NWTF, NGPC Forge First-of-Its-Kind Position
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have established a groundbreaking, cooperatively funded Wild Turkey Program Manager position to enhance collaboration in managing wild turkey populations in the Cornhusker State. This new role will oversee NGPC’s Wild Turkey Program, helping coordinate research projects that focus on habitat and harvest management, as well as assisting with season-setting strategies. The position’s primary goal is to ensure the health and sustainability of Nebraska’s wild turkey populations and maintain quality hunting opportunities.
“The NWTF is honored to partner with NGPC in this novel position,” said Tom Spezze, NWTF national director of conservation programs. “We have invested significantly in wild turkey research and habitat management in Nebraska, and this new cooperative position further highlights the importance of the resource to both the NGPC and the NWTF.”
The new position dovetails into the NWTF’s and NGPC’s increased focus on seasons, population changes and ongoing research.
“Nebraska Game and Parks is very excited to start this new partnership with NWTF,” NGPC Wildlife Division Administrator Alicia Hardin said. “This will truly help build the needed capacity for our turkey program here in the state.”
Carlie Saline has been appointed to this position and will report to Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. Saline will serve as a key outreach representative, engaging with state and regional technical committees, NGPC’s Management Council and commission meetings.
This position represents a unique collaborative opportunity and builds on the NWTF’s long-standing relationships with state wildlife agencies, like the National Wild Turkey Technical Committee, ensuring the delivery of the NWTF conservation mission and the goals and objectives of the NWTF.
“The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is the perfect agency to partner with on this exciting new endeavor,” said Jared McJunkin, NWTF director of conservation operations for the central region. “We have a long history of partnering to get important conservation work accomplished in the state; this new position helps us take it a step further for the wild turkey.”
The NWTF looks forward to future opportunities to create wild-turkey-focused, collaborative roles between state agencies, making sure that the wild turkey population and the ecosystem are maintained and kept healthy for future generations.
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 24 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