At the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS), we believe in the transformative power of actively managed forests—for wildlife, for hunters and for future generations. That’s why we’re proud to announce our role as a key partner in an amicus brief supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s management plans for the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF). This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to science-based forest management and habitat conservation. The amicus brief, spearheaded by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, brings together a diverse coalition of like-minded organizations. Partners include the Appalachian Mountain Club, Northern...
Conservation Policy
RGS & AWS Responds to Withdrawal of Federal Proposal for Old Growth, Mature Forests
Following a decision by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to withdraw a proposal to revise its management of old-growth and mature forests, the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society reiterated its own commitment to conserving wildlife habitat, promoting forest diversity and optimizing carbon stewardship across the entire National Forest System. “It was a worthy effort for the Forest Service to find out where the oldest forests are and what care they need,” said RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones, “and we were encouraged by the agency’s discovery that old forests need active management just as the entire forest...
West Virginia Grouse Survey Discontinued – New Opportunities to Contribute
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) recently discontinued their grouse-specific hunter survey due to limited participation. Although this was a difficult decision, the data was no longer providing valuable insights for wildlife management. However, hunters still have opportunities to support conservation efforts. WVDNR encourages hunters to participate in two ongoing surveys: the Bowhunter Survey and the Spring Gobbler Survey. These citizen science surveys collect essential data on wildlife, helping shape conservation strategies across West Virginia and the broader Southern Appalachians region. Even if you don’t hunt grouse, your observations as a bowhunter or turkey hunter can make a significant impact....
Maine’s Upland Hunting Season Proposal
We need your voice! A recent proposal aims to change Maine’s upland hunting season, with the season now potentially starting later and closing on cast-and-blast weekends. This means fewer opportunities for families, bird hunters, and out-of-state visitors to enjoy Maine’s outdoor heritage. Our community members have spoken out against this change at recent public hearings, raising several concerns: Impact on Local Economies: Shortening the season could cost small businesses, like guides and lodges, up to $64,000 for just a few days of lost hunting trips. Lack of Data: The proposal seems to be based on perceived “conflicts” rather than actual data on moose...
VT ACTION ALERT: ANR Planning Rule
We encourage all of our Vermont members and audience to review and comment on the ANR Planning Rule. Comments are accepted through November 1, 2024.
As always, we are in favor of responsible, science-based active management to achieve healthy forests that benefit wildlife.
Learn more about the proposal here.
Submit your comments here.
Read our comments here.
Action Alert: Stearns Ruffed Grouse Habitat Management Project
RGS & AWS commends the Forest Service on their efforts to restore young forest habitat at biologically significant scales. We’re fully supportive of the proposed action outlined in the Stearns Ruffed Grouse Habitat Management Project on the Stearns Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Urgent action is needed at the landscape scale, above and beyond localized habitat improvement efforts, to halt the decline in ruffed grouse and other forest wildlife in eastern Kentucky before it’s too late. Speak out in support of managing for early successional wildlife habitat today! Public comment is being accepted until October 18, 2024. Below are some...
