Story from Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch
Park Cities Quail Coalition pledged a record-setting $1,042,000 to support the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch on Sept. 12 at their annual Dallas check presentation dinner. The funds will be used for annual operating expenses, a new headquarters complex, translocation research initiatives and a soon-to-be-announced program to train veterans on quail-related matters and skills.
“We are so grateful to Park Cities Quail Coalition for their steadfast support for our work,” said Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation Executive Director Dale Rollins. “Park Cities Quail Coalition has been our biggest supporter since our inception in 2006 and our research efforts would not be possible without their unwavering support.”
Park Cities Quail Coalition’s mission is to sustain and restore huntable wild quail populations, encourage and educate interested youth and to celebrate the region’s quail hunting heritage. Park Cities Quail Coalition has provided substantial funds to the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation every year to support the research ranch, and this year marks the biggest commitment to date. The two organizations formed about the same time in 2006. Over the last year, plans for upgrading facilities at the ranch have been initiated.
“When we found out that the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation was interested in upgrading their facilities to match the level of research they were producing, we knew it was the right time to step up once again,” said Matt Perry-Miller, Park Cities Quail Coalition Executive Committee member. “Our confidence in them is the result of years of seeing Dr. Rollins and his team scratching and twisting every last ounce of energy, money, and benefit from each dollar and donated item. We realize that this year’s total pledge is significant. We also know that by creating a unique and focused research facility, they will up their game by having the capability to provide the experts the tools they need. My father used to tell me, ‘You get what you give, and you keep what you earn.’ Park Cities Quail Coalition supporters have given a lot, and the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation has earned every penny.”
Along with providing operating dollars and grants to support a new four-building headquarters complex at the ranch, the funds will be used to support translocation research initiatives in the Cross Timbers ecoregion. A portion of these funds are part of a multi-year commitment by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s to support quail research projects through Park Cities Quail Coalition. Translocating quail from one location to another has been tried on a limited basis in the past with mixed results. Researchers have learned what works and what doesn’t, and these funds will allow for a larger scale effort.
The Park Cities Quail Coalition donation will also be used as start-up funds for a new program to train veterans on quail-related matters and skills. The Sporting Ranch Training Program will provide veterans with the knowledge and skills necessary to earn a living as quail habitat or ranch managers. The curriculum is still being developed and once the newly funded headquarter complex buildings are constructed, the program will be launched.
“We are so grateful to Park Cities Quail Coalition for ensuring the future of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch by making an investment in critical infrastructure, research initiatives and new programs,” said Justin Trail, President of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We will steward these funds as wisely as we steward the land entrusted to us.”
