New Platforms in Indiana are for the Birds

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EDGEFIELD, S.C.— The Indiana State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has teamed with the Utilities District of Western Indiana (UDWI) to install two osprey-nesting platforms at the Goose Pond wildlife management area (WMA) near Linton, Ind.

"Ospreys are native to Indiana and their wetland habitat is becoming rare and threatened," said Energy For Wildlife (EFW) Regional Biologist, Loran Brinkmeier. "Thanks in large part to the NWTF helping fund the project, the Goose Pond WMA has added platforms that make perfect nesting locations for these great birds. This is another great example of the NWTF and our partners stepping up and meeting a need for wildlife, no matter the species."

The osprey is one of North America's largest birds of prey and nests almost exclusively near water because it mainly eats fish. The osprey's nest is usually a large heap of sticks, driftwood and seaweed built in forks of trees, rocky outcrops and utility poles. If no nesting sites are available, ospreys may be forced to delay breeding. To ease this problem, platforms are sometimes erected to provide more sites suitable for nesting.

"UDWI is a valuable member of our Energy for Wildlife program and continues to take a proactive approach when managing their properties for wildlife," said Jay Jordan, NWTF's Energy for Wildlife coordinator. "They are committed not only to providing safe, reliable energy for their customers, but also are dedicated to improving wildlife habitat wherever possible."

UDWI is part of Indiana's Rural Electric Membership Cooperative and has been a member of the NWTF's EFW program since 2004.

EFW is the NWTF's membership-based certification program for energy companies with a primary goal of enhancing wildlife habitat on company-owned, -managed or -influenced land. Energy for Wildlife's program staff works directly with its member companies to plan and integrate wildlife management strategies into existing land practices.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of America's hunting tradition. The NWTF has a membership of more than 350,000 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For more information about Energy For Wildlife contact Jay Jordan at (800) 637-7538 or jjordan@nwtf.net.

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