NWTF Iowa Commits $99,606 to NWTF Mission for Fiscal Year 2026

After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were approved by the NWTF Iowa Board of Directors. The board budgeted $78,611 for conservation projects and research support and $20,995 for outreach-education events, youth shooting sports support and other general program support.

“The volunteers in Iowa have a huge heart for the mission,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. “Despite a limited budget compared to the rest of my district, their impact is still significant. They annually contribute to multiple acquisition and habitat projects that are making a difference. Another credit to their commitment is that they use the Super Fund primarily to deliver the first half of our mission, and they do additional local fundraisers to support the second half. This is unique to them, and I applaud them for their commitment.”

NWTF conservation project funding is being matched with $2,667,659 in partner and grant contributions for the approved projects.

The Super Fund is a funding model through which NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other fundraisers, allocating a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states. For Iowa’s 2026 Super Fund allocations, projects include: 

• $5,000 toward the Roots to Roost Initiative. 
• $5,000 to the IADNR 10-year turkey research project. 
• $5,000 toward the endowed professorship.  
• $5,000 toward the purchase of a Benton County tractor.  
• $5,000 for 62 acres of timber stand improvement in Dallas County. 
• $5,000 toward a Madison County prairie restoration project. 
• $5,000 toward 75 acres of timber stand improvement at 3 Mile Lake WMA. 
• $5,000 toward an 82-acre acquisition in Delaware County. 
• $5,000 toward a 235-acre acquisition in Jones County.    
• $4,324 toward non-native and invasive species treatment at Willow Slough WMA.   
• $4,000 toward prescribed burning equipment for Red Rock WMA. 
• $3,975 to lease a tractor that will impact approximately 900 acres in the Grand River Wildlife Unit. 
• $3,912 toward 65 acres of timber stand improvement at Woodland Mounds State Preserve.    
• $3,500 toward chainsaws and saw gear for the Grand River Wildlife Unit.  
• $3,500 toward a 29-acre tree planting at Lansing WMA.  
• $3,000 toward a water unit for prescribed burning in the Big Marsh Wildlife Unit.  
• $2,800 toward a 14-acre savanna restoration at Muskrat Slough WMA.  
• $2,100 toward a sprayer for the Iowa River Wildlife Unit.  
• $2,500 toward the 13^th National Wild Turkey Symposium. 
• $8,600 spending buffer.
• $5,500 to support NWTF chapter-driven outreach events. 
• $3,600 for technical representative travel support for convention and symposium. 
• $1,600 for annual dues for partnership programs. 
• $1,195 for miscellaneous expenses. 
• $500 for hunter recruitment support. 

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.