For Immediate Release
Date: July 1, 2008

Contact:
Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606

NWTF recognizes NRCS’ Malone for outstanding wildlife partnerships
NRCS District Conservationist works to improve and protect wildlife habitat

Photo Caption: Kent Adams, NWTF Regional Biologist for Illinois presents award to NRCS District Conservationist Tim Malone.

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has recognized Tim Malone, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Tazewell County IL, with its 2008 NWTF/NRCS Partnership Award. Malone was recognized at the NWTF Annual Convention and Sport Show held in Atlanta Ga.

Malone was nominated by NWTF IL Regional Biologist Kent Adams. Tim has utilized his role as NRCS District Conservationist to restore many acres of wildlife habitat through CRP, CREP, WHIP and EQIP. Through an NRCS/NWTF partnership in 2006 and 2007, Tim referred 9 landowners to the NWTF Regional Biologist and helped them implement his habitat recommendations. One of these projects resulted in an “Essential Habitat” WHIP application which will fund 30 acres of oak savanna restoration in Mason County. Tim works closely with the NWTF Regional Wildlife Biologist to achieve more wildlife habitat planning assistance as a team than he could on his own. He has utilized the NWTF “Operation Oak” to assist local landowners obtain free oak tree seedlings for planting on their property for wildlife habitat.

Tim also identified and helped establish a 230-acre habitat demonstration area for educating landowners on habitat management and USDA cost share programs. He is dedicated to helping producers achieve their objectives no matter how big or small their properties may be. He seeks out the necessary expertise to implement a quality project, and always considers wildlife impacts. Tim goes the extra mile to form partnerships that bring conservation minded groups and individuals together.

Malone has developed partnerships with Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, US Fish and Wildlife Service, IL Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Natural Heritage Survey staff to assist local landowners in establishing and protecting wildlife habitat.

Numerous wildlife species, including turkeys, have benefited from the many acres of restored and enhanced habitat projects Tim has implemented. With one of the largest CREP enrollments in Central Illinois, many riparian acres in Tazewell County have been protected, impacting water quality and aquatic wildlife. In this highly agricultural region, these riparian corridors are turkey strongholds and are facilitating population expansion. In addition to creating important nesting and brood cover for turkeys, the savanna restoration mentioned above, will improve habitat for 5 state threatened or endangered species.

As a District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Malone strives on a day-to-day basis to include wildlife habitat into his conservation planning with landowners. When a new conservation program is announced, Malone always looks to identify local landowners who can benefit from participation in it.

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