Chapter provides a $22,000 donation to the Montana Grasslands Initiative
By Mikayla Peper
Kirk Miller and the rest of the Headwaters Chapter of Pheasants Forever enjoy pursuing any and all kinds of upland game birds throughout the grasslands and sagebrush steppes in Montana. It's a haven for many species, including bighorn sheep, antelope and mule deer. But it's also home to an incredible team of wildlife biologists.
"We've been connected with Pheasants Forever team members in Montana for several years," Miller said. "But we felt particularly inspired by their work after touring a handful of restored grassland properties this past fall, and hearing about the Montana Grasslands Initiative."
Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever's (QF) Montana Grasslands Initiative (MGI) is the largest effort to enhance and restore grasslands habitat in the state. The overall goal is to positively impact 1.5 million acres.
To boost these efforts, the Headwaters Chapter pulled together a donation of over $22,000 for MGI, and an extra $5,000 to fund local wildlife biologists.
"We're extremely honored and thankful for the leadership and support from the Headwaters Chapter," said Hunter VanDonsel, PF & QF's Montana state coordinator. "They continue to be the leading chapter supporter of the Montana Grassland Initiative, not only with financial support but also by helping with outreach and communications. Their recent contribution allows us to move forward on several high value grassland restoration projects this spring and unlock grant funding opportunities through matching funds."
The chapter, based in Helena, recently hosted their annual banquet, where they helped raise more funding for the mission in Montana.
"We've been waiting for a bigger opportunity like this to put dollars toward habitat, rather than the many smaller projects we've donated to in the past," Miller said. "We also know this work won't be possible without biologists, so donating toward that was equally important."
In the future, the group hopes to see upland bird populations continue to thrive. They are also looking forward to new opportunities to work with landowners on projects, especially local ranchers who may be interested in incorporating wildlife habitat into their grazing program.
"Public land is great, but private land is crucial to ensure there is enough habitat, and we want to help build up those relationships with landowners."
Miller and the chapter volunteers hope to emphasize that donations toward MGI matter, and will make a difference on the ground. There's no time to waste when grassland habitat nationwide continues to decline.
"You must have big audacious goals," Miller said. "If you do, you just might end up with an incredible amount of funding to work with."
Mikayla Peper is Public Relations Specialist for Pheasants Forever.