The Ohio Conservation Federation has officially joined the National Wildlife Federation as an affiliate member organization. It was unanimously voted in as an affiliate at the most recent NWF Board of Directors meeting, officially joining the Federation as of May 15, 2017.

“We are excited to welcome the Ohio Conservation Federation into the National Wildlife Federation family,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “OCF unites a powerful coalition of Ohio’s leading hunter, angler and trapper organizations to advocate on behalf of wildlife and the land and water upon which they depend. Together with 50 sister state and territorial affiliate organizations that comprise the National Wildlife Federation, the Ohio Conservation Federation will be an essential partner in the nationwide grassroots conservation network as we work to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife survive and thrive.”

The Ohio Conservation Federation is an organization leading the community of sportsmen and women conservationists promoting the wise use and stewardship of Ohio’s wildlife and natural resources. OCF is comprised of multiple organizations including the Buckeye Big Buck Club, the Buckeye Firearms Association, the Ohio State Trappers Association, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wildlife Federation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society. One of their current initiatives is to increase conservation funding in Ohio through an update of the hunting and fishing license structure.

“We’re excited to join the National Wildlife Federation,” said Matt Misicka, Ohio Conservation Federation President. “Working with NWF and the state affiliates will help us achieve results here and allow Ohio sportsmen and women a voice in important conservation issues at the national level.”

The Ohio Conservation Federation will be joining the Great Lakes Region of NWF, working closely with affiliates in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. “The Ohio Conservation Federation is a critical partner in our joint priorities in the Great Lakes region,” said Marc Smith, NWF Great Lakes regional conservation director. “The voice of sportsmen and women in conservation is essential in Ohio, as it is across the nation.”