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NWTF's Georgia State Chapter Takes Top Honors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Georgia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation won the Best State JAKES Event award for its work in introducing youth to the outdoors through a JAKES outreach event.
The Georgia State Chapter, headquartered in Macon, Ga., received the award for hosting the best state event during the NWTF's annual National Convention and Sport Show, held in Nashville, Tenn.
"Each chapter that holds a JAKES event deserves special recognition, but the Georgia State local chapter went above and beyond the challenge of hosting a JAKES Conservation Field Day," said Mandy Harling, JAKES program manager. "This chapter creatively implemented new and fun activities to introduce youth in their community to the outdoors and the hunting tradition."
The NWTF's JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program is dedicated to teaching the principles of wildlife management and passing along the traditions of safe, ethical and responsible hunting to youth up to age 12.
The NWTF's Xtreme JAKES program was developed for teens between the ages of 13 and 17. The program provides advanced outdoor opportunities and challenges more in line with older JAKES abilities and experiences.
The JAKES program is growing steadily in North America, and earning a JAKES award has become increasingly competitive. In 2008, chapters in the United States and Canada held more than 1,000 JAKES events. Any local NWTF chapter that hosts a JAKES event can apply for the JAKES awards.
http://www.nwtf.org/nwtf_newsroom/press_releases.php?id=12790&SUBSITE=jakes
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Fort Stewart gains more than 271,000 new trees thanks to NWTF and partners
Georgia — The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) continues to make restoring the longleaf pine - one of America's most endangered ecosystems - a priority.
The NWTF recently signed a conservation agreement with the Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) Partnership for Longleaf Pine Restoration to help restore the longleaf pine to areas in and near Fort Stewart in southeastern Georgia.
More than 271,000 containerized longleaf pine seedlings will be planted on 678 acres of federal, public and private lands surrounding Fort Stewart. Containerized seedlings are grown in containers in a nursery and are planted with soil still attached to their roots. They have an extended planting season and better survival and growth rates when planted in the winter or fall than bare-root seedlings or seedlings without containers.
"This agreement is an excellent example of cooperative conservation," said NWTF Senior Wildlife Biologist Lynn Lewis-Weis. "No single group can perform the enormous task of conservation, but we can make positive changes to our nation's resources by working together."
Longleaf pine forests are an important and diverse habitat that is home to 26 federally listed endangered species such as the indigo snake, red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise. Longleaf pine can grow in landscapes that are poor, sandy and well-drained and are often more suitable for these sites than other tree species.
Fort Stewart, the largest armor training base east of the Mississippi River, covers 280,000 acres including parts of Liberty, Long, Tattnall, Evans and Bryan counties. As part of Fort Stewart's own longleaf program, more than 825 acres of longleaf pine have been planted since 1997.
Partners of the Fort Stewart/HAAF Partnership for Longleaf Pine Restoration involved in this project include the Georgia Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, the Georgia Department of Transportation and Chatham County.
Longleaf Legacy
Though the longleaf pine covered more than 90 million acres of America's landscape at the time of European colonization, today, longleaf pine forests have been reduced to only 3 million acres nationwide due to pasture and cropland conversion, landowners planting other pine species for timber and the absence of fire, on which longleaf is dependant.
The NWTF and Georgia Pacific have partnered to restore thousands of acres of longleaf pines on both public and private land in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi through a $1.1 million grant from Southern Company and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The planting project in and near Fort Stewart is a portion of that grant project.
"The value of longleaf pines for both wildlife and timber production is tremendous," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, the NWTF's senior vice president of conservation programs. "It's a valuable addition to property managed for multiple uses and will help make the areas in and near Fort Stewart great habitat for many species of wildlife, including wild turkeys."
Longleaf pine forests allow prescribed fire to be introduced earlier and more often than other species of pine trees, which reduces the chance for wildfires and maintains grasses and other wildlife friendly plants. Another advantage is that numerous federal and state programs supplement the costs associated with planting and managing longleaf pines.
"With programs designed to help landowners, planting longleaf pine trees is a win-win situation for conservation, hunters, landowners and wildlife," Kennamer said.
In addition to planting longleaf pine seedlings, the cooperative agreement also provides for the planting of wiregrass, a groundcover native to the area, and conducting prescribed burns to manage undergrowth in the newly planted pine stands.
http://www.nwtf.org/nwtf_newsroom/press_releases.php?id=12598
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New Biologist named for Georgia
We are pleased to announce that NWTF staff member Lynn Lewis-Weis has
transferred to the position of regional wildlife biologist in Georgia.
Lynn brings a wealth of experience to this role. She has worked as a
wildlife biologist in the NWTF's conservation department since November
2005. Before that, she worked as a private consultant in North Carolina, a
research coordinator at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study
and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Lynn did her graduate
studies at the University of Georgia, focusing on northern bobwhite habitat
work in CRP pine stands at Di-Lane Plantation WMA in Georgia. Lynn is from
Waycross, Georgia and makes her home today in Hephzibah.
