EDGEFIELD, SC — The National Wild Turkey Federation was recognized by the Missouri House of Representatives during Conservation Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri on April 5. The resolution recognized the NWTF’s commitment to conserving the state’s wild turkey populations and preserving game. traditions for future generations.
Representative Bruce Sassmann of the 61street District and Natural Resources and Conservation Committee chair introduced NWTF district biologist John Burk on camera, presenting him with the framed resolution.
“Rep. Sassmann was elected in 2020, but he has been a friend of conservation and more specifically the NWTF for many years prior to becoming a legislator,” Burk said. “Bruce has been a participating farmer and mentor for our Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt for the event’s 14-year history, and we are thrilled to have him in the role he currently holds. We are also very grateful that he took the time and effort to recognize our 50he Anniversary in front of their peers in the legislature.
The resolution concludes with:
“While the National Wild Turkey Federation, at the national level, has accomplished all of these aforementioned accomplishments, the chapter system in Missouri, like the Missouri Department of Conservation with which we frequently partner, has established itself as a national leader among his peers;
Resolve the (Senate/House of Representatives/General Assembly) of the (State/118he Congress of the United States of America) that we recognize and celebrate the 50he Anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and salute the organization, its chapters, and members across the United States for their tremendous efforts to advance state-led scientific wildlife management and the conservation of America’s wild turkey and its habitat. We wish the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members and chapters the best for the future as they continue to fulfill their mission by working beyond property lines at the landscape scale to increase clean and abundant water, healthy forests and resilient wildlife habitat. communities and strong recreational opportunities across the country.”
The event, coordinated by the Missouri Federation of Conservation, celebrated the protection of outdoor recreation, with outdoorsmen and women coming together to show their support for our natural resources.
Approximately 90 affiliate agencies and organization members, including the NWTF, came together to represent the Missouri conservation community for Conservation Day on Capitol Hill. The event provided an opportunity for these affiliates to display their organizational materials in the capitol rotunda, allowing legislators and visitors to learn about them. Also, local 1980s rock station morning show from central Missouri features “Trevor and Shags” aired at the event and interviewed the groups in attendance.
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 NWTFhe 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. Learn how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.