2025 News

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

People gather for a dedication ceremony for the Paschke Family Tract addition to the Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area Saturday, May 3, 2025, near Baudette, Minnesota. The 1,300-acre addition adds to the existing 14,000-acre WMA and contains a Sharp-tai

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. 

Supporters gather for a group photo following a dedication ceremony for the Paschke Family Tract addition to the Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area Saturday, May 3, 2025, near Baudette, Minnesota.

“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

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.

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. 

The Frontier Waterfowl Production Area is one of many public lands projects McLeod County.

“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

Restoration work brings vision to life at Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area

Wetland restoration work is underway in this photo from Nov., 2024, at the Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area near Spirit Lake, IA. Photo by Jake Chronister, Ducks Unlimited

Restoration work brings vision to life at Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area

Project impacts water quality for popular Big Spirit Lake, Okoboji chain and surrounding communities 

The journey from farm field to restored wetland and upland wildlife habitat is fully underway at the Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area near Spirit Lake, Iowa. 

The 198-acre tract was dedicated in September, 2023. The publicly accessible site is located on the border of Iowa and Minnesota and honors the legacy of Vincent, Pheasants Forever longtime President and CEO. 

Multiple community partners, including the Spirit Lake Protective Association (SLPA), have been involved with the acquisition and restoration of the property.  The SLPA was given the “Partnership of the Year” award during the Minnesota PF state convention in 2023. 

The centerpiece of the project is a 76-acre shallow lake restoration. It will be surrounded by about 110 acres of restored prairie. 

In addition to outdoor recreation, the parcel has direct impact on water quality for Big Spirit Lake, the Okoboji chain of lakes and the Little Sioux River watershed. 

Earthmoving equipment moves past the granite monument at the recently dedicated Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area near Spirit Lake, Iowa. Photo by Dave Schwarz, Pheasants Forever 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. 

Volunteers, supporters gather for annual Minnesota Pheasants Forever state convention in Willmar

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

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