NWTF makes a difference in Pennsylvania

With projects aimed at improving wildlife habitat and sharing the outdoors with others, National Wild Turkey Federation Pennsylvania State Chapter volunteers make a difference where they live.

NWTF projects are a combination of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, corporations and NWTF volunteers partnering to accomplish the same goal--conservation of our natural resources and preservation of our hunting heritage. The projects are varied, and the events are fun to attend.

The NWTF Pennsylvania State Chapter is part of the NWTF's Five-Star Program, meaning its members are dedicated to sharing the outdoors with women, children and people with disabilities, and making a positive difference in their communities. There are over 21,000 NWTF members in Pennsylvania who have spent almost $3 million on conservation and education projects throughout their state.

A disabled accessible hunting area in Mercer County, Pa., will soon have an increased wild turkey population due to a partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation Shenango Valley Chapter and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The NWTF is supplying seed, lime and fertilizer to restore field openings with native grasses that will offer food for wildlife. Wild turkeys and other wildlife use field openings to raise their young because of food availability. This is the first NWTF project proposed for the Shenango Lake Army Corps land.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allow people with disabilities to use All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to access the 1,000-acre hunting area.

The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources partnered to improve forest openings on the Michaux State Forest.

Grassy openings in forests are critical for wild turkeys, deer and other wildlife. The openings are used by wild turkeys to provide poults with abundant food sources like grass seeds and insects. Good habitat is the key to healthy wildlife populations.

The forest openings will be continually mowed, fertilized and seeded through the partnership to improve wild turkey brood habitat.

To protect wild turkeys from illegal harvest, the National Wild Turkey Federation provides rewards to individuals who turn in poachers.

The Pennsylvania State Chapter of the NWTF paid $500 to the person who contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission about the illegal harvesting of wild turkeys and deer by Michael Lake of Burnt Cabins, Pa. Lake was convicted for hunting violations that spanned a 30-year period.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers a tip line for concerned hunters to provide information about the illegal harvest of wildlife. Callers can remain anonymous and receive $100 from the PGC upon conviction of the offender. The NWTF adds $500 on conviction of offenders committing wild turkey violations.

For more information about NWTF conservation projects and events taking place in Pennsylvania, contact Bob Eriksen at 908-454-1882. For more information about the NWTF, call 1-800-THE-NWTF or visit the website at www.nwtf.org.

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