NWTF and Texas Parks and Wildlife Partner to Restore Habitat
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, recently completed a 500-acre prickly pear cactus treatment on Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Mason County, Texas. This collaborative effort aims to restore balance to native grasslands, enhance habitat for wild turkeys and a variety of other wildlife and promote the long-term health of the region’s ecosystem.
For generations, wild turkeys have inhabited the Mason Mountain WMA. They roam the rugged ridges and open grasslands year-round, and in recent years, the WMA even opened to public turkey hunting for the spring season. But like so many places across Texas, Mason Mountain WMA has faced the slow-but-steady spread of invasive and drought-tolerant plants that outcompete native species and degrade habitat quality.
Over time, dense stands of prickly pear cactus have expanded across portions of Mason Mountain WMA, particularly in the granite hills and gravelly, sandy soils where drought conditions give the succulent a competitive edge. While prickly pear provides cover for some species, excessive growth can crowd out native forbs and grasses that are vital for nesting, brood-rearing and foraging for turkeys and other wildlife.
To address this challenge, TPWD utilized aerial application of herbicide across 500 acres to reduce overabundant prickly pear. The treatment has already begun opening the ground layer and allowing sunlight to reach the soil — conditions that encourage a resurgence of native grasses and wildflowers.
“This project is a great example of how targeted habitat management can make a big difference,” said Annie Farrell, district biologist for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. “By reducing dense stands of prickly pear, we’re bringing back the native grasses and forbs that wild turkeys, quail, deer and countless other species depend on and creating healthier, more-resilient habitat that wildlife and Texans alike can enjoy.”
To maintain these habitat gains, TPWD will continue managing the treated areas with prescribed fire on a three- to five-year rotation. The combination of selective herbicide use and fire will help sustain a healthy mosaic of grasses, forbs and scattered brush — the type of structure that supports robust wildlife populations and quality hunting opportunities.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.