Bobwhite quail conservation efforts in Arkansas continue to grow with the recent addition of a Quail Forever Specialty License Plate that was signed into law on May 1st, 2017. Spearheaded by the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever and embraced by Arkansas Senator Bill Sample over the past two years, the specialty plate begins circulation in December and will provide a $25 donation to “The Habitat Organization” for use throughout the state with each plate purchase or tag renewal.
“After more than two years of tireless work by our volunteers, a Quail Forever Specialty Plate has been signed into law and will contribute to the conservation efforts of this incredible game bird in Arkansas,” stated Daniel Epperson, president of the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever. “The success of this endeavor would not been possible without the support of State Senator Bill Sample who sponsored the bill; we are very grateful for his efforts.”
Over the past three decades, bobwhite quail populations in Arkansas have declined more than 90 percent due to habitat losses. In recent years, however, the efforts of Quail Forever, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, and the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative have successfully reestablished populations in select areas of the state. Arkansas continues to achieve goals set forth by its 2015
Strategic Quail Management Plan, which identifies five large areas throughout the state where restoration potential for bobwhite quail remains high.
The fact that the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever has taken this concept from dream to reality speaks volumes to the time, talent and energy put into this effort by our volunteers,” said John Wallace, regional representative in Arkansas. “Quail Forever and its partners have bigger and better things in store for Arkansas bobwhites - this endeavor is a great stepping stone for the future.”
About Quail Forever
Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division,
Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 149,000 members and 720 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent; the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. Since creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever has spent $708 million on 517,000 habitat projects benefiting 15.8 million acres nationwide.
Photo: Members of the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever join Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and Senator Bill Sample as the Quail Forever Specialty Plate is signed into law. (Pictured from left to right: Senator Bill Sample, Hamilton Bitely – Big Rock habitat chair, Governor Asa Hutchinson, Bruce Rew – Big Rock treasurer, Daniel Baker – Big Rock Banquet Chair, Daniel Epperson – Big Rock president)
Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
(651) 209-4953
jwiklund@pheasantsforever.org