We take a look this week at some work being done on Jennings Forest.  We are going to concentrate on a few techniques for competition control.

The first of these techniques used on Jennings Forest is herbicide control.  Herbicides can be very effective in controlling unwanted and competing vegetation.  When spraying large areas, such as the 160 acres on Jennings Forest, aerial spraying using a helicopter is the most effective.  

The second competition control technique used on Jennings Forest was prescribed fire.  We have already talked a little about the great benifits precsibed fire can offer, so this week we want to concentrate on starting the burns.  Two methods were used on Jennings Forest.  The first was the use of an ATV.  A "flamethrower" is used (photo below) to light the fire along a road or fire line.  A second method of starting a prescribed burn uses a helicopter and ping pong balls.  Modified ping pong balls are dropped from a helicopter along specified routes.  When the balls hit the ground they ignite and start the burn.  Helicopter burns are used when burning larger tracts.

These two methods are very effective and when used properly can provide excellent wild turkey habitat.

As we continue our travels throughout the state looking at the conservation work being accomplished we find ourselves on the Raiford WMA. 

Raiford WMA continues to establish quality wild turkey habitat year after year.  Utilizing money raised from the Hunting Heritage Banquets. Raiford WMA was able to plant 30 acres of wildlife openings. 

It is important to remember to give wildlife openings time to grow.  Don't discount a food plot too early, keep an eye out for the small sprouts.

If you are patient with your wildlife openings, and plant the proper crop you can and will see excellent results.

As you can see Raiford WMA has chosen to plant some of the fire lanes on the area.  Planted fire lanes provide excellent openings in areas that may be heavily forested.  Don't be afraid to utilize what you have, make the most of every management activity.

Please join us next week as we take a look at more of the excellent habitat work being implemented in the state.

Welcome back to the weekly conservation updates from across the state.

This week we are going to look at all the work accomplished on JW Corbett WMA.

Thanks to money from the many Hunting Heritage Banquets 300 acres of wildlife openings were established.  The openings were planted with clover and chufa.  Chufa tubers are high in carbs and protein, thus they are highly desirable to wild turkeys.

In addition, over 7,000 acres were burned using a prescribed fire.  Prescribed fires are important in maintaining early succesional habitat.  They encourage native species growth, and reduce fuel loads.

Check in next week as we travel the state highlighting other outstanding projects occurring throughout the state!

THANK YOU!  Thanks to great NWTF members habitat management projects are being completed across the state.  Each week we will highlight a management project creating valuable habitat.

Thanks to your support and donations, 225 acres on the Chassahowizka WMA were enhanced.

Early successional habitat was promoted through burning and roller chopping.  Early succesional habitat is essential for nesting and brood habitat.

IT WORKED!  Utilizing proper techniques can greatly improve habitat, and have you seeing more turkeys in no time. 

Check in next week as we travel the state highlighting other outstanding projects occurring throughout the state!