NWTF Indiana Pledges over $299,000 to Healthy Habitats. Healthy Harvests. in 2023

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Indiana State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met in Indianapolis to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2023 funding awards.

After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the Indiana Board of Directors. The Board of Directors budgeted $268,056 for conservation projects with $219,556 being funded from the Indiana NWTF license plate revenue and the remaining being funded through the Super Fund. The board of directors also approved $31,100 for Hunting Heritage-related projects, including outreach-education events, chapter scholarships and 4H Shooting Sports support.

“The Indiana State Chapter and our Indiana volunteers are dedicated heroes to the NWTF mission,” said Ryan Boyer, NWTF district biologist for Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. “As evidence of this, you need to look no further than their recent support for research, habitat projects, equipment purchases, mentored hunts and other important outreach events. The funding from our banquet system as well as our NWTF License Plate are instrumental to the success of our conservation programs delivery in Indiana.”

NWTF conservation project award funding will be matched with $700,000 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects, representing more than a 2:1 match rate for NWTF project funding in Indiana.

These projects will conserve vital habitat in Indiana. Funding includes:

• $21,000 to Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge to enhance wildlife openings on 570 acres.
• $43,000 to assist the Patoka Lake Reservoir with the purchase of a new tractor to manage at least 250 acres annually.
• $7,500 to Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area to assist with oak savanna restoration on 25 acres.
• $25,000 to Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area to assist with the purchase of a mulching unit attachment to enhance at least 250 acres annually.
• $2,341 to LaGrange County Parks to assist them with the purchase of prescribed fire equipment to enhance 178 acres.
• $10,000 to Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge to help treat non-native and invasive species on 100 acres.
• $25,000 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Private Lands program to restore brood habitat in Northern Indiana.
• $5,588 to Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area to help restore forest wildlife openings on 32 acres.
• $10,000 to Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area to assist with timber stand improvement and non-native and invasive species treatment on 70 acres.
• $20,127 to Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge to assist with the restoration of 223 acres of native prairie.
• $50,000 to assist Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area with treatment of non-native and invasive species across at least 100 acres.

The following projects support education, outreach and hunter access efforts in Indiana. Funding includes:

• $11,000 to support National Archery in the Schools Program and Symposium in Indiana.
• $3,500 for Jakes events.
• $2,000 to support Indiana DNR Youth Camp.
• $2,500 for Learn to Hunt and Field to Fork Events.
• $2,100 for Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmans Events.
• $4,000 for local scholarships.

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 50-year celebration, 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 the 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.