New Mexico Passes Memorial in Recognition of NWTF
The New Mexico House of Representatives passed a memorial earlier this month in recognition of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The memorial is a significant tribute to and acknowledgment of the contributions made by the NWTF to the state's conservation efforts, including wildlife management, research and habitat conservation, as well as the preservation of the American hunting heritage.
The legislation specifically recognizes the success of restoring the Gould’s turkey, a subspecies unique to southwest New Mexico, southeast Arizona and Mexico:
“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has provided funding to and worked with the Department of Game and Fish to restore populations and enhance the genetic diversity of Gould's wild turkeys in New Mexico through research and translocation; and
WHEREAS, the Gould's wild turkey was removed from the New Mexico threatened and endangered species list in October 2022…NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the National Wild Turkey Federation and its chapters and members across the United States be recognized and saluted for their tremendous efforts to further scientific, state-led wildlife management, the conservation of America's wild turkey and its habitat, and their continuing mission to work across land-ownership boundaries to increase the amount of clean and abundant waters, healthy forests and wildlife habitats, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities across the country.”
Read the complete memorial.
“We are honored to be recognized by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for 50 years of conservation service,” NWTF District Biologist Chuck Carpenter said. “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 for 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 delivery in 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 50th 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.