Some highlights of the achievements outlined in the report:
Twelve pheasant cooperatives are currently actively working to improve habitat.
On state game areas, 2,338 acres of grasslands were enhanced, 389 acres of grasslands were established, 1,540 acres of food plots were planted, and 1,048 wetland acres were enhanced.
Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative coalition partners helped to enhance 111 acres of grasslands, establish 4,406 acres of grassland, plant 9.989 acres of food plots, enhance 1,307 wetland acres and restore 437 wetland acres.
The Department of Natural Resources provided technical and financial assistance to improve 725 acres of grassland habitat. MPRI Farm Bill biologists provided technical and financial assistance to 441 landowners, with 8,096 acres of improved habitat.
Over $300,000 was granted to MPRI projects through the Wildlife Habitat Grant Program. Through this grant program, 387 acres of grassland habitat will be restored.
The DNR received a $675,972 Competitive State Wildlife Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for long-term monitoring of grassland and savanna species in response to management actions.
The MPRI coalition applied for and received approval for 40,000 Conservation Reserve Program SAFE (State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement) acres and $61 million for incentive payments to landowners to benefit pheasants, mallards, monarchs and other grassland wildlife.
The MPRI coalition offered 186 education and recruitment events with over 10,000 participants in 2018.
The Adopt-a-Game-Area program helped to enhance 207 acres of grassland habitat and restore 116 acres.
“The MPRI Coalition really delivered for the people of Michigan last year,” said Bill Vander Zouwen, Pheasants Forever regional coordinator. “I look forward to even more exciting news in 2019, as CRP and CRP SAFE sign-ups open again, grants become available for public access on private lands (Hunter Access Program), and significant funds are raised for grassland restoration through the new Adopt-a-Game-Area Program.”
Al Stewart, DNR upland game bird specialist said that it is through this group of partners that the initiative has been able to make such great strides.
“Each year, we continue to build on the successes of the previous year and move closer to meeting the MPRI goals,” Stewart said. “It’s exciting to be involved with so many partners that are committed to making a difference.”
The Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative is a conservation initiative to restore and enhance Michigan pheasant habitat, populations, and hunting opportunities on private and public lands via pheasant cooperatives. The initiative works by acquiring state, federal and other partner resources to assist landowners in the cooperatives to improve wildlife habitat on their properties and by improving habitat on selected state game areas, recreation areas or other public lands.
