Eglin nationally recognized for stewardship efforts

  • Published
  • By Jerron Barnett
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
ATLANTA --  The National Wild Turkey Federation recently presented its Land Stewardship Award to Eglin Air Force Base for its efforts to conserve America's wildlife. 

The award, which was presented during the NWTF's annual Convention and Sport Show in Atlanta Feb. 21 to Feb. 24, recognizes the 464,000-acre military base's environmental achievements. 

Eglin, a long time partner of the NWTF, has teamed up with the Federation's Florida state chapter and Gulf Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, to improve right of way management on a 70-mile stretch of utility corridor. In addition, Eglin is working with more than 4,000 acres of longleaf pine habitat to restore the critically important understory of these stands at the same time. 

"We're proud to give this award to the great conservationists at Eglin Air Force Base," Scott Vance of the NWTF's conservation department, said. "Over half of the base's land is open to the public for recreation, and special youth and disabled hunting trips have been held there. Eglin is very deserving of this award because of their dedication to conservation," Vance said. 

Other recreational opportunities on the base include fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking and biking. 

The NWTF has presented the Land Stewardship Award each year since 1994 to those who demonstrate excellence in land management, partnerships and NWTF project support. The award recognizes the organization that has done the most outstanding job of benefiting natural resources through land stewardship and partnerships. 

The NWTF, with the assistance of its many dedicated volunteers and corporate and government partners, has helped improve millions of acres of wildlife habitat on private, corporate and public land and thousands of miles of rights of way. 

"I want to thank the NWTF and its partners," Col. Eric Pohland, 96th Air Base Wing commander, said. "Their generosity has made the goal of enhancing 4,000 acres of wildlife habitat on Eglin a reality."