Montana Governor Recognizes NWTF’s 50 Years of Conservation Excellence

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In late December, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte recognized the NWTF with a proclamation. This acknowledgment praised the organization’s dedicated efforts in advancing scientific, state-led wildlife management and the conservation of the wild turkey and its habitat over the past five decades.

“It is such an honor to have Governor Gianforte recognize the NWTF for all of our conservation efforts over the last 50 years,” said Jason Tarwater, NWTF regional director for Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. “Much of our great accomplishments would not be possible without working side by side with our state agencies such as we do here in Montana. The Montana State Chapter would like to thank the governor for this recognition.”

The proclamation, in part, reads:

“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and its members and chapters across the country that promote the conservation of wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage; and

WHEREAS, the NWTF has helped reverse the declining hunting participation and partnered with states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoors tradition; and

WHEREAS, since 1985, the NWTF has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests and grasslands across public and private lands; and

WHEREAS, the NWTF has invested more than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure healthy wild turkey populations into the future…”

The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership continue to work with state legislatures across the country to influence legislation aimed at bolstering collaborative efforts to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage.  

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 positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 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.