Pheasants Forever and USDA Extend Partnership Agreement Through 2020

Pheasants Forever and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have renewed their partner commitment to conservation by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through the year 2020. The announcement was made during keynote remarks by Val Dolcini, Farm Service Agency Administrator, at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Des Moines.

The MOU establishes a framework of cooperation between Pheasants Forever and USDA agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), to maintain and enhance the productivity of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife habitats on private and public lands. Such activities include, but are not limited to, pheasant, quail, and other habitat conservation projects, habitat restoration, technical assistance, delivery of information and educational materials, and collaboration on habitat and wildlife research. In addition, the agreement focuses on the development of habitat restoration and enhancement techniques to help increase the extent of working lands.

“Given the strong relationships Pheasants Forever has with farmers and ranchers across the country, and the organization’s significant contribution towards the successful sage grouse and lesser prairie chicken initiatives launched by USDA, we are pleased to renew our partnership,” said Val Dolcini, Farm Service Agency Administrator.

Pheasants Forever, NRCS, and FSA have a mutual interest to successfully implement the various voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs authorized by the 1985 Farm Bill and the Agricultural Act of 2014 on private and public lands. The five-year commitment supports Pheasants Forever’s Farm Bill biologist program efforts within USDA Service Centers throughout the country to deliver conservation programs on a local level.  

“Working cooperatively with USDA allows for the completion of more high-quality wildlife conservation projects with interested farmers and ranchers – projects that help improve producers’ bottom lines,” said Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s President and CEO, “Working in partnership in the delivery of these programs also helps make more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are very excited to continue this cooperative work with USDA.”

About USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture works to support the American agricultural economy to strengthen rural communities; to protect and conserve our natural resources; and to provide a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for the American people. The Department’s wide range of programs and responsibilities touches the lives of every American every day.

About Pheasants Forever

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. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. Since creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever has spent $508 million on 475,000 habitat projects benefiting 10 million acres nationwide.

Pictured: Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's President & CEO, and Val Dolcini, Administrator for the Farm Service Agency, celebrate the signing of a partner MOU.

Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
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