NWTF Announces Support for the Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2025

EDGEFIELD, SC — The National Wild Turkey Federation proudly announces its support for the Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Roger Wicker (R-MS). This bipartisan legislation aims to conserve critical forestlands by using conservation easements to prevent the conversion of private forests into non-forest uses, ensuring that these lands remain productive, resilient, and available for wildlife and future generations of hunters.

The FCEP Act addresses the pressing need to protect private forests, which comprise 58% of the total forestland in the United States. This important bill supports the preservation of working forests through voluntary easements that allow landowners to maintain private ownership while ensuring the forest’s ecological integrity. The NWTF strongly believes this legislation is vital to securing habitats for wild turkeys, as well as other wildlife species, while ensuring the continuation of hunting traditions.

“The FCEP Act of 2025 is a great step toward preserving essential habitat for wild turkeys and countless other species,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. “By empowering private landowners to conserve their forests through conservation easements, this bill ensures that forests are protected from development. It also enhances the ability of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to support landowners in maintaining healthy, vibrant ecosystems.”

The NWTF particularly applauds the bill’s dual approach of using conservation easements to protect working forests while also addressing critical wildlife habitat needs. By enhancing NRCS’s ability to help landowners conserve, restore and protect forests, this bill will play a crucial role in ensuring wild turkey populations have the habitat they need to thrive.

“Wild turkeys depend on diverse, healthy forests to survive, and the FCEP Act will ensure that future generations of hunters can enjoy these ecosystems for years to come,” Lindler continued. “With the addition of this legislation, we can build a brighter future for both wildlife and hunters, securing the landscapes we cherish and rely on.”

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.