Group aids everything from habitat restoration and burning to added WIHA land
LARAMIE, Wyo. -- The Kansas State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently announced selection of the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund proposals for 2008 funding. These proposals had been evaluated and ranked earlier by the Kansas Super Fund Committee.

• $5,000 approved for additional acres of spring wild turkey Walk-in-Hunting Areas (WIHA);
• $4,650 approved for red cedar removal in a riparian unit at Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area to prepare for prescribed burns;
• $2,500 approved for woodland and grassland restoration on Byron Walker Wildlife Area;
• $2,000 approved for oak savannah restoration on Woodson Wildlife Area;
• $4,600 approved for woodland openings and grassland restoration on Clinton Wildlife Area;
• $750 approved to purchase native grass and forb seed for retired cropland on Council Grove Wildlife Area;
• $1,250 approved for grassland restoration on Pottawatomie State Lake #1;
• $3,500 approved to match EPA grant funds to purchase a tractor for use in the Marais des Cygnes Watershed Riparian Forestry Initiative; and
• $3,000 approved for Conservation Districts in northcentral Kansas to purchase prescribed burn equipment for newly-formed burn associations.

These projects are in addition to more than $30,000 budgeted towards outreach and education designed to preserve the hunting heritage. These projects include 4-H Shooting Sports, JAKES (NWTF youth), Wheelin’ Sportsmen (for disabled), and Women in the Outdoors events.

A research proposal titled "Gobbler and Hen Survival on Public and Private Lands in Northcentral and Northwestern Kansas" was selected for a 2008 NWTF National Research Grant and will be awarded $23,550. This proposal was submitted to the national research program by Jim Pitman, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks small game coordinator, and Dr. Scott Lutz of the University of Wisconsin.

Since 2002, NWTF has funded more than $99,000 worth of habitat improvements on public land in Kansas. In addition, more than $36,000 has been spent on habitat and management equipment, and more than $15,000 has been spent on public hunting access to private lands (WIHA). These project funds are generated by volunteers who organize and attend local NWTF Hunting Heritage banquets. For more information about these projects or to apply for funds, contact NWTF regional wildlife biologist Brandon Houck at 620-443-5906 or go online to www.ksnwtf.org.
-30-

Back to 11/01/07 News