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Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

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Announcements

Two Key Forest Parcels Added to Minnesota’s Public Lands

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This summer, with support from the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and other conservation partners, RGS & AWS successfully acquired and transferred two 80-acre strategic forestland inholdings to public agencies that manage sustainable forest lands. The two parcels – one in northeast Aitkin County and another in southeast Lake County – were private inholdings within the Savanna State Forest and Lake County Forestry lands, respectively. The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) was established by the Minnesota Legislature to recommend annual funding allocations from the Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) to restore, protect and enhance Minnesota’s wetlands, prairies, forests and...

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Ben Rhodes Promoted to Forest Conservation Coordinator for Southern Appalachian Region

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RGS & AWS is proud to announce the promotion of Ben Rhodes to forest conservation coordinator for the Southern Appalachian region. In this role, Rhodes will oversee the growth and implementation of projects across the region. His leadership will help advance our mission to enhance wildlife habitat and promote healthy, diverse forests. Rhodes has been with RGS & AWS for more than two years, serving as a forest wildlife specialist in Kentucky. During that time, he developed partnerships, led on-the-ground habitat projects and delivered measurable conservation results. His new position recognizes both his accomplishments and his ability to take on broader leadership...

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RGS & AWS Welcomes Two New Team Members Supporting Conservation Across the Upper Midwest

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RGS & AWS is expanding its conservation and development capacity in the Upper Midwest with the addition of two new team members: Emma Belling as forest wildlife specialist in Wisconsin and Brett Edstrom as director of regional development for the Western Great Lakes. Emma Belling – Forest Wildlife Specialist, Wisconsin Belling will serve in a collaborative partnership role based in Rhinelander with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Her work within a DNR service center will support both public and private lands across northeastern Wisconsin. A Wisconsin native, Belling earned a degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and brings...

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New Forest Wildlife Specialists Join RGS & AWS in Kentucky and Michigan

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RGS & AWS is strengthening its habitat mission with the addition of two new forest wildlife specialists: Cindy Cifuentes in Kentucky and Marc Hershfield in Michigan. Cifuentes, a lifelong Hoosier, holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from Butler University. Her early career in ecological research took her to Panama, where she studied the behavioral ecology of bats and frogs. That global perspective eventually led her back to Indiana, where she served as director of natural resources and research for the nation’s largest urban old-growth forest. [Read more…] about New Forest Wildlife Specialists Join RGS & AWS in Kentucky...

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Congratulations to Sara Cerv, RGS & AWS Forest Conservation Director, on receiving the North Carolina Society of American Foresters’ Young Forester Leadership Award!

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This prestigious recognition – reserved for forestry professionals under 40 – highlights “outstanding leadership by a young forestry professional in the development and promotion of an individual program or project or for a sustained leadership role benefiting the practice of forestry and the Society.” Sara has served as the APSAF Membership Chair for the past two years, earning this honor through innovative initiatives that strengthen connections between academic, public, and private sectors, advance sustainable forest management and directly support the APSAF’s mission. Her sustained leadership and hands‑on dedication exemplify the future of forestry – and we’re proud to see her...

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RGS & AWS Announces Chief Conservation Officer and Vice President of Conservation

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RGS & AWS is proud to welcome two conservation leaders – filling new roles – whose knowledge, experience and vision will help usher in a new era of habitat impact.  Mark Hatfield and Karl Malcolm join RGS & AWS as chief conservation officer (operations) and vice president of conservation, respectively. Together, they bring a combined 40+ years of fieldwork, program management and policy leadership to the team.  Strategic Leadership to Match Strategic Growth This moment represents more than new titles, it’s a clear signal of the commitment RGS & AWS has to scaling forest wildlife conservation through sound systems, expanded partnerships and strong...

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