New Jersey Legislators Pass Joint Resolution Honoring 50 Years of NWTF

“The New Jersey State Chapter is honored to be recognized by our elected officials for our work to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage in New Jersey,” said Louis Gambale, NWTF Tri-County Longbeards Chapter board member and former New Jersey State Chapter president. “NWTF New Jersey has a strong partnership with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife ensuring healthy habitats and hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation.”

The joint resolution, in part, reads:

“…WHEREAS, The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to recognize the National Wild Turkey Federation upon its Fiftieth Anniversary and commend the immeasurable contributions it has made in support of scientific wildlife management, habitat conservation, and the preservation of this nation's time-honored outdoor traditions; and,

WHEREAS, Since the inception of the National Wild Turkey Federation on March 28, 1973, its members have worked tirelessly with state, federal, and non-governmental agencies to protect the wild turkey, and as a result of their steadfast efforts, this majestic species was brought back from the brink of extinction in one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history; and,

WHEREAS, The National Wild Turkey Federation has secured a sterling reputation as a vanguard of our nation's proud hunting heritage, having made robust investments in hunter recruitment and retention initiatives that have resulted in the reactivation of more than 1.5 million outdoorsmen since 2012, and its members have continually demonstrated their commitment to responsible environmental stewardship by donating millions of dollars to protect critical wildlife habitats and ensure healthy wild turkey populations for generations to come; and,

WHEREAS, As a longtime partner of the USDA Forest Service and New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, the National Wild Turkey Federation has significantly contributed to the success of countless habitat improvement projects in the Garden State, and it was instrumental in the development and implementation of the USDA's Wildfire Crisis Strategy …”

The resolution was passed during a laser-focused year of mission delivery for the NWTF New Jersey State Chapter. Learn more about what NWTF volunteers in the Garden State are accomplishing for conservation.

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 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.