News for Immediate Release
March 1, 2019
Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, [email protected]

Public lands sportsmen and women in the Hawkeye State
unite in support of conservation, public access, fair chase

MISSOULA, Mont. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has welcomed its first chapter in Iowa, continuing the rapid growth of BHA across North America and establishing a strong presence of public lands sportsmen and women in the Hawkeye State. Founded in 2004 around a campfire in Oregon, BHA now has chapters in 39 states, 2 Canadian provinces and Washington, D.C.

Iowa’s addition represents a targeted approach by BHA to building out its presence in the Midwest, where public lands are relatively scarce but critical to the region’s sportsmen and women.

“Iowa is steeped in conservation lore,” said BHA President and CEO Land Tawney. “Conservation icons like Aldo Leopold and Ding Darling gifted us the legacy we enjoy today. Our Iowa chapter is molded from the same clay, and I’m excited to watch our members expand public land and water opportunities in the Hawkeye State.”

“Expanding our grassroots efforts into the Midwest has been a fun and motivating experience,” said Ty Stubblefield, BHA chapter coordinator and new chapter development. “BHA’s work in protecting our wild public lands, waters and wildlife knows no borders. In states with limited public lands and waters, our work is that much more valuable. Policies are born every legislative session in every state that could unravel our public lands legacy. We have top notch volunteers who understand the complex issues of public lands conservation and who aren’t afraid to step in the arena! That’s what makes BHA effective: our strong members and volunteers.”

The Iowa chapter has grown quickly, now boasting nearly 300 members across the state. Iowa Chapter Chair Frank Lake sees a bright future for the new chapter.

“We are excited to bring the fight to protect and enhance North America’s public lands to Iowa,” said Lake, who lives in Ankeny. “Through hard work and persistent advocacy, our dedicated members and board are ensuring that public lands have a bright future in Iowa, allowing Iowans to enjoy the outdoor experience in the state’s woods and waters for generations to come.”

Learn more about BHA’s North American chapters.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.

Learn more about BHA:
Visit our website.
Connect with us on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.
Find us on Instagram.