We have received many thoughtful comments and questions from our members over the past 12 hours. Much of the feedback has been positive, it has been apparent for most of us that RGS & AWS needs to go in new directions to thrive. I share the heartfelt sadness at losing these three biologists who have done so much good work with us. It is always difficult to let people go—it has always been my least favorite part of my professional work.
We truly appreciate the engagement. The following is a first round of Frequently Asked Questions. More to come…Keep the questions coming and we will keep the conversation going.
– Ben Jones
The Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working Forests
UPDATED | Information Center
The below resources and links provide new and updated information regarding the RGS & AWS Model of Working Forests as well as organizational changes to staffing and conservation delivery programs.
- Special Edition Podcast | RGS & AWS Address
- Press Release | RGS & AWS Announces Re-Structure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Hunting Dog Podcast Interview with Ron Boehme
- Upland Nation Interview with Scott Linden
Creating a Scalable Model for Healthy Forest Management and Wildlife Habitat
When the RGS & AWS Board of Directors and I first met nearly two years ago, we focused on a central theme – the need to scale up forest conservation work. Great strides have been made over the Ruffed Grouse Society’s 60-year tenure and now, greater opportunity knocks. By scaling our successes, we can expand impact. To that end, we have been working towards a working forests model that can improve habitat across larger landscapes. Without a doubt, efficient and impactful conservation is more important now than ever!
[Read more…] about The Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working ForestsConservation is NOT Cancelled – RGS
A message from RGS/AWS President and CEO, Ben Jones.
When facing human hardship, it can be difficult to remember that our own health is inseparable from the health of our natural world. Forests included! Even during good times, many folks don’t get it. But we do.
That is why our voices are so important during the days ahead. Conservation is not cancelled, my friends.
[Read more…] about Conservation is NOT Cancelled – RGSCOVID-19 Update from RGS/AWS President and CEO Ben Jones
A brief update on COVID-19 and it’s implications to the RGS/AWS mission.
Fellow Conservationists,
As we enter our peak event season, we also enter a time of great uncertainty due to COVID-19. One where we may not be able to gather and enjoy each other’s company as we would like.
We are keeping a diligent eye on the COVID-19 situation so we can respond as information comes available. True to RGS/AWS tenets, we will act pragmatically, led by science and expert recommendations.
[Read more…] about COVID-19 Update from RGS/AWS President and CEO Ben JonesGiving Tuesday | Join The Movement
Make a Giving Tuesday donation today.
Over the years, the American Woodcock Society (AWS) has supported ground-breaking research into this fascinating bird, the American woodcock. First, a migration study in the Central Flyway revealing key nesting grounds, migratory paths, and wintering locations. Now, a similar study in the Eastern Flyway. In 2017 AWS sponsored the 11th American Woodcock Symposium, highlighting work from the world’s leading researchers.
[Read more…] about Giving Tuesday | Join The MovementBen Jones Addresses West Nile Virus Testing in Ruffed Grouse – RGS
Grouse enthusiasts are abuzz this week with hunting seasons in full swing and recent press releases from key states. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan shared 2018 West Nile Virus testing results after an unexpected laboratory delay (details can be found here).
I read the reports, completed phone interviews with reporters and braced myself. When West Nile Virus appears in the news, it can even eclipse dog breed and shotgun choice “discussions” in level of interest and disagreement. Justifiably so. The appearance of a new disease threatening our beloved ruffed grouse is reason for concern.
[Read more…] about Ben Jones Addresses West Nile Virus Testing in Ruffed Grouse – RGSPresident’s Message
October 1, 2019
Don’t you just love this time of the year?
The air is crisper, skies are brighter, and colorful foliage fills the forest. These are the days
we live for, and to celebrate our love for October, we’re launching an amazing membership
promotion you don’t want to miss!
During October, when you join, renew or rejoin the Ruffed Grouse Society or
American Woodcock Society as an auto renewing Regular ($35)member, you’ll
receive our latest Upland Awesome Forests t-shirt as a special gift.
2018 Annual Report | Taking Stock
READ Full Version | 2018 Annual Report
Last April, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Executive Board and I had our first conversation—the first of many. Initially, the CEO interview brought us together. By the end of that discussion, it was clear we were converging on much more in our conservation pathways.
[Read more…] about 2018 Annual Report | Taking StockNew Jersey Grouse Season Closure
At their regular meeting on July 17, the New Jersey Fish and Game Council unanimously voted to close the ruffed grouse hunting season statewide.
The Ruffed Grouse Society was disheartened to hear of the New Jersey ruffed grouse hunting season closure announced last week. The NJ Department of Fish & Wildlife’s population monitoring clearly justifies the move. Ruffed grouse are a bellwether of forest health. Their decline mirrors that of other forest wildlife in New Jersey including golden-winged warbler, blue-winged warbler, cerulean warbler, wood thrush, and American woodcock.
[Read more…] about New Jersey Grouse Season ClosurePresident’s Message: Spring Magazine
I had to smile when my son came flying through the house with the mail last week. He was holding a magazine – the start of his Ranger Rick subscription from Grandma. His own name was right there on the address bar. Magical! Of course, he wanted to read the whole thing that night. I counseled him in the art of savoring a magazine, relishing articles, hence minimizing downtime until the next issue. Sage advice, but admittedly hypocritical since I rip through my favorite periodicals within days of receipt. Then, when the next installment finally appears on the kitchen counter, everyone at home really enjoys my response. Kind of like a 5-year old!
[Read more…] about President’s Message: Spring Magazine