FSA Promotes CRP at 2009 National Pheasant Fest

FSA was one of over 600 exhibitors at the fifth National Pheasant Fest held in Madison, Wis., at the Alliant Energy Center, Feb. 6-8, 2009. Among the exhibitors were at least 100 hunting dog breeders who paraded their animals during the show's opening on Feb. 6.

The annual event, which attracts wildlife habitat conservationists, upland hunters and sport dog owners, drew crowds exceeding 20,000 this year. The agenda included a “Renewable Energy and Wildlife Habitat Forum” that examined the future of renewable energy and the opportunities for wildlife habitat. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the “Landowner Habitat Help Room” where an estimated 20,000 habitat acres were evaluated for management recommendations, and the “Landowner Station” where FSA staff from Wisconsin hosted an information booth.

At the Landowner Station, FSA worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Department of Natural Resources, and Pheasant Forever specialists, to answer questions about the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). A steady flow of landowners from the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and South Dakota came armed with questions on the conservation program.

Wisconsin's FSA volunteers included Program Technicians: Kelly Palmer from Dane County, Natalie Ponkauskas from Green County, Brenda Hendricks from Sauk County, along with CEDs: Susan Blachowiak from Dodge County, Bob Kellesvig from Columbia County, Jennifer Noble from Barron County, Andy Bourget from Eau County, Jon Williams from Juneau County, and Jared Reuter from Richland County. Many of the same volunteers helped at the Landowner Habitat Help Room.

The county office volunteers were joined by Cally Ehle, Wisconsin Public Affairs Specialist, and State Conservation Specialist Susan Butler. Washington's FSA Specialist Toby Lloyd spoke at a forum about the Biomass Crop Assistance Program and participated in a biomass panel.

FSA volunteers estimated that they met with over 100 landowners. The most common question from visitors was about what actions could be taken with CRP acres after contracts expire. A handful of landowners from CED Andy Bourget’s county stopped at the booth to ask questions, and after a couple of questions realized with whom they were speaking. They had frequently seen Andy's name on county office newsletters but had never met him. It was a first for all three. "Glad you got to see me," one landowner said as he left the exhibit.

Pheasant Fest 2009, the first ever to be held in Wisconsin, will move to Iowa in 2010. The event is hosted by Pheasants Forever (PF), a non-profit conversation organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education, and land management policies and programs.

This inviting banner hung above the Landowner Station during the 2009 National Pheasant Fest. FSA staff from Wisconsin spoke with over 100 individuals - most were armed with questions on the conservation program.