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
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.
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...
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...
Read the original article in The Upland Almanac Every day on the southern tip of New Jersey, a stream of trucks and cars lines up for passage on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which has been carting passengers across the Delaware Bay since the 1960s. Cape May has also been a rendezvous point for American woodcock since long before there was a ferry — or a city — at the spot. “When woodcock are coming south, they sort of bunch up before they cross the Delaware,” says Ben Larson, a forest conservation director for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. New Jersey’s...
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...
