2023 Assembly Joint Resolution 26
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring and commending the National Wild Turkey Federation upon its 50th
anniversary.
Whereas, it is fitting that the members of the Wisconsin State Legislature recognize those
exemplary organizations that promote and protect the long−honored outdoor traditions of our
nation; and
Whereas, one such commendable organization is the National Wild Turkey Federation, which
is celebrating its 50th anniversary of providing ceaseless support to science−based wildlife
management, research, and habitat conservation; and
Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc., was incorporated on March 28, 1973, in
Fredericksburg, Virginia; and
Whereas, over the course of 50 years, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its chapters, and
millions of members 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 National Wild Turkey Federation and its chapters and members have been at the
vanguard of reversing declining hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter
recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts; and
Whereas, the organization and its chapters and members have partnered with states to develop
opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoors tradition; and
Whereas, since 2012, the organization has recruited and reactivated more than 1.5 million
hunters; and 2023 Assembly Joint Resolution 26
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Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation and its chapters and members have 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 since 1985, while also providing more
than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure healthy wild turkey populations
into the future; and
Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation is the largest and longest−serving
nongovernmental stewardship partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Forest Service, conserving habitat on National Forest System lands for over 40 years and heavily
engaging in the development and implementation of the USDA’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy; and
Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation works across land−ownership boundaries to
increase clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and
robust recreational opportunities across the country, and for this work, the organization should be
specially recognized; and
Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation, at the national level, has achieved all of these
aforementioned accomplishments, and local National Wild Turkey Federation chapter volunteers
in Wisconsin were critical partners with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in wild
turkey restoration in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, today, there are abundant populations of wild turkeys in all 72 Wisconsin counties,
resulting in Wisconsin enjoying some of the finest turkey hunting in the country; and
Whereas the National Wild Turkey Federation continues in its partnership with the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage in
Wisconsin and across the nation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin State
Legislature recognize and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey
Federation and salute the organization and its chapters and members for their tireless and selfless
work to further scientific, state−led wildlife management and the conservation of America’s wild
turkey and its habitat; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall prepare a copy of this resolution with this final
clause omitted to be provided to the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Senator Chris Kapenga
President of the Senate
Representative Robin J. Vos
Speaker of the Assembly
Date
Edward A. Blazel
Assembly Chief Clerk