2005 Build a Wildlife Area Effort Kicks off Friday at Game Fair
Partnership has already created over 700 acres of public hunting land for Minnesotans in first two years

St. Paul, Minn. – August 9, 2005 – The third Build a Wildlife Area campaign will kick off this Friday at Game Fair in Ramsey, Minnesota.  The partnership has already dedicated two new wildlife management areas (WMA) as a result of the partnership’s first two campaigns in 2003 and 2004.  The Build a Wildlife Area effort is unique in that all donations are tripled through matching grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The Build a Wildlife Area partnership was formed in 2003 by Pheasants Forever (PF), Outdoor News, and Game Fair.  Gander Mountain was the first corporate partner to join the campaign and has participated in both Minnesota and Wisconsin’s Build a Wildlife Area campaigns.  In 2003, the campaign acquired a 318-acre parcel in Morrison County, which became the Mud Lake WMA.  In 2004, the campaign dedicated the 400-acre Hunter’s Paradise WMA in Traverse County.  Both WMAs are now open to the public for outdoor recreation, including hunting.  In total, the campaign has raised nearly $500,000 after matching grants for the two acquisitions.

Ron Schara and his sidekick Raven have also been involved with the campaign since its origins.  This year, Schara will be launching Raven’s Project to raise awareness and funds for outdoor-oriented projects.  This first Raven’s Project will be to help raise funds for the Build a Wildlife Area campaign.  You can support Raven’s Project, and in turn the Build a Wildlife Area campaign, by purchasing Raven plush pups at Game Fair, the Minnesota State Fair, and a variety of other outlets across the metro area this fall. 

This year at Game Fair, attendees will also be able to purchase $10 raffle tickets on a 2005 Ford F-150 Super Crew truck provided by Northland Ford Dealer’s Group.  The truck winner will be announced at the end of Game Fair.  All funds raised from these tickets sold at Game Fair will go toward the 2005 Build a Wildlife Area campaign.  Tickets will be on sale at the Anoka County PF booth just inside the Game Fair main gates.

This year’s campaign will once again include contributions from the partnership’s major donors; including, PF, Outdoor News, Game Fair, Gander Mountain, Anoka County Chapter of PF, KFAN/Clear Channel, Apple Auto Group, Federal Premium Ammunition, Referral Mortgage, North Country Ford, Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Minnesota DNR.  The Build a Wildlife Area partnership is seeking contributions from additional conservation-minded corporations and individuals.  Corporate donations of $1,000 or more and individual donations of $500 or more will be recognized on the permanent monument at the WMA.  Donors of $25 or more will be recognized with a Build a Wildlife Area certificate. 

Game Fair is open 9AM to 6PM on August 12, 13, & 14 and 19, 20, & 21.  For more information about Build a Wildlife Area, go to http://pheasantsforever.org/bawa/, or contact Karlene Carlson at PF toll free at (877)773-2070.