NWTF Supports the Introduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act
EDGEFIELD, SC – The National Wild Turkey Federation extends its appreciation to the bipartisan group of leaders who sponsored the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), along with Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Roger Marshall (R-CO), have shown strong leadership in introducing this legislation that aims to boost funding for public access to hunting lands.
The proposed bill calls for an increase in funding for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) from the $50 million allocated in the 2018 Farm Bill to $150 million, a step that will significantly enhance opportunities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to access private lands. By providing more resources for states to open private land to the public, the bill promotes wildlife conservation, supports local economies, and ensures that future generations have the ability to enjoy the great outdoors.
“Many hunters use VPA-HIP enrolled lands in their pursuits each season and they don’t even know it,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. “These acres are vital to providing public access to hunting lands, especially in states where federal and state lands are limited. Access to good hunting areas is one of the main factors limiting hunting participation, and VPA-HIP is a key program helping states provide that access.”
In several states, NWTF state chapters have been at the forefront of helping to fund these types of programs, further supporting the public access initiatives. For example, since 2006, the Kansas NWTF State Chapter has partnered with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to fund the Spring Walk-In-Hunting Area program. With more than $50,000 in contributions, the Kansas chapter has helped open over 55,000 acres of public land, allowing many hunters to harvest their first spring-time gobbler.
Similarly, the Wyoming NWTF State Chapter has been a steadfast supporter of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Access Yes program, which has created significant opportunities for turkey hunters since 2008. The additional funding provided by the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act will help relieve some of the pressure on local chapters while continuing to provide access to high-quality hunting areas.
The NWTF looks forward to working with lawmakers and other partners to ensure the success of this legislation and is excited about the potential for expanded access to public hunting lands that will benefit both conservation efforts and the turkey hunting community.
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.