As the wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma move closer to containment, "The Habitat Organization” would like to extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by these catastrophic events. Our thoughts are with the residents of each state — who’ve lost both lives and livelihoods during these fires — as well as with the fire fighters, volunteers and donors who have given their time to assist those in need. These recent events are a stark reminder of nature’s destructive power, but have also highlighted the importance of preventative fire management. The American Great Plains are intimately connected to fire — the landscape is built to burn, and the ground will recover much faster than the industry and agriculture that were destroyed alongside it. While Texas and Oklahoma will undoubtedly deal with more fires like these in years to come, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever team members will continue to help landowners and local communities with prevention measures. The Habitat Organization is a nationwide leader in the application of prescribed fire, with a proven track record across large portions of the Midwest. The recent events in Texas and Oklahoma have galvanized our efforts further to the south, and the organization will work tirelessly in these areas to both recover from and prevent wildfire in the future. Read the entire blog at the link: https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/The-Heart-of-The-Habitat-Organization-is-with-the-Southern-Great-Plains.aspx

We've got job openings for talented professionals from coast-to-coast. If you've ever considered a career in conservation, check out the link below for careers at the "Habitat Organization." https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=e9cf9c51-b70e-4607-b723-b8bf76c3161b&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever combatting decline in hunters with pledge to mentor
In a sea of blaze orange and camouflage green, it can be surprising to hear that there has actually been a decline in the number of hunters per capita for decades.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has announced a new general signup period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) running from March 4-29, 2024. The announcement came during the 2024 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the nation’s largest gathering of upland hunters and conservationists. “The USDA has a long track record of fostering and supporting the vital relationship between agriculture and conservation, and the Conservation Reserve Program helps our producers be good stewards of their lands and boost wildlife populations at the same time,” said USDA Under Secretary Robert Bonnie. “These efforts demonstrate the power of USDA’s Farm Bill conservation programs to conserve wildlife habitat, protect clean water and address climate change in partnership with farmers, ranchers, forest owners and conservation organizations, like Pheasants Forever, across the country.” Learn more about the announcement and how to signup for the Conservation Reserve Program at the link.