NWTF Iowa Pledges $118,865 to Healthy Habitats in 2027
The Iowa State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met in Waterloo to review Super Fund project proposals for the 2027 fiscal year. The board budgeted $83,870 for conservation projects, $5,000 for research, $5,000 toward the NWTF's Roots to Roost Initiative and $24,995 for hunting heritage projects, including education and outreach events, chapter scholarships and the rest going toward website costs and other operating expenses.
Conservation projects will be matched with $3,871,641 in partner or grant funding.
“One thing that sets Iowa apart from most other states is our work towards securing public land," said John Burk, NWTF district biologist. "Historically, this has been a priority to the state board, and this year was certainly no exception. The board approved partnering on five acquisitions for the 2027 fiscal year, totaling 636 acres. This will put the state chapter's cumulative total since 1987 at 164 properties in 66 counties. This has resulted in more than 22,500 additional acres to hunt in a state that has less public land than any other. We are making a difference.”
The Super Fund is a funding model through which NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other fundraisers, allocating a significant portion of those funds to meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states and beyond.
Iowa's 2027 conservation investments will support habitat restoration, invasive species management, equipment purchases and public land acquisitions across the state.
Habitat improvement projects include timber stand improvement, savanna and grassland restoration, prescribed fire support and invasive species control.
The Iowa NWTF State Chapter also allocated $30,000 toward five public land acquisitions totaling 636 acres in Howard, Delaware, Buchanan, Marshall and Jackson counties. These investments will expand public access and hunting opportunities in Iowa, where securing additional public land remains a priority for the state chapter.
In addition, the state chapter committed funding toward wild turkey research and the NWTF's Roots to Roost Initiative, supporting broader conservation efforts and the long-term health of wild turkey populations and their habitats.
Funding will also support NWTF education and outreach programs that connect Iowans with the outdoors, introduce new participants to shooting sports and hunting, and strengthen the state's hunting heritage. Investments include shooting facility development and outreach events.
2027 Conservation and Research Funding
- $18,738 for prescribed fire and land management equipment for Johnson County Conservation Board, Union County Conservation Board, Coralville Wildlife Unit, Maquoketa Wildlife Unit and the Grand River Wildlife Unit.
- $31,632 for 88 acres of timber stand improvement in Delaware County, 32 acres of savanna restoration in Madison County, 60 acres of grassland restoration in Davis County, firebreak installation for 115 acres in Monroe County, 56 acres of timber stand improvement in Clarke County and 1,265 acres of honeysuckle control at Red Rock and Willow Slough wildlife management areas and in Fremont County.
- $30,000 toward public land acquisitions in Howard County (229 acres), Delaware County (203 acres), Buchanan County (64 acres), Marshall County (114 acres) and Jackson County (26 acres).
2027 Hunting Heritage Funding
- $10,000 toward development of the Poweshiek Bear Creek shooting facility.
- $5,500 to support NWTF outreach events.
- $500 toward education and outreach.
- $8,995 for website management and other operational expenses