EDGEFIELD, SC — The Michigan Senate recently passed Resolution No. 26 commemorating 50 years of NWTFhe Anniversary and recognizing the organization’s conservation impact both in Michigan and nationally.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by our elected officials for our 50th anniversary,” said Bert VanderWeele, president of the NWTF’s Michigan State Chapter. “We have an incredible partnership with MDNR to conserve wild turkeys and preserve our hunting heritage. Since 2014, the NWTF has received more than $1.45 million to help conserve more than 7,000 acres of wild turkey habitat in Michigan. We are proud to be recognized for this work and our rich history as a conservation organization.”
The resolution, in part, reads:
“…WHEREAS, the NWTF and its Michigan State Chapter assisted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in restoring wild turkey populations throughout the state, resulting in an estimated 200,000 birds, supporting populations of robust and healthy wild turkeys capable of hunting opportunities in all 83 counties in our state; and
WHEREAS, the NWTF, its members, and chapters have been at the forefront of reversing the decline in hunting participation through nationwide investments in hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts. They also partner with other states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoor tradition. Since 2012, the NWTF has recruited and reactivated more than 1.5 million hunters, including Michigan, which was one of the first states to develop an NWTF cooperatively funded position focused on addressing hunter engagement; and
WHEREAS, since 1985, the NWTF 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. This work includes Michigan state and national forests, publicly owned and managed wildlife areas, as well as private lands…”
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.