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For Immediate Release

Anthony Hauck (651)209-4972
AHauck@pheasantsforever.org

Michigan Pheasants Forever Hosting Free Habitat Expo and State Convention at Cabela's

• Event slated for Saturday, August 8th at Cabela's Dundee store encourages entire family to get outdoors.
• Dundee, Mich. - June 24, 2009 - Michigan Pheasants Forever (PF) is inviting your family to a fun-filled day at Cabela's in Dundee, Michigan, on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 for PF's Free Habitat Expo and 2009 State Convention. The Free Habitat Expo will take place from 10AM - 4PM and will include habitat and dog training seminars and great youth activities, to be followed by a banquet and awards ceremony to recognize volunteers from across the state for their contributions to PF.
• The Free Habitat Expo portion of the event will allow individuals to learn about wildlife habitat management from leading wildlife professionals. Youth will also be able it get in on the habitat act by trying their hand at planting window box prairies. In fact, the great lineup of youth activities make the event one the entire family can enjoy!
  In addition to archery, casting and the always-popular Laser Shot, youth will be able to take part in:
  • Mock Pheasant Hunt -Youth will learn the FUNdamentals of gun handling safety!
  • Tracks - Discover some of Michigan's wonderful wildlife and make a plaster track mold to take home.
  • Film Can Fishing -Youth will build and take home wilderness fishing kits that fit in the palms of their hands.
  • PF Passport to Adventure - Complete this hunt and you'll be entered in a raffle for a great gear giveaway!

"The best times outdoors are with family, which is why we've created an event that will bring families closer together," said Mike Parker, PF regional wildlife biologist in Michigan, "And a special thanks to Cabela's and their store in Dundee. They've always jumped at the chance to partner with Pheasants Forever in the name of conservation, and we're looking forward to a great event there this August."

To obtain a registration form or for more information about the Michigan PF Free Habitat Expo and 2009 State Convention, please contact Mike Parker at (517) 333-1272 or via email at mparker@pheasantsforever.org.

Michigan is home to 38 PF chapters and over 8,300 PF members. Those chapters have spent over $6.2 million to improve Michigan wildlife habitat, completing over 57,000 habitat projects benefitting over 393,000 acres for pheasants, quail and other wildlife.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 130,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

- For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

DNR, PF to Acquire 140 Acres near Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area PF helps create more public hunting opportunities.

Gratiot County, Mich. – January 13, 2009 – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will partner with Pheasants Forever (PF) to acquire 140 acres of land in Gratiot County that is adjacent to the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area. DNR Director Rebecca Humphries authorized the transaction at a recent Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.

The land, which is split in two parcels, a 120-acre parcel and a 20-acre one, is located in Hamilton Township in Gratiot County. Humphries authorized the transaction up to $370,000, with the purchase being paid for by the Turkey Habitat Acquisition Fund, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and a $10,000 gift from Pheasants Forever.

"This acquisition is significant because of the upland bird habitat on the property," said Humphries. "This will help us consolidate ownership, prevent land fractionalization, increase public recreational opportunities and secure additional wildlife habitat. This is an important wildlife corridor connecting existing state ownership at the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area."

"The DNR especially wishes to recognize the contribution of $10,000 from our conservation partner, Pheasants Forever," said DNR Wildlife Chief Russ Mason. "A significant portion of the land being acquired contains the habitat necessary for this special game bird, and by its actions, Pheasants Forever has helped to create more hunting opportunities for Michigan citizens."

The Gratiot-Saginaw State Game area is 15,892 acres in both Saginaw and Gratiot counties. For more information online, go to the www.michigan.gov/dnr.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education.PF/QF has more than 129,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are the only national conservation organizations that empower local chapters with 100% control of their fundraising dollars. This model has made us the most efficient organization in conservation.

We need your help to continue our habitat and youth education efforts in the face of rising land prices, urban sprawl, and a society increasingly detached from nature. To join us in these efforts, visit us TODAY at Pheasants Forever, Inc.(www.PheasantsForever.org)

Mike Parker
Regional Wildlife Biologist
2681 Tapestry Drive
Okemos, MI 48864
Office: (517) 333-1272
Mobile: (517) 896-4178
Fax: (517) 333-1272
mparker@pheasantsforever.org
www.pheasantsforever.org

From Al Stewart, DNR Wildlife Biologist.

Dear PF friends,
I want to thank PF for contributing to this project. Please see the DNR News Release below that recognizes PF for your involvement and for your significant contributions.
The cost of habitat conservation continues to rise, which makes partnerships like this even more important to restoring and protecting habitat. It's a great thing, anytime conservation partners can purchase a piece of property and help to "block in" lands within existing state game areas such as the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area. This new addition is open to the public for outdoor recreational activities and hunting options that include upland game, deer and wild turkeys.
I hope habitat on these parcels of land can be improved similar to the adjacent grasslands that were developed in conjunction with assistance from the Gratiot County PF Chapter. This land provides a core habitat base for wildlife in the area. I appreciate your efforts to make a difference for wildlife habitat.

We are pleased and proud to be able to work with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to acquire this land. Thank you for your investment in the future.

Al Stewart
Wildlife Biologist
Upland Game Bird Specialist
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Division
530 W. Allegan Street
PO Box 30444
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7944
Office (517) 373-1263
FAX (517) 373-6705
E-Mail: stewarta1@michigan.gov

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