Making Tracks
What is Making Tracks?
Making Tracks is a Forest Service partnership program with the National Wild Turkey Federation, state wildlife agencies, conservation groups and individuals. It's goal is to emphasize wild turkey management on your National Forest.
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NEWS
THE 2021 MAKING TRACKS FORM HAS ARRIVED!
Write your award nominations for 2021! DUE DATE: November 15, 2021
Award Information
Making Tracks Call for Award Winners: Presented 2017
Congratulations to all the Award Winners
- Habitat Improvement Program Award Recipient (Individual) is Ian Fox, Cibola National Forest.
- Partnership Achievement Award Recipient (Individual) is Monty Gregg, Sisters Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest.
- Partnership Achievement Award Recipient (Group) is the Mark Twain National Forest.
The 2016 Making Tracks with the USDA Forest Service Award recipients were recognized at the 41st Annual National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Convention & Sport Show in Nashville, TN on February 17, 2017. This year three awards were presented in two categories: Habitat Management Program and Partnership Achievement. For more information on the recipients’ accomplishments, please see the NWTF news release.
Photo credit: NWTF
Habitat Management Program Award Recipient (Individual) is Ian Fox, Cibola National Forest.
| NWTF’s Gene Miller, Southwestern Regional Forester, Cal Joyner, NWTF’s Scott Lerich, and Making Tracks Steering Committee Member/Regional Wildlife Program Leader, Brian Dykstra, accepted the award on Ian’s behalf. (from left to right) |
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Partnership Achievement Award Recipient (Individual) is Monty Gregg, Sisters Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest.
Monty Gregg (on right) with Chief Tidwell. |
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Partnership Achievement Award Recipient (Group) is the Mark Twain National Forest.
Steve Kuennen, Eastern Region Renewable Resources Director and Kathy Lynn, Eastern Region Deputy Regional Forester accepted the award on Mark Twain NF’s behalf. (from left to right). |
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| Forest Service “Family Photo” at the Conservation Conference held during the 2017 NWTF Convention. |
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The Wild Turkey in South Dakota (Book)
Tells the restoration story of the wild turkey.
Authors: Lester D. Flake, Chad P. Lehman, Anthony P. Leif, Mark A. Rumble and Daniel J. Thompson
"The Wild Turkey in South Dakota" authors received a Making Tracks Partnership Achievement Award during the NWTF's National Convention and Sport Show as a testament to their book about wild turkeys in South Dakota.
Purchase "The Wild Turkey in South Dakota" at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Web site.
MAPS - BIG 6
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a membership organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the turkey hunting tradition. With more than 180,000 members, it serves as the principal voice for wild turkey management in North America.
How Does "Making Tracks" Work For You?
Emphasizing wild turkey habitat management on National Forest System lands can increase the turkey population by over one-quarter million birds. The populations on these public lands are available for all to use and enjoy. Over 28 million acres of wild turkey habitat occur on national forests and national grasslands. This habitat can be improved.
Since the first cooperative project in 1986, more than 700 habitat improvement projects have been completed on your National Forests. Two and a half million dollars from the Forest Service has been matched with another $1.6 million from the NWTF and another $1.9 million from state agencies and other cooperators. Thus MORE THAN $6 MILLION have been put to work managing habitats for wild turkeys and associated wildlife species through partnership projects. In addition, a major part of the Making Tracks program is coordination with other activities on the National Forests, including timber sales, grazing, and ecosystem management.
The optimum habitat is a variety of mature mixed-hardwood forests, with groups of conifers, relatively open understories, scattered grassy clearings, and well-distributed water sources. Such productive habitats support abundant turkeys and a rich diversity of plants and other animals.
Why Do We Need "Making Tracks"?
THEN and NOW
When European settlers first arrived, they found wild turkeys abundant and easy fare for the table. But by the turn of this century, unregulated harvest, agricultural clearing, uncontrolled woods burning, and human encroachment had decimated wild turkey populations. Only 30,000 birds remained in isolated flocks. Following World War II, sportsmen pushed for research, restoration, and management programs by state wildlife agencies and universities. Today, the wild turkey population is close to 4.5 million birds in 49 states - a major conservation success story. This achievement is a tribute to the support and dedication of state and federal wildlife agencies, and countless individuals and organizations, including the National Wild Turkey Federation. The job is not done, however.
There are now over 2.2 million turkey hunters in the nation; each is in the field about four times a year in pursuit of the wild turkey. The popularity and challenge of turkeys among sportsmen continues to grow, especially as newly restored populations are opened for hunting and viewing.
We must continue the legacy of wild turkey stewardship to insure that generations to come can enjoy the wonderful wild turkey resource.
Wild Turkey Restoration and Management Program
"Making Tracks" sets a general course of action to assure a rich and abundant resource of wild turkeys throughout the bird's range on national forests and grasslands. It establishes population goals, identifies habitat conservation needs in specific areas, and lays the groundwork for interested partners to work together.
Leaders of the Forest Service and National Wild Turkey Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 1986 outlining their intent and commitment to promote wise management of wild turkeys on national forests throughout the United States. The Forest Service and state wildlife agencies also have agreements to jointly manage wildlife resources on national forest lands. Together, these three partners - Forest Service, states, and chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation - develop restoration and enhancement strategies specific to the localized needs of wild turkeys in each region of the country.
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How Can You Help?
With more than 28 million acres of turkey habitat in 35 states, the National Forest System has a tremendous opportunity to provide premier habitat for the wild turkey. These forest and grassland wild turkey habitats can be enhanced through partnerships with state wildlife agencies and the National Wild Turkey Federation. The successful strategy that brought the wild turkey from the brink of extinction to its present status as North America's most widely distributed big game bird can be strengthened through "Making Tracks," the joint program of increased habitat management, restoration, protection, and research.
The future for wild turkeys and those who treasure this great American resource on the national forests and grasslands is rich with opportunity and excitement. It is time to extend the legacy of success in wild turkey management on your national forests and grasslands, so let's "Make Tracks!"
Your support through participation and involvement will help insure the future existence and expansion of the majestic wild turkey on public lands throughout the nation. Contact any USDA Forest Service office or the National Wild Turkey Federation for more details.
Contact your local USDA Forest Service office or the National Wild Turkey Federation (1-800-the NWTF).
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