2025 News
Pheasants Forever Regional Representative Will Clayton, right, presents Mark Smith of the McLeod County chapter with the Making a Difference award during the Minnesota Pheasants Forever State Convention Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Willmar Conventio
Volunteers, supporters gather for annual Minnesota Pheasants Forever state convention in Willmar
“Acre by Acre” theme reflects ongoing commitment to conservation
WILLMAR — Celebrating past successes while looking to the future were the main themes during the recent Minnesota Pheasants Forever convention of chapter leaders, volunteers and supporters.
More than 250 gathered January 17-18 at the Willmar Convention Center for a weekend of celebration and information. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Chief Conservation Officer Ron Leathers was the keynote speaker, kicking off a full day of sessions Saturday.
“When we get this many dedicated volunteers in one room, there’s an energy that’s just contagious,” Minnesota coordinator Sabin Adams said. “You can’t help but coming away looking forward to the next year and all of the great work that will continue out on the landscape because of this incredible support.”
Attendees represented 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. Pheasants Forever was founded in St. Paul in 1982.
- A standing ovation is given for retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service member Scott Glup during the Minnesota Pheasants Forever State Convention Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Willmar Convention Center. Glup was awarded for his nearly 40-year career
Longtime U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service member Scott Glup was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award. Glup was honored for his nearly 40-year career in conservation, most recently for 21 years as project leader for the USFWS Litchfield Wetland Management District. The award highlights his career of visionary leadership, scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat for future generations. The entire audience stood in ovation as Glup received his award.
Mark Smith of the McLeod County chapter received the Making a Difference award, given to those that go above and beyond the call of duty to further the Pheasants Forever mission. The chapter was chartered with Meeker County in 1984 and went on their own in 1985, becoming chapter 7 and a consistent stalwart in the organization for decades. Smith also led the Habitat Conservation Society of McLeod County. When the decision was made to sunset that organization, he was vital in ensuring that the group’s $1.2 million in assets would transfer to Pheasants Forever to continue to benefit wildlife habitat projects.
“Through his leadership, Mark has not only transformed landscapes but also transformed lives,” Senior Regional Representative Will Clayton said when presenting the award. “His work stands as a beacon of hope and a model of what can be achieved when one person dedicates their life to making a difference.”
Murray County chapter volunteers received the Chapter of the Year award during the Minnesota Pheasants Forever State Convention Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Willmar Convention Center. Pictured are, from left to right: Regional representative Will Cl
Murray County received the Chapter of the Year award. Just two years since a restart, the chapter has become a leader in supporting the portfolio of initiatives for Pheasants Forever in Minnesota. In addition to their annual banquet, the chapter hosted a learn-to-hunt event and an impactful Hands-On Habitat day, all in a county with a total population of just around 8,000. Chapter leaders decided to pour 92 percent of net proceeds from these successful events directly into habitat projects, some beyond their own county.
The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Brown County chapter president Tim Kraskey. He was lauded for leading the chapter through an accomplishment-packed year, including events surrounding the governor’s pheasant opener, Hands-On Habitat initiatives and new signage for public areas.
Minnesota coordinator Sabin Adams presented the Partnership of the Year award to Minnesota Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society board president Michael Chalich. The award recognizes an outstanding entity or individual whose partnership with Minnesota Pheasants Forever has contributed significantly to the organization’s habitat mission.
The North Country chapter received the Mission Maker award for hosting a wide range of events through the year. The chapter was also recognized for supporting public land acquisition projects, many not in their home county, to the tune of $21,000. The chapter was also the only in the state to support the Minnesota Farm Bill Biologist team without having a biologist staffed in their county.
Martin County chapter leaders and volunteers are pictured during the Minnesota Pheasants Forever State Convention Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Willmar Convention Center. The chapter was honored with the Focus on Forever award. (Dave Schwarz/Pheasant
The Brood Booster award is given to an agency, NGO or partner organization that contributed to the mission of Pheasants Forever. This year state coordinator Sabin Adams presented the award to the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, represented by Minnesota Sen. Andrew Lang. The council administers funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund formed by Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. This funding is an essential component of Pheasants Forever public lands projects throughout the state.
