Buffalo, Missouri - The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF), thanks to a grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, announced today the establishment of its second ruff grouse restoration co-op, in the Catskill Mountains of New York.

The QUWF’s first major grouse restoration co-op and restocking efforts, in the state of Missouri, has seen great results, leading to this expansion, said Executive Director Craig Alderman.

“The new co-op and chapter consists of private landowners who want to make a difference in the grouse habitat and improve its population along with other resident wildlife – including deer, rabbits (both cottontail and snowshoe), turkey and black bear – while maintaining the crystal-clear mountain streams, the home of native brown trout,” Alderman said.

The group was able to leverage the grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund to 10 times its value in volunteer time, equipment and financial support.

Guided by the visionary leadership of Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris, the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund empowers its 200 million annual customers to support conservation efforts by rounding up their purchases. Rallying passionate customers alongside dedicated team members, industry partners and leading conservation organizations like QUWF, Bass Pro is creating North America’s largest conservation movement to collectively shape the future of the outdoors and all who love it for generations to come.

Initial Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) concepts began with a walkthrough with QUWF staff and a rough biological plan to approach a wildlife habitat improvement goal for grouse and other upland species. Grouse were spotted during the evaluation, which is a wonderful sign.

“It is the greatest reward we can achieve, in trying to save wildlife habitat, to have active landowners working with us and see the wildlife on their land as we begin the process,” Alderman said.

“We have incorporated the suggested practices including timber improvement, food plots, water sources and are planting a wildlife apple orchard of about 2 acres to begin,” said Warren Reynolds, chairman of the new chapter and leader of the work coordination.

Many other adjacent land owners have joined the co-op, as it pursues a 1,000-acre target site for the first year. As trees began to drop – with the wood used for firewood – grouse were spotted alongside the trees and many tracks in the snow.

The grant is being used to assist the landowners with true “on the ground” work on all properties.

About QUWF

The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) is the only Veteran-founded and managed national conservation organization in the U.S., and the only multi-species and clean stream national organization, including youth fishing teams, based in Missouri. QUWF “turns-the-dirt” locally and nationally with chapters that manage and control its own funds. To join QUWF, get involved or open a chapter locally for upland wildlife and habitat restoration/clean streams or the new youth fishing teams, visit our web site at www.quwf.net or email ADMIN@quwf.net. QUWF is a proud conservation partner of the Bass Pro Shop Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.

“Preserve the Land and Clean Streams….Build the Habitat….Hunt and Fish for Generations” with QUWF™