NWTF Recognized by Federal Lawmakers

“We are proud to be recognized by Senator Graham in front of the U.S. Senate,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF national director of government affairs. “A significant amount of our conservation efforts occur in concert with federal agencies and on federally owned public lands. Highlighting the great accomplishments of the NWTF in front of one of the primary bodies that guide these agencies and management of public lands only influences more laws aimed at bolstering our collaborative efforts. Thank you to all of the lawmakers that help facilitate and recognize our mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage.”  

Graham, in part, stated:

"…The National Wild Turkey Federation was incorporated on March 28, 1973, with the aim of bringing together State, Federal, and nongovernmental partners to promote the conservation of wild turkeys. Edgefield, SC, is proud to house the organization's national headquarters, and both the State and Nation continue to benefit from their stewardship.  

Since 1985, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members, and chapters have invested more than $500,000,000 to conserve or enhance more than 22,000,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands, as well as more than $8,500,000 in research to ensure a healthy wild turkey population. In addition, the organization is a long-standing Stewardship partner with the U.S. Forest Service and is heavily engaged in the development and implementation of the Department of Agriculture's Wildfire Crisis Strategy. These efforts have played a significant role in one of the greatest conservation success stories in the United States: the return of the wild turkey from the brink of extinction.

I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and wish the organization and its members continued success in fulfilling their mission."

For its 50th anniversary, the NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are working with state and federal lawmakers and natural resource agencies to highlight collaborative efforts and the far-reaching work of the NWTF.

NWTF’s federal policy efforts are led by Lindler who works to drive NWTF mission-related policy through engagement with numerous partners, conservation and sportsmen’s coalitions, federal agencies and congressional members and staff to amplify the NWTF members’ voices in Washington, D.C. This federal policy work is crucial to ensuring funding for land and wildlife management agencies and furthering the priorities identified to support our mission.

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-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.