May 18, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – Today, Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) congratulate Colton Buckley on being appointed as the new Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Buckley will lead the efficient and effective implementation of NRCS programs that provide much needed resources and assistance to agricultural producers and rural landowners – while also investing in the nation’s wildlife resources. 

“Chief Buckley is a seasoned agriculture professional and outdoorsman who understands the deep connection between working lands and wildlife conservation,” said Ariel Wiegard, vice president of government affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “We look forward to his leadership at NRCS, and to strengthening our decades-long partnership with his agency that has delivered millions of acres of conservation practices with farmers and ranchers across the United States. We also want to thank former Chief Aubrey Bettencourt for her service.”  

“The Natural Resources Conservation Service remains an important partner in helping private landowners achieve their conservation goals,” said Ron Leathers, chief conservation officer for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Through this partnership, PF & QF staff help to amplify NRCS’ mission, collaborating with farmers and ranchers to advance voluntary, science-and-incentive-based conservation practices on working lands while also enhancing wildlife habitat and creating lasting benefits for hunters and rural communities rooted in outdoor recreation. Our team stands ready to deliver Chief Buckley’s vision for the agency, and to continue serving private landowners throughout America.”

Buckley recently served as the Associate Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Previously, Buckley was appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, and the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board of Directors, representing rural economic development. He is a proud alumnus of Turning Point USA and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University, a Master of Arts in Communication from Liberty University, and was raised on his grandparents’ cattle ranch in Gatesville, Texas.

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever 

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 31 million acres.

Media Contact 
Mikayla Peper 
715-294-0688 
MPeper@quailforever.org