National Wild Turkey Federation, Ochoco National Forest partner on western juniper removal project

EDGEFIELD, S.C. (KTVZ) — Oregon wildfires have scorched a record-breaking 1.9 million acres this year — the most acres ever damaged in modern state history, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

These ongoing wildfires have posed significant challenges for land and wildlife managers this season, severely impacting landscapes, wildlife and surrounding communities.

Despite these difficulties, the National Wild Turkey Federation says it remains steadfast in its commitment to conservation in the Beaver State, the organization and on Tuesday issued a news release about one of its latest projects:

On Monday, October 7, the NWTF and the USDA Forest Service launched the Sunflower Project in Central Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest to address the growing threat of conifer encroachment.

The Sunflower Project focuses on removing western juniper, an invasive species that threatens critical wildlife habitats, such as sagebrush, hardwood and bitterbrush ecotypes. The objective is to enhance winter foraging ranges by restoring sagebrush and bitterbrush habitats, essential for species like wild turkeys, elk, deer, sage grouse and pronghorn.

“The encroachment of western juniper is contributing to the loss of desirable winter forage,” said Krista Modlin, NWTF district biologist for California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. “The invasion of juniper causes competition for native shrubs, forbs and grasses for moisture, sunlight and nutrients.”

The project will cover 268 acres and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. While the work was slated to begin last month, implementation was delayed due to the Rail Ridge Fire.

The Sunflower Project was selected, in part, due to the NWTF's previous success in releasing wild turkeys in the area in 2000 and 2006.

The Oregon NWTF State Chapter contributed $14,000 for the project, with additional funding support from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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.