NWTF Joins Western Governors’ Association, Discusses Conservation Priorities

"WGA provides a unique opportunity to have meetings with key administration and governors' offices, helping the NWTF move its priorities forward, and is a great venue to build relationships in the right spaces," said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. "It also allows us to better understand perspectives from people from many different industries, including wildfire detection and mitigation, AI technology, communications, energy and more."   

The NWTF met with Department of Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Greg Wischer to discuss federal land-sale issues, NWTF's conservation initiatives, energy development and the importance of land management on DOI lands, including lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
 
In addition, leaders from the NWTF met with new Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Aubry Bettencourt to discuss the future of the NWTF and the NRCS’ collaborative  National Forestry Initiative, a partnership that has spanned three administrations and provides the NWTF with critical staff to help farmers and private landowners with technical assistance and contract monitoring of Farm Bill programs.  

It’s important to note that much of the private lands the NWTF and the NRCS enhance through these programs are part of a more extensive overall habitat system. Working with farmers and other private landowners through the numerous USDA conservation programs helps benefit habitats otherwise inaccessible to management. This allows for significantly more contiguous habitat for wild turkeys and other species, not to mention making the landowner’s property more resilient and productive. It’s a win for wild turkeys, wildlife and everyone else involved. Thanks to the time spent with Chief Bettencourt, the future of NFI looks bright.  
 
The NWTF also met with Wester Governors Association staff and multiple state governor offices to discuss critical land-sale issues, energy development, active management, and, of course, a few turkey hunting stories were told. 

The Western Governors' Association represents the Governors of the 22 westernmost states and territories. The association is an instrument of the governors for bipartisan policy development, information exchange and collective action on issues of critical importance to the West. 

“We had productive and meaningful conversations across the many spheres that intersect with the NWTF mission,” said Tom Spezze, NWTF national director of conservation and state policy. “We appreciate the opportunity to share our priorities regarding public lands, wildlife, forestry, hunters' rights, recreation and more. Our meeting here in Santa Fe has already translated into stronger partnerships that will, in turn, increase our mission impact.” 

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 positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.