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New Twin Cities-Based Quail Forever Chapter Fighting for SE MN Bobwhites

Roseville, Minn. – Quail hunters and conservationists have banded together in Minnesota's largest metropolitan area to form the state's second Quail Forever (QF) chapter, known as the Metro Chapter of QF. The chapter has set out to create, restore and enhance wildlife habitat areas in southeastern Minnesota, which is home to the state's last remaining native bobwhite quail population – estimated at approximately 1,000 birds. Through wildlife habitat projects and other events, the chapter also wants to connect the next generation to wildlife habitat conservation.

"We need Quail Forever in this area to build quail numbers and to reconnect youth to the outdoors," said Jonathan Lueck of Chaska, the chapter's newly-elected president, "After talking with the Southeast Minnesota Chapter of Quail Forever - Minnesota's first QF chapter based out of Caledonia - it became pretty apparent that the best thing we could do was start a Quail Forever chapter here in the metro area and work together on common goals."

Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. QF chapters promote local, state, and federal conservation programs that help landowners protect environmentally sensitive acres for quail and other wildlife. They also employ the organization's unique model of empowering local chapters with 100 percent control of the chapters' locally-raised funds to complete habitat and youth education projects in the chapters' own communities.

"When it comes to creating quail habitat, there are great challenges, but the Metro QF chapter is ready to meet them," said Scott Roemhildt, QF regional representative in southern Minnesota. Quail Forever is already working with southeastern Minnesota landowners to enroll acres in federal Conservation Practice 33  (also called bobwhite buffers) which establishes the edge habitat along fields, streams and woods that bobwhites love. The Metro QF chapter will also work with the Southeast Minnesota QF chapter on an "Adopt a Farm" program with the goal of enhancing and restoring quail habitat on a targeted farm-level landscape. And Quail Forever has a new national initiative called No Child Left Indoors®  that's aimed at getting youth involved with outdoor activities again. "The Metro QF chapter will be able to supplement the work that has already been done and bring additional resources that connect youth with the outdoors again," Roemhildt said.

The Metro Chapter of QF has also elected Rick Pike of Minneapolis as treasurer. The chapter will hold the next meeting on Thursday, April 2nd, 7 PM at Wally McCarthy's Auto, 2325 N. Prior Ave. in Roseville. For more information about the chapter, please contact Jonathan Lueck at (952) 448-5780 or via email at lueckj@yahoo.com .

For information about starting QF in Minnesota, to start a chapter or joining an existing chapter, please contact Scott Roemhildt at or via email at SRoemhildt@quailforever.org.

Since the organization's inception, over 110 QF chapters have formed in 25 different states. The QF mission is accomplished through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, education, and conservation advocacy.