02/28/2006
NWTF Honors the BLM
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The National Wild Turkey Federation recognized the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the Making Tracks awards ceremony held during the NWTF's 30th annual National Convention and Sport Show, in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 23 to Feb. 26.
The Making Tracks Habitat Management Projects Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement that best incorporate active wild turkey management into ecosystem management projects, was presented to Dennis Pope with the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is near southern Utah.
Pope created a project to restore the wild turkey across 2 million acres of BLM property at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The BLM will be working with the NWTF and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to identify and improve suitable habitat, and trap and transfer wild turkeys.
"Dennis has taken the lead in working with the NWTF and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in the restoration efforts," said Steve Madsen, BLM wildlife program manager at the Utah state office.
"It's quite an honor to be recognized for the work we are doing for the wild turkey," Pope said. "This project is a result of a lot of people's hard work to get where we are today. We still have a lot of work to do and many things to achieve before this effort fully succeeds."
Pope outlined several immediate projects involving trap and transfer of Merriam's and Rio Grande turkeys and the protection and development of key watering areas, stream corridors and natural springs. The improvements will not only benefit turkeys, but also help upland game species, deer and pronghorn antelope. The project is part of a larger effort to restore native species and improve habitat across the state.
"For more than 60 years the BLM has sustained the health, diversity and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations." Dr. James Earl Kennamer, senior vice president of conservation programs for the NWTF, said. "The continuing wild turkey restoration efforts in Utah are great examples of that commitment and ensure the future of the wild turkey is in good hands."
For more information on the National Making Tracks with the Bureau of Land Management Awards, contact Dennis Daniel at P.O. Box 530, Edgefield, SC 29824 or call (803) 637-3106.
2006 NWTF Convention and Sport Show Sponsors
BASF, Bass Pro Shops, Browning-USRAC, Callmakers and Collectors Association of America, Cardiac Diagnostic Services of Virginia, Chevrolet, Federal Cartridge Company, Henkel Harris Furniture, Jeanette Rudy, The Lodge at Cabin Bluff, Marlin Firearms/H & R 1871, Mathews, Inc., MBNA, Mossberg Firearms, The Outdoor Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, T.I. Industries Frame Molding, USDA-Forest Service, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester/Olin Company
