NWTF Volunteers Celebrate Proclamation at Fundraising Banquet

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — At the NWTF Housatonic Chapter’s annual fundraising banquet in Stratford, Connecticut, NWTF staff and volunteers presented to the crowd of event attendees a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont commending the NWTF’s work for the last five decades.

“We may be a small state, but the NWTF mission is alive and well here in Connecticut,” said John June, NWTF Housatonic Chapter president. “We are proud to be recognized by Governor Lamont for our work across the state. This recognition is made possible thanks to all of the dedicated NWTF volunteers across the state who help ensure the success of our events and conservation delivery.”

The proclamation, in part, reads:

“… Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation and its members have been at the vanguard of reversing declining participation in hunting; and

Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat since 1985; now

Therefore, I, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do herby commend the National Wild Turkey Federation and wish you continued success in your efforts to further the conservation of the wild turkey and our hunting traditions in Connecticut.”

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.

In addition to the proclamation being presented, the banquet raised significant funds for conservation efforts in the Constitution State. David Baron, NWTF National Board of Directors member, attended the event and donated a rare, collectible gun that raised significant funds for the mission. Baron later won the event’s “Gun of the Year” raffle and donated the winning gun back to the auction, raising another $1,000.

“Whether it is ensuring the success of our conservation and hunting heritage efforts or helping drive fundraisers, our volunteer leadership on a state and national level is key to our success,” said Carter Heath, NWTF New England regional director. “We are grateful for our volunteers in Connecticut and their unwavering commitment to our mission.”

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 50 th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50 th 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.