NWTF Urges Congress to Finish Critical Conservation Legislation Before End of Session

In a Nov. 5 letter to House and Senate leadership, the coalition called on Congress to complete legislation that would deliver lasting benefits for fish, wildlife and the millions of Americans who hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors. The NWTF is encouraging its members to reinforce that message by contacting their U.S. senators and representatives and asking them to carry these priorities across the finish line before this Congress concludes. 

For the NWTF, each priority connects directly to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Healthy habitat supports wildlife populations, well-maintained public lands help people reach the places they hunt and fish, and partnerships with private landowners extend conservation work across the landscapes wildlife depend on. 

“With the end of this Congress approaching, we have an opportunity to make meaningful progress on several conservation priorities that will benefit wildlife, hunters and communities for generations to come,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. “From improving access to our public lands to restoring healthier, more resilient forests and supporting conservation on working lands, these priorities reflect the work we do every day at the NWTF. We encourage our members to make their voices heard and remind their elected officials that conservation is not a partisan issue. It's a shared responsibility, and now is the time for Congress to come together and get these important measures across the finish line.” 

Three Priorities for Conservation 

The America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547/H.R. 9250) would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, established through the Great American Outdoors Act, to address overdue maintenance on federal lands. Investments in roads, trails, campgrounds, boat ramps and other infrastructure help ensure hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can continue accessing and enjoying public lands and waters. 

The Fix Our Forests Act (S. 1462/H.R. 471) would help overcome barriers to forest restoration and accelerate work to improve forest health and reduce hazardous fuels. For the NWTF, advancing this legislation would support efforts to create healthier, more resilient landscapes that sustain wild turkeys and other wildlife while reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire to habitat, watersheds and communities. 

A bipartisan Farm Bill reauthorization would strengthen voluntary conservation programs that help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners improve wildlife habitat while maintaining productive working lands. Programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Regional Conservation Partnership Program provide important opportunities for locally driven conservation that benefits wildlife across property boundaries. 

The NWTF has supported progress toward a new Farm Bill, including House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 and conservation investments included in the Senate's Agricultural Act of 2026 discussion draft. Completing a bipartisan reauthorization would build on that progress and provide lasting benefits for landowners, wildlife and rural communities. 

Ask Your Members of Congress to Act 

The coalition’s letter puts these priorities before congressional leadership. NWTF members can help reinforce their importance by reaching out to the lawmakers who represent their own communities. 

Contact both of your U.S. senators and your U.S. representative and urge them to work with their colleagues and congressional leaders to pass the America the Beautiful Act, the Fix Our Forests Act and a bipartisan Farm Bill that strengthens voluntary conservation before the end of the 119th Congress. 

A phone call or personal message can explain why these measures matter where you live. Share how you use public lands, why healthy forests are important to your community or how conservation on working lands supports the wildlife and outdoor traditions you value. Include your name and hometown so the office knows you are a constituent. 

Members can personalize the following message: 

As your constituent and a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, I urge you to help pass the America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547/H.R. 9250), the Fix Our Forests Act (S. 1462/H.R. 471) and a bipartisan Farm Bill that strengthens voluntary conservation before the end of the 119th Congress. These priorities would help maintain access to public lands and waters, restore healthy forests and support farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in conserving wildlife habitat. Please work with your colleagues and congressional leadership to carry these important measures across the finish line. 

Find your U.S. Senator | Find your U.S. Representative 

Members can also call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with their senators’ or representative’s office. 

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Congress has an opportunity to strengthen the lands, waters and conservation partnerships that sustain America’s outdoor heritage. The NWTF encourages hunters and conservationists to make their voices heard now and help turn these shared priorities into lasting conservation achievements. 

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 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.7 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $25 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.