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Know Your Cover – Champlain Valley, New York and Vermont

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by Luke McNally, RGS & AWS Champlain Region Forester “I used to see a lot of birds around here and now I don’t.” This is the comment I hear more than any other in response to my introduction. Standing in line at the gas station in Addison, Vermont, a farmer, a tradesman or a local cabin-dweller tells me: “We used to see those on the side of the road all the time… I don’t see them anymore.” There are several reasons why folks in the country don’t see “pah-tridge” as much these days. A reduction in wildlife occupancy should always be blamed...

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RGS & AWS Supports Nantahala Mountains Project to Improve Wildlife Habitat and Forest Diversity

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The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is excited to share that an important forest management project is underway on public land. The Nantahala Mountains Project on the Nantahala Ranger District will treat about 870 acres through commercial and noncommercial activities. These treatments include group selection, noncommercial midstory removal, noncommercial crown-touch release, clearcut and shelterwood harvests. Road maintenance will also be prioritized. RGS & AWS was heavily involved with this project throughout the public comment period and advocated for additional forest management activities. We are glad to see that the U.S. Forest Service retained the original scope...

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Hurricane Helene’s Impacts on Western North Carolina Forests

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Sara Cerv, Forest Conservation Director, Piedmont and Coastal Plain

Hurricane Helene left a profound and lasting impact on the forests of western North Carolina and surrounding areas, reshaping landscapes across both public and private lands. Preliminary assessments indicate approximately 200,000 acres of vegetation loss on the National Forests within the region, with an additional 600,000 acres of damage sustained across other land ownerships.

[Read more…] about Hurricane Helene’s Impacts on Western North Carolina Forests

The Future of Upland Conservation: Dr. Ben Jones on Gamebird University

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To listen to the full episode, visit apple podcasts here

Young forests, bird dogs and the future of upland conservation, this episode of Gamebird University has it all.

Hosts James Callicutt and Mark McConnell welcome Dr. Ben Jones, CEO of RGS & AWS, for a field-tested look at what it really takes to sustain ruffed grouse, American woodcock and the people who care for them.

From GPS tracking and habitat management to shifting public perception and the rise of bird-dog culture, this conversation cuts to the heart of young-forest conservation in the South and why it matters across the range.

Chapter Spotlight – Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapters

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by Emily Sliski, RGS & AWS Mid-Atlantic Engagement Coordinator What began as two chapters supporting the mission of RGS & AWS has become one incredibly impactful collaboration in southeastern Pennsylvania. The Charles E. Bechtel Chapter is a historic chapter within RGS & AWS. “The Bechtel Chapter was started to raise funds for RGS & AWS for the oldest volunteer-run fundraising banquet,” said John Cave, chapter president. “Our 47 years of being a chapter shows the dedication of the committee, the chapter founders and the many men and women who’ve made the chapter so special.” The South Mountain Chapter has experienced several waves of...

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Cherokee National Forest Timber Sale Adds Habitat Diversity

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by Zac Chandler | RGS & AWS Forest Wildlife Specialist – All-Lands Tennessee Forester Ruffed grouse populations in the Southern Appalachians are declining, mainly due to the loss of suitable habitat. As the bulk of Appalachian forests increase in age, this results in a drop in ruffed grouse numbers as they primarily depend upon early successional forests for much of the year. Ruffed grouse thrive in forests kept young and vigorous through repetitive, active forest management like prescribed fire and timber harvesting. These repeat disturbances create an abundance of woody and herbaceous diversity, maintaining critical food and cover resources necessary for supporting...

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