Pheasants Forever’s Vincent Appointed to Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council
Newly established Council advises Federal Ag and Interior Departments on hunting and conservation.
Washington, DC –-(Ammoland.com)- Howard K. Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever National President and CEO, has been appointed to the new 18-member Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made the announcement during a national teleconference. The Council will advise the two federal Departments on recreational hunting and shooting sports activities and associated wildlife and habitat conservation.
The Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council is an official advisory group under the Federal Advisory Committee Act that will help to promote and preserve America’s hunting heritage for future generations. It will also provide a forum for sportsmen and women to advise the federal government on policies related to wildlife and habitat conservation endeavors that (a) benefit recreational hunting; (b) benefit wildlife resources; and (c) encourage partnership among the public, the sporting conservation community, the shooting and hunting sports industry, wildlife conservation organizations, the states, Native American tribes, and the federal government.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and sportsmen and women nationwide on this Council,” Vincent said, “I look forward to providing input to the Obama Administration on items ranging from 2012 Farm Bill conservation programs, youth hunter recruitment and hunter retention, and continuing America’s strong hunting heritage.” Individuals on the Council will serve two-year terms.
“Maintaining and conserving wildlife habitat and water resources that are so important to America’s hunting and angling heritage in the face of today’s conservation challenges requires a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local officials and partners in the private sector,” said Vilsack.
“The members of Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council will play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to improve the health and management of America’s public and private lands.”
The new Council replaces and improves upon the previously existing Sporting Conservation Council by expanding membership to include the archery, hunting and shooting sports industries, as well as including broader representation from the nation’s major hunting organizations. The Council’s charter also more clearly defines its responsibilities in supporting the public, the sporting conservation community, the shooting and hunting sports industry, wildlife conservation organizations, and the State and Federal governments.
Becoming the first Director of Finance for Pheasants Forever in 1987, Vincent has been involved with Pheasants Forever as a volunteer and/or employee since shortly after the organization’s inception. Over the years he has also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Pheasants Forever’s National Board of Directors appointed him CEO and successor to Jeffrey Finden, the organization’s first CEO, in January 2000. A native of Duluth, Minnesota, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota – Duluth, Howard and his wife Wendy live in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where he enjoys chasing the wily ringneck with his two sons, Marco and Ian.
Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.