The Alabama chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has donated more than $143,000 for programs in Alabama.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources received $35,392 for projects such as wildlife habitat management and publishing the annual wild turkey report.
NWTF Chapter President Craig Harris said the federation working with the Conservation Department will help to keep turkeys as a resource for the future.
“We are proud to partner with ADCNR on the conservation of wild turkeys in Alabama, working together we can ensure this important natural resource is available to future generations of Alabamians,” he said.
More than $107,000 will be used for turkey projects throughout the state and matched by conservation groups. This will bring the money for wild turkey projects up to $786,712. This will also have a positive impact on around 126,000 acres throughout the state, providing enhancement of the turkey habitat in Alabama.
The majority of the donated funds will be used on Wildlife Management Areas and Special Opportunity Areas to help support habitat management equipment. Part of the funds will also be used to buy wildlife habitat management equipment.
“More than $23,000 of this generous donation offers us access to federal matching dollars, which makes the donation go even further,” said WFF Director Chuck Sykes. “Since federal matching dollars play such a major role in how our division is funded, contributions like this are extremely important.”
The WFF relies mostly on money from the sales of hunting and fishing licenses. The Pittman-Robertson Act permits money from the sales to be matched 3 to 1 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Alabama’s General Fund does not provide an appropriation for the division.
The NWTF’s Alabama chapter helps maintain a quality habitat in public hunting areas. Financial support is also provided for the Adult Mentored Hunting Program, the Archery in the Schools State Championship, and the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News
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