EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Illinois NWTF State Chapter recently funded two conservation projects in the Prairie State, supporting invasive species control and expanding prescribed fire capacity to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and a wide range of wildlife.
The first project, carried out in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, focused on habitat restoration at the Buckhorn Unit of Siloam Springs State Park in western Illinois. This effort is part of a long-term initiative to restore oak-hickory forests and revitalize habitat for wild turkeys and other forest wildlife.
In spring 2024, managers conducted a prescribed burn across the 320-acre unit. The fire reduced the density of invasive multiflora rose, with initial monitoring showing that 40% to 50% of the infestation was killed outright and much of the remainder top-killed.
During summer 2025, contractors returned to the site to conduct targeted follow-up treatments. They focused on resprouting multiflora rose and other invasive plants, including scattered bush honeysuckle and autumn olive. This combined approach stretched project dollars further by reducing overspray, increasing efficiency and allowing more acres to be treated effectively.
These treatments are a key step toward restoring oak regeneration and maintaining the diverse understory that wild turkeys and countless other species depend on. By reducing invasive competition, managers are ensuring that native plants and young oaks have the sunlight and space they need to thrive.
The NWTF and IDNR plan to build on this progress with another prescribed burn in spring 2026. This follow-up fire will further suppress invasive species while encouraging herbaceous growth and oak regeneration — key components of quality nesting, brood-rearing and foraging habitat for wild turkeys.
“Siloam Springs is a popular public land turkey hunting destination in Illinois, but like many other forested properties throughout the state, invasive species like bush honeysuckle and multiflora rose have become an increasing problem that significantly reduces turkey habitat suitability,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. “We have been working with IDNR since about 2013 in a phased approach to actively manage this site by providing funding to conduct timber stand improvement and invasive species control. Not only are we making significant strides in turkey habitat quality improvement but the work that we are successfully accomplishing also serves as a demonstration area that reflects the benefits of this kind of work.”
In addition to benefiting wildlife, these efforts enhance opportunities for sportsmen and women. The Buckhorn Unit at Siloam Springs State Park is open to turkey, deer, upland game, dove and squirrel hunting, as well as fishing, and ongoing habitat improvements promise to enrich the outdoor experience for all who visit.
The second project focuses on boosting prescribed fire capacity at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge through the purchase of a new utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and skid unit. With matching contributions from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge will acquire a CAN-AM Defender 6×6 UTV and a Kimtech Firelite 70-gallon skid unit. Together, this equipment will provide fire crews with reliable, modern tools to carry out prescribed burns more efficiently and safely across thousands of acres. This investment will strengthen ongoing habitat restoration efforts in southern Illinois, directly benefiting wild turkeys and other wildlife.
“Historically, the general attitude toward purchasing equipment for state and federal agencies has been if they need the equipment to do their job their employer ought to provide it for them,” Burk said. “However, increasing costs of doing business combined with shrinking budgets can be extremely limiting. I have always believed that a few thousand dollars to get our partners the right tool for the job was a no-brainer investment. I’d rather help them get a piece of equipment that they can use to impact a few thousand acres annually for probably the next 10 years post purchase than pay a contractor the same money to impact a few hundred acres one time.”
In addition to enhancing wildlife habitat, the refuge is open to all forms of hunting, and these improvements will enrich the experience for sportsmen and women who pursue turkey, deer, waterfowl and other game species. Over the next decade, the new equipment is expected to help treat tens of thousands of acres, ensuring healthier forests and more opportunities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 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.
The post Fighting Invasives and Fueling Fire: Illinois NWTF Projects Strengthen Habitat for Wild Turkeys and Wildlife appeared first on HuntingLife.com.