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Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

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COVID-19 Impacts on Timber Markets and Forest Wildlife

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forest-markets

How COVID-19 Could Affect Grouse Habitat

It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a bit of a whirlwind and things haven’t gone as planned. With all the stay-at-home orders, shutdowns, and disruptions, you’re likely looking forward to the fall hunting season more than ever and getting back into the grouse woods to unwind a bit. Unfortunately, coronavirus and COVID-19 still have some potentially nasty consequences in store for timber markets and subsequently ruffed grouse, in the form of habitat impacts. Here’s how the two are surprisingly connected, and some potential ways that the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) could help.

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Regional Director Mike Neiduski featured on Three Rivers Land Trust Campfire Conversations

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RGS & AWS Southeast Regional Director was recently featured on an episode of the Three River Land Trust podcast.

To Listen | Campfire Conversation with Mike Neiduski

Show Notes from Three Rivers Land Trust:

We’ve got a very special guest today: Mack the puppy! Along with her, we’ve got Mike Neiduski – Southeast Regional Director for Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society.

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Video Contest | 2020 Wisconsin Grouse Camp

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Win a spot at this year’s Grouse Camp in Wisconsin and waive the $150 registration fee.

Tell Us Why You Want to Attend Grouse Camp?

We would love for you to Join Us at Grouse Camp in Eagle River, WI on September 25th -27th. Now you have a chance to do so for free by entering our active video contest.

Thanks to generous donors, winners (up to 10) will receive free entry to Grouse Camp 2020 which includes event registration and some meals ($150 value). This does not include lodging.

Here’s How to Enter:

  • All you have to do is record a short video of yourself (30-60 seconds) telling us why you would like to attend grouse camp this year. If you have a friend you would like to attend with, tell us that too!
  • You can submit the video in one of two ways. Either by posting it on social media and tagging @ruffedgrousesociety and using the hashtag #grousecamp or by sending it to RGS & AWS directly via email (kellen@ruffedgrousesociety.org) or social media direct message. Make sure to like and follow Ruffed Grouse Society on Facebook and Instagram.
  • For more information about the event: Join Us at Grouse Camp or Event Flyer
  • Entries will be accepted through September 10th. RGS & AWS will notify the winners soon after.
Join Us at Grouse Camp 2020

Forest Management is Not Deforestation

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Debunking the Myths of Deforestation

When an average person today sees images of a recent timber harvest, it’s quite possible they may have a negative reaction to it. Fueled by stories of “greedy timber companies” destroying vast swaths of rain-forests, many people start to associate any tree cutting with ruining the environment. But there are some very big differences between deforestation and scientifically-based forest management. Given the decline of young forest stands in North America and the effect that it is having on many wildlife species, we hope to clear up some of those misconceptions below.

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An Ohio Chapter Story – Ruffed Grouse Society Original Film

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Ohio Ruffed Grouse Society Chapter Habitat Day

Join the Gilbert R. Symons / Cincinnati Area Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society for a habitat work day and chapter gathering. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Gilbert R. Symons Chapter, like all of our chapters, represents the face and the boots on the ground movement of our mission.

Fighting for Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife and Conservation Ethic our chapters make-up the core of our existence as an organization. Without them our collective voice would not be heard, our impact would not be felt and our forests and our wildlife would suffer.

For their tireless efforts and their passionate devotion to our cause we would like to say THANK YOU to all of our RGS & AWS chapters for their leadership as conservationists.

Public Input Opportunity | Minnesota’s Forest Management Guidelines

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Act now to help shape the future of Minnesota’s Forests

Link to Survey

The Minnesota Forest Resources Council’s (MFRC) Site-Level Committee on Minnesota’s Forest Management Guidelines (FMGs) is seeking public input on the development of comprehensive forest management guidelines.  The guidelines are a core mandate of the Minnesota’s Sustainable Forest Resources Act.

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Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Applaud Senators Stabenow, Braun for New Bipartisan Bill to Help Family Forests

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The Rural Forests Markets Act will create revenue for family forests and sustain healthy forests and wildlife habitat

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, introduced the bipartisan Rural Forests Markets Act to help small-scale, family foresters access new economic opportunities through climate solutions like carbon markets. 

“Big or small, our forests are an important part of the solution to the climate crisis,” said Ranking Member Stabenow. “For too long, environmental market opportunities have been out of reach for many family foresters due to high upfront costs. Our bipartisan bill is a win-win for forest owners and the environment.” 

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Appalachian Ruffed Grouse: Ecology and Management

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A synopsis and review of the book Appalachian Ruffed Grouse: Ecology and Management

The Appalachian ruffed grouse population is like a classic, small-market major league baseball team battling the Yankees or Red Sox; the odds are against them because of a disparity of resources. Unlike their kin of the North Woods, Appalachian grouse lack aspen trees for food and cover, which Gordon Gullion, a leading expert on grouse during his lifetime, considered their prime habitat. Nevertheless, ruffed grouse are adaptable birds that have thrived in Appalachia for thousands of years. 

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Mike Neiduski Hired as Director of Regional Development in Southeast

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The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) announced the hiring of Mike Neiduski as Director of Regional Development for the Southeast. In his role, Neiduski will direct business development and fundraising programs in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia. Mike will also serve as interim director assisting with communications and online activities in the mid-Atlantic until that position is filled. These important regions (formerly combined) were overseen by Dave Hansroth until his retirement in early March. 

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Action Alert | Indiana Ruffed Grouse Need Your Help

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SUBMIT ONLINE COMMENTS HERE – Deadline July 30th

Ruffed grouse in Indiana need our help. With just a little effort, you could take an opportunity this week to speak up on their behalf.

Two Indiana Natural Resource Commission (NRC) public hearings will take place on July 29th and July 30th to address proposed fish and wildlife rule changes. These amendments include adding ruffed grouse to the list of state endangered species. We strongly urge speaking up in support of this listing, and have included some talking points and rationale below, reiterating the reasons for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) long-term commitment to this cause.

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