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GA Chapter issues letter of support for new CEO
To: George Thornton, Chief Executive Officer, NWTF
Georgia State Board of Directors
Chapter Leaders and Members of Georgia Chapter, NWTF
From: Georgia, NWTF Board of Directors
July 7th, 2008
NWTF Georgia Board of Directors Statement of Support
With the recent changes to the organizational structure of the NWTF we, the Georgia Board of Directors of the National Wild Turkey Federation, feel compelled at this time to issue this written “Statement of Support.”
The NWTF has, for over 35 years, grown to be the most celebrated and accomplished conservation organization in existence. The credit for this monumental growth came as a result of the hard work and dedication of thousands of volunteers, their chapters and the dedicated support of the NWTF Staff under the previous leadership team who accomplished so much during their tenure.
In any organization change is inevitable and can be good for an organization and we must put our faith and confidence in the new leadership to continue doing an exemplary job of addressing issues that will prove to be highly beneficial to the organization as a whole, and that will be widely and enthusiastically accepted by staff, volunteers, and members alike.
We recognize that adapting to the changing business environment and needs of our membership, volunteers and chapters requires a modification to the organizational structure to enhance our capabilities to support our mission and goals. We must solidly cast our support and belief in George to lead this group forward. His many years of business accomplishments speak for themselves and to his qualifications for this position.
We fully support the mission and goals of the NWTF, our CEO, George Thornton, and the NWTF Staff and we look forward to working with him and the National Staff in the future. We feel confident that not only will we continue to be the pre-eminent conservation organization under his leadership, but that we will grow and prosper to levels unsurpassed by any other group.
We issue this statement at this time to inform the CEO, the staff, our Georgia Chapter leadership and volunteers, that we are extremely confident and excited that despite all that we have accomplished to date, the best is yet to come!
Sincerely,
Danny Sparks
President, Georgia State Chapter & Board of Directors
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Georgia NWTF joins partnership to acquire more WMA land
On May 16th, the Georgia State Chapter board of directors approved a request from DNR to provide up to $25,000 within the next 60 days to help purchase land for the Silver Lake WMA. The money to support this project will come from the state superfund that is set aside for the purpose of land acquisition.
Information on the Silver Lake Property funding can be found at the Office of the Governors website:
http://gov.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_110479098_112236116,00.html
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NWTF, State and Federal Agencies Unite to Fight Cogongrass
GEORGIA — Cogongrass - a little-known, aggressive weed - is causing big problems for wildlife, having attacked millions of acres of wildlife habitat across the Southeast. But the National Wild Turkey Federation and its project partners are fighting back.
To combat cogongrass, which appears on the US Department of Agriculture's Federal Noxious Weeds list, the NWTF and 22 partners recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formed the Georgia Cogongrass Task Force. The task force will complete projects to clear cogongrass from areas in Georgia that already have been overtaken, and will educate landowners about the importance of learning to identify and control cogongrass.
Exotic Invader
Cogongrass, which is native to Asia, was first introduced to the United States as packing material within shipping crates that arrived in lower Alabama. Later, it was planted to control erosion and feed cattle. Unfortunately, animals will not eat it.
"Cogongrass does not provide food, shelter or benefits of any kind to wildlife," said the NWTF Director of Land Management Programs Bryan Burhans. "It is a dangerous fuel source for wildfires, it multiplies at an alarming rate and it chokes-out native vegetation. Even kudzu looks like a bunch of wildflowers compared to cogongrass."
Cogongrass can burn at any time, making it a year-round wildfire source and cause of constant concern. Its leaves are spaced far apart, which allows for tremendous air flow between the leaves and plants.
"Because fields of cogongrass are highly oxygenated, a wildfire would burn very quickly," Burhans said. "Also, cogongrass flames burn so hot and climb so high that trees such as pines, which provide food and shelter for wildlife, would be killed if they are growing in a stand of cogongrass."
Nip It in the Bud
While cogongrass has not become as widespread in Georgia as it has in lower Mississippi and Alabama, the Cogongrass Task Force is working to identify and eradicate the 144 spots that have been pinpointed in Georgia.
Because the weed is highly flammable, forest managers avoid prescribed burns as a management tool, and will treat affected areas with herbicide. Project partners also will teach landowners how to prevent the spread of cogongrass by following three steps.
First, learn to identify cogongrass. The invasive weed will be easiest to spot through mid-June, when it is in bloom. The most identifiable characteristics are fluffy white seeds that resemble dandelions, one-inch-wide leaves that have serrated edges and whitish, off-center midribs.
Second, steer clear of cogongrass. "If you see cogongrass, don't touch it, mow it or try to dig it up," said James Johnson, forest health coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission. "Call the nearest forestry office, and don't go near the site. Also, avoid moving soil from an area you think may be contaminated because 80 percent of new spots are created by moving affected soil to new sites."
Third, clean equipment thoroughly. After working in a cogongrass-infested area, use a pressure washer or broom to remove debris from vehicles and equipment. Cleaning equipment that may have come in contact with cogongrass is one of the best ways to keep the weed from spreading.
"Now is the time to act," Johnson said. "There is nothing in the natural landscape that can stop cogongrass from spreading. If we ignore this problem and fail to wage an aggressive campaign against it, this weed will continue devastating wildlife habitat."
