In a great town hall meeting in Buffalo, MO, QUWF Executive Director and U.S.A.F. Veteran Craig Alderman met with Congressman Mark Alford for a good one on one discussion in addition to his national updates. Alderman has met with Alford’s staff multiple times previously, setting the stage for new ideas to help veterans and private land owners with conservation work for wildlife and clean streams.

“I found Congressman Alford and his staff to be exceptionally attentive, listening to concerns of veterans and private lands conservationists in the 19th District. He took two pages of notes, that alone was impressive, as we spoke together” Craig said. The Congressman made it a point to meet and visit with every person at the morning town hall.

“It is a breath of exceptionally fresh air to know we have politicians who know the people are their main focus, locally and nationally and we need a better voice in todays upside down political mess” Alderman observed. “We believe Congressman Alford and his staff are that voice” Craig concluded.

Alford also listened intently to input for the pending Farm Bill and to the notion it should be benefiting farmers and ranchers better not organizations or other government agencies by establishing and increasing the checks and balances within the bill. Results matter, measurable, exact and focused results for farmers measured in crops, cattle, livestock, and produce assistance on the ground. Only then can you discuss wildlife conservation on their lands.

Part of Alford’s QUWF assistance is to establish a new way for veteran farmers and private landowners to have direct programs helping them with conservation efforts for wildlife and clean streams on their lands. 90% plus of all lands are in private ownership.

“It is a tough battle fighting for private landowners and getting the support they directly need. We may have a 10,000 acre area with highly productive wildlife and great work being done, owned by 1 or 2 people so companies look at support with doubt as they want to sell loads of widgets to consumers. We know that. Yet without the land, there is no hunting, period. It takes blood, sweat and tears and lots of dollars to work the land and be a true partner with them. Public lands are not and will not be the answer” observes Nick Prough, Chief Wildlife Biologist.

About QUWF and the AFC:

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-specie and clean stream national organization including youth fishing teams, based in Missouri. QUWF with its partner the American Falconry Conservancy (AFC) “turns-the-dirt™” locally and nationally focusing on veteran and all private landowners with chapters that manage and control their own funds. To join QUWF, get involved, sponsor our work or open a chapter locally for upland wildlife and habitat restoration/ clean streams or the youth fishing teams, visit our web site at www.quwf.net or email calderman@quwf.net. QUWF is a proud Conservation Partner of the Bass Pro Shop Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, a member of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and an Endowment Partner with the College of the Ozarks. The AFC and its members are dedicated to the historical sport of falconry and the preservation of upland wildlife habitat and populations. Visit our website at www.falconryconservancy.org for more information.

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