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Show vw “THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 23 August 15, 2006 Wild Turkeys Thriving in Utah The National Wild Turkey Federation porate contributions. This restoration proj(NWTF) is hosting their third annual ect is considered by many to be one of the Ogden Valley Chapter Banquet and biggest aerseee success stories of the Auction on August 26 at the Hearthside in 20th c Eden ow, with most restoration efforts comWhile NWTF’s mission statement holds pleted in the East,all eyes have shiftedt that the organization is “dedicated to the the West where the wild turkey canines conservation of the wild turkey and preserto redefine its own idea of suitable habitat. vation of the hunting tradition,” the While the release of wild turkeys into westNational Wild Turkey Federation is so ern habitat remains one of the Federation’s much more. most enduring symbols, it is just one brick When the NWTF was first founded in in a foundation of good works that is 1973, there were only 1.5 million wild impacting people’s lives and the environturkeys across the U.S., Canada, and — in many positive ways. Mexico. Today, that number exceeds 7 oney raised locally stays locally. million. Utah’s wild turkey restoration Since 1977, the NWTF, through the State effort continues to be the most aggressive Super Fund (56%) and National Projects in the nation. Since the winter of 1999, Fund (24%), has spent over $200 million over 8,000 wild turkeys have been released dollars on over 31,000 projects nationwide. into suitable habitat areas throughout the More than 80 cents of every dollar raised state. As a result, Mone, opportunity is helps fund transplants, research projects, steadily increasing. How , this program habitat acquisition and improvement, eduwill not be complete until over 100,000 cation, and purchase equipment needed to wild turkeys roam the cottonwood river successfully accomplish these tasks. bottoms, pinyon/juniper, and Ponderosa Through the Federation’s regional habitat pine forests of the state. Whether you purprograms, volunteers have helped improve sue wild turkeys as a hunter, or simply hundreds of thousands of acres by planting enjoy watching these magnificent birds in trees, crops, winter food sources, and their natural surroundings, the time to view grasses that provide food and shelter for, wild turkeys in Utah has never been better. not only the wild turkey, but many other At the forefront of this dramatic return species of wildlife as well. Also improved in Utah have been the Federation’s volunin many areas, particularly the arid West, teers who work side by side with the Utah has been water quality. Through the Division of Wildlife Resources, U.S. Forest NWTF’s “Guzzlers for Gobblers” program, Service, Bureau of Land Management, and volunteers and partners alike have helped sister conservation organizations and implement permanent water solutions for financial support through private and corwildlife of the region. Over the years, numerous projects have occurred in Utah with more planned for 2006 and beyond. In the Federation’s never-ending effort to share the wonders of the outdoors and the enjoyment of hunting to an ever-increasing audience, NWTF sponsors a number of successful outreach programs including “Women in the Outdoors,” JAKES (Juniors Acquiring nowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), “Wheelin’ Sportsmen,” and “Turkey Hunters Care.” These programs are reaching non--traditional audiences like no over 80,000 meals to those less fortunate this past holiday season. Through the JAKES program, children 17 and younger are learning to safely and responsibly hunt, fish, camp, and Boat wise stewards of our national resources. During the winter of 1999, the NWTF and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) worked together to pioneer the “Adopt-a-Flock” program that involves junior and senior high school students in the state’s wild turkey restoration program. As part of their science and conservation studies, students not only assist UDWR and NWTF personnel with wild turkey releases, but also play an integral role in the future monitoring of these flocks. To date, schools from Spanish Fork, Payson, Nephi, Fillmore, Tooele, Grouse Creek, Brigham City, Coalville, and Price have participated along with several FFA and 4H clubs. The first-ever “Adopt-a-Flock” Mother Nature school release in the Uintah Basin occurred in the winter of 2002 near Duchesne NWTF has also sa ree hundreds of Utah classrooms with JAKES Education Boxes to help further their studies of wild turkeys and their habits. More school programs are planned in the months ahead. “Women in the Outdoors” is helping women learn the joy of archery, outdoor photography, canoeing, and countless other outdoor pursuits in a way that keeps them coming back for more and sharing the experiences with friends and family. Finally, individuals with physical and mental disabilities—some of whom once enjoyed regular excursions a field while others have only loing so—now have thepotenti to experience the great outdoors through NWTF’s newest outreach program called “Wheelin’ Sportsmen.” Through “Wheelin? Sportsmen,” the Federation hopes to break down the barriers that have prevented those with disabilities from experiencing our natural world in a way many of us take for granted. Your chance to get involved with the NWTF is just around the corner. We will be hosting our 3rd Annual Ogden Valley Chapter Banquet & Auction August 26, 2006 at the Hearthside in Eden. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7:00 p.m. Bring the entire family for a great evening in support of wildlife conservation. For more information or tickets, please contact Brett Johnson at (801) 455-2286. 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