TURKEY FEDERATION APPROVES HABITAT PROJECTS FUNDING

Outreach and education programs also funded by Kansas chapter

The Kansas State Board of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently approved funding for habitat improvement projects at a variety of locations in Kansas. Among projects approved, pending availability of funds available through NWTF’s Hunting Heritage Super Fund, are the following:

  • KDWP/Region 1 -- Funding of a contractor to trap 125 wild turkeys and move them to the western portion of Turkey Unit 1. $1,875.
  • KDWP/Kaw Wildlife Area -- Restore a wildlife opening by removing invasive trees. $670.
  • KDWP/Marion Wildlife Area -- Native grassland restoration. $2,250.
  • KDWP/Statewide -- Funds for 9,330 additional acres of Spring Wild Turkey WIHA. $7,000.
  • U.S. Forest Service/Cimarron National Grasslands -- Riparian restoration salt cedar removal. $2,500.
  • KDWP/Nemaha Wildlife Area -- Restore upland native grassland openings. $1,250.
  • KDWP/Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area -- Timber stand improvement. $2,500.
  • KDWP/Elk City Wildlife Area -- Riparian tree planting. $1,000.

These projects are in addition to over $30,000 budgeted towards NWTF's outreach and education efforts designed to preserve our hunting heritage, including the Women In The Outdoors and JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics & Sportsmanship) programs. The Hunting Heritage Super Fund was established in 1983 to support the NWTF’s conservation and education programs. The program pools money raised at banquets, or donated by individual or corporate sponsors.

The Kansas group funded an additional $5,000 project – salt cedar removal at KDWP’s Cottonwood Flats Wildlife Area in Hamilton County -- through NWTF’s Southern Great Plains Riparian Initiative.

 The deadline for the next round of project proposals is June 15, 2007. For more information, contact Brandon Houck, NWTF regional biologist (620/443-5906).

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