I'm just the Google-guy.

"The NWTF is in full support of the USFS prescribe burn program, especially as it relates to growing season fire. Wildlife biologists and others throughout the Southeast use growing season fire as part of comprehensive plans to manage fuels and improve habitat across the landscape for many species of wildlife, including wild turkey. No doubt a few nests are disturbed or destroyed in the fire. However, the loss is far outweighed by the benefit of improved habitat. Without prescribed fire, the habitat capability of the land would be far less for all wildlife, including wild turkey. Unfortunately several years of low reproduction of wild turkeys in Arkansas have led some to conclude that it must be the use of growing season fire that is the cause. Nothing could be further from the reality of the situation.

Simply stated, there are 3.4 million acres of USFS; around 200,000 is prescribe burned each year with less than 20,000 acres treated after nesting season gets into full swing. This is hardly the reason for poor reproduction state wide. Factors affecting reproduction are many and include weather, mast crops, predation and others.

WE at the NWTF stand solidly beside the USFS and are proud of the good land stewardship they are engaged in. Considerations for wildlife and improving habitat on our National Forests has never been a higher priority than it is today and we should all be proud of that".