EDGEFIELD, SC — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently signed a commendation recognizing the NWTF’s 50th anniversary and commending the organization’s accomplishment of its mission throughout the state.
“The NWTF has a rich history of wild turkey conservation and our hunting heritage in Alabama,” said Craig Harris, a member of the NWTF National Board of Directors and past president of the Alabama State Chapter. “Through our dedicated volunteers and chapters, we’ve accomplished a lot in the state and we’re not going to drop the gas anytime soon. On behalf of the entire NWTF Alabama, we are honored to be recognized by Governor Ivey for 50 years and we stand ready to continue our ever-important mission for the next 50 years.”
The eulogy says:
“WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc., was incorporated on March 28, 1973; and
WHEREAS, over the course of 50 years, the National Wild Turkey Federation has worked with state, federal and non-governmental partners to promote wild turkey conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage, participating in one of the world’s greatest success stories conservation in the United States. history, the return of the wild turkey from the brink of extinction; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been at the forefront of reversing declining hunting participation through investing nationwide in hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts and partnering with states to develop opportunities to engage to people from all walks of life in the outdoor tradition; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands on public and private lands since 1985; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure future healthy populations of wild turkeys; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has regularly spent more than $250,000 a year to help conserve wildlife habitat and promote heritage hunting activities in Alabama; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation supports and partners with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to conserve wildlife habitat, increase hunter participation, and invest in wild turkey research;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, hereby congratulate the
National Wild Turkey Federation in its 50she anniversary, and I congratulate the organization on their tremendous efforts.”
The NWTF state chapter in Alabama has big plans for 2023. For example, it is allocating funds for conservation projects across the state that will be matched by $786,712 in partner funds or grants for approved projects. These projects will conserve more than 125,000 acres of vital habitat in Alabama by 2023 alone. Projects include: more than $28,000 for wild turkey research, nearly $30,000 to deliver work on private lands through NWTF seed programs, $23 $45,000 for equipment purchases that will be used to impact thousands of acres year after year; and $45,000 for scholarships, JAKES Days and other statewide outreach activities, among other projects.
The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are working with state legislatures across the country to pass similar measures this year that enshrine the NWTF’s legacy and mission in state law.
Learn more about the policy and advocacy work of the NWTF.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTF he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.