The Isanti County chapter was given the Next Generation of Forever award. 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 chapter was praised for their work in reaching new supporters in non-traditional ways and converting that support into expanded support for the organization’s mission.
The Martin County chapter was awarded with the Focus on Forever award. Through well-organized committees, the chapter has been able to focus on reaching youth, adult-onset hunters, women and other non-traditional audiences. “By embedding themselves in their community, they’ve built something priceless: Undeniable local value. People want to be part of a winning team and this chapter has created just that,” regional representative Chance Steward said.
AnnMarie Krmpotich was presented the Wildlife Professional of the Year award by Minnesota Restoration Manager Becca Kludt. Krmpotich is the state coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. She was nominated for her constant advocacy for conservation work and for being instrumental in developing and maintaining vital partnerships in Minnesota.
Pheasants Forever Minnesota Administrative Assistant Brittni Nelson and Outreach Coordinator Dave Schwarz both received Above and Beyond awards. The award is given to an employee of the organization who demonstrates uncommon commitment to Pheasants Forever beyond the minimum job requirements
Nobles County was honored for the chapter's $15 million total fundraising mark during the state convention in Willmar. (Dave Schwarz, Pheasants Forever)
Chapters throughout the state were recognized for their total cumulative contributions with the Conservation Excellence award. The awards were as follows: Northwest Suburban for $500,000. Mower and St. Louis/Carlton counties for $2 million. Renville and Pipestone counties for $3 million. Brown, Lac Qui Parle and Swift counties, $6 million. Big Stone County, $7 million. Meeker County, $8 million. Wright County, $9 million. Clay and McLeod Counties, $10 million. Kandiyohi, Murray and, Stearns Counties and the Pine to Prairie chapter, $11 million. Nobles County, $15 million.
During Friday night’s event, volunteers nominated by local chapters were presented with Dedication Awards. The awards were given to:
Bryan Peterson of Brown County
John Wartman of Carver County
Daniel Gnau of Chisago County
Mark McGinty of the Dakota Ringnecks
Jamie Slama of East Medicine
Marie Houston of Freeborn County
Leo Chmil of Isanti County
Larry Kleindl of Kandiyohi County
LJ Maidl of Martin County
Denise Bornhausen of Metro Area
Jason Seelen of Morrison County
Linda Today of Pelican River
Robert Johnson of Ramsey County
Matt Sorenson of Rock County
Brent Farber of Sibley County
Mark Hiltner of Stearns County
Mark Ahle of Tri County
Lucy Cordes of Winona/Root River
Darwyn Bach of Yellow Medicine County
Chapter leaders, supporters and volunteers gather for the 2025 Minnesota Pheasants Forever State Convention at the Willmar Convention Center. (Dave Schwarz/Pheasants Forever)
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:
Steve Gnoza of Metro Area
Velerie Santjer of East Medicine
Nathan Farber of Sibley County
Bryan Gregor of Martin County
Kim Ableiter of St. Louis/Carleton County
Erick Johnson of Pelican River
Micah Heins of Tri County
Aaron Otte of Chisago County
Eric Jordahl of Isanti County
Mark Peterson of Kandiyohi County
John Weiderholt of the Mississippi Longtails
Greg Dewitt of Ramsey County
Darin Kindt of Rock County
Glen Koshiol of Stearns County
Raf Webster of Tri County
“The Acre by Acre theme this year really reflects what this work is all about. Our incredible volunteers and employees tackle our habitat mission step by step, year after year and they’re relentless, ” said Senior Regional Representative Chance Steward. “They never lose focus of what this is all about and there’s no way we can ever show them enough gratitude.”
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s next large gathering will be at the annual Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic March 7-9 in Kansas City, Missouri.
-Media contact is Dave Schwarz, Minnesota Outreach Coordinator, dschwarz@pheasantsforever.org
