BUFFALO, MO – Dedication to on-the-ground, Turnin-The-Dirt™ habitat work is one of the most important conservation choices landowners can make today. Assisting these landowners in engaging in wildlife habitat improvement and management and assessing stream quality concerns, ensures a bright future for wildlife. With nearly 92% of all lands in the U.S. privately owned, this work is vital. “Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF), was formed to enlist and help landowners in these endeavors however, to keep history from repeating itself we knew we had to continue thinking outside-of-the-box. The drastic changes we’re witnessing across the landscape, from extreme weather to increased predation, are taking their cumulative toll on wildlife, and the old approaches are just not working,” states Craig Alderman of QUWF. “Therefore, we are posting a new Research and Information section on our website (www.quwf.net/research) which features articles focused on wildlife ecology, conservation and habitat work, and fresh management approaches for landowners. We are not sitting on our laurels in our offices. We are in the field observing and trying new ideas knowing things have to change,” Craig said.
Research and Information (R & I) section articles from QUWF biologists will include cottontail rabbits and multifloral rose control in agricultural pasture environments by Chief Wildlife Biologist, Nick Prough; Northern bobwhite and Canada goose by MO State Regional Biologist, Bob Peterson; and white-tailed deer exclusion fencing and QUWF Wild Turkey Nesting Box, by Craig Alderman. Other featured posts to include an MU Extension Custom Rates for Farm Services guide, which will assist landowners in determining estimated costs associated with wildlife conservation field work and planting activities of various types.
“We’ve put a lot of thought into the development of our 40/40/20 model, to help explain the factors most influential to wildlife survival across the country – 1) Weather (40%) – especially extremes, can and will negatively affect wildlife, 2) Habitat (40%) – developing and maintaining quality habitat is an essential component to wildlife survival, and 3) Predation (20%) – a factor which has been largely ignored by many organizations as a non-issue, to the detriment of several prey species,” emphasizes Prough. “We have witnessed these limiting factors play-out in the field for years. It’s vitally important that we continue to consider new methods and try new things, before it becomes too late for some wildlife populations already in peril,” Prough states.
“As new research is conducted and findings are evaluated, it is our hope this new section on our website will become a valuable resource which can serve and guide landowners in their habitat management decisions. The R & I section will be periodically updated. We are listing the articles, research papers, and notices by the species common name, so landowners can quickly locate information on a particular animal (e.g., cottontail rabbits, wild turkey, etc.). In addition, the R & I section articles are downloadable as PDF files, and the links to the articles will also be posted on the QUWF social media sites,” says Peterson.
About QUWF:
Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation® (QUWF) is the only not-for-profit Veteran founded and Disabled American Veteran managed upland game conservation organization in the Nation. Established in 2009 and based in Buffalo, Missouri, QUWF is the only multi-species National organization which also focuses on Clean Streams™ and supports youth fishing teams. QUWF habitat projects Turn-The-Dirt ™ in concert with local chapters which manage and control their own funds. QUWF is a proud Conservation Partner of the Bass Pro Shops Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, a member of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and an Endowment Partner with the College of the Ozarks.
To join QUWF, get involved in Clean Streams™ efforts, youth fishing teams or to begin a chapter dedicated to the habitat restoration and population recovery of wild quail and all upland species, visit www.quwf.net, email admin@quwf.net, or phone (417) 345-5960.
Preserve the Land and Clean Streams – Build the Habitat – Hunt and Fish for Generations with QUWF™