KDFWR Commends NWTF for 50 Years of Conservation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and its Commission recently issued a resolution commending the NWTF for its vital role in restoring and conserving wild turkeys in Kentucky and nationally.

“The NWTF is very thankful and humbled by this recognition from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and its Commission,” said Derek Alkire, NWTF district biologist for Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee. “Volunteers across the state work tirelessly towards the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. We are proud to work with the agency on habitat work, R3 efforts and wild turkey research projects.”

The joint resolution reads:

“WHEREAS, it is fitting that the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and its nine-member Commission do recognize and commend the National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc. for its support of science-based wildlife management, research and habitat conservation in the commonwealth of Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc., was incorporated on March 28, 1973, in Fredericksburg, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, over the course of fifty years, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its chapters, and members across the Commonwealth of Kentucky have worked with state, federal, and nongovernmental partners to promote the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, participating in one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history the return of the wild turkey from the brink of extinction; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation and its chapters and members have been at the vanguard of reversing declining hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts, and partnering with states like Kentucky to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoors tradition; and WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation works across land-ownership boundaries to increase clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities in Kentucky and across the country, and for this work, the organization should be specially recognized; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES AND ITS COMMISSION, that we recognize and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and commend the organization and its chapters and members for their tireless work to further scientific, state- led wildlife management and the conservation of America’s wild turkey and its habitats.”

“We appreciate the hard work and funding that NWTF staff and volunteers have invested in wild turkey restoration and related efforts over the past five decades,” said Dr. Karl Clinard, chair of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission. “Their partnership with wildlife agencies, landowners, and businesses has made possible one of the most successful conservation success stories in history, and we applaud them for their outstanding work.”  

The recognition from wildlife leaders in the Bluegrass State comes off the heels of the Kentucky State Senate honoring the NWTF in Kentucky and nationally for its steadfast mission delivery to conserve the wild turkey and preserve North America’s hunting heritage.

The Kentucky NWTF State Chapter recently budgeted $65,528 for 11 wild turkey habitat projects for the 2024 fiscal year. With collaborative partner funding, the state chapter’s investment will be leveraged to over $2.6 million, enhancing more than 2,500 acres of wildlife habitat and funding wild turkey research for the year.

Moreover, the Kentucky State Chapter will enhance the organization’s Habitat for the Hatch initiative through the completion of eight projects in 2024. These projects will focus on creating essential nesting, brood-rearing and foraging habitats, all of which are crucial for improving nest initiation, nest success and brood survival rates. This comprehensive, landscape-scale endeavor will result in more resilient wild turkey populations and healthier ecosystems across the Southeast. The Kentucky State Chapter estimates that these eight projects will contribute a total of 2,470 acres to support the initiative.

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.