Saturday, August 13, 2022

The North American Grasslands Conservation Act

 

Last autumn, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever and a coalition of conservation groups unveiled the largest new grasslands legislative effort in organizational history: The North American Grasslands Conservation Act. We asked you to step up and make your voices heard in support of this monumental opportunity and today we are proud to announce this historic grasslands legislation has been officially introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon and co-sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado.

 

What is the North American Grasslands Conservation Act?

Several years in the making, the Grasslands Conservation Act is a significant step for grassland conservation efforts in the 21st century. This act will help kickstart the voluntary protection and restoration of grasslands and sagebrush shrub-steppe in North America – some of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet - by creating a landowner-driven, voluntary, incentive-based program. 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PRIORITY LEGISLATION

 

How Can Members Support the Cause?

Simple: Grassroots advocacy. More than 50,000 voices helped us achieve Act language and bill introduction – but our collective voice for the uplands is now required to carry this monumental legislation to the finish line.

 

Visit ActforGrasslands.org right now and TAKE ACTION by submitting a form that will deliver a message of support for America's cherished grasslands and sagebrush to your United States Senator. 

 

Thank you for your efforts to impact North America’s Grasslands. THANK YOU for answering the Call of the Uplands!

 

smiling female hunter holding up harvested pheasant

Women on the Wing pheasant hunt

Saturday, Sept. 10
Rapid Wings Farm
12591 Hawkins Road, Hubbard Lake (Alpena County)

Learn to pheasant hunt, become more confident with your shooting skills, and make a few friends!

The day begins with a short educational presentation by Pheasants Forever, then we will shoot clay targets, eat lunch and go pheasant hunting.

Cost is $75 per person, which includes clay targets, ammo if needed, lunch, guided instruction provided by women (and their dogs) with pheasant hunting experience, three birds per hunter and a Pheasants Forever yearly membership.

Limited to 10 hunters. Must be at least 18 years old to participate.

For more info or questions, contact Bill Fischer at 989-395-5945 or fischerw@charter.net.

Port Huron State Game Area Tours, Saturday, September 24, 2022

The following article appeared in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources'  Wild Times Newsletter: Summer 2022 issue regarding the Port Huron State Game Area. 

Port Huron State Game Area welcomes woodcock

A cleared opening in a forested area with oak trees remaining and blue sky in the background.

A recently completed project at the Port Huron State Game Area improved habitat for the American woodcock. Woodcock, a ground-nesting bird species, need open areas to breed, nest and rest in. With support from Wildlife Habitat Grant funds and the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, 14 acres of brush and woody species were cut to create open ground for the birds. Food- and shelter-producing trees like apple, crabapple, white pine and oak trees were left to provide for wildlife.

Come see the area for yourself!

Join us at the Port Huron State Game Area on Saturday, Sept. 24, for a day of outdoor fun! The local DNR staff will be guiding area tours and activities for nature lovers and anyone else interested in spending time outside exploring their public lands. The event will start at 9 a.m., with various tours and activities scheduled throughout the day. Guests can plan to park at the Port Huron State Game Area Field Office at 6181 Lapeer Road in Kimball. For more information and event updates, email DNR wildlife biologist Kaitlyn Barnes at BarnesK10@Michigan.gov.