NWTF Wisconsin and Partners Invest over $2 Million in Research, Conservation and Heritage for 2025
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter recently met in Reedsburg to review NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2025. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were approved by the Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter Board of Directors. The board budgeted $129,886 for conservation projects and $50,000 for hunting heritage projects. The NWTF Wisconsin State Chapter’s award funding will be matched with over $2.1 million in partner or grant funds for the approved projects.
“The projects awarded funding in 2025 showcase the importance of the NWTF mission to its volunteers and members in Wisconsin,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. “From land acquisitions, youth hunting support, supporting resource professionals and on-the-ground management — everything that embodies the NWTF is represented in the projects the board selected for funding. 2025 is going to be another laser-focused year of mission delivery.”
The NWTF Hunting Heritage 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 2025 Super Fund allocations, conservation award funding will support numerous projects and conservation activities with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other partners, including wild turkey research, oak savanna restoration, invasive species removal and more. The Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter will also support numerous NWTF Education and Outreach activities and hunting heritage projects across the state, such as the Pass It On! Outdoor Mentor program and hunter access projects.
Specific funding for the Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter’s 2025 funding awards include but are not limited to:
- Aldo Leopold Foundation: $10,000)
- Clark County wildlife opening projects: $1,311
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife project: $5,000
- Midwestern Outdoor Heritage Education Expo: $6,000
- Mississippi Valley Conservancy Bald Bluff land acquisition: $20,000
- Mississippi Valley Conservancy turkey habitat enhancement project: $10,000
- Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors program: $2,500
- Pheasants Forever Betterly Waterfowl Production Area enhancement: $15,000
- WIDNR Dunnville Barrens restoration: $12,000
- WIDNR Hardscrabble State Natural Area: $3,000
- WIDNR – Oneida County wildlife opening projects: $1,575
- WIDNR – Pine Island enhancement (phase 2): $2,500
- WIDNR – wild turkey research (year 2): $25,000
- Wisconsin Society of American Forester’s conference sponsorship: $1,000
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 positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.