At RGS & AWS, we’re proud to work with the U.S. Forest Service on sound forest management that promotes abundant wildlife, healthy forests, and opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.
As the USFS considers a proposal that would guide stewardship of old growth and mature forests, we commend the Service for staying true to its mission – and relying on sound science as a guide. This despite a steady drumbeat of falsehoods and faux research from anti-forest management groups.
RGS & AWS staff have been focused on this issue for over two years. Now, your input is sought by the Forest Service on its plan, which could impact forest management across the National Forest System!
Together we can send a clear message:
✔ Ruffed grouse and American woodcock are bellwethers of forest condition. They absolutely need healthy, diverse forests to survive and thrive. These same forests clean the air, filter water and support local communities.
✔ Old forests are one of several critical successional stages in healthy ecosystems. Disproportionate emphasis on old growth – without respect to forest type and in a way that prioritizes them over other forest types – could hinder the Forest Service’s ability to optimize wildlife habitat, carbon stewardship, resilience and biodiversity.
✔ We appreciate the Forest Service hearing input from RGS & AWS and dozens of true conservation groups toward a science-based approach relying on local knowledge and expertise from people who work and recreate on our national forest lands.
We look forward to continued work with the Forest Service in charting pragmatic management strategies – and to helping raise the voices of all of us who care about healthy forest habitat and the wildlife that need it to thrive – grouse and woodcock included!
