EDGEFIELD, SC — The New Mexico House of Representatives approved a memorial earlier this month recognizing the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The monument is a significant tribute and recognition of the contributions made by the NWTF to the state’s conservation efforts, including wildlife management, habitat conservation and research, as well as the preservation of America’s hunting heritage.
The legislation specifically acknowledges the success of restoring the Gouldian turkey, a subspecies unique to southwestern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and Mexico:
“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has provided funding and has worked with the Department of Fish and Game to restore populations and enhance the genetic diversity of Gouldian wild turkeys in New Mexico through research and translocation ; and
WHEREAS, the Gouldian wild turkey was removed from the New Mexico endangered and threatened species list in October 2022… NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Federation The Wild Turkey National and its chapters and members in the United States be recognized and applauded for their tremendous efforts to promote state-led scientific wildlife management, the conservation of the United States wild turkey and its habitat, and its continued mission to work beyond land ownership lines to increase the number of clean areas and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitats, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities across the country.”
Read the full memorial.
“We are honored to be recognized by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for 50 years of conservation service,” said Chuck Carpenter, NWTF district biologist. “We thank our members and volunteers for 50 years of dedication to the wild turkey and our hunting heritage. Their unwavering commitment to conservation and our outdoor way of life is the foundation of our successes.”
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. Learn how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.