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Pheasants Forever and its dedicated partners are proud to announce the addition of 208 acres adjacent to the McAndrews Wildlife Area in Jackson County, Iowa. The new
Build a Wildlife Area project, touted for its diverse habitat, wildlife, and funding structure, stretches over a third of a section in eastern Iowa to provide incredible upland hunting and other public access opportunities in the Hawkeye State.
Spearheaded by a joint effort between the Twin Rivers, Clinton County and Dubuqueland Pheasants Forever Chapters, the “Petersen Addition” in southwest Jackson County is aptly named after the family of Elmer and Evelyn Petersen, conservation-minded landowners whose land ethic will be etched on the property memorial for generations to come. Nestled between the McAndrews Wildlife Area and the Eden Valley Refuge, the new land purchase expands this wildlife corridor to 605 contiguous acres and will be managed in perpetuity by the Clinton County Conservation Board. Phil Visser, Executive Director of the Clinton County Conservation Board stated, “This property fits perfectly in between two important conservation holdings, we are excited to provide the habitat and outdoor recreation benefits to the local community through this partnership, it is a win for natural resources, wildlife and people.”
The rolling topography of the Petersen Addition will feature restored tallgrass prairie, mature woodlands, and ponds. The property’s beauty and diversity support a wide range of wildlife including pheasants and quail, turkey, deer, waterfowl, and non-game species. Located within a short driving distance of several major urban areas including Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Davenport, the Petersen Addition will provide a much-needed public resource for outdoor recreation.
Donor support of Pheasants Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area® program has permanently protected more than 20 square miles of habitat in 10 states through this unique, partner-driven matching gift program. Through local, state, and federal grants and individual private donations, Build A Wildlife Area® designates 100 percent of the funds directly toward land acquisition projects to create public access, conserve critical habitat for wildlife, and preserve outdoor heritage traditions.
“Our Build a Wildlife Area program creates strategic public habitat complexes for pheasants, quail and other wildlife,” stated Matt Holland, Director of Grant Development for Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever. “Thanks to the Petersen family, the twenty-six funding partners, and numerous individuals, corporations and foundations, this project is now available for all to enjoy.”
The Petersen Addition was made possible by contributions from the following partners:
A dedication celebration for the Petersen addition is being planned on site for spring/summer 2021.
, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 138,000 members and 760 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Since creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever has spent over $900 million on 550,000 habitat projects benefiting 19 million acres nationwide. In fact, more than 200,000 of those acres are now permanently protected as public lands.
Clinton County Conservation Board makes available to the public, parks, preserves, forests, wildlife and conservation areas; as well as encouraging the wise use of natural resources to help citizens maintain a healthy balance between the natural and manmade environments. They manage over 2,600-acres for wildlife habitat and human recreation.