NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Announces Funding Opportunities for Fourth Year
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — For the fourth year, the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative has opened up funding opportunities for projects that occur in riparian (water-related) systems benefitting wildlife and water resources within the initiative’s ten-state region (see map below).
“Our Waterways for Wildlife Initiative has been gaining momentum year after year, bringing in new and diverse partners, enhancing critical riparian areas for wildlife and increasing the overall health of these vital ecosystems,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist. “We are excited to see what projects we can bolster for the greatest impact for our natural resources in 2025.”
The NWTF has implemented a new proposal submission format through Survey123. Proposals should be submitted here.
The deadline to submit applications is Feb. 7, 2025, and funding will be available starting Apr.1, 2025. Applications must be completed in full to be considered for funding and should be submitted via the Survey123 proposal form along with any supporting documentation, such as maps, photos, budget table, etc.
Eligible parties for funding in 2025 include federal, state and local agencies and entities; conservation organizations; colleges/universities; and private landowners currently working through an existing recognized federal, state or locally sponsored conservation assistance program.
In 2022, the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative, with partner match, allocated $2.8 million to its first 14 conservation projects. A year later, the NWTF and partners added 20 additional projects under the Waterways for Wildlife umbrella with a $5.3 million collaborative investment. This year, the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative and its partners devoted $16.2 million to the 16 new projects.
For 2025, the landscape-scale initiative is again accepting applications for financial assistance in support of vital projects that improve wildlife habitat in riparian systems. Projects with a direct benefit to water conservation are highly encouraged, and proposals that expand the long-term or large-scale restoration of riparian ecosystems are also encouraged.
The Conservation Need
Riparian ecosystems are naturally diverse systems subject to frequent periods of flooding and drought. These natural disturbances serve to create new seed beds and remove biomass, ultimately “setting back” plant succession and providing nutrients to riparian plant communities which maintains a productive ecosystem that benefits wildlife species. However, many changes have occurred in the Great Plains that have disrupted this natural cycle and impacted the health of these vital communities. Land use changes (including altered hydrology), increased water demands to meet human needs, invasive species and livestock impacts are some of the many factors that can affect riparian ecosystem function and diminish wildlife habitat.
Riparian areas are a natural magnet for wild turkeys and hundreds of other wildlife species. These areas are also crucial for fish and other aquatic species, as they help control erosion and filter excess nutrients and chemicals from surface runoff that can adversely affect spawning and rearing areas. Riparian areas also control flooding, improve water quality and provide for community and agricultural water supply demands while recharging underground aquifers.
Over the course of 10 years, the initiative has set the goal of enhancing 1,500 stream miles and 75,000 acres of riparian-related habitat within 10 Great Plain states. Waterways for Wildlife projects vary in how they benefit water conservation and wildlife, from removing invasive species to reconnecting floodplains.
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 23 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.