Biologist brings years of prescribed fire and teamwork experience to the new role
Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are excited to introduce Jonathan Eerkes as the new prescribed fire programs manager, a position made possible through support of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Working Lands for Wildlife Bobwhite Partnership. As a member of the national habitat programs team, he will champion PF & QF’s efforts across the nation to increase the safe and effective use of prescribed fire as an upland management tool through well-trained team members, supported prescribed burn associations and qualified chapters.
"Prescribed fire is arguably the most important tool in the habitat toolbox,” said Aaron Kuehl, PF & QF’s director of habitat programs. “Its effective use and the safety of our employees, partners, volunteers and neighbors is our top priority. Jon brings two decades of fire experience to his new role, and we are excited for him to lead our organization's efforts."
In this role, Eerkes will provide leadership and support for programs, personnel, chapters and partners deploying prescribed fire on private and public lands to enhance upland habitat and improve associated upland wildlife populations. Additionally, he will partner with PF & QF’s corporate relations, grants and development teams to develop partnerships and funding to support these efforts.
Eerkes has been with The Habitat Organization for nearly a year as an area wildlife biologist, fueling conservation efforts in northwestern Minnesota. Prior to this, he worked for nine years as a land steward for The Nature Conservancy at the Tallgrass Aspen Parklands in Minnesota. Additionally, Eerkes holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Dordt College, alongside several prescribed fire certifications.
“Prescribed fire is the keystone of good upland habitat management, without it, we are left with less effective land management tools and the possibility for unplanned and destructive wildfires,” Eerkes said. “Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are in a unique position to affect how fire is applied on both permanently protected and privately held lands, with the help of professionally trained employees as well as dedicated volunteers. I’m looking forward to using my experience to help push forward the safe and effective application of fire in this organization.”
For questions about prescribed fire management within PF & QF, contact Jonathan Eerkes at JEerkes@PheasantsForever.org.