The Mower County Pheasants Forever chapter saw a good number after tallying earnings from its annual banquet on Feb. 23.

The local chapter raised $21,000 after deductions and membership dues, which is the highest total since 2005. The total is nearly $5,000 more than last year’s banquet, as well.

That news couples well with the announcement that the organization is set to purchase 160 additional acres for hunting land north of Austin near the Meadow Greens golf course. Olson said the local chapter is already responsible for 57 percent of the public hunting land in Mower. Furthermore, the land acquisition will help the environment as underground tile lines that drain toward the Cedar River will be removed, which may help reduce downstream flooding.

Since 2001, Mower Pheasants Forever has acquired more than $1 million in new outdoor habitat and is on its mission toward $2 million.

While Mower Pheasants Forever has searched for money and land and found both, it also needs a new president. Former president Sue Olson stepped down last month after eight years as president, as she was recently appointed to Minnesota’s Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, which is a conflict of interest.