Tennessee Legislature Recognizes NWTF for 50 Years of Conservation
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — During the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration at its annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, the Tennessee Senate and House passed a joint resolution that recognized the NWTF’s 50 years of delivering its mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve North America’s hunting heritage.
“We are beyond proud to be recognized by the Tennessee State House and Senate for our last 50 years of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage,” said Tom Spezze, NWTF national director of field conservation and state policy. “We have a long history of delivering our mission in the great state of Tennessee, and we are humbled to be recognized by the state’s lawmakers.”
The bill, sponsored by Greg Vital (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Chris Todd (R-TN), begins:
“WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly recognize those exemplary organizations that promote and protect the long-honored outdoor traditions of our nation; and WHEREAS, one such commendable organization is the National Wild Turkey Federation, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of providing ceaseless support to science-based wildlife management, research, and habitat conservation…”
The entire bill can be read here.
NWTF Tennessee State Chapter President Mark Darnell, members of the NWTF Tennessee State Board of Directors and NWTF Tennessee Staff were present at the official passage of the joint resolution.
The NWTF policy team is 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.
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 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.