2025 News

Recent Pheasants Forever acquisitions add 268 acres of upland habitat to Minnesota’s public lands

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – Three recent strategic acquisitions by Pheasants Forever in Minnesota have expanded on existing public land complexes. The acquisitions add to more than 500 completed projects open to public use in the state since the organization’s founding in 1982.

The parcels have been conveyed as either Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) or Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). In addition to Pheasants Forever chapters, partners and members contributing through the Build a Wildlife Area program, major funding for the projects was acquired through Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, administered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. 

“We know that larger complexes have exponential benefits for wildlife,” Minnesota Public Lands Manager Jake Granfors said. “By making important additions to existing areas we can improve access, expand habitat and stitch together complexes that really make a difference for all prairie species.”

Pheasants Forever’s acquisition strategy through the protection of high-quality upland habitat provides solutions for the nation’s most complex sustainability issues, including improved biodiversity, soil health, water stewardship and rural economic development while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail and associated wildlife.

High Island Wildlife Management Area

This 207-acre property in Sibley County borders High Island Creek, with more than 3,000 feet of creek footage. It is also 1.5 miles from High Island Lake, a 1,655 acre shallow lake. The project adds to an existing 169-acre Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), creating a large habitat complex within 3-5 miles of existing public lands. The project is close to the existing Baker’s Lake WMA, High Island WPA, Hahn Lake WPA and Penn WPA and WMA, forming a large complex of restored upland habitat. Plans for the property include wetland restoration and prairie seeding. 

Just a few miles south of New Auburn. The purchase was funded by Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, The Sibley County Pheasants Forever chapter and a donation from the seller. 

Prairie Marshes Wildlife Management Area Addition

This project is a 40-acre inholding that adds to the Prairie Marshes Wildlife Management Area, a restored wetland and upland habitat complex about 10 miles southwest of Marshall. Pheasants Forever acquired and restored another 177-acre addition four years ago. Combined with this most recent addition, the WMA has nearly doubled in size for a total of 593 acres. 

The Prairie Marshes WMA contains high-quality native prairie and is home to several rare plant species. This addition expands the existing habitat and provides for better public access to the entire complex. Funding was from the Lyon County Pheasants Forever Chapter, a donation from the seller and the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund. 

Bjur Waterfowl Production Area Addition

Located in Kandiyohi County about 14 miles south and east of Willmar, this project adds 21 acres to the existing 40-acre Bjur WPA. This addition adds to the existing area and allows for better access for both the public and USFWS crews. The area has numerous permanently protected properties. Funding for the project came primarily through Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund. 

— Media contact is Dave Schwarz, Minnesota Outreach Coordinator, dschwarz@pheasantsforever.org

Pheasants Forever and Partners Dedicate 1,300-acre Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area Addition

Important sharp-tailed grouse habitat protected and available to the public in northern Minnesota

BAUDETTE, Minn. - Monday, May 19, 2025 – Officials, supporters and area residents gathered recently to dedicate the Paschke Family Tract addition to the Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area. The 1.300-acre property was purchased by Pheasants Forever through the Build a Wildlife Area® program and was recently conveyed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

“In terms of total acres this is one of the larger projects we’ve ever done. It’s an amazing property that will support important species and provide recreation opportunities for the public, fitting squarely within our mission of public lands acquisition,” Minnesota state PF coordinator Sabin Adams said.

The existing Carp Swamp WMA covers nearly 14,000 acres. It adjoins Lake of the Woods state forest and the Carp Ruffed Grouse Management Area. The property is home to a known Sharp-tailed Grouse lek. 

“It's truly amazing what can be accomplished when people are committed and dedicated to a cause. Take that commitment and add in some strong partnerships, and we have the Paschke Tract. This is really a great day,” Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse society president Mike Chalich said during Saturday’s event. 

Speakers at the dedication ceremony included Adams, Chalich, Minnesota DNR Northwest Regional Wildlife Manager Blane Klemek and retired DNR area wildlife manager Scott Laudenslager. 

Pheasants Forever will be working with the DNR to restore 27 acres of existing cropland to a diverse mix of grasses and forbs on the north unit this summer. During the winter, plans are to remove 622 acres of brush over both the north and south units of the acquisition. Some of the cut brush will be used to fill approximately 2,000 feet of ditching.

Pheasants Forever’s acquisition strategy through the protection of high-quality upland habitat provides solutions for the nation’s most complex sustainability issues, including improved soil health, water stewardship and rural economic development, while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail and associated wildlife. 

In addition to Pheasants Forever, the project was supported by the Paschke family, the Minnesota DNR, The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund administered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse society and Safari Club International. 

Pheasants Forever Furthers Mission with Donation from McLeod County Conservation Society

Minnesota-based organization transfers more than $1 million to support wildlife habitat

HUTCHINSON, Minnesota. – Monday, March 31, 2025 – Thanks to generous volunteers, The Wildlife Habitat Conservation Society of McLeod County will continue to support habitat and access in Minnesota, even after sunsetting the organization. Founded in 1985, McLeod County Conservation Society has shifted its focus after almost five decades of work. But as a parting contribution to Minnesota’s natural resources, they transferred assets of about $860,000 in cash and a 40-acre property to Pheasants Forever. 

McLeod County was primarily created to raise funds through local charitable gambling efforts. Volunteer Mark Smith led the organization for several years, and said he has faith their mission will be continued through Pheasants Forever. 

“The Society was always about local habitat projects and conservation work through Pheasants Forever. With most of the leadership growing older, the loss of our sales location and no more ability to raise funds, we thought it was time to make a change,” Smith said. “Really what it came down to is we wanted to have the money go to the mission in an active way. With Pheasants Forever, we can be assured of good accounting and oversight, and we have a strong trust in their commitment to the mission. So, we were very comfortable that this was the right thing to do.” 

Smith was also honored with the Making a Difference award in January 2025, which is given to those that go above and beyond the call of duty to further the Pheasants Forever mission. He was lauded for his work with the local Pheasants Forever chapter, as well as with the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Society. 

“Through his leadership, Mark has not only transformed landscapes but also transformed lives,” said Will Clayton, a Pheasants Forever senior regional representative. “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.”

The transfer will support Pheasants Forever’s Build A Wildlife Area (BAWA) program focused initially on projects in McLeod County. By permanently protecting high-quality habitat, Pheasants Forever’s acquisition strategy through the BAWA provides robust solutions for rural economic development, soil health and water stewardship — while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail and associated wildlife.

-Media Contact: Dave Schwarz, Minnesota Outreach Coordinator

Jake Chronister of Ducks Unlimited is leading the wetland restoration on the area. "Not only is this project great habitat for waterfowl, wetland wildlife and upland-dependent species, but it will really hit home to the “people” side of things — the ecosystem services that are part of our mission,” Chronister said. “Clean, clear water will come out of this project, and it flows directly into Big Spirit Lake and the whole Okoboji chain.” 

The wetland and grassland restorations are estimated to provide an 85 percent reduction in phosphorus and nitrogen annually and a reduction of 30 tons of sediment for every two inches of rainfall to Big Spirit Lake.

Work to remove sediment from the wetland basin, along with almost five miles of tile, was started in the fall of 2024. Removal of a lift station and installation of a water control structure were also scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

-By Dave Schwarz, Minnesota Outreach Coordinator for Pheasants Forever. 

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.”

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

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