At the January meeting of High Desert #759, the board of directors proposed to the members that this chapter move its affiliation from Quail Unlimited to Quail Forever. After a detailed report on Quail Forever and the problems that Quail Unlimited is having, given by former Chairman Richard Persohn, the members voted to move to the new organization.

This was not an easy decision to make. The problems with Quail Unlimited have been on-going for a number of years, and now that they have filed for bankruptcy, the board felt they were no longer able to provide the necessary tools for us to continue our wildlife habitat work in the Mojave Desert. We discussed forming a strictly local habitat association, but a closer look at this option made the board aware that the costs would be prohibitive. The other option was the new Quail and Upland Game association being put together by former QU director Craig Alderman. This option was considered and rejected for a number of reasons.

With the move to Quail Forever, an off-shoot of Pheasant's Forever, we gain a number of advantages. They have an excellent insurance program to cover our activities, and much better member support than we ever received from Quail Unlimited. They are also already a 501(c)(3) organization, and that is another requirement for our chapter.

It was also decided that starting in 2010, annual memberships will come due in January each year instead of pro-rated throughout the year.. This means that all members need to get their new Quail Forever memberships in by the February meeting. This information will be repeated in the February Quail Forever, High Desert Chapter, newsletter. Yearly dues are $35.00, and that includes your spouse, and children under the age of 18 living in your house. There are no multi-year memberships available at present.

If you have questions, please direct them to Chairman Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 ( fathercruz@verizon.net), Treasurer Phil Garro 760-241-9011 (phil033@verizon.net) ,. or Vice Chairman Dave Smith 760-947-6947 (oak1ridge1@verizon.net) Please visit our new site