Cross Charitable Foundation Awards NWTF Funds for Big Sky Forestry Initiative

EDGEFIELD, SC — The Cross Charitable Foundation, dedicated to supporting organizations that actively promote wildlife and environmental conservation, recently awarded a $10,000 grant to the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The Cross Charitable Foundation grant will be used for the Big Sky Forest Initiative, a collaborative effort between the NWTF and the USDA Forest Service, in Montana. The project aims to reduce the threat of wildfire to keep our communities safe, improve wildlife habitat, provide accessible recreation opportunities with healthier game animals, and improve water quality.

Working with various organizations and agencies to find shared values ​​and goals is key to the Big Sky Forest Initiative. The initiative will also help fulfill the NWTF’s mission by addressing these significant ecological challenges in Montana and promoting the conservation of natural resources.

“The Big Sky Forest Initiative is another phenomenal example of co-stewardship at work and bringing organizations together for our natural resources,” said Elizabeth Dowling, coordinator of NWTF’s Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative. “We are immensely grateful for the Cross Charitable Foundation’s investment in BSFI and the critical work we will accomplish through your generosity.”

Montana’s forests are currently facing declining health from fire suppression, climate change, drought, insects, disease, and other factors. Traditionally, fire has played an important role in shaping the state’s landscape; however, in recent decades, wildfire seasons have become more severe and longer. Consequently, this has posed challenges for the state’s wildlife, including the wild turkey population.

The Big Sky Forest Initiative will mitigate the dangers posed by catastrophic wildfires that can cause extensive damage to local communities, the landscape, and many species of game and non-game wildlife.

To generate funds for the Big Sky Forest Initiative and demonstrate Montanans’ dedication to healthy forests, the NWTF will host a kick-off event in Bozeman, Montana on June 8, 2023. Additionally, attendees can enter to win a seat at the MeatEater VIP table with Steven Rinella, Ryan Callaghan, Janis Putelis and Clay Newcomb. To register for the event or enter the giveaway (includes a NWTF membership), click here.

For more information about the NWTF fundraising event or how you can contribute as a partner, donor or sponsor of the Big Sky Forestry Initiative, contact Regional Director Jason Tarwater at (785) 221-6515, [email protected] , or John Brennan at [email protected].

About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.

2023 is the 50th anniversary of the NWTF and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th anniversary, the NWTF has set itself six ambitious goals: to positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.