Michigan Senate Passes Resolution Recognizing NWTF Impact
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Michigan Senate recently passed Resolution No. 26 commemorating NWTF’s 50th Anniversary and recognizing the organization’s conservation impact in both Michigan and nationally.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by our elected officials for our 50-year anniversary,” said Bert VanderWeele, NWTF Michigan State Chapter president. “We have an incredible partnership with MDNR conserving wild turkeys and preserving our hunting heritage. Since 2014, the NWTF has been awarded over $1.45 million to help conserve more than 7,000 acres of wild turkey habitat in Michigan. We are proud to be recognized for this work and our immense history as a conservation organization.”
The resolution, in part, reads:
“… WHEREAS, The NWTF and its Michigan State Chapter helped the Michigan Department of Natural Resources restore wild turkey populations across the state, resulting in an estimated 200,000 birds, which supports robust and healthy wild turkey populations capable of hunting opportunities in all 83 counties in our state; and
WHEREAS, The NWTF, its members and chapters have been at the vanguard of reversing the decline in hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts. They also partner with other states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoors tradition. Since 2012, the NWTF has recruited and reactivated more than 1.5 million hunters, including Michigan, which was one of the first states to develop an NWTF cooperatively funded position focused on addressing hunter participation; and
WHEREAS, Since 1985, the NWTF has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests and grasslands across public and private lands. This work includes Michigan’s state and national forests, publicly owned and managed wildlife areas, as well as private lands …”
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 50-year celebration, 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 the 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.