PA Chapter NWTF Hits $4 Million Milestone

07/12/2006

PENNSYLVANIA - National Wild Turkey Federation volunteers in Pennsylvania struck a milestone recently as they surpassed the $4 million mark raised and spent on wild turkey restoration, habitat improvements and conservation education.

"This is a great day for all the Pennsylvania NWTF volunteers who donated their time, money and sweat equity," said Dave Burdge, NWTF Pennsylvania state chapter president. "Because of their tireless efforts, we're able to do great things for the wild turkeys and our hunting traditions."

Since 1985, Pennsylvania NWTF chapters, volunteers and corporate sponsors have raised and spent more than:

• $2.1 million on habitat improvement projects benefiting more than 268,000 acres and a variety of wildlife species.
• $300,000 on land acquisition projects benefiting wildlife and all Pennsylvania citizens.
• $300,000 on educational programs and literature including scholarships, conservation education curriculums, 4-H and teacher workshops.
• $210,000 to support hunter safety classes and initiatives within the state. Purchased hunter safety materials and equipment, including interactive shooting systems.
• $300,000 on outreach to introduce youth, women and people with disabilities to outdoor activities, conservation and hunting.
• $260,000 on wild turkey research, including the purchase of equipment related to research such as radio telemetry equipment.
• $200,000 to protect and promote the hunting tradition including contributions to the U.S. Sportsman's Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation and more.

"I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, so I know how passionate Pennsylvanians are about conservation and wildlife," said Rob Keck, CEO of the NWTF. "It is this passion that has made the state a leader in conservation efforts."

Pennsylvania has more than 80 local NWTF chapters throughout the state. Through this network, more than 20,000 NWTF chapter members helped raise money through the Hunting Heritage Super Fund.

The Hunting Heritage Super Fund supports the NWTF's conservation and education programs. Established in 1983, the Super Fund pools money raised at banquets and donated by corporate sponsors.

Restoration of wild turkeys is a perfect example of Super Fund dollars at work.

NWTF outreach programs also use Super Fund dollars to support conservation and our hunting traditions. Through these programs -- such as JAKES/Xtreme JAKES, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin' Sportsmen -- people learn about conservation, hunting and the outdoors in a safe, friendly environment under expert supervision.

JAKES/Xtreme JAKES events are for youth and teens under 17. Events are held nationwide and provide opportunities for family fun where youngsters get a chance to try their hand at archery, shooting, game calling, fishing and much more in a safe, controlled environment.

Women in the Outdoors is the NWTF's outreach program that caters to women. At events throughout the United States and Canada, women receive expert instruction and a chance to try outdoor activities.

Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF is dedicated to providing people with disabilities, including hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts, the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities.

Wild turkeys, however, aren't the only beneficiaries of the NWTF's work in the community. Through the Turkey Hunter's Care program, chapters donate frozen, domestic turkeys to those in need during the holiday season. The NWTF also donates nearly $500,000 per year in scholarships for students across the nation to help offset college tuition.

To find out how you can help continue conservation efforts in Pennsylvania, call Larry Holjencin, NWTF senior regional field supervisor at (814) 834-6492.

For more information about the NWTF, call (800) THE-NWTF.