Illinois House of Representatives Honors NWTF for 50 Years
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Championed by Rep. Randy Frese, the Illinois House of Representatives recently passed House Resolution 160, a bill honoring the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary and the organization’s conservation and hunting heritage milestones.
“We are incredibly thankful for representative Randy Frese and the entire Illinois House of Representatives for recognizing our tremendous efforts in the state of Illinois,” said Bob “Doc” Reich, a decades-long volunteer of the Illinois State Chapter. “I remember when there were hardly any turkeys in our state. Now, the wild turkey is not only a staple for residents, but nonresidents travel far to enjoy this bird we love, driving our local economies. We are proud to be recognized by our elected officials for our work conserving this iconic game species in Illinois that brings joy to so many people.”
The resolution, in part, reads:
“…WHEREAS, The National Wild Turkey Federation, its members, and its chapters have 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; since 2012, it has recruited and reactivated more than 1.5 million hunters; and
WHEREAS, The National Wild Turkey Federation, its members, and its chapters have 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, its members, and its chapters have invested more than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure healthy wild turkey populations into the future …”
The Illinois State Chapter recently allocated $161,212 to mission-related projects throughout the state for 2023. These funds were largely generated by NWTF members who attend NWTF Illinois State Chapter banquets.
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.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
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 50th Anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th 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 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.