Dear Members and Supporters:

Very good progress is being made in formulating a lease between the State of Minnesota Division of Wildlife, and the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs. This lease will allow the designated grounds to be used for dog training and trialing of all types of dogs.

The grounds, during the lease period, will be under the control of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs. Those activities allowed by the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs and that comply with the lease will take place at the discretion of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs. I would like to encourage all potential future users to become members of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs. Individual memberships are encouraged. Through a large membership we become a more potent political force, with numbers of people and dollars. The first year membership fee is $25, then $15 each following year.

Unlike the other stakeholders, we do not have professional staff to work with the legislature and the DNR. Stakeholders are those organizations that have a vested interest in the conservation activities of the DNR. Some of these would be Minnesota deer hunters, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, etc. Therefore we must do own lobbying. By next year we should be ready to have a bill submitted in the House and Senate, allowing for the creation of a permanent recreation area designated for dog training and trialing (all types), managed by the Division of Parks.

It would provide for the restoration of funds from the Heritage Fund, which were used to purchase the original block of land. These funds would then be available for other projects of the Division of Wildlife. The bill would possibly increase funds for additional land purchase to be added to the recreational unit.

Because of the combined efforts of many great organizations and all divisions of the DNR working together, this opportunity has been given to us. This is the year to let all involved parties hear our thanks and become familiar with our name. Every chance you get, please thank any and all legislators and let them know you are members of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs. That name recognition will really help in the session to come.

Try to help the other stakeholders. Perhaps donate a hunt from you personally, or from your club in the name of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs and their wonderful dogs! Take the raffle winner on the hunt! These fund-raising efforts will show the connection between us and the other stakeholders. We must get ourselves and our organization out there for name recognition. We have been silent too long.

Whenever possible garner the support of other organizations by helping in their efforts and showing our participation in our like causes.

Please remember to always use our full and complete name until everyone knows us.

Sincerely,