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A Big Win for Healthy Forests, Wildlife and the People Who Love Them in the Granite State 

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Federal judge takes note of RGS & AWS input in key ruling that backs forest management  

RGS & AWS extends a tip of the cap and congratulations to the dedicated and essential public service professionals on the White Mountain National Forest, the Forest Service Eastern Region and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science following U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante’s August 20th decision in the agency’s favor.   

This ruling supports the authorization of the Tarleton Integrated Resource Project and Peabody West Integrated Resource Project in New Hampshire, which will promote forest resilience and improve habitat diversity through science-based habitat management in a landscape where more conservation action is sorely needed. The work will benefit forest-dwelling species, ranging from the upland icons that dominate our daydreams to the peregrine falcons, imperiled bats, yellow-banded bumblebees, monarch butterflies and blooming asters who share these haunts.   

“The Granite State Chapter of RGS raised their hand with our National RGS team on this important issue for New Hampshire and beyond. We then worked together to make RGS a player in this fight for habitat. This was a great example of local Chapter eyes and ears on the ground and National team expertise working together to make a difference for habitat,” said Jeremy Thompson, Granite State Chapter habitat chair.

RGS & AWS continues to bring our perspective to debates and discourse about the importance of people taking action to care for our forests and their inhabitants. In his recent ruling, Judge Laplante took notice, directly citing the comment letter from RGS & AWS in which we pointed out the numerous wildlife species in decline in the White Mountains due, in large part, to a lack of forest diversity.   

Together with partners, RGS & AWS submitted an Amicus (friend of the court) brief to explain our perspectives in supporting this important work. We thank our collaborators for speaking up on behalf of a landscape we all care deeply about.   

RGS & AWS will continue to be on the lookout for opportunities to lend our voice in support of good work that aims to leave habitat and communities in better shape. Get in touch if you see a need for us to speak up about issues in or around your favorite places. With the pressing threats facing our forests and their inhabitants, a hands-off approach is, in many places, not an option. 

Support our mission with a gift or sign up for a membership today.   

Green Mountain National Forest – Howe and Boy Blue Timber Sale Projects

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Featured Habitat Project – Covers Winter 2025

by Amelia “Melly” Napper | RGS & AWS Vermont Public Lands Forester

In September 2023, RGS & AWS entered into its latest agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to support forest management and implement on-the-ground habitat improvements on 6,000 acres across four iconic American national forests from Minnesota to Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest.

The Somerset and South of Route 9 Integrated Resource Projects (IRP) on Green Mountain National Forest include management activities that aim to achieve multiple goals related to the Forest Plan. Creating forest habitat for diversity is an important objective for both projects. Using timber harvests, we’re creating conditions that restore and enhance the quality and diversity of habitat structure across the forest.

Some of the project area includes northern hardwood dominated stands as softwood habitats are under-represented across the forest. The treatments aim to shift the composition of some of the hardwood stands towards mixed wood and softwood stands. Creation of temporary openings increases the number of age classes and early successional habitat, which is currently not represented across the project areas.

Prior to the timber sale, there’s an extensive list of tasks that need to be completed to meet National Environmental Policy Act protocols and prepare the area for harvest. Working with the timber crew at the Manchester ranger district, I’ve been helping with the sale prep activities, such as marking timber, cruising timber and gathering geospatial data of the timber sale area to create an accurate representