NWTF, Partners Advance Major Conservation Milestone Through Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative
Yesterday marked another major milestone for both Utah and the National Wild Turkey Federation, reinforcing a continued commitment to wildlife and habitat conservation across the state. On April 1, the NWTF joined fellow sportsmen’s groups to help prioritize and allocate $6,491,866 for habitat projects under the Watershed Restoration Initiative framework. These projects span all five regions of Utah and are developed through a locally driven process, in which regional stakeholder committees identify and rank proposals before final review by the sportsmen’s funding group.
Chuck Carpenter, NWTF district biologist, plays a key role in this process, serving on two regional ranking committees and ensuring the voice of hunters and conservationists remains central to project selection.
“This year, the WRI sportsmen’s group pledged $6,491,866 in funding to habitat projects throughout Utah,” Carpenter said. “The NWTF proudly contributed $223,200, which helped fund 29 habitat improvement projects, as well as two winter turkey trapping technicians, a Northern Region habitat specialist position and a sage-grouse biologist position, all helping to meet critical capacity needs for the Utah DWR. And we’re not done yet. This sets a new benchmark in our collaboration with WRI, and we’re excited to see this growing momentum continue to drive impactful conservation across Utah.”
This achievement reflects the strength of the NWTF’s ongoing partnership with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources through the Watershed Restoration Initiative — a collaborative effort focused on improving habitat for wild turkeys, mule deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, upland birds and a wide array of other wildlife across the state.
Each funded project is carefully evaluated to align with NWTF’s mission and its priority landscapes approach, ensuring strategic, science-based conservation delivery. Through strong partnerships with the DWR, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and many others, these efforts are implemented at a scale that delivers meaningful, lasting impact.
By leveraging partnerships and shared investment, this collaborative model maximizes every conservation dollar, improving habitat, supporting wildlife populations and ensuring future generations in Utah can experience the life-changing power of the outdoors.