NWTF Tennessee and Partners Set to Invest More Than $28 Million in Conservation in 2026
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Tennessee State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met in Clarksville to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2026 funding awards. Following the review and ranking process, proposals were approved by the Tennessee Board of Directors.
The board budgeted $209,199 for conservation projects, $25,607 for research, $176,250 toward access projects and $71,085 for hunting heritage projects, including education and outreach events, chapter scholarships and more. NWTF conservation project award funding will be matched by $28,164,605 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects in Tennessee.
“NWTF staff and our conservation partners are thankful for the talented volunteers who generate these funds to continue our mission in Tennessee,” said Derek Alkire, NWTF district biologist. “The projects funded for 2026 will greatly impact wild turkeys across the Habitat for the Hatch Initiative footprint in Tennessee.”
The NWTF’s Super Fund is a funding model through which volunteers raise money at banquets and other fundraisers and allocate a significant portion of those proceeds into impactful conservation, research and outreach projects at the state level and beyond.
Across Tennessee, approved conservation efforts will focus on expanding prescribed fire and equipment support to enhance habitat quality at scale. Projects include prescribed fire treatments across more than 10,000 acres statewide, the purchase of four UTV sprayers for use on private lands in Middle Tennessee and the acquisition of five pieces of equipment that will support conservation operations impacting an estimated 2,275 acres statewide each year.
In addition to habitat improvements, the chapter will continue investing in education and outreach and hunter-access initiatives, including access enhancements at the Hatchie Wildlife Management Area; veteran, youth and women outreach hunts and events; and scholarships.
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.