Improving Nebraska and its Natural Resources One Acre at a Time!
Lonnie Smith ~ Boone County PF
Lonnie Smith grew
up in Boone County, Nebraska where he was introduced to hunting by his
father in late ‘50’s and early ‘60’s. Those were the days of the Soil Bank
programs and pheasants and quail were very abundant throughout the state.
As time went on, birds numbers began to decline. Lonnie has a passion for
all hunting, but especially pheasant hunting. In 1991, Lonnie decided he
needed to do something to help out pheasants and all wildlife by
volunteering to be part of the new Boone County PF chapter. Sixteen years
later, Lonnie is still leading the charge for wildlife habitat and
introducing young people to the great sport of hunting.
Lonnie is a dedicated chapter volunteer who is
a vital part of the success of the Boone County PF chapter. Lonnie doesn’t
do it alone, he has a strong group of people on the chapter committee and
all of their combined efforts have made the chapter the habitat and
education powerhouse that it is today. Lonnie believes in Pheasants Forever
because of the “local impact chapters have on habitat in their area because
they control the funds the chapters raise.”
Lonnie Smith’s leadership, dedication and passion for habitat, youth
hunting, and Pheasants Forever truly make him a PF Habitat Hero.
Boone County PF chapter accomplishments since 1991:
The chapter has raised and spent over $340,000 on habitat, equipment, and education.
They have worked on over 1,400 project impacting over 38,000 acres of habitat in Boone County and the surrounding area.
They have hosted five Youth Mentor Hunt events where they have introduced 59 area boys and girls to hunting.
They own a no-till grass drill that is available to area landowners for habitat projects. These drills are a vital piece of equipment needed to establish the best wildlife habitat possible. To date, local landowners have improved 1,180 acres of habitat with the use of the drill.
The chapter supports statewide programs like CRP-MAP, Corners For Wildlife, and the Legislative Action Fund among many others.
The chapter continuously works to find innovative and unique ways to deliver the mission of Pheasants Forever.
