Buffalo, MO: QUWF works with many private landowner members in its Missouri Niangua River Wildlife Coop, an estimated 8,000-acre area, managed for agriculture and wildlife in central Missouri. “The 500 acre + section we have focused on now is specifically owned for wildlife purposes only of quail, deer, turkey, rabbit and other upland game by three private land owners” stated Craig Alderman of QUWF. Two of the land owners, comprising 320 acres, are military veterans and the third is a long-time wildlife habitat supporter, all members of QUWF”. Additional land was purchased to expand the coop last fall so the project centered around four priorities; creating and installing access roads and boundary roads; boundary marking; developing wildlife openings and finally planting of the new access roads with a green browse. Good wildlife populations are present due to the sum 20 years of active, yearly work on the lands done by the landowners.

QUWF provided equipment and the operators to put in new culverts with a backhoe, and installed and cleared about 2 miles of boundary and access roads using the QUWF dozer and operator with volunteer help. “There was no access around the property and no connection to existing lands we all own contingent to each other. It would have taken me years to accomplish what we did together in a few days. The new roads are 16 feet wide and clear enough to get ATVs and UTVs totally around the properties and allow me to get a tractor through for final clean up and trimming” stated Tracy Watkins, owner of a 180-acre section of the project.

Two switch backs were installed to get through steep ravine areas with minimal land impact and keeping flash flood streams clear. The new access roads are designed with equipment turn around locations about every 50 to 75 yards with areas cleared for new gates. The group had a minor set back with the arctic blast and a dozer breakdown but are back up and working again. “We work around the devilish weather here in MO to our advantage and keep working for wildlife and clean streams all year long” stated Nick Prough Chief Wildlife Biologist of QUWF.

“We will go back and overseed clover, winter wheat and oats on the new roads with the disturbed ground from the dozer that employed back dressing to make them smooth, creating a winding green browse line for wildlife” stated Alderman. “Punching in the roads we saw deer tracks the very next day on them” Watkins reflected. New 4 wire fencing was also installed with a new set-back gate along a main county road. The county road fence line was first cleared by QUWF member volunteers of all brush, trees, vines, and sprayed for Serecia lespedeza, thistle, teasle, poison ivy, oak and sumac. Phase 2 will be next spring with the clearing of rock glens to enhance buggy areas for quail and turkey.

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 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, 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™.