Idaho Fish and Game Invests in Wildlife Habitat Restoration

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On August 9, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission awarded $100,000 in total grants to diverse organizations across the state, including the National Wild Turkey Federation.

These grants play a pivotal role in supporting initiatives that enhance fish and wildlife habitat while providing benefits for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping and other wildlife-centered activities.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to apply for these grants made available by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission,” said NWTF district biologist Collin Smith. “These funds allow our local chapters and other conservation organizations to leverage resources to a greater degree and establish working partnerships with IDFG all while furthering NGO conservation missions and benefitting the local communities.”

The NWTF South Hills Strutters Chapter was awarded a grant of $3,000, which they plan to use to acquire tree watering boxes. This funding will be crucial in supporting tree planting efforts, particularly in areas such as Big Cottonwood Wildlife Management Area and other locations within the Magic Valley Region.

The NWTF Southeast Idaho Chapter received $8,000 to purchase tree watering boxes, supporting stakes and tree seedlings. These resources will be instrumental in facilitating tree-planting initiatives across multiple WMAs within the Southeast region.

Water capture boxes are a relatively new technology that assists in ensuring the success of tree plantings, especially in arid environments, as they offer a maintenance-free irrigation source.

In addition, these projects aim to enhance the habitat quality for a diverse range of wildlife species. This improvement will subsequently lead to enhanced opportunities for future hunting and recreational opportunities, benefiting the communities in each region.

Both projects are scheduled to begin this upcoming fall, with an estimated completion date set for the fall of 2024.

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.