NWTF California to Invest $160,500 in Projects in 2010

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CALIFORNIA — The National Wild Turkey Federation's California chapters have budgeted $160,500 from the state Hunting Heritage Super Fund to invest in outreach, education, conservation, increased public land access and more within California in 2010.

The NWTF Super Fund is administered jointly by the NWTF, its state and provincial chapters and wildlife agencies, and supports conservation and education programs.

Since 1985, NWTF volunteers in California have raised and spent more than $2 million on wildlife habitat enhancements, wild turkey restoration, education, outreach and more within the state. NWTF chapters and cooperating partners across North America have raised and spent more than $306 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat since 1985.

"The California State Chapter is dedicated to improving land access and wildlife habitat, and is backing up their commitment with the funds to make needed changes," said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., the NWTF's chief conservation officer. "By directing dollars to land access and wildlife habitat improvements, and strengthening outreach and education programs, the California State Chapter is helping enhance habitat for all kinds of wildlife while making a better outdoor experience, not just for hunters - but for everyone."

Hunters are a key part of the state's economy. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation reports that California hunters spend $927 million pursuing their sport each year.

The NWTF's California State Board of Directors dedicated funds to accomplish the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects in 2010, which will benefit California's resident and non-resident sportsmen and wildlife:

• $40,000 to increase access to hunting land through the More Places to Hunt inititiative and improve wildlife habitat through completing water development projects, restoring oak trees, which provide food for wild turkeys and other wildlife, and controlling noxious weeds
• $36,000 to uphold outdoor traditions through the NWTF's JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF outreach programs, educational programs, scholarship programs and the National Archery in the Schools Program
• $30,000 to support regional NWTF staff, provide leadership training and more
• $24,000 in other special NWTF projects
• $16,500 to protect and promote our hunting heritage including contributions to the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation
• $14,000 to help families in need have a hot holiday feast through the NWTF's Turkey Hunters Care program

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