2023 Senate Resolution 26

Whereas, The National Wild Turkey Federation was incorporated on March 28, 1973 in Fredericksburg, Virginia; and

Whereas, Over the course of 50 years, the NWTF and millions of members and chapters across the nation have worked with state, federal, and nongovernmental partners to promote the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, participating in one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history — the return of the wild turkey from the brink of extinction; and

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 a 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; and

Whereas, The NWTF is also the largest and longest-serving nongovernmental stewardship partner of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, conserving habitat on National Forest System lands for more than 40 years. Since 2012, the NWTF has helped support and facilitate work on each of the national forests located in Michigan; and

Whereas, The NWTF, its members, and chapters have invested more than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure healthy wild turkey populations continue into the future; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF); and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the NWTF’s significant contributions to scientific wildlife management, research, and habitat conservation as well as promoting and protecting the long-honored outdoor traditions in Michigan and throughout the United States of America.