Texas National Wild Turkey Federation chapters set conservation budget

 National Wild Turkey Federation chapters in Texas have budgeted more than $161,200 to aid the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative within the state in 2014.

The NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance more than 4 million acres of upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment, according to a news release.

The Texas NWTF funding  includes:

• $35,000 to complete stewardship projects on national forests and grasslands, support NWTF’s Cooperative Biologist position and purchase equipment for the new Southern Rolling Plains Prescribed Burn Association. Funds for equipment purchases will be matched 3-to-1 through Pittman-Robertson federal aid funds and private donations for a total project of $40,000 to assist the association, which includes 19 counties. Partners are Texas Parks & Wildlife, Forest Service and the NWTF.
• $20,000 to enhance habitat in the Rolling Plains. Projects include habitat restoration the Muse, Matador and Taylor Lakes Wildlife Management Areas. Pittman-Robertson funds will match NWTF funds 3-to-1, resulting in $80,000 for these projects.
• $5,000 to help transport 240 eastern wild turkeys from cooperating southeastern states to three approved restoration sites in the Pineywoods and Post Oak Savannah regions, one of NWTF’s identified focal landscapes.
• $6,800 to complete research on Rio Grande wild turkey population demographics and hen habitat selection in North Texas. Study sites are located in Montague County and on the LBJ National Grasslands in Wise County. This study is part of a $390,000 project. Partners are TPWD, Texas A&M University’s Institute for Renewable Natural Resources and private landowners.
• $94,400 dedicated to support education efforts, volunteer leadership training, Texas Youth Hunting Program, Outdoor Adventures Program, all NWTF Hunting Heritage Programs, National Archery In the Schools Program, 4-H Shooting Sports, and Turkey Hunters Care Program.