ADCNR Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director Chuck Sykes, Alabama NWTF Chapter President Craig Harris, Governor Kay Ivey, NWTF Alabama Chapter board member Andy Whittaker, and ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship. Photo courtesy Governor Kay Ivey
MONTGOMERY-Governor Kay Ivey recently issued a commendation in celebration of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) 50th anniversary. Representatives from the NWTF Alabama Chapter and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) joined the Governor at the State Capitol in Montgomery for a signing ceremony on April 6, 2023.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized by Governor Ivey for our efforts to help conserve wild turkey in Alabama,” said Craig Harris, Alabama NWTF Chapter President. “NWTF and the Conservation Department have partnered for decades so that future generations can enjoy this important natural resource. We are humbled to be recognized by Governor Ivey.”
ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos, ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director Chuck Sykes, and NWTF Alabama Chapter board member Andy Whittaker joined Harris and Governor Ivey for the signing ceremony.
“NWTF has been vital to the conservation of wild turkey in Alabama,” said Commissioner Blankenship. “We look forward to our continued partnership to ensure the future of this resource for generations to come.”
The commendation, in part, reads:
“WHEREAS, over the course of 50 years, the National Wild Turkey Federation has worked with state, federal and nongovernmental partners to promote the conservation of wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, participating in one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history, the return of wild turkey from the brink of extinction; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been at the vanguard of reversing declining hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts and partnering with states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoors tradition; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation supports and partner with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to conserve wildlife habitat, increase hunter participation and invest in wild turkey research;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby commend the National Wild Turkey Federation on their 50th anniversary, and I salute the organization for their tremendous efforts.”
Media Release/Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
