EDGEFIELD, SC — The Oklahoma State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to review the Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2023 funding awards.
“I applaud our volunteer leadership in the great state of Oklahoma for working so hard to raise these funds,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. “These volunteers are our boots on the ground putting your hard-earned dollars into the landscape for critical projects. 2023 will be a good year for conservation in Oklahoma.”
After the review and ranking process, the proposals were submitted to and approved by the NWTF Oklahoma Board of Directors. The Board of Directors budgeted $61,400 for conservation projects, plus $16,608.65 extended for FY22 projects, and $35,226 for other projects, including outreach and education events, state scholarships, and support of 4H Shooting Sports.
NWTF award funding will be matched with more than $3.3 million in partner funds for approved projects; representing a match 44:1 NWTF funding fee.
The Oklahoma State Board of Trustees dedicated $78,008.65 in financing to the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects that address Oklahoma habitat conservation goals. Specific project awards include:
- $10,000 for the Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association to purchase prescribed fire equipment.
- $10,400 to support Oklahoma State University with wild turkey research.
- $10,000 to support the Canton Wildlife Management Area with the elimination of invasive species.
- $7,500 to support the Sandhills Wildlife Management Area with the removal of invasive species.
- $10,000 to support the Black Kettle Wildlife Management Area with riparian maintenance and invasive species removal.
- $3,500 to support the Cimarron Bluff Wildlife Management Area with the removal of invasive species.
- $10,000 to support the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife initiative.
- $16,608.65 extends from FY22 to support ODWC’s Black Kettle WMA riparian improvement project and USFS Blue Mountain Walk Game Area mezzanine reduction project in Turkey
Also, $35,225.43 was approved to support education/outreach efforts in Oklahoma, including JAKES, WITO, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, the Oklahoma State Scholarship, and shooting sports projects. Specific project awards include:
- $5,000 to support the National Archery in Schools Program in Oklahoma
- $5,000 to support the Scholastic Shooting Sports program in Oklahoma
- $1,100 (plus $600 from local chapters) to support ODWC’s law enforcement efforts
- $3,000 to support JAKES, WITO and Wheelin’ Sportsmen events
- $743 to support the Tigers at Target
- $3,000 to support the NWTF Hunting Heritage Fund
- $1,500 for an Oklahoma State NWTF Scholarship
- $8,250 for volunteer travel to the 50th anniversary convention
- $3,000 to support the travel of technical representatives to conventions and regional technical meetings
- $1,500 to support an ODWC Game Warden’s trip to the convention
- $500 to the signs of the habitat project
- $1,600 to support R3 efforts in Oklahoma
- $1,000 in support of conservation field day
- $32.43 for various expenses
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and positively impacted more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested more than $8.5 million in wild turkey research to ensure the wild turkey population remains healthy. The organization continues to fulfill its mission by working across borders at the landscape scale to increase abundant clean water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and strong recreational opportunities across the US. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF will continue its work to provide Healthy Habitats and Healthy Crops for future generations.