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
News
The Ruffed Grouse Society Model of Working Forests
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.
- Special Edition Podcast | RGS & AWS Address
- Press Release | RGS & AWS Announces Re-Structure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Hunting Dog Podcast Interview with Ron Boehme
- Upland Nation Interview with Scott Linden
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 ForestsRuffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Announces Re-Structure
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.”
[Read more…] about Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Announces Re-StructureConservation is NOT Cancelled – RGS
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.
[Read more…] about Conservation is NOT Cancelled – RGSCOVID-19 Update from RGS/AWS President and CEO Ben Jones
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 JonesWest Virginia Ruffed Grouse Season Changes: Opportunity for Input
| 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) |
Nantahala and Pisgah Draft Forest Management Plan Released – RGS
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 – RGSSportDOG ® Brand Continues Partnership with Ruffed Grouse Society
The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS | AWS) are excited to announce the continuation of a partnership with SportDOG® Brand, an industry-leading manufacturer of electronic dog-training products and accessories, that dates back to 2007. With a renewed commitment to RGS | AWS, SportDOG Brand extends its contributions in support of uniting conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health.
[Read more…] about SportDOG ® Brand Continues Partnership with Ruffed Grouse SocietyRuffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Hire Glen Blackwood as Director of Regional Development in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana – RGS
Glen Blackwood hired as regional director of development in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.
The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS | AWS) are proud to announce the hiring of Glen Blackwood as the newly appointed director of regional development in Michigan. In his role, Blackwood will direct business development and fundraising programs in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana along with promoting recruitment events, educational activities, and habitat days.
[Read more…] about Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Hire Glen Blackwood as Director of Regional Development in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana – RGSRuffed Grouse Society Receives 4-Star Charity Navigator Rating for the 5th Consecutive Year – RGS
PRESS RELEASE
451 McCormick Rd
Coraopolis PA 15108
412-262-4044
For Immediate Release
February 7th, 2020
Coraopolis, PA – The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) was honored to maintain a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the 5th consecutive time that RGS has earned this top distinction. The 4-star rating is a result of RGS continuing to maintain sound fiscal management practices and a commitment to accountability and transparency in efforts to unite conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health.
[Read more…] about Ruffed Grouse Society Receives 4-Star Charity Navigator Rating for the 5th Consecutive Year – RGS