EDGEFIELD, SC— The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has selected the National Wild Turkey Federation as an inductee to the Division of Forestry's Forest of Honor. The NWTF was inducted at a ceremony held at the Zaleski State Forest in Zaleski, Ohio.
The NWTF was nominated due to its significant contributions to the advancement of forestry within Ohio. A tree is planted for each inductee to represent their long-term efforts that impact Ohio forests.
"The NWTF and its nearly 8,000 members and volunteers across the state are honored to be such a valued partner to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as we ensure we have healthy forests for our current and future generations," said Jason Lupardus, NWTF Midwest conservation field manager. "Our combined effort is extremely important to help support forest management which promotes healthy wildlife populations and vibrant forests."
The Zaleski State Forest covers 26,827 acres in Vinton and Athens counties with 4,000 acres focused heavily toward turkey management. Additionally, there are 25 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of bridle trails, 26 miles of backpacking trails, 16 horse camp sites, a hunters' camp, shooting range and a sawmill in the forest.
"Lee Crocker, Ohio district biologist and Certified Forester, leads the cooperative agency efforts in this area," Lupardus said.
Joel Wood, NWTF Ohio board member, attended the ceremony on behalf of the NWTF.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of work, that number hit a historic high of almost 7 million turkeys. To succeed, the NWTF stood behind science-based conservation and hunters' rights. Today, the NWTF is focused on the future of hunting and conservation through its Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative – a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat, recruit at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting. For more information, visit NWTF.org.
National Wild Turkey Federation
770 Augusta Rd., Edgefield, SC 29824
Media Contact Pete Muller at (803) 637-7698
