Missouri House Recognizes NWTF’s 50-Year Legacy of Wild Turkey Conservation

Rep. Bruce Sassmann of the 61^st District and chairman of the Conservation and Natural Resources Committee introduced NWTF District Biologist John Burk in the chamber, presenting him with the framed resolution.

“Representative Sassmann was elected in 2020, but he has been a friend to conservation and, more specifically, the NWTF for many years prior to being a legislator,” Burk said. “Bruce has been a participating landowner and mentor for our Governors Youth Turkey Hunt for the entire 14-year history of the event, and we are thrilled that he is in the role he currently serves. We are also extremely appreciative that he took the time and made the effort to recognize our 50^th Anniversary in front of his peers in the legislature.”

The resolution concludes with:

“Whereas the National Wild Turkey Federation, at the national level has achieved all of these aforementioned accomplishments, the chapter system in Missouri, much like the Missouri Department of Conservation that we frequently partner with, has established itself as a national leader amongst its peers; 

Be it resolved by the (Senate/House of Representatives/General Assembly) of the (State/118^th Congress of the United States of America) that we recognize and celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and salute the organization, its chapters, and members from across the United States for their tremendous efforts to further scientific, state-led 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 deliver their mission by working across land-ownership boundaries on a landscape scale to increase clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities across the country.”

The event, coordinated by the Conservation Federation of Missouri, celebrated the protection of outdoor recreation, with outdoorsmen and women assembling to show support for our natural resources.

Approximately 90 affiliate agencies and organization members, including the NWTF, gathered to represent the Missouri conservation community at the Conservation Day at the Capitol. The event provided the opportunity for these affiliates to showcase their organizational material in the capitol rotunda, allowing legislators and visitors to gain insight from them. In addition, central Missouri’s local ’80s rock station morning show hosts “Trevor and Shags” broadcasted at the event and interviewed attending groups.

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 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.