Project Partners
The NWTF, Georgia Forestry Commission, The Governor's Office of Georgia, USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine, USDA Forest Service, University of Georgia, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, Georgia department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Exotic Plant Pest Council, Georgia Forestry Association, Tall Timbers Research Station, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Georgia Power Corporation, the Nature Conservancy, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Chapter of the Society of American Foresters.
http://www.nwtf.org/nwtf_newsroom/press_releases.php?id=12562
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Georgia NWTF Hunting Heritage State Super Fund Projects
Administered jointly by the NWTF, its state chapters and state wildlife agencies, the Hunting Heritage Super Fund is used for projects that support the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition. Nationally, NWTF chapters and cooperating partners have raised and spent more than $258 million for wild turkey conservation. Since 1985 over $2,999,186 has been raised and spent by Georgia chapters on projects within the state. A sampling of these projects is provided below.
Habitat Enhancement
Spent $1,295,613 on habitat improvement projects.
maintenance and development of brood habitat
wildlife openings
prescribed fire
tree planting
riparian restoration
water development projects
control of invasive plant species
support for seed subsidy and conservation seed programs
Habitat enhancement projects have impacted more than 1,084,334 acres within the state.
18,916 acres of wildlife openings
1,037 acres of prescribed burning
Purchased equipment for habitat management including:
2 spreaders
equipment for prescribed burning
1 cultivator
14 disks/harrows
4 trailers
8 drills
11 mowers
4 tractors
4 sprayers
2 planter
Projects were completed on:
Allatoona WMA
Altamaha WMA
Beaverdam WMA
Berry College WMA
B.F. Grant WMA
Big Lazer Creek WMA
Blanton Creek WMA
Blue Ridge WMA
Bullard Creek WMA
Cedar Creek WMA
Chattahoochee National Forest
Chestatee Management Area
Chickasawhatcee WMA
Clark Hill WMA
Clybel WMA
Cohutta WMA
Coopers Creek WMA
Coosawattee Carter LK Archery
Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA
Dawson Forest WMA
Dixon Memorial WMA
Dukes Creek/Smithgall Conservation Area
Flint River WMA
Griffin Ridge WMA
Hannahatchee WMA
Hartwell Lake
Horse Creek WMA
J.L. Lester WMA
Joe Kurz WMA
John’s Mountain WMA
Lake Burton WMA
Lake Russell WMA
Mayhaw WMA
Oaky Woods WMA
Ocmulgee WMA
Oconee National Forest
Ogeechee WMA
Otting Trout WMA
Paradise Public Fishing Area
Paulding Forest WMA
Piedmont NWR
Redlands WMA
Richard B. Russell State Park
Richmond Hill WMA
River Bend WMA
Sansavilla WMA
Soap Creek WMA
Swallow Creek WMA
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tuckahoe WMA
Warwoman WMA
Wilson Shoals WMA
Yuchi WMA
Education
Spent $188,915 on educational programs and literature including scholarships, education boxes, 4-H and teacher workshops.
Awarded 90 scholarships
Donated more than 509 education boxes to area schools
Spent $9,972 on educational projects for volunteers and professionals including:
Volunteer leadership workshops
Wild Turkey Woodlands field days
State web sites and newsletters
Purchased 175 educational CD-ROMs
JAKES
Spent $97,785 to introduce youth to outdoor activities, conservation and hunting. Sponsored 51 JAKES Conservation Field Days throughout the state.
Hunting Heritage
Spent $32,100 to protect and promote the hunting tradition including contributions to the U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Hunter Safety
Spent $28,950 to support hunter safety classes and initiatives within the state. Purchased hunter safety materials and equipment, including interactive shooting systems.
Turkey Restoration
Spent $387 to trap and transfer turkeys within the state. Expenses include the purchase of trapping equipment such as nets, rockets and rocket charges.
Women’s Programs
Spent $10,130 on programs, materials and equipment to introduce women to the outdoors, hunting and conservation. Conducted 10 Women in the Outdoors events throughout the state.
Rewards
Spent $16,822 to protect wild turkeys and other wildlife through support of state sponsored reward programs, the printing of reward signs and reward payments.
Management
Spent $445,377 on wild turkey management.
operation of wild turkey check stations
hunter success and satisfaction surveys
completion of wild turkey management plans
support of law enforcement activities
Purchased equipment to support law enforcement and management activities including:
ATV’s
weight scales for check stations
survey/surveillance cameras
gates to limit vehicular access
Land Purchase
Spent $347,755 to purchase 7,546 acres of land or conservation easements to preserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas.
Research
Spent $61,500 on wild turkey research. Purchased equipment related to research such as radio telemetry equipment.
Wheelin’ Sportsmen
Spent $7,200 to provide opportunities for the disabled to participate in outdoor activities and learn about wildlife conservation. Conducted 9 Wheelin’ Sportsmen events.
Other
Spent $167,968 on other projects including organizational dues, travel expenses to professional meetings, special NWTF projects, and chapter rebates.
http://www.nwtf.org/in_your_state/superfund.php
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