NWTF Wisconsin Pledges $173,277 to Healthy Habitats. Healthy Harvests. in 2024

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.