WORTHINGTON -- The Nobles County Chapter of Pheasants Forever earlier this month reached $1.4 million in investments in pheasant habitat in the county. The milestone was reached following the purchase of a 160-acre parcel adjacent to the Fenmot Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Wilmont Township, just a mile south of the Murray County line.
Scott Rall, PF Chapter president, said the newly-named Hansen Addition to Fenmot WMA will include a substantial wetland restoration project. It is the 18th acquisition by the local chapter since it was organized 24 years ago. As in past land acquisitions, Rall said the state will take over management of the newly acquired site within one to two years.
The PF Chapter spent $344,000 for its latest acquisition, and with land prices continuing to rise, Rall said they will need to look at developing partnerships with other agencies to ensure continued growth in pheasant habitat areas in the county.
"With land prices accelerating the way they are, for (growth) to continue, we will partner with other agencies," he added.
Those partnerships could range with everything from other wildlife agencies to watershed districts and governmental entities such as townships, cities and counties.
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"It will be any government entity that has water quality or flooding issues," Rall said. "It's going to be important for us to partner with other agencies for these things to happen."
In 2006, the Nobles County PF Chapter ranked eighth of 700 chapters across the nation in the amount of money spent on pheasant habitat. Rall estimates that with the latest purchase, the chapter will likely move higher on the list.
"Land acquisitions for us, without question, have been the driving force to the success of our chapter," Rall said.
Newly created Pheasant Run signs will be placed at all 18 habitat sites, thanks to Marv Rall and Kern Schwartz, Pheasants Forever sponsors.
"Our goal is that when people walk on Pheasant Run property, they'll see how much we've grown," said Rall, adding that the habitat sites cover 1,395 acres of Nobles County. The local organization, which dates back to 1983, was the 14th chapter to be established in Minnesota. Today, the state is home to 287 chapters.
The local chapter will celebrate its history and accomplishments during the 24th annual Pheasants Forever banquet, slated for March 30, at Cole's in Worthington. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a meal, raffle and auction.
Tickets for the event may be purchased at Rall Financial, 515 S. Shore Dr., or from any board member. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
"This year's banquet should be spectacular," Rall said, adding that they have the highest level ever of corporate sponsors for the event. He also credits the 20 or more active volunteers who help to make the chapter a success.
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Anyone interested in getting involved with Pheasants Forever locally should contact Rall for further information.
