NWTF Arkansas Allocates $186,000 to Mission Delivery in the Natural State

Following a comprehensive review and ranking process, the Arkansas NWTF Board of Directors approved a total investment of $186,000 to advance NWTF’s mission across the Natural State. Of that total, $155,000 was allocated toward on-the-ground conservation projects, $27,500 was dedicated to a future NWTF endowed professorship supporting long-term wild turkey research, and $3,500 was approved for hunting heritage initiatives, including education and outreach events, chapter scholarships and related programs. 

"NWTF Arkansas has long been committed to the conservation of the wild turkey thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, members and partnerships throughout the state,” said Kacie Bauman, NWTF district biologist. “The Super Fund projects approved through this cycle will further the mission of conserving wild turkey habitat, funding research and providing more public hunting opportunities for the outdoorsmen and women across Arkansas and for generations to come.” 

The NWTF’s Super Fund is a funding model through which volunteers raise money at banquets and other fundraisers and allocate a significant portion of those proceeds into impactful conservation, research and outreach projects at the state level and beyond. 

Conservation funding approved through this cycle will be matched by $46,500 in partner contributions, amplifying the impact of these investments on public lands statewide. Funded projects focus on improving forest structure, enhancing early successional habitat and increasing access for hunters through a suite of targeted habitat treatments.  

Work includes cedar mastication on Mount Magazine; woodland stand improvement projects at Nacatoch Ravines Natural Area, Petit Jean Wildlife Management Area and the Huttig Pine Natural Area; and mechanical mastication paired with herbicide treatments at Pleasant Hill and White Rock wildlife management areas. Additionally, funding was approved for the purchase of a mulcher that will be used to support habitat work across several priority areas, including Big Lake, Ozan, Hankins Mud Creek, William E. Brewer and Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake wildlife management areas, as well as future conservation efforts. 

Beyond habitat and access work, the Arkansas Super Fund investment also supports five local chapter events across the state, helping deliver NWTF’s hunting heritage mission through education, outreach and community engagement. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation        

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.