NWTF Helps Further Kansans for Conservation
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation and additional representatives of the Kansans for Conservation coalition recently met in Manhattan, Kansas, during the Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas. The coalition discussed progress and strategies for state-based conservation funding in Kansas and strategies for furthering the mission of Kansans for Conservation.
“The NWTF is a proud member of the Kansans for Conservation coalition,” said Jared McJunkin, NWTF director of conservation operations for the central region. “It is great to bring so many like-minded people together to further how we ensure sustainable conservation for future generations. From a national level to our boots on the ground volunteers, we are working across Kansas to further water conservation, wildlife habitat and future outdoor recreational opportunities. The NWTF stands ready to collaborate with the state of Kansas and the many great partners who make up Kansans for Conservation.”
In addition to continuing discussions surrounding options for dedicated state-based conservation funding in Kansas, the group also heard from Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office. Owen provided an update on the State Water Plan and the ongoing efforts of the Kansas Water Authority’s strategic implementation planning.
“Water quantity and quality are critical to the future of Kansas, and Kansans for Conservation has consistently supported the Kansas Water Plan,” said Nick Levendosky, executive director of Kansas Farmers Union. “We appreciate the Kansas Water Office agreeing to once again allow us to convene within the conference, which provides an opportunity for a wide range of people to get to know the coalition a bit more.
“Kansas is one of only 15 states that do not have a state-based conservation fund, and water is just one of the areas that could benefit from this important investment. Kansas is at a crossroads, and the choices that we make today for long-term investments in quality-of-life infrastructure for water, working lands, wildlife and outdoor recreation will define our legacy.”
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 positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
About Kansans for Conservation
We are a coalition of diverse organizations working collaboratively to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for Kansas, focused on water, land, outdoor recreation, and environmental education resources for Kansans. Visit www.kansansforconservation.org for more information.