Lone Star Volunteers and Partners Allocate over $1.3 Million to NWTF Mission in 2024

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Texas State Chapter of the NWTF recently met in Marble Falls to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2024. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the NWTF Texas Board of Directors. The state board budgeted $74,625 for conservation projects and $67,716.12 for other projects, including outreach-education events, state scholarships and youth shooting sports support.

NWTF award funding will be matched with over $1.3 million in partner funds for the approved projects.

“The NWTF mission is alive and well in Texas,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. “From wild turkey research to public- and private- lands conservation to education and outreach programming, our volunteers across the state are working to ensure the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. 2024 is going to be another laser-focused year.”

The $74,625 for conservation projects include:

$30,625 to support Texas Parks and Wildlife Department habitat enhancement projects, including invasive species removal on Gus Engeling WMA, Matador WMA and Pat Mayse WMA, impacting over 1200 acres. $10,000 to support the Post Oak Savanna Prescribed Burn Association with the purchase of prescribed burning equipment. $15,000 to support NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative ($10,000) and Habitat for the Hatch Initiative ($5,000). $10,000 for district biologist position support. $5,000 to support wild turkey research at Texas Tech University. $4,000 to support Eastern wild turkey restoration efforts in Texas.

In addition, $67,716.12 was approved to support education/outreach efforts in Texas, including JAKES, WITO, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, the Texas state scholarship and shooting sports projects. Specific project awards include:

$10,000 to support the Texas Wildlife Association’s Texas Youth Hunting Program and Adult Learn-to-Hunt Programs. $3,500 to support the University of Texas Trap and Skeet team. $9,500 for JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors events. $6,000 for local chapter scholarships and $2,500 for a state scholarship. $12,500 for volunteer travel to convention and leadership meetings. $1,000 Bronze-Level sponsorship of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards Banquet. $22,716.12 for law enforcement support ($2,000), state marketing ($4,400), youth shooting sports ($2,000), hunting heritage event equipment ($10,000), project signs ($750) and other miscellaneous expenses ($3,566).

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.

(Originally posted by HLNews)