million. Douglas and Otter Tail counties and the Buffalo Ridge chapter for $6 million. Kandiyohi County for $8 million. Clay County for $9 million. Jackson County for $10 million. Lyon County for $11 million.
During Friday night’s event, volunteers nominated by local chapters were presented with Dedication Awards. The awards were given to:
Ben Cunningham of Brown County
Brandon Kral of Brown County
Aaron Otte of Chisago County
Pete Bohlig of the Dakota Ringnecks
Val Santjer of East Medicine
Brayden Anderson of East Medicine
Brock Douma of Glacial Ridge
Patrick (PJ) Smith of Goodhue County
Alex Gerhardson of Isanti County
Erich & Brigitte Fritz of Kanabec County
Jerod Ochsendorf of Kandiyohi County
Karen Ochsendorf of Kandiyohi County
Ron Schultz of Le Sueur County
Thea Nutt of Martin County
Kayla Blocker of McLeod County
John Nelsen of Meeker County
Kristi Backer Palmer of Metro Area
Larisa Ulyankina of the MN Lady Slippers
Mike Kmett of Nicollet County
Mary Jo Hill of Otter Tail County
Tyler Zimmerman of Otter Tail County
Erick Johnson of Pelican River
Ken Rodmyre of Renville County
Darin Kindt of Rock County
Mike Krmpotich of Rum River
Nathan Farber of Sibley County
Ryan Rothstein of Stearns County
Mike Apple of Stearns County
Dan Fitzpatrick of Tri-County
Dale & Donnna Lindberg of Wabasha County
John Earl Meyer of the Winona/Root River chapter
Darius Eilers of Yellow Medicine County
The Long Spur Society is made up of individuals who have demonstrated a continued commitment to Pheasants Forever. They are past Dedication Award recipients and have played an integral role in their chapter for many years. The Long Spur Society recipients this year were:
Dave and Deb Huhn of Brown County
Dan Braulick of Brown County
Tim Olson of Chisago County
Sherry Hagelstrom of East Medicine
Lon Schueth of Goodhue County
Brenda Lillion of Isanti County
Mark Peterson Kandiyohi of County
Tim Larson of Le Sueur County
Jeff Nies of McLeod County
Gary Gilbertson of Metro Area
Maegan Mayo of Nicollet County
Michael Siems of Otter Tail County
Jacob Nelson of Otter Tail County
Gary Kowalski of Pelican River
Trapper Olson of Stearns County
Mike Windschtl of Stearns County
Eric Counselman of Tri-County
Jeff Nylund of Wright County
Gary Duncomb of Meeker County
JB Bright of Glacial Ridge
Barry Bartels of Glacial Ridge
“Every year we’re amazed when we look back at the work our volunteers have done. It’s so good to get together and celebrate those accomplishments. Not only that, but every year I hear chapter leaders talking and they’re always looking to the future, trying to find new ways to grow their organizations. That’s what is really inspiring about this group,” said senior Regional Representative Will Clayton.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s next large gathering will be at the annual Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic March 1-3 in Sioux Falls, SD.
-Media contact is Dave Schwarz, Minnesota Outreach Coordinator, dschwarz@pheasantsforever.org
Michael Burhans
Habitat Partnership Specialist Michael Burhans starts work in Fergus WMD
Partnership with USFWS puts focus on wetlands acquisition, restoration in important wildlife region
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — Michael Burhans is the latest addition to the Minnesota Pheasants Forever Habitat Partnership Specialist team.
Pheasants Forever Habitat Partnership Specialists in Minnesota work with landowners in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They coordinate conservation easement acquisitions and restoration work within the state’s WMDs.
In addition to Pheasants Forever, the positions are supported by the USFWS and the USFWS Partners for Fish and WIlflife, The Pioneer Heritage Conservation Trust, Prairie Pothole Joint Venture, Fergus Falls Fish & Game Club and the Comorant Lake Sportsman’s Club.
In 2023, They were responsible for 2,608 acres in restorations and more than 2,500 acres in conservation easements in nine counties of the Morris and Fergus Falls WMDs.
-Media contact: Dave Schwarz, dschwarz@pheasantsforever.org, 320-260-9739
