Pheasants Forever singled out eight Wisconsin landowners and organizations earlier this month at the organization’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Milwaukee.
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan recognized the landowners and organizations – including Ron and Zoey Brooks of Waupaca – for their efforts in protecting wildlife habitat in Wisconsin. The Faces of Wisconsin award winners earned the distinction for their varied efforts in conserving wildlife habitat and support of Pheasants Forever’s mission.
The Brooks family has set a high conservation standard at their family farm south of Waupaca, with projects that include multiple prairie restorations; buffer strip additions; the creation of a wildlife corridor to reconnect previously fragmented woodlands; and a conscious choice to preserve fence lines and shelterbelts. They’ve also worked with Pheasants Forever to provide youth hunting and training opportunities.
“This is one of those states that appreciates pheasant hunting, that appreciates conservation,” Ryan told the audience at Pheasants Forever’s national banquet.
Also recognized were Craig Schlender, Baraboo; Brian Buenzow, Janesville; the Swamplovers Foundation, Cross Plains; Dave Carlson, Eau Claire; Paul Fowler, Black Wolf; Dick Nikolai, Appleton; and Deirdre Birmingham, Mineral Point.
Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 140,000 members and 745 local chapters across the United States and Canada.