EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Kentucky State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met to allocate funding for mission-delivery projects throughout the state in 2024.
After the reviewing and ranking process, the Kentucky NWTF State Chapter budgeted $65,528 for 11 wild turkey habitat projects for the 2024 fiscal year. With collaborative partner funding, the state chapter’s investment will be leveraged to over $2.6 million, enhancing more than 2,500 acres of wildlife habitat and funding wild turkey research.
The Kentucky State Chapter will enhance the organization’s Habitat for the Hatch initiative through the completion of eight projects in 2024. These projects will focus on creating essential nesting, brood-rearing and foraging habitats, all of which are crucial for improving nest initiation, nest success and brood survival rates. This comprehensive, landscape-scale endeavor will result in more resilient wild turkey populations and healthier ecosystems across the Southeast. The Kentucky State Chapter estimates that these eight projects will contribute a total of 2,470 acres to support the initiative.
“The Kentucky State Chapter is proud to support conservation activities across the Bluegrass State,” said Derek Alkire, NWTF district biologist for Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. “The chapter’s focus on creating early successional habitat and funding wild turkey research complements the NWTF’s new Habitat for the Hatch initiative. With the collaboration of the state’s many partners, we were able to put over $2.6 million on the ground for the wild turkey.”
Each year, the Kentucky NWTF State Chapter allocates funds for a variety of conservation work and education and outreach events, as well as other mission-related activities. Funding for these projects is provided through the NWTF Super Fund, 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 the state board of directors approves.
Learn more about local events that help fuel the Super Fund.
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.
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