Iowa Governor Honors 50 Years of NWTF’s National Impact

Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, recently issued a proclamation in honor of the 50 years of mission fulfillment by the National Wild Turkey Federation, both within Iowa and on a national scale.

“The Iowa State Board is extremely appreciative of the efforts of fellow board member and legislative committee chair Fred Long,” said John Burk, district biologist for Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. “Policy is about relationships and Fred has been the eyes and ears at the capitol for NWTF for years. Without his efforts, this proclamation would not have happened. We are also thankful to Governor Reynolds for taking the time to officially recognize the contribution that the NWTF has made to the state of Iowa and nationally over the previous 50 years.”

The proclamation, in part, reads:

“…WHEREAS, over the course of 50 years, the National Wild Turkey Federation and its millions of members and state chapters across the nation, have worked with state, federal and nongovernmental partners to promote the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage; and

WHEREAS, the Federation has been staunch advocates supporting hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts, as well as investing in conservation efforts on over 22 million acres; and

WHEREAS, the Federation has also invested more than $8.5 million in research along the individual state chapters, such as the Iowa chapter, and specifically in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, to ensure healthy wild turkey population in Iowa and making Iowa know as the “Land of Giant Gobblers.”

Presently, the Iowa state chapter is actively engaged in 14 projects aimed at enhancing forest health and restoration, riparian ecosystem health and restoration, improving hunter access and more. To learn more about these projects and the impactful contributions of volunteers towards conservation within the state, explore the Iowa state chapter website.

The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are working with state legislatures across the country to pass similar measures this year that enshrine the NWTF’s legacy and mission delivery into 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 50th Anniversary, 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 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.