NWTF Partners with Iowa DNR for Habitat Enhancement

Fox Hills Wildlife Management Area is a key component of the Soap Creek–Stephens Forest Bird Conservation Area, a 145,886-acre mosaic of woodlands, grasslands and aquatic habitats in southern Iowa. This landscape provides critical habitat for 116 species of nesting birds, including 88 species of greatest conservation need, as well as endangered and threatened species like the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat. 

Historically, the Fox Hills Wildlife Management Area remained largely unmanaged. However, the Iowa DNR’s 2023 Forest Wildlife Stewardship Plan outlined a path to restoring its 1,282 acres of oak and hickory-dominated woodlands. The plan utilizes a combination of early successional and even-aged management strategies (creating and maintaining stands with trees of similar ages) to promote oak and hickory regeneration, improve forest structure and enhance overall habitat quality.  

“Historically, the Iowa DNR has put a lot more time and effort into managing the open land portions of their properties throughout Iowa than timbered acres,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. “Open woodlands are probably one of the more productive habitats that can be restored and maintained when managing for turkeys. A wild turkey can find everything it needs throughout the year in a properly managed open woodland, so that is where my focus has always been in my district in developing projects. I am excited that the DNR is really embracing active forest management on their properties, and I look forward to working with them on future similar projects.”  

To support this initiative, the Iowa DNR has committed $15,000 in fiscal year 2025 for critical habitat work, including crop tree release (enhancing the growth and development of selected trees by reducing competition from surrounding trees) and site preparation for natural regeneration (altering the site to enhance conditions for trees to naturally regenerate from seeds or sprouts). The Iowa NWTF State Chapter has furthered the effort by contributing $5,000 in Super Fund dollars, assisting with contracting costs for timber stand improvements on 99 acres — successfully completed in March. This work prioritized reducing competition around oak and hickory trees, allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor and fostering the next generation of these essential species. 

Beyond improving tree regeneration, the project will significantly boost mast production — meaning more nuts, seeds and fruits to sustain wild turkeys and other wildlife. This work will not only provide essential foraging areas but also bolster habitat for deer, squirrels and countless non-game species. Additionally, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthier, more diverse woodland teeming with wildlife. 

The Iowa DNR will monitor progress to ensure management objectives are met, with follow-up actions planned as part of a long-term adaptive strategy. The Iowa NWTF State Chapter remains committed to supporting projects like the Fox Hills WMA, reinforcing NWTF’s mission to conserve wildlife habitat and uphold Iowa’s rich hunting heritage. 

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.