Dedication to the outdoors
Phil Taunton
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Kansas Wildlife Federation is the voice of outdoor Kansas, protecting the land and the time-honored traditions of all outdoors people. Each year the organization, through its Conservation Achievement Program (CAP), awards individuals who have made a difference in their communities throughout the year.
The Kansas Wildlife Federation’s “Wildlife Conservationist of the Year” is Brent Konen of Council Grove. Dedication to conservation, to wildlife and getting people involved in the Great Outdoors is what Brent is all about.
I really haven’t done much with Brent over the years even though he lives so close and we are involved in much the same programs. It seems our “schedule of events” have an uncanny knack of being on the same date. We have chatted and exchanged e-mails several times. Through these brief encounters, I have gained a lot of respect for Brent and all he is involved in.
I would like to list some of Brent’s accomplishments and programs. Other testimonials follow. For the last five years, Brent has been the coordinator of the Annual Council Grove Youth “Step Outside” event. This year, the activities featured controlled, live fire instruction, archery and the laser system, a computer hunting simulator, which teaches firearm safety, responsibility, and fun shooting techniques.
Because of his dedication and devotion, the event, which had humble beginnings, has grown from 11 kids attending the first year to 22 the second year, 41 the third year and was expected to have more than 50 attendants/participants in 2006 but had to cancel because of bad weather. The event continues to grow, as evidenced in participation and volunteers for their 2007 event. The youth spring turkey hunting activity he coordinates also is a success.
Brent received his hunter education instructor certification in 1999 and has been an active Kansas Hunter Education volunteer ever since. Brent promotes “Pass it on Programs” around Council Grove Lake every opportunity. These programs are designed to reverse the decline in hunting participation and shooting sports in Kansas by promoting and exposing the youth to our hunting heritage and traditions.
Brent plays an integral part in the outreach programs of the Neosho Valley Quail Unlimited chapter. Neosho Valley Quail Unlimited chapter of Council Grove is a blue-chip organization and this year won a Kansas Wildlife Federation award for being the Outstanding Conservation Organization of the Year. Brent has completed four seasons of habitat work with this chapter, leading and teaching all the way. He also has developed partnerships with other organizations and agencies: Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Morris County National Resource Conservation Service, to name a few.
Katie Miller, project leader for the Twin Lakes WRAPS Project for the Neosho Headwaters, writes: “Brent has been instrumental in my project in more ways than one. He currently sits on the Stakeholder Leadership Team, the grassroots team directing the project that I coordinate. Brent has been on board since the beginning of the project back in 2004. Not only has he been a fantastic resource for the project regarding public lands and wildlife issues, he’s also a watershed/urban resident, which brings an additional outlook to the group. Brent has helped with the Twin Lakes Water Festival each year — 1,200 school kids from six surrounding counties — except this year he had a conflict with some training that could not be rescheduled. He has given presentations on wetlands, their functionality and their importance, not only to wildlife, but to the quality of our water. I’ve worked with Brent on a project installing grassed buffers and grass plantings on some of the ground that he manages, and he's always a great person to work with. He's always ready to help in any way he can.”
Bob Peterson, the Central Plains Director of Quail Unlimited, writes: “Brent is truly dedicated to his work and his commitment to wildlife conservation. My estimation is that he puts forth as much effort wearing his volunteer hat as he does his work hat. He is a pleasure to work with and has a terrific and unselfish attitude.”
Brent’s take on being a wildlife professional reflects how the many volunteers I work with as hunter education instructors feel about what we do. He states, “As a wildlife professional, I know we take hits and have bumps in the road, but I have my moments, too. Rewards are reaped when I see families out enjoying our wild places, the wild animals and most importantly … enjoying their time spent together. It is also very gratifying because I know, somehow, I might have played a role in helping make this special moment happen for them.
“I love introducing youth to the excitement of the traditions of hunting and family outdoor activities and seeing the fruits of my labors and the responses to the habitat management that I participate in.”
Our Outdoors Community needs more Brent Konens. Please consider making 2008 your year to get involved with conservation, kids and wildlife appreciation.
2008 Kansas Wildlife Meeting
The Kansas Wildlife Federation’s 2008 Annual Meeting is set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9, at the Clarion Hotel at 530 Richards Drive in Manhattan. The 2007 Conservation Achievement Program (CAP) awards banquet will be held that Saturday night to recognize people and organizations from across the state that have made outstanding contributions in the field of conservation. This event is open to the public, and registration will be taken at the door.
At that Friday night’s meeting, there will be a review of pending Kansas legislation dealing with wildlife issues.
The theme of the afternoon’s program on that Saturday will be a forum on Alternative Energy and Biofuels in Kansas. Experts from various fields will present information on the future of alternate energy production in Kansas and how this production may affect wildlife.