Alabama Governor Commends NWTF’s 50 Years

“The NWTF has a rich history of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage in Alabama,” said Craig Harris, member of the NWTF National Board of Directors and former Alabama State Chapter President. “Through our dedicated volunteers and chapters, we have accomplished so much in the state, and we are not letting our foot off 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 are ready to continue our ever-important mission for the next 50 years.” 

The commendation reads:

“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 nongovernmental partners to promote the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, participating in one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history, the return of the wild turkey from the brink of extinction; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been at the vanguard of reversing declining hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts and partnering with states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoors 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 across 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 healthy wild turkey populations into the future; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has regularly spent over $250,000 a year to help conserve wildlife habitat and further hunting heritage activities across 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, do hereby commend the
National Wild Turkey Federation on their 50^th anniversary, and I salute the organization for their tremendous efforts.”

The NWTF Alabama State Chapter has big plans for 2023. For instance, it is allocating funds for conservation projects across the state that will be matched with $786,712.32 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects. These projects will conserve over 125,000 acres of vital habitat in Alabama in 2023 alone. Projects include: Over $28,000 for wild turkey research, nearly $30,000 to deliver work on private lands via NWTF seed programs, $23,000 towards equipment purchases that will be used to impact thousands of acres year over year and $45,000 towards scholarships, JAKES Days and other outreach activities across the state, among other critical 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 delivery into state law.

Learn more about the NWTF’s policy and advocacy work.

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale. 

2023 is the NWTF's 50^th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50-year celebration, 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 NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.