Through Len's Lens

article by Ariana Tourneur

photos by ACA, Tyler Johns

Deeply engrained in Pheasants Forever (he’s habitat chair and past chapter chair), devoted conservationist Len Hanson has also worked as Alberta Conservation Association’s (ACA) right-hand man, scouting pheasant release sites and land with the potential to become conservation sites. With his eyes and ears on habitat securement for over 25 years, he’s made a mark that simply can’t be quantified.

"Achieve success by being willing to help somebody else get it first." Iyanla Vanzant

Len Hanson has viewed conservation this way since 1978, when he joined an Alberta Fish & Game Association (AFGA)-affiliated club (he’s been a member ever since). Helping raise and release pheasants was his first conservation challenge, but in time he realized it was a non-productive method in trying to improve the local population of pheasants. That’s when everything changed.

I found that Pheasants Forever’s philosophy of habitat securement and enhancement was more in line with what I thought and believed, says Hanson. Speaking with Hanson quickly reveals the practice of habitat securement is what has driven him to do what he does—every scouting mile, every phone call, every funding dollar.

Once the land has been purchased it remains open to the public in perpetuity,” says Hanson. “Plus, any improvements done on these properties to enhance habitat is usually not altered or removed—but is further improved. These improvements can be achieved through rotational grazing, shelterbelt planting, food plot planting, and wetlands development.

The best part? “Once secured, they belong to all Albertans forever,” he says.

Pheasants Forever’s habitat philosophies are in natural alignment with ACA’s goals, and it was in 2008 when Hanson had the opportunity to make this connection. “I remember ACA made a presentation at one of Chinook’s Pheasants Forever meetings, asking for financial support for the East Hays securement. After, a group of our executive drove to the site and walked the property. Liking what we saw, we partnered in the purchase and have been greatly impressed with the improvements ACA has performed on the property.”

From there, the partnership blossomed. “At Chinook’s meetings, we discuss possible habitat work in which we could partner with ACA—I’m the liaison between the two,” says Hanson.

Whether the work is on ACA properties or other land ACA manages that the public has access to, Pheasants Forever can provide funding to purchase materials required to enhance wildlife habitat on those properties.

Hanson’s ACA connection has solidified over time as he works closely with the Lethbridge staff in discussing upcoming projects. “They provide encouragement and support in my efforts to secure grant funds to help with these projects,” says Hanson. “Through and through, it’s a team effort.”

From funding to management to collaboration, Hanson’s capabilities are tapped into on the regular. But one that has really enhanced ACA’s work are his scouting skills. He combs the landscape for parcels that are available to purchase—which in turn can become a long-term project to partner on.

"I hope my impact working with ACA results in a stabilization or an increase in the numbers of wildlife through permanent habitat improvements on these properties," he says. It sounds scientific, but it’s truly a tangible, human impact—benefits that future generations will get to see and experience.

But the greatest impact of all? “That’s got to be the relationship between ACA and Pheasants Forever, and the continued cooperation between the two groups,” says Hanson. “I think the future of conservation is collaboration—specifically, between groups and communities that may be used to operating separately. When we can link together projects, groups, or conversations, we are driving the conservation efforts and impact further than ever before.”

As Hanson contemplates the future, he mentions winding down his conservation activities and shifting more of his focus to family, especially his granddaughters. "I’m slowing down but will always be here to support the next group of conservationists who wish to make their mark."