Chart: Maximizing funding for the Mel Roehrl State Wildlife Management Area

Pheasants Forever (PF) matches state and federal conservation funds to multiply their benefits. The new Mel Roehrl State Wildlife Management Area provides an example.

First, PF regional biologist Eran Sandquist negotiated with the property owners to purchase most of the area's 303 acres and donate the remainder. Then Sandquist — working with DNR area wildlife manager Fred Bengtson, Stearns County PF volunteers and others — applied for and received federal and state funds from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Reinvest in Minnesota Critical Habitat Match.

To optimize those funds, contributions were subsequently sought and received from:

The Pheasants Forever Build a Wildlife Area Fund

The Buckentine family

Tri-County Pheasants Forever

Jackson County Pheasants Forever

Mower County Pheasants Forever

South Central Minn. Pheasants Forever

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA)*

Todd County Pheasants Forever

Padua Conservation Club

Steve Thompson Memorial

MDHA Hides for Habitat Fund

MDHA Habitat Committee

St. Cloud Granite Rotary

Stearns County Pheasants Forever