North Metro Quail Forever Chapter formed (2nd GA Chapter)!!!

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http://www.quailforever.org/press/relea ... leaseID=46

Marietta is Home to Georgia's 2nd QF Chapter

Public invited to attend next meeting on Tuesday, March 14th

March 1st - Quail enthusiasts from Cobb County have formed the second Georgia chapter of Quail Forever (QF). The new chapter has been named the North Metro QF Chapter and is led by East Cobb resident Mark Childers. The new chapter plans to help improve quail habitat in Georgia, while also working on youth conservation education. The chapter's next meeting is Tuesday, March 14th and each 2nd Tuesday of every month.



"I grew up a quail hunter. My son, Caleb, grew up a quail hunter. We in the chapter want our grandkids and future grandkids to have the same opportunity to grow up as quail enthusiasts," explained Childers. "Our state's quail population is in danger of disappearing in one generation. Today, we decided to be a part of the solution."



In 1962, over 4 million bobwhite quail were harvested by Georgia hunters. That number has plummeted to an estimated 541,922 birds in 2003, of which only 23.5 percent were wild. The state has been actively implementing its own 15-county Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI) and has provided landowners with technical assistance on over 600,000 acres since 1999. BQI also provides eligible landowners with financial incentive payments on a competitive basis for the establishment of habitat to benefit quail. These habitats also benefit a variety of other wildlife species, while also helping to improve water quality and reduce soil erosion.



"There are unique challenges and opportunities in forming an urban/suburban chapter," added Childers. "We are excited about doing our part to create quail habitat and bring quail populations back up in Cobb County and northwest Georgia. We are also excited about helping to introduce the next generation of land stewards to our conservation values and our hunting heritage through youth mentor hunts and conservation activities for the whole family."



One tool available to Georgia quail enthusiasts is the conservation programs of the Federal Farm Bill. Specifically, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) can play a powerful role in returning quail habitat to the landscape. CP-33, commonly referred to as Bobwhite Buffers, is a component of CRP specifically targeted at improving bobwhite quail habitat through the creation of habitat buffers along row crops. Georgia landowners have been allotted 8,600 acres for the program.



The new North Metro QF Chapter, plans to hold their next meeting at 7PM on Tuesday, March 14th at the Delkwood Grill in Marietta. The public and media are invited to attend. For more information about the meeting or new chapter, please contact Mark Childers at (770)827-2373 or email mechilders@earthlink.net. If you are interested in starting a QF chapter in Georgia, contact Jim Wooley, QF's field operations director at (641)774-2238 or via email at jwooley@quailforever.org. Or, contact the QF national office toll free at (866)457-8245 or via email at contact@quailforever.org.

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If you plan on attending, please reply or call the contact number listed.

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New Location
3000 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 770-980-9863

We have made tremendous progress. Come join in.

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Congratulations to Lance Shake for winning our first Shotgun raffle. On a last minute purchase Lance picked up the winning ticket.

The Raffle was a huge success we have raised over $2000.00 which will be used for our Banquet.

All proceeds will benefit local habitat projects.

More postings available and additional information:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QFNorthMetro/

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Come join us for ou July 11 meeting, we will be having a guest speaker Dale Zaborowski , the topic will be Quail; behaviour.

Bring a friend, see you there!