Conservation News

NWTF Foundation Supports Conservation and Hunting Heritage Through $200,000 Grant

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — During the 44th NWTF Convention and Sport Show recently, the National Wild Turkey Federation Foundation Board awarded $200,000 to the NWTF in support of conservation work, research and hunting heritage programs.

A $100,000 grant proposal outlined three areas of focus for funding. First is to focus on research that investigates factors that limit wild turkey nest success and poult survival. This research will be conducted in cooperation with state agencies and other partners over a two- to three-year period in Missouri and surrounding states. Second is to expand hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts through increased marketing and outreach, to diversify participation in R3 events across the country and to provide materials and equipment to staff and partners to support more events. Third is to increase forest health in central Arizona on a 6,200-acre public-land project aimed at protecting a vital watershed and associated infrastructure from wildfire.

“The tremendous support for these projects really underscores the charge of the Foundation and sets the stage to do more and greater things with their assistance in the future,” said NWTF Chief Conservation Officer Ross Melinchuk. “We weren’t expecting an expansion of the gift beyond our original proposal, so that was a wonderful and welcome surprise.”

Following the announcement of the $100,000 award relating directly to the proposal, the Foundation also awarded $100,000 to match a $200,000 grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund that will impact forest health, grassland restoration, water conservation efforts and wildlife populations, including wild turkeys, on public and private lands in a 26-state region in the central and southeastern U.S.

“This is one of the most exciting things we’ve been able to do as a board,” said NWTF Foundation Board Chairman Heath Davis. “Through the tremendous job the NWTF does by matching funds with those from its partners, this seed of $200,000 can easily turn into $1 million toward the NWTF’s mission. I’m excited about raising more money to do more projects and our board members are very excited about it, too.”

About the NWTF Foundation
The NWTF Foundation and its Board of Directors exist to secure funding for NWTF legacy and long-term capital projects. By creating and communicating the value, importance and reward of the donation experience, the NWTF Foundation works to secure a bright and stable future for the NWTF and its noble mission. 

About the National Wild Turkey FederationWhen the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of work, that number hit a historic high of almost 7 million turkeys. To succeed, the NWTF stood behind science-based conservation and hunters’ rights. Today, the NWTF is focused on the future of hunting and conservation through its Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative – a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat, recruit at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting. For more information, visit NWTF.org.

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