NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Helps Conserve Vital Land in North Dakota

"It was great to see so many like-minded partners gather to celebrate a big win for the conservation of North Dakota's natural resources," said Phil Mastrangelo, NWTF state chapter board member. "NWTF's Waterways for Wildlife Initiative is funding projects like this across a 10-state region, and we see that as a vital investment and something we are proud to tie our efforts to."

Located in southeastern McLean County, the recent acquisition extends the Painted Woods Creek WMA to 1,191 acres. The land purchase conserves a vital waterway, increases public land available for hunting and other outdoor recreation and allows the NDGFD to manage the land for wildlife into perpetuity. In the near future, the NDGFD plans to undertake projects aimed at mitigating soil erosion and flooding.

The $25,000 contribution from the NWTF's Waterways for Wildlife Initiative was matched with $925,000 in partner funds. The North Dakota NWTF State Chapter has allocated over $18,000 to the Waterways for Wildlife Initiative's 10-state region, increasing the health of water-related ecosystems, in just the last three years. The state chapter has also provided funding for many years to the Northern Plains Riparian Restoration Initiative (replaced by the larger-scale W4W Initiative).

Partners pooled their resources to purchase the land from the Hecht Family Estate. After funds were compiled, the America Foundation for Wildlife purchased the property and donated it to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Partners include the American Foundation for Wildlife, North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, North Dakota Conservation Fund, North Dakota Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, North Dakota Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl Bismarck Chapter, Mike Goos, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, McClean County Water Resource Board, North Dakota Conservation Foundation, North Dakota Wildlife Federation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Delta Waterfowl Wilton Chapter, SEI Investments and Starion Bank.

“Acquisitions like this are important not only for wildlife but also for water quality and recreational opportunities,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. “With Painted Woods Creek being a direct tributary to the Missouri River, keeping this property out of development has direct implications to the water quality of the Missouri and the aquatic species that inhabit it. Riparian areas, especially in the Great Plains, are critical for a wide variety of wildlife, including the wild turkey, and we need to conserve them the best we can. Acquisitions like this are just one of the ways that the Waterways for Wildlife Initiative is conserving wild turkey habitat and preserving our hunting heritage for future generations.”

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 $9 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.