The Big Sioux Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has set some big goals for the coming months and years— everything from helping to establish new programs that support our youth specifically being outdoors to a new initiative that organizers hope will lead to cleaner waterways here at home and across the nation.
Around 100 folks attended the organization’s annual benefit this past weekend where they learned firsthand of the work happening because of their dollars.  
The NWTF, which was founded in 1973, initially began to help the turkey population rebound through conservation efforts. The organization now looks to do and be more.

“Across the country we’ve been focusing on ways we can improve waterways,” said Tad Jacobs, who helps to lead the local chapter’s conservation efforts.
“Doesn’t mean we can make every river clean and drinkable but we can improve the habitat because those are corridors that wildlife use a lot. We can do some things to stabilize the banks, and try to do some things to clean up the rivers. Riparian buffs for instance, fencing, things like that to keep cattle out of the river whenever possible. There may be instances where farmers and ranchers are willing to do that and we’re hoping to work with them,” he added.
To learn more about the Big Sioux Chapter and the initiatives log onto NWTF - Big Sioux Chapter of South Dakota on Facebook.