Chapter will promote "bobwhite buffers" in northeast Kansas
MARYSVILLE -- Residents of Marshall County have formed Kansas' ninth Quail Forever (QF) chapter in an effort to protect and enhance bobwhite quail habitat. The Marshall County Chapter of QF also aims to involve local youth in outdoor activities.

"The Marshall County quail population is significantly down from where it once was," explained Jordan Martincich, QF regional representative in eastern Kansas. "This long-term shift can be attributed mainly to a sharp decline in the quality and quantity of quail habitat, and that is exactly what the Marshall County chapter wants to reverse.

"The chapter will work with landowners to promote and help enroll acres in federal Conservation Practice 33 (CP-33), most commonly referred to as "bobwhite buffers," which establish edge habitat along fields, streams, and woods that bobwhites love. The program has been well-received in Kansas, with more than 32,000 acres already improved for bobwhites and other upland birds.

"I've personally seen what setting aside bobwhite buffers can do," said Donald Argo, the chapter's president and a Marysville resident. "That's why I know that with the support of both Quail Forever and Marshall County residents, we can make a difference everyone will see."

While restoring nesting cover, brood rearing habitat, and food resources for quail and other wildlife, the chapter is also seeking to increase local youth participation in outdoor activities, including hunting. "It's important to do things that get the youth involved," said Argo, "It doesn't matter how much habitat work is done today if there isn't anyone to help protect and carry on this tradition in the future." The chapter will use Quail Forever's No Child Left Indoors national initiative, which is aimed at getting youth involved with outdoor activities.

The Marshall County Chapter of Quail Forever has also elected Robert Skillin of Blue Rapids as the treasurer, Blake Klema of Blue Rapids as habitat chair, and William Lamb of Blue Rapids as the youth/education chair. For more information about the chapter and upcoming events, phone Donald Argo at 785-562-2744 or email daamdmsks@hotmail.com.

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