EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Songbirds and game species alike are reaping the benefits of the work of the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture (AMJV), a collective effort involving the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and other conservation organizations creating and restoring vital habitat in the Appalachian Mountains region.

“While the main focus of the NWTF is the wild turkey, our work is mutually beneficial for a multitude of species,” said Becky Humphries, NWTF chief conservation officer. “If we hope to continue to enjoy our diverse and abundant wildlife, we must all work together for habitat conservation.”

The AMJV regional partnership brings together organizations focusing on the sustainability of songbirds, game species, and natural resources to prioritize and coordinate management activities for efficient, effective conservation. Other NWTF and AMJV projects include the Golden-winged Warbler and Longleaf Pine initiatives that improve habitat on private land for countless wildlife and plants species that share the same habitat.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the NWTF have reached more than 425 private landowners across areas in need of forest habitat restoration. Through NRCS funding, NWTF conservation staff has helped landowners develop wildlife management plans, improve habitat on their property and gain access to government programs that help fund habitat improvements. The NWTF and partners also are matching the $1.75 million in NRCS funding.

“The support and involvement of organizations like NWTF are essential to the success of the AMJV partnership,” said Todd Fearer, AMJV coordinator. “People don’t always realize that forest songbird conservation is also good for many game species, and vice versa. We advocate using active and sustainable forest management practices that improve food and cover for high priority forest songbirds and popular game species like deer, turkey, grouse and rabbits. As an avid hunter, I believe communicating and promoting this link is critical to ensuring diverse and abundant wildlife into the future.”

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative and NWTF are partnering to restore quail populations by addressing the most critical conservation needs of wild turkeys and bobwhite quail. The NWTF uses cutting edge geospatial technology to identify and improve critical habitat projects.

The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.

To learn more about the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, visit www.nwtf.org

Learn more about the activities of the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture at http://amjv.org