by Jill Funke

The impact of the Three Rivers Pheasants Forever is often seen but may not be widely known. Through their mission of protecting wild life habitat, environmental education and land acquisitions projects, Pheasants Forever and Three Rivers have contributed over $150,000 to projects in Lyon County. Members of the Three Rivers Chapter say that these projects would not have been possible without the support of local businesses, individuals and groups. The Three Rivers Chapter was the 24th chapter in the nation to form, and now is in the top 20 for longevity as some of the original chapters have folded.

Since its existence, the Three Rivers Pheasants Forever purchased hundreds of acres in different locations in the Little Rock River Wildlife Area. These purchases were completed as a result of matching funds from the Iowa Pheasants Forever Council. In addition, fifty acres in the Lake Pahoja Recreation Area was purchased with $5000 from the chapter and a $5000 match from the Iowa Council, and 215 acres in the Blankespoor Wildlife Area was purchased for $5000 from the chapter and a match of $5000 from the Iowa Council. To purchase 215 acres in the Boon Ranch, each entity used $10,000 of their own funds, while the acquisition of 135 acres in the Lee Project required $6000 from Three Rivers with matching funds of $6000 from the Iowa Council. 70 acres in the Horn Project were purchased for $2500 from the chapter and $2500 from the Council, and through the planting and seeding of trees and native grasses locally, as well as a rural water native grass seeding project, the chapter spent $6284. The largest project totals 320 acres in the Peterson Prairie Wildlife Area, and took a $20,000 investment from the Three Rivers Chapter, $30,000 from the Iowa Council, $5000 from Dickinson County Pheasants Forever, and $5000 from Iowa Capital Pheasants Forever.

Every year, the Three Rivers Pheasants Forever holds its annual banquet to raise funds for the projects and activities it conducts during the year. This year, the banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 31st. At 5:30 p.m., happy hour kicks off the festivities at the Forster Community Center in Rock Rapids. Dinner will follow at approximately 7:00 p.m.

The live and silent auctions will feature numerous items for bid that are sure to encourage friendly competition. Some auction items include a fireplace set, wood pheasants sculpture, medicine cabinet, guns, a golf package, Harley sign, 1 load of pitrun gravel, metal welcome sign and various steins. Women’s raffle items include various gift certificates, jewelry, and Chicago cutlery. Considering the auction, raffle and door prize items, not many will go home empty handed.

The chapter expects over 250 members and their wives to attend the banquet. In addition to the meal, there will be numerous games and other fun activities for all who attend. Tickets are available for a cost of $40 for current and joining members, and $10 for the accompanying spouse. Current members appreciate the fact that over 90% of their funding is used in their own county. They also are grateful for the support they receive from local businesses and individuals, fully realizing that they would not exist without this type of foundation for their efforts. Anyone wanting more information, or considering membership should contact Todd Reinke at 753-4626.

These businesses and individuals are listed as Three Rivers Pheasants Forever Sponsors:

Fourteen years: Willy Knobloch

Eleven years: DRG Mechanical

Ten years: Peoples Bank

Nine years: TriState Ready Mix

Eight years: Alvord Gun Club, Hiller Lumber, Rock Rapids Gun Club, John Tolvstad, and

Warren Newborg

Seven years: Lyon County Conservation Board

Six years: Denekas Farm

Four years: Farmers Elevator of Inwood, Larchwood, Doon, Alvord, Rock Rapids, Rock Valley, Lester and Hudson, and H&S Home Building Center

Three years: Larco Homes, Larchwood Lumber Company, Midwest Livestock, Roger DeBey, T & S Construction, George State Bank, and Feikema Home Builders

Two years: Roy Doherty Construction and American State Bank

One year: Siouxland Machine Inc, Flooring America, A&I Inc, John Fluit Jr, and Farm Country Trader.