EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On June 29, the North Dakota Industrial Commission approved more than $6.3 million from the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Renewable Energy Program matching grants, including a $200,000 grant to the National Wild Turkey Federation for wildlife habitat enhancements.
“The funding from Outdoor Heritage Fund will result in more conservation implemented on the ground in North Dakota,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. “All of the funds will go toward either on the ground implementation or materials to help us achieve the desired practices.”
The use of these funds will further build upon the NWTF’s riparian restoration efforts, such as the Waterways for Wildlife initiative, which prioritizes the restoration and conservation of riparian areas. By directing resources from the Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) toward selected Waterways for Wildlife projects in North Dakota, the NWTF can allocate internal dollars to projects in other states. This approach enhances annual conservation efforts and maximizes the effectiveness of member-generated contributions. With the OHF support, we can broaden our conservation footprint and achieve greater conservation outcomes for riparian health and wildlife habitat conservation.
It is anticipated that a significant portion of the projects will focus on riparian areas, predominantly emphasizing grazing improvement practices. These practices include the installation of off-site water facilities, as well as the creation of rotational grazing systems. By implementing these measures, managers can effectively remove livestock from riparian zones, promoting longer growth of native species and enhancing wildlife habitat. These initiatives also have the added benefit of improving water quality through increased infiltration, reduced compaction and decreased erosion potential, among other positive impacts.
This year’s proposal encompasses riparian areas as well as upland areas, targeting vital habitats that may extend beyond riparian corridors. The practices implemented in these upland areas can vary greatly, ranging from tree planting and native grass establishment to grazing improvements and forest thinning, among others, all with the aim of positively impacting turkey populations.
With a four-year deadline to complete project work covering approximately 1,500 acres, the NWTF will rely on strong connections with local chapters and leverage partnerships across the state. By collaborating with these key stakeholders, significant impacts will be achieved for the well-being of turkey populations and other wildlife in North Dakota.
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.
