EDGEFIELD, SOUTH CAROLINA (October 2, 2023) — The Iowa NWTF State Chapter recently met in Ames to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2024 funding awards. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the Iowa Board of Directors. The state board budgeted $71,000 for conservation projects and $21,695 for hunting heritage-related projects, including outreach-education events, a state scholarship, and other R3-related program support.
NWTF-awarded funding will be matched with almost $3,492,559 in partner funds for the approved projects in 2024.
The Super Fund is 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 in their respective states. For Iowa's 2024 Super Fund allocations, projects include:
-$5,000 unrestricted gift to the NWTF Conservation Program for use in Iowa.
-$7,500 towards a 191-acre land acquisition in Benton County.
Partners: Iowa Natural History Foundation, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation, Pheasants/Quail Forever, Benton County Conservation Board, and Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs Chapter.
-$5,000 towards a 19-acre addition to the Hickory Bend Conservation Area in Des Moines County.
Partners: Des Moines County Conservation Board, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants/Quail Forever, and Whitetails Unlimited.
-$5,000 towards a 79-acre addition to the Upper Iowa River property in Howard County.
Partners: Pheasants/Quail Forever, INHF, and Howard County Conservation Board.
-$5,000 to assist with the treatment of 24 acres of invasive species shrubs at Round Prairie Park in Jefferson County.
Partners: IDNR and the Jefferson County Conservation Board.
-$5,000 towards the ongoing turkey research project in southeast Iowa.
Partners: IDNR, NWTF National Request for Proposals Program.
-$5,000 towards a 240-acre addition to the Kirke Woods Conservation Area in Madison County.
Partners: INHF and IDNR.
-$5,000 towards a 120-acre addition to the Luther Shooting Sports tract in Benton County.
Partners: INHF, Pheasants/Quail Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, and Benton County Conservation Board.
-$5,000 towards a fourteen-acre addition to the Muskrat Slough WMA in Jones County.
Partners: Eastern Iowa Conservation Foundation, Pheasants/Quail Forever Whitetails Unlimited, and IDNR.
-$3,000 to assist with the purchase of prescribed burning equipment for the DNR Maquoketa Wildlife Unit.
Partners: IDNR
-$5,000 to assist with 85 acres of crop tree release at Van Buren WMA.
Partners: IDNR
-$5,000 to assist with the purchase of a bobcat mulching head to be used at Red Rock Conservation Area.
Partners: IDNR
-$5,000 to assist with the purchase of a Vicon seeder for use at Sedan Bottoms WMA.
Partners: IDNR
-$3,000 to assist with a 22-acre interplanting of oak seedlings at Wapsi Bottoms WMA.
Partners: IDNR
In Fiscal Year 2023, the Iowa State Chapter also conserved 4,504 acres via approved super fund projects, another 692 through the work of NFI Forester Bailey Yotter, and accomplished adding an additional 555 acres of public land in Iowa through land acquisitions in partnership with the state agency and county conservation boards.
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 US by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.
2023 is the NWTF's fiftieth anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its fiftieth anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact one 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.
