EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Minnesota NWTF State Chapter recently met to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2024 funding awards. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the Minnesota Board of Directors. The state board budgeted $102,000 for conservation projects and $48,000 for hunting heritage-related projects, including outreach-education events, chapter scholarships and 4H Shooting Sports support.
“I am thankful our volunteers have a vested interest in conservation across the state and that the hard work they do has real on-the-ground benefits for turkeys and other wildlife in the North Star State,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota.
NWTF conservation projects listed below will be matched with $738,000 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects.
The Super Fund is a funding model where NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other types of fundraisers and then allocate a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states (and beyond). For Minnesota’s 2024 Super Fund allocations, projects include:
Conservation:
- Lamprey Pass WMA habitat enhancement – $10,000
- Turkey Timber enhancement program – $10,000
- Sunktokeca Creek WMA habitat enhancement – $15,000
- Mast shrubs for wildlife at Ruffed Grouse Management Area – $8,000
- Oak, pine and mast shrub planting at Carlos Avery WMA – $3,000
- Winona-La Crescent One Watershed One Plan Coordinator – $5,000
- Unidentified conservation projects in Minnesota – $51,000
Hunting Heritage:
- JAKES Events – $10,000
- Wheelin’ Sportsmen – $9,000
- Youth Hunts – $8,000
- High School Trap Shooting – $6,000
- Scholarship – $4,000
- National Archery in the Schools Program – $2,000
- WITO Events – $2,000
- Miscellaneous – $7,000
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.
