Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Wild Turkey Federation Form Partnership

The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. Thursday announced a new partnership that promotes forest management for the benefit of the nation’s forests and wildlife.

“Every year, millions of people enjoy recreational opportunities in forests managed to meet SFI standards,” said NWTF Chief Conservation Officer Becky Humphries. “If we hope to achieve the conservation goals of the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, partnerships like this one with SFI are critical.”

The agreement establishes a partnership for cooperation and collaboration in promoting well managed forests that provide wildlife habitat, clean water and recreational access. Both organizations work to promote responsible forestry practices to improve forest health, biological diversity, and recreational opportunities while also supporting conservation, communities and family traditions in North America.

This initiative is a national effort, but the National Wild Turkey Federation has a local chapter in Pennsylvania with a team of about ten staff members. This partnership with SFI will help to protect and restore wildlife habitat in Pennsylvania’s colonial forests over the next ten years.

There is also a Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program working to foster an appreciation of conservation and forest management throughout the forest community in the Commonwealth.

“This agreement exemplifies SFI’s long-standing commitment to balance environmental, social and economic interests to meet the many needs of forests and the communities that rely on them. Our partnership with the NWTF will advance our shared interest in the forests of the future,” said Craig Blair, chair of the SFI board of directors.

SFI and the NWTF agree to recognize, support and promote programs of common interest including, but not limited to:

— SFI Forest Partners Program to increase forest land certification by 10 million acres.

— NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative goal to conserve or enhance 4 million acres of wildlife habitat.

— Promote youth education in conservation through the NWTF JAKES program and Families Afield initiative, Boy Scouts of America and other leading outdoor youth education and scouting programs.

— Use SFI-labeled materials for NWTF Turkey Transport Boxes, NWTF publications such as “Turkey Country” and “JAKES Country,” magazines.

“SFI and NWTF share common values and an equally strong commitment to the health and future of forests and the wildlife habitat they provide,” said George Thornton, CEO of NWTF. “I look forward to working together to grow this partnership. It will make a real difference today and for generations to come.”

A copy of the partnership memorandum is available online.

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