After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the Minnesota Board of Directors. The Board of Directors budgeted $26,000 for conservation projects and $51,500 for Hunting Heritage-related projects, including outreach-education events, chapter scholarships and 4H Shooting Sports support.
“Thanks to the many exceptional volunteers in Minnesota who generate these funds, we are able to continue the great conservation and outreach work throughout the state,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota. “The majority of the projects funded this year will directly impact oak savanna habitat, which is one of the country's most imperiled habitat types and is also outstanding wild turkey habitat.”
NWTF conservation project award funding will be matched with almost $582,000 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects, representing a 22:1 match rate for NWTF project funding.
Hunting Heritage Funding = $51,500
This funding was approved to support education/outreach efforts in Minnesota, including JAKES, WITO, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, scholarships, hunter’s education and the National Archery in the School’s Program.
Conservation Project Funding = $26,000
Projects awarded funding for 2023 occur in the Driftless Area and Central Minnesota Focal Landscapes. Specific project awards include:
Partners include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Douglas Soil and Water Conservation District, Wabasha Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Land Trust, Minnesota PCA, Great River Greening, Morrison County and Anoka Soil and Water Conservation District, among others.
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. Today, the NWTF is investing heavily in wild turkey research to ensure the future of wild turkey populations and is working to secure Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests.