Anoka PF History

Among the 75 chapters throughout Minnesota and 621 around the country, the Anoka County Chapter is one of the the largest Pheasants Forever Chapter with over 1,200 members.

Established March 14, 1984, the charter was presented to the Anoka County Chapter’s first president, Mark John, and was awarded by Jeff Finden, founder and now retired executive director of Pheasants Forever.

Over the course of the next seven years, membership waned and by 1992 the Anoka County Chapter was nearing extinction. Joe Gonsior, hoping to generate more support for the diminishing pheasant habitat in Minnesota, added new life to the Chapter by becoming president and bringing it from 150 members in 1992 to over 950 by 2000.

Joe Gonsior's motivation to get involved with the Pheasants Forever organization stemmed from his deeply-rooted belief that we need to preserve our natural resources now and for generations to come. Gonsior stated, "as one of the leading chapters in the country, it is important that we continue with the strength we have achieved through the support of our members in promoting Pheasants Forever. I feel the same as most people do – we need to leave something to our children and their children that we can all feel good about.

John Newpower became the Chapter president in 2001 after serving as an active board member for three years. John’s passion is pheasant hunting and his interest in joining Pheasants Forever centered on the conservation of pheasant habitat and growing the interest of pheasant hunting among our youth.

Since 2001, Newpower has grown the Chapter membership to over 1,200 members and has expanded the vision of the Chapter by diversifying its focus. Newpower stated, “our chapter has a strong focus on dedicating resources towards land acquisition for future generations to enjoy. My goal is to preserve that but also diversify and expand into youth activities and habitat restoration”.

During Newpower’s tenure, the Anoka County Chapter has maintained their land acquisition focus, expanded its Youth Day event, sponsored mentor hunts and improved habitat on state Wildlife Management Areas. The Chapter has also become instrumental player in the fast growing Build-A-Wildlife-Area campaign in Minnesota.