NWTF Receives Recognition from California for 50 Years of Conservation Excellence

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Recently, the California legislature honored the National Wild Turkey Federation for its 50th Anniversary. The acknowledgment applauds the NWTF for its noteworthy efforts in scientific wildlife management, research, habitat conservation and the advocacy and safeguarding of our hunting heritage in both the United States and the state of California.

Gaines & Associates Government Relations, a Government Relations firm that represents the conservation interests of NWTF and other wildlife organizations in California, led the initiative to secure the resolution.

“In order for NWTF to fulfill their mission in California, we must have the support of those who define policies which promote the science-based management of our wildlife, the habitats they depend upon and our ability to enjoy our outdoor traditions,” said Bill Gaines, Principal of Gaines and Associates Government Relations. “The fact that the resolution commemorating NWTF’s 50th Anniversary is embraced by so many of California’s State Senators and Assembly Members is testimony to their appreciation of NWTF’s significant efforts to enhance California’s wildlands for turkeys and other wildlife and their support for our hunting heritage.” 

The resolution, in part, reads:

“…WHEREAS, Within the State of California, the National Wild Turkey Federation is working to combat habitat degradation and loss from catastrophic wildfires by forest thinning, fuels reduction, and post fire restoration, and through its efforts, it has successfully seen the State’s population of the Merriam’s turkey and Rio Grande turkey, which roam throughout the Sacramento Valley and in mountainous terrain found throughout California, flourish; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the National Wild Turkey Federation actively mentors the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists, and with the support of its members, its chapters have been at the vanguard of reversing declining hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts while partnering with states to develop opportunities that engage people in tradition; and

WHEREAS, Since 1985, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members, and its chapters have invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance approximately 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands across public and private lands in addition to securing millions of dollars to support research throughout North America to ensure health wild turkey populations into the future…”

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.