heroes blog

On May 10, Field & Stream hosted their second Total Outdoorsman Challenge Regional in Orlando. Thanks to the following conservation organizations for helping us out:

Southwest Florida Water Management District
The Southwest Florida Water Management District provides links to core agency information, with topics describing who we are, what we do, how we're organized and how to reach us. The section also introduces the boards that provide agency guidance and establish policies for the region, and the management team responsible for their implementation.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. That's our mission. We protect and enhance elk country, support conservation education and restore wild elk herds.

National Rifle Association

Mark Rubbert
Prineville, Ore.
About 10 years ago, Mark Rubbert bought a run down cattle ranch adjacent to public hunting land, and kicked the cows off. "There wasn't a blade of grass on the place," says Rubbert. He started transforming the 5,000 acre ranch into a place where the area elk could winter. Restoring the land by having controlled burns, planting native trees and grasses, and controlling erosion on the properties roads and stream banks. "We've seen at least 10 times as many elk, quail have come back, and our deer population is thriving." With the help of the National Resources Conservation Service, he has been able to bring cattle back to the ranch and maintain a healthy habitat for wintering elk.

Labels: Heroes of the Week

This year, Heroes of Conservation is teaming up with another one of our programs, the Total Outdoorsman Challenge. At each one of the TOC regionals, local conservation groups will get the chance to have displays along side the skills competitions. The first event, held last weekend at the Rancho Cucamonga Bass Pro Shops, featured four conservation organizations. Here's who was there, and what the groups are up to:

San Bernardino National Forest Association
The SBNFA is dedicated to the conservation of the San Bernardino National Forest. Over the past 30 years, the use of national forests has increased 700% but funding for the San Bernardino National Forest has declined—40% in the past four years alone. The National Forest Association works to bridge that gap with conservation programs and education that promotes stewardship that adds value to the visitor experience. The goal is to help visitors value the forest itself.

National Wild Turkey Federation, San Diego Chapter
The San Diego chapter of NWTF is busy planning their 10th Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet, on May 17. The banquet is being held at Dreamcatcher Lounge at Viejas Casion in Alpine, Calif. at 4 pm. Tickets are $65 for adults, and $35 for Jakes (17 and under), with a $300 Sponsor Ticket available. For more information or reservations call: John (619-820-2943), Debbie (619-561-5738), or Russ (619-461-1659).

Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep
The SCBS maintains more than 60 big game artificial drinkers, and many more natural springs, in the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, Imperial, and San Diego for the desert bighorn sheep. The program needs volunteers to perform on the site inspections. Most inspections require two days with an overnight camping stay and four-wheel drive vehicle. If this sounds like your kind of activity, phone: 951-682-1348 or 909-520-3791, or e-mail: jnstrzelewicz@msn.com.

Quail Unlimited, Santa Clarita Valley Chapter
Quail Unlimited was established in 1981 to battle the problem of dwindling quail and wildlife habitat, Quail Unlimited has become the only national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the wise management and conservation of America's wild quail as a valuable and renewable resource. This chapters primary focus is habitat on in our National Forests, California Department Of Fish & Game Properties, and Bureau of Land Management land and located in Southern California.

Safari Club International, Orange County Chapter
The Orange County Chapter of S.C.I., established in 1982, is committed to the above mission and has members from every level of hunting-beginner through global expert. It is the place in Orange County to participate with other like minded hunters in sharing experiences, fellowship and hunting and travel knowledge. We are also very active in political action to further the cause of hunters and sustainable wildlife conservation.