EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Pennsylvania State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met in State College to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2024 funding awards. To support the NWTF’s mission, the state board budgeted $166,770 for conservation projects and $158,810 for hunting heritage-related projects.
“I am proud of our local chapter volunteers and NWTF members across the state for supporting these important projects,” said David Boston, NWTF Pennsylvania State Chapter president. “The Board worked hard to make certain these funds make a difference for the wild turkey and hunters in the Keystone State.”
Hunting Heritage projects include funding for the Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Pennsylvania Gobblers Field School, 50 JAKES events, five Wheelin’ Sportsmen events and three Women in the Outdoors events, including a new three-day, statewide WITO event. Also included are other various outreach-education events, chapter and state scholarships and support for numerous youth shooting sports teams.
“The NWTF plays an important role in Pennsylvania,” said Ralph Martone, NWTF Pennsylvania State Chapter treasurer. “Our relationship with both the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources allows us to put these funds to their best possible use for both the wild turkey and our hunting heritage. With nearly 1 million hunters, our outreach programs are vital to the future of hunting in the Keystone State.”
The $166,770 used for conservation projects in 2024 will enhance habitat for wild turkeys and suit their annual needs, such as winter forage and nesting and brood-rearing habitats. Work includes forestry mowing, invasive species removal, controlled burning and more.
“In 2022, the NWTF allocated $70,000 on multiple projects with the Bureau of Forestry,” said Mitchell Blake, NWTF district biologist for Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware. “We have more than twice as much funding this year, and we are looking forward to the heightened impact this bolstered funding will make across most, if not all, state forests within the commonwealth. Our ability to create essential wild turkey habitat is made possible through our dedicated volunteers.”
In addition to the $325,580 dollars from Pennsylvania’s Hunting Heritage Super Fund, the state board, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, added an additional $10,000 to fund an exciting new program designed to introduce nonhunters from urban areas to the sport.
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.
