EDGEFIELD, S.C. — NWTF District Biologist Annie Farrell introduced the Oklahoma Division of Wildlife Conservation with a $27,500 verify as a part of the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative. Funds will probably be used for 2 new riparian (or water-related) conservation tasks scheduled to start in fall 2024. Farrell, who has been instrumental within the success of the initiative, introduced the award throughout a ceremony on the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Fee’s month-to-month assembly in Oklahoma Metropolis.
“We’re past excited to proceed our partnership with ODWC for the betterment of our important water-related ecosystems in Oklahoma,” Farrell stated. “Within the final three years, the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative has contributed over $100K to 6 important restoration tasks in Oklahoma, equating to $418,000 with accomplice match. These efforts are made attainable due to all the devoted NWTF volunteers and Waterways for Wildlife’s great companions, reminiscent of ODWC. We stay up for placing shovel to filth later this yr and persevering with to enhance Oklahoma’s treasured pure assets.”
The 2 new Waterways for Wildlife tasks in Oklahoma have been rigorously chosen primarily based on their potential for impression and the wants of the native ecosystems. The primary venture will happen on the Beaver River WMA in Beaver County, and the second venture will probably be on the Lexington WMA in Cleveland County.
The Beaver River WMA venture will enhance 10 acres of riparian habitat together with enhancing 10 stream miles of the river by way of invasive species removing and planting cottonwood timber. The venture may also function a precious instructional useful resource for native landowners. Following restoration efforts, the positioning will probably be used as an indication space the place ODWC will host landowner subject days to encourage different land managers to deal with cottonwood regeneration on their very own properties, contributing to the well being of the riparian ecosystem on personal lands.
Likewise, the venture on the Lexington WMA will bolster turkey roost tree availability and riparian well being by eradicating invasive species from 156 acres of riparian areas by way of mulching practices. ODWC will preserve the venture web site with prescribed hearth sooner or later.
The 2 new Waterways for Wildlife tasks mark one other vital step ahead for the initiative, which has already made a considerable impression in Sooner State over the previous two years. With over 2,500 acres of land positively impacted and over 10 stream miles enhanced (not together with the 2 new tasks), the tangible outcomes present nice prospects for the way forward for wildlife conservation.
“The Oklahoma Division of Wildlife values our partnership with the Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation, and we’re very appreciative of the funding contributions we now have obtained by way of the Waterways for Wildlife Initiative, together with the $27,500 in funding that we obtained as we speak,” stated Russ ODWC Assistant Chief. “Leveraging that funding 3:1 with Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding, we’re capable of ship $110,000 of on-the-ground riparian habitat administration / restoration for the good thing about wildlife right here in Oklahoma. The cumulative advantages enabled by way of Waterways for Wildlife Initiative funding throughout the nation are really making panorama stage modifications.”
The Waterways for Wildlife initiative was jumpstarted in 2022, partially, by a beneficiant contribution from Ovintiv. Tasks beneath the initiative, together with those in Oklahoma, aren’t nearly fast restoration but additionally about constructing resilience and making certain the long-term well being of riparian ecosystems inside the 10-state area. Tasks slated for 2024 will improve over 60 stream miles, practically 5,750 acres of riparian habitat and greater than 16,400 adjoining upland acres, contributing considerably to the initiative’s long-term conservation objectives.
Study extra in regards to the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife.
In regards to the Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion {dollars} into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of important wildlife habitat. The NWTF has additionally invested over $9 million into wild turkey analysis to information the administration of the wild turkey inhabitants and to make sure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The group continues to ship its mission by working throughout boundaries on a panorama scale by way of its 4 Shared Values: clear and considerable water, wholesome forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and strong leisure alternatives. With the assistance of its devoted members, companions and employees, the NWTF continues its work to supply Wholesome Habitats. and Wholesome Harvests. for future generations.
