EDGEFIELD, S.C. — NWTF staff joined Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and representatives from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation and Northeast Indiana Partnerships and Preservation to celebrate the acquisition of 158 acres of quality wildlife habitat in Noble County.
“This was more than a celebration; this was an opportunity to highlight what can happen when we collaborate,” said Ryan Boyer, NWTF district biologist for Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. “I am proud of the NWTF volunteers and partners that worked hard to make this acquisition a reality. I can say for certain that we will continue our work to conserve more public land in Indiana, helping us conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage.”
The Indiana NWTF State Chapter contributed $50,000 to help purchase the newly added 158 acres, now referred to as the Buchanan Unit of the Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area. The state chapter’s contribution was made possible from the Indiana NWTF License Plate Fund, which provides the Indiana NWTF State Chapter $25 for every NWTF Indiana license plate sold. The state chapter uses 100% of those funds for mission-related activities within the state, such as the recent land purchase.
With NWTF support and significant funds provided by the Northeast Indiana Partnerships and Preservation and the Next Level Conservation Trust, the INRF purchased the land and later transferred the parcel to the IDNR to be open to the public and be managed as part of Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area.
“Powered by partnership and historic funding from the Next Level Conservation Trust, we’re setting aside thousands of acres across the state for the purpose of conservation,” said Holcomb. “Whether you love hunting, fishing or viewing Indiana’s magnificent wildlife, this addition to our public lands in Noble County is a spot you’ll want to check out.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.
2023 is the NWTF’s 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF’s people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.
