Ashley, ND – July 8, 2008 – Greater McIntosh County area conservationists have formed North Dakota's newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, the Dry Lake Chapter of PF. The chapter will focus on wildlife habitat improvement and act as a proponent of the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

In 2007, over 400,000 acres of CRP expired in North Dakota, with hundreds of thousands more set to expire in the coming years. McIntosh County alone is expected to experience a 65 percent loss in CRP lands by 2012. This would be a significant loss in crucial habitat that is important for the success of all types of wildlife. "It's clear that we need chapters that are full of conservationists now more than ever," said Jesse Beckers, PF Regional Representative.

"It’s important for us to help assist local farmers in understanding the true significance of CRP land," explained LaVonne Walker, the Dry Lake chapter's newly elected president, "We want to be able to give these farmers other options or opportunities to keep their land enrolled in conservation programs. Essentially, if we see an opportunity to increase any amount of habitat, we will."

While taking part in plantings and habitat restoration projects, the Dry Lake chapter is also looking to recruit youth. "It's imperative that we get our local youth involved because there are just too many electronic distractions these days," said Walker, "Youth need chances to get outside and to understand the importance of the outdoors. No matter how many habitat restorations we take part in today, it will all be for nothing if our children don't care about it tomorrow." PF helps chapters to get their local youth outdoors through the No Child Left Indoors™ initiative.  This new initiative is PF's response to a nationwide movement to get kids outdoors and looks to provide opportunities for youth and their families to be involved in outdoor activities through youth habitat projects, outdoor events and community events/activities.

"These people are capable of doing great things for a large amount of habitat in this area," Beckers added, "There has been a great deal of concern about the loss of CRP in North Dakota and this chapter is committed to making sure that there will always be wildlife habitat to be enjoyed."

The Dry Lake chapter will be holding its next meeting on Wednesday, July 9th at 9PM. The meeting will be located at The Roost bar and grill in Ashley. The public and media are invited to attend. For more information about the upcoming meeting and the chapter, contact LaVonne Walker at (701)288-3075 or by e-mail at kwalker@drtel.net.

For more information on PF in North Dakota, to start a chapter or join one of the state's existing chapters, contact Jesse Beckers at (701)202-8120 or via email jbeckers@pheasantsforever.org.

The first North Dakota PF chapter formed in 1986. Since then, the state's 26 chapters and over 2,600 members have spent over $1.37 million to complete 3,721 habitat projects benefiting over 40,000 North Dakota acres for pheasants and other wildlife.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 129,000 members in over 700 local chapters across the continent.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org