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Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

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RGS & AWS Address with Ben Jones and Sean Curran

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Answering more of your questions related to this week’s announcements of organizational re-structure and our model of working forests conservation.

RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones is joined by RGS & AWS Vice President of Mission Sustainability Sean Curran to discuss recent news related to organizational staffing and conservation delivery programs.

The team at RGS & AWS is committed to answering your questions and providing our membership the most up to date information on the organization and the status of our mission.

Upland Nation Podcast with Scott Linden features a conversation about RGS & AWS

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upland-nation-podcast

RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones recently joined Scott Linden, host of the Upland Nation Podcast to discuss recent news of an organizational re-structure and changes to the conservation delivery program.

Listen on | Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Podbean | Stitcher | Spotify

[Read more…] about Upland Nation Podcast with Scott Linden features a conversation about RGS & AWS

A Conversation About RGS & AWS with Ron Boehme on The Hunting Dog Podcast

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Ben Jones joins Ron Boehme of The Hunting Dog Podcast to discuss a new model for forest conservation.

In a recently released episode of The Hunting Dog Podcast, RGS & AWS President and CEO joins host Ron Boehme to discuss recent news regarding an organizational restructure and a new model for forest conservation.

LISTEN on | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Libsyn

Topics of conversation include analysis of the newly announced Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working Forests as well as answers to many of the questions members have been asking about the news.

You’re Asking, We’re Answering

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We have received many thoughtful comments and questions from our members over the past 12 hours. Much of the feedback has been positive, it has been apparent for most of us that RGS & AWS needs to go in new directions to thrive. I share the heartfelt sadness at losing these three biologists who have done so much good work with us. It is always difficult to let people go—it has always been my least favorite part of my professional work.

We truly appreciate the engagement. The following is a first round of Frequently Asked Questions. More to come…Keep the questions coming and we will keep the conversation going.

– Ben Jones

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The Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working Forests

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UPDATED | Information Center

The below resources and links provide new and updated information regarding the RGS & AWS Model of Working Forests as well as organizational changes to staffing and conservation delivery programs.

ruffed-grouse-working-forests

Creating a Scalable Model for Healthy Forest Management and Wildlife Habitat

When the RGS & AWS Board of Directors and I first met nearly two years ago, we focused on a central theme – the need to scale up forest conservation work. Great strides have been made over the Ruffed Grouse Society’s 60-year tenure and now, greater opportunity knocks. By scaling our successes, we can expand impact. To that end, we have been working towards a working forests model that can improve habitat across larger landscapes. Without a doubt, efficient and impactful conservation is more important now than ever!

[Read more…] about The Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working Forests

Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Announces Re-Structure

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Coraopolis, PA
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2020

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) announced that the group is moving forward with a planned re-structure of its conservation delivery programs. The re-organization will replace the Regional Biologist job title with a new Forest Conservation Director position.

“We have been working on re-organization plans over the past 18 months,” said Ben Jones, RGS & AWS President and CEO. The change is among RGS & AWS efforts to increase engagement in forest management issues, and will result in the layoff of three biologists in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Eastern Great Lakes Regions. “While we know this is the right move, it is not easy to let folks go. These biologists have worked with great passion and dedication. We appreciate all they have done.”

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Conservation is NOT Cancelled – RGS

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A message from RGS/AWS President and CEO, Ben Jones.

When facing human hardship, it can be difficult to remember that our own health is inseparable from the health of our natural world. Forests included! Even during good times, many folks don’t get it. But we do.

That is why our voices are so important during the days ahead. Conservation is not cancelled, my friends.

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COVID-19 Update from RGS/AWS President and CEO Ben Jones

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A brief update on COVID-19 and it’s implications to the RGS/AWS mission.

Fellow Conservationists,

As we enter our peak event season, we also enter a time of great uncertainty due to COVID-19. One where we may not be able to gather and enjoy each other’s company as we would like.

We are keeping a diligent eye on the COVID-19 situation so we can respond as information comes available. True to RGS/AWS tenets, we will act pragmatically, led by science and expert recommendations.

[Read more…] about COVID-19 Update from RGS/AWS President and CEO Ben Jones

West Virginia Ruffed Grouse Season Changes: Opportunity for Input

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The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking input on potential ruffed grouse season changes that could begin with the 2021-2022 season. There is little information available now to assess the proposals, but there are opportunities for providing public input. Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) staff are in contact with West Virginia DNR personnel and will provide our members with additional information as this develops.
 
Questionnaire and Written Comments
 
Input on these potential changes and a variety of other hunting, trapping, and fishing regulations may be provided through a questionnaire or submission of written comments by April 3, 2020. Instructions and forms for submitting the questionnaire and comments are available HERE. The bottom of page 6 contains questions regarding the ruffed grouse season.
 
Public Meetings
 
Public meetings will also be held March 16 and 17, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the locations noted below. Since little additional information has been made available at this time, we encourage members and supporters to attend the nearest meeting location and voice your concerns regarding:
– Additional information that would support each option for regulation changes
– The need for habitat creation and enhancement to more comprehensively benefit ruffed grouse 

Monday, March 16, 2020, 6:00-8:00 PM
– Fairmont – East Fairmont High School (Commons Area) *RGS Regional Biologist Linda Ordiway will attend
– Martinsburg – Martinsburg Holiday Inn (Route 81, Exit 13)
– Summersville – Nicholas County High School
– Milton – West Virginia Pumpkin Park (Office Building)
– Spencer – Heritage community Building
– Princeton – Chuck Methena Center (Stafford Commons)

Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 6:00-8:00 PM
– Glen Dale – John Marshall High School (Commons)
– Moorefield – South Branch Inn (Route 220)
– Fayetteville – New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitors Center
– Logan – Chief Logan State Park Conference Center
– Parkersburg – Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department (Route 68 South)

2020-2021 WV Ruffed Grouse Season Questionnaire

Nantahala and Pisgah Draft Forest Management Plan Released – RGS

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Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest

Action Alert: Nantahala and Pisgah Draft Forest Management Plan

RGS/AWS membership response in the process so far expressing the need for Young Forest Habitat has been outstanding and has already been impactful.

Now we need your voice again to influence the direction of management on our National Forests for the next 15-20 yrs.

[Read more…] about Nantahala and Pisgah Draft Forest Management Plan Released – RGS