06/21/2006
NWTF Enhances Wildlife Habitat in New York
Knowing that apples are an important wildlife food source in the Northeast, the National Wild Turkey Federation's New York State Chapter provided $16,000 to improve apple tree stands on four New York wildlife management areas.
New York Department of Environmental Conservation contractors removed trees that were competing with apple trees for nutrients and sunlight. Many of the trees removed were undesirable and provided few benefits to wildlife. Removing these trees extend the life span of nearby apple trees and ensure more reliable fruit production.
"New York has a variety of apple trees producing fruit at different times throughout fall and winter," said Larry Becker, NWTF New York state chapter president. "A lot of these trees were being shaded by other trees that don't provide food for wildlife. We opened the areas up to provide less competition to a needed food source."
More than 2,500 acres of wildlife habitat were enhanced on Connecticut Hill, Happy Valley, Pharsalia and Tioughnioga wildlife management areas through the New York State Chapter Hunting Heritage Super Fund, which supports the NWTF's conservation and education programs.
These WMAs provide many outdoor recreation opportunities including hunting and wildlife viewing.
"Better habitat provides more wildlife to see and to hunt," said Doug Little, NWTF regional biologist for New York.
For more information about the NWTF or its habitat enhancement efforts in New York, call (800) THE-NWTF.
