fbpx

RGS

Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

You are here: Home / RGS Blog

RGS Blog

The Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working Forests

by

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.

ruffed-grouse-working-forests

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 Forests

RGS & AWS Address with Ben Jones and Sean Curran

by

Answering more of your questions related to this week’s announcements of organizational re-structure and our model of working forests conservation.

RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones is joined by RGS & AWS Vice President of Mission Sustainability Sean Curran to discuss recent news related to organizational staffing and conservation delivery programs.

The team at RGS & AWS is committed to answering your questions and providing our membership the most up to date information on the organization and the status of our mission.

Upland Nation Podcast with Scott Linden features a conversation about RGS & AWS

by

upland-nation-podcast

RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones recently joined Scott Linden, host of the Upland Nation Podcast to discuss recent news of an organizational re-structure and changes to the conservation delivery program.

Listen on | Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Podbean | Stitcher | Spotify

[Read more…] about Upland Nation Podcast with Scott Linden features a conversation about RGS & AWS

A Conversation About RGS & AWS with Ron Boehme on The Hunting Dog Podcast

by

Ben Jones joins Ron Boehme of The Hunting Dog Podcast to discuss a new model for forest conservation.

In a recently released episode of The Hunting Dog Podcast, RGS & AWS President and CEO joins host Ron Boehme to discuss recent news regarding an organizational restructure and a new model for forest conservation.

LISTEN on | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Libsyn

Topics of conversation include analysis of the newly announced Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working Forests as well as answers to many of the questions members have been asking about the news.

You’re Asking, We’re Answering

by

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

[Read more…] about You’re Asking, We’re Answering

Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Announces Re-Structure

by

Coraopolis, PA
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2020

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) announced that the group is moving forward with a planned re-structure of its conservation delivery programs. The re-organization will replace the Regional Biologist job title with a new Forest Conservation Director position.

“We have been working on re-organization plans over the past 18 months,” said Ben Jones, RGS & AWS President and CEO. The change is among RGS & AWS efforts to increase engagement in forest management issues, and will result in the layoff of three biologists in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Eastern Great Lakes Regions. “While we know this is the right move, it is not easy to let folks go. These biologists have worked with great passion and dedication. We appreciate all they have done.”

[Read more…] about Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Announces Re-Structure

Young Forest Initiative Creating Habitat for Grouse and Woodcock in New York – RGS

by

young-forest-initiative-Mongaup-Valley-WMA
Forest Management at Mongaup Valley WMA | Photo by: Gregory Cerne

Young Forest Initiative in New York Creates Habitat for Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock

Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is nestled against a part of the Delaware River that slithers between New York and Pennsylvania. In 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) completed a project to create new wildlife habitat at Mongaup Valley as part of its Young Forest Initiative (YFI), an ongoing effort launched in 2015 to increase habitat within 93 WMAs for species dependent on early successional forests and whose populations are in steep decline.

[Read more…] about Young Forest Initiative Creating Habitat for Grouse and Woodcock in New York – RGS

Conservation is NOT Cancelled – RGS

by

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 – RGS

RGS Supports Ruffed Grouse Symposium in Wisconsin Rapids – RGS

by

ruffed-grouse-symposium-wisconsin-rapids
Wood Yard – Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill

Upper Great Lakes Ruffed Grouse Symposium 

On February 25, 2020, Wisconsin hosted an Upper Midwest Ruffed Grouse Symposium. This event was geared towards professional wildlife biologists, foresters, and researchers managing ruffed grouse in the Upper Midwest.

In total, 120 professionals from eight different states attended the symposium. The day was well rounded with talks on current research, management efforts, and planning. Discussions also focused on learning about factors impacting ruffed grouse such as disease, policy, forest product market trends and climate.

[Read more…] about RGS Supports Ruffed Grouse Symposium in Wisconsin Rapids – RGS

COVID-19 Update from RGS/AWS President and CEO Ben Jones

by

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 Jones