EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter recently met in Prairie du Chien 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 Wisconsin Board of Directors. The state board budgeted $123,277 for conservation projects and $50,000 for Hunting Heritage-related projects, including outreach-education events, chapter scholarships and 4H Shooting Sports support.
“It is inspiring to see NWTF volunteers deeply invested in the conservation projects they are working so hard to generate funds for,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota. “Without their dedication, many of these projects would not be able to happen, and the projects funded this year are great examples of the impact we have on the ground and the importance of the resource across the entire state.”
NWTF conservation project award funding will be matched with $953,000 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 Wisconsin’s 2024 Super Fund allocations, projects include:
- Lake Noquebay Shooting Range development – $5,500
- Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo – $5,650
- Turkey habitat enhancements – $20,000
- Prescribed Fire for Forest Management Web Series – $2,500
- Amberg Wildlife Area Barrens restoration – $9,926
- Baraboo Hills and Devils Lake State Park Grassland restorations – $5,400
- Forest opening improvements in the Northern Forest Focal Landscape – $13,520
- Gotham Jack Pine Barrens State Natural Area habitat improvements – $8,000
- Oconto County Forest oak release – $8,400
- Pine Island Wildlife Area oak savanna enhancement – $5,000
- Rocky Run Creek Fishery Area oak savanna and grassland restoration – $3,000
- Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area grassland restoration – $5,600
- Sheboygan Marsh Wildlife Area prairie planting – $781
- Trempealeau County nesting and brood rearing habitat – $5,000
- Detectability and Movements of Wild Turkeys: Implications for Recruitment Metrics (Research) – $25,000
The following projects support education, outreach and hunter access efforts in Wisconsin. Funding includes:
- JAKES Events
- National Archery in the Schools
- Hunter’s Safety
- WITO Events
- Wheelin’ Events
- 4H Shooting Sports
- Scholarships
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.
