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Westvaco teams with NWTF for wild turkey conservation

Westvaco Corporation, a major owner of forestland in the United States, is joining forces with the NWTF to survey the company's 1.320 million acres of land and to identify prime wild turkey habitat. Once these areas are found, the NWTF and Westvaco will develop wild turkey habitat management plans for the selected areas.

Additionally, the two partners will establish demonstration and education sites at each of the company's operating areas to encourage other forest landowners to partner with the NWTF.

This agreement will give the NWTF access to an area of private land the size of Delaware, therefore helping increase wild turkey populations and preserve hunting heritage.

"This partnership will greatly benefit the NWTF's conservation efforts," said NWTF CEO Rob Keck. "When a major forest landowner and a leading conservation organization work together to find solutions, that says we're on the right track."

Westvaco Corporation is a major producer of paper, packaging and specialty chemicals and has made substantial contributions to NWTF turkey restoration programs for many years.

"We will review our properties to look for areas that could be prime wild turkey habitat. Once we've identified these areas, we will work with the NWTF to maintain and enhance these areas for the benefit of the wild turkey," said Westvaco Fores Resources Division Manager, Bill Baughman. "We know active forest management is compatable with wild turkey habitat, and this agreement provides a venue for showcasing that."