Information on conservation work in the Moshannon State Forest.
Turkeys for Tomorrow is proud to announce its initial and expanding roles in a critical wild turkey habitat project in Pennsylvania. From the TFT front, three flocks are assisting with the funding of this endeavor, including the Allegheny Flock. The work is being conducted on the Moshannon State Forest.
"They are doing multiple phases of habitat development," said Andrew Mills with the TFT Allegheny Flock, which launched in 2023. "Several years ago, a tornado came through this area. They're trying to clean it up and make it better, because animals aren't using that habitat. It's just downed trees, and so, they're clearing it and making food plots."
Shawn Seeley, a land management group supervisor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, agrees with him. The joint effort aims to achieve much with this habitat enhancement initiative. According to Seeley, the main goal is to take a rather void area of wildlife and turn it into high-quality habitat.
Seeley says that Pennsylvania is the only state remaining with split agencies. Because of this, there are multiple moving parts. Different arms of the Game Commission, as well as outside groups, must work in unison.
"We have a fish commission, game commission, and a forestry department," Seeley said. "But we've partnered with this state forest to produce a lot of quality wildlife habitat."
For the outset of the project, TFT is proud to have provided winter wheat seed for more than 87 acres of food plots.
"We were asked to assist with providing seed for their food plots to help the different animals, including turkey," Mills said. "Obviously, we jumped right on that, because it benefits turkeys. We're already hearing that turkeys are using the food plots in the seeded areas we provided for."
Long-term, goals include better turkey populations and improved turkey hunting opportunities. Of course, these partners will continue with the subsequent phases of habitat work to achieve that and more.
That said, given the priority of elk in the area, some of the habitat work being completed is with the big cervid in mind. Even so, much of what's done to improve elk habitat benefits wild turkeys.
"We noticed that, working with our local elk biologist, the area was void of elk as well," Seeley said. "So, we're working with the state forestry department to put together a large-scale woodland savanna opening project. This will include cool and warm season mixes."
This will help elk, whitetails, and wild turkeys alike. It's a win-win-win for numerous species, including game and non-game animals.
Fortunately, while TFT has already delivered on promises, the aim is to expand its role within the overall scope of the project.
"TFT is providing funding for some of the initial seeding for the first 87 acres, with plans to provide more funding as we expand the project closer to the 300-acre mark," Seeley said.
Of course, the entire area is open to public hunting, too. Turkey hunters should be pleased to hear that conservation funds are being spent on lands open to all.
Support TFT: Wild turkey populations are on the decline throughout the nation. Established in 2021, TFT is new to the landscape, but it's driven by highly trained professionals with decades of conservation experience. To support TFT, and the complete body of wild turkey research and conservation it's leading, become a member today. An Adult Annual Membership is $50, multi-year Team Turkey Membership is $250, and Life Membership is $2,500. Every dollar counts in the fight for wild turkey preservation.