03/17/2010
NWTF Missouri to Invest $205,692 in Projects in 2010
MISSOURI — The National Wild Turkey Federation's Missouri chapters have budgeted $205,692 from the state Hunting Heritage Super Fund to invest in outreach, education, conservation and more within Missouri in 2010.
The NWTF Super Fund is administered jointly by the NWTF, its state and provincial chapters and wildlife agencies, and supports conservation and education programs.
Since 1985, NWTF volunteers in Missouri have raised and spent more than $3 million on projects including wildlife habitat enhancements, wild turkey research, education and outreach within the state. NWTF chapters and cooperating partners across North America have raised and spent more than $306 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat since 1985.
"The Missouri State Chapter is dedicated to improving wildlife habitat and providing outreach opportunities, and is backing up their commitment with the funds to make needed changes," said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., the NWTF's chief conservation officer. "By directing dollars to wildlife habitat improvements, and strengthening outreach and education programs, the Missouri State Chapter is helping enhance habitat for all kinds of wildlife while making a better outdoor experience, not just for hunters — but for everyone."
Hunters are a key part of the state's economy. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation reports that Missouri hunters spend $1.2 billion pursuing their sport each year.
The NWTF's Missouri State Board of Directors dedicated funds to accomplish the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects in 2010, which will benefit Missouri's resident and non-resident sportsmen and wildlife:
- $71,945 to support educational and community programs including the NWTF's JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) outreach program, the National Archery in the Schools Program at a local level in six communities, the Share the Harvest program and Future Farmers of America, plus fund NWTF scholarships, NWTF Wild about Turkey Education Boxes and the development of a Christian outdoor youth camp
- $48,927 to conduct habitat improvement projects and purchase equipment to assist with managing habitat including conducting prescribed burns and planting food plots and seeds
- $22,550 to support the shooting sports and uphold Missouri's hunting heritage through purchasing shooting equipment and various equipment for hunts for youth and people with disabilities and helping fund the development of a state sportsmen's caucus
- $20,000 to support regional NWTF staff, who work with state and local officials to improve wildlife habitat, promote North America's hunting heritage and provide outreach opportunities
- $7,000 to uphold outdoor traditions through the NWTF's Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF outreach programs
An additional $35,270 was allocated to fund other miscellaneous projects.
