NWTF, WDFW Award Two New Conservation Projects
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have awarded funding for two new conservation projects totaling $86,000. Over the past three years, the NWTF and the WDFW have partnered to enhance wildlife habitat across the Evergreen State, utilizing the funds from hunter-purchased turkey tags. This partnership has yielded notable successes, restoring nearly 500 acres of vital habitat to date, with two exciting new projects on the horizon.
NWTF and WDFW solicited project proposals through the end of September and carefully selected two projects to award funding. The first project, led by the Chelan County Natural Resource Department, is part of a larger, multi-year collaboration with federal, state, county and non-profit groups aimed at improving forest health and wildfire resilience. The project will implement pre-commercial thinning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Lake Wenatchee, creating healthier habitats for wild turkeys and other species. By opening forest stands to sunlight, the thinning will promote the growth of grasses and forbs essential for nesting and foraging. Additionally, reducing tree density will accelerate the growth of large-diameter trees, which is ideal for roosting opportunities.
The second project will enhance habitat in the Wind River area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. As part of a broader restoration effort focused on instream and side channel restoration in the Wind River drainage, this project will restore approximately 79 acres of Merriam’s wild turkey habitat through noxious weed treatment and the planting of native grasses and shrubs. These efforts will improve pollinator habitat, increase food resources through native seeds and fruit and enhance nesting cover with native shrub growth.
“Having these two wonderful and diverse projects highlights the different types of management tools we can use to achieve restoration goals to benefit turkeys along with other birds, pollinators, deer, elk and other species that rely on open forest habitats,” said Krista Modlin, NWTF district biologist in California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada.
These crucial projects, set to be implemented over the next 18 months, are significant steps toward restoring habitats that support a variety of species and bolster forest health, continuing to build successful conservation partnerships.
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.