Iowa Wildlife Habitat Hits First Jackpot from Diamond Conservation Fund

7/15/09

Partnership between PF and Diamond Jo Casinos benefitting five conservation projects in NE Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa - Pheasants Forever (PF) and Diamond Jo Casinos announce the first distribution of grants from the Diamond Conservation Fund - totaling $7,750 - that will benefit five local wildlife habitat restoration and youth conservation education projects. Created by PF, funds for the unique Diamond Conservation Fund are provided by a designated group of slot machines located at the Diamond Jo Casino properties in Dubuque and Northwood, Iowa. Whenever a player hits the jackpot on one of the machines in the designated slot bank, Diamond Jo matches the jackpot with an equal donation to the Diamond Conservation Fund.

Distributions from the Diamond Conservation Fund are advised upon by a locally selected committee. "Both Pheasants Forever and Diamond Jo Casinos felt that for such a partnership to be successful, it had to have local input and local impact," said Matt O'Connor, PF Director of Conservation Programs for Iowa, "In this initial round of funding, some really noteworthy projects were selected, and we look forward to funding more in the future as this fun concept grows."

"Our partnership with Pheasants Forever helps fund important educational initiatives and programs that put seed in the ground," Jonathan Swain, Chief Operating Officer for Peninsula Gaming, L.L.C., Diamond Jo Casino's parent company, said. "Our customers help us fund local conservation efforts when they play the slots at the Diamond Conservation Fund slot banks at Diamond Jo. In addition, we are using our position to help increase awareness for local conservation efforts. I liked the idea for our partnership; I love the projects we are able to fund!"

Wetland Classroom - The Diamond Conservation Fund has awarded $2,000 toward creating a wetland classroom in Bellevue, Iowa. The grant will help provide necessary wetland classroom equipment, including hip waders and binoculars.

Heritage Classic Youth Day - The Diamond Conservation Fund has awarded $2,000 to the annual Heritage Day Classic. The Dubuqeland Chapter of PF and 14 other local organizations are involved in this free youth event, which offers hunting, fishing and wildlife habitat activities for youngsters.

Northeast Iowa Habitat Specialist Internship - The Diamond Conservation Fund has awarded $2,000 to help fund a five-month habitat specialist intern position in northeast Iowa. The Delaware, Clayton and Twin Rivers Chapters of PF are also contributing to the internship. The Diamond Conservation Fund will help fund the intern's salary, travel expenses, training and education.

Whitewater Canyon Nature Preserve - The Diamond Conservation Fund has awarded $1,250 to the Dubuqeland Chapter of PF to help seed 23 acres of native prairie grass at the Whitewater Canyon Nature Preserve southwest of Dubuque.

Stamp Memorial Park Trout Pond - The Diamond Conservation Fund has awarded $500 to help fund planned improvements and additional events at the Stamp Memorial Park Trout Pond in Jackson County. The pond has served as the site for youth fishing events for the past five years.

About Diamond Jo Casinos

The Diamond Jo, a full service riverboat casino, is moored on the Mississippi River at the Port of Dubuque. This year, Diamond Jo team members were voted "Friendliest" and "Most Knowledgeable" riverboat casino employees in Iowa for the sixth consecutive year. An integral part of America's River Project, the Diamond Jo Casino is among the largest employers in Dubuque County and was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for continued commitment to charitable giving and charitable partnerships. Diamond Jo completed an $84 million project that included a new casino, state of the art bowling center, dining and entertainment facility.

About Pheasants Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 130,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.


Contact:
Anthony Hauck (651)209-4972 or AHauck@pheasantsforever.org