National Wild Turkey Federation

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today, along with my colleague Tim Scott of South Carolina, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and to recognize the organization's significant contributions to research, habitat conservation, as well as its promotion and protection of the long-honored outdoor traditions of the United States.

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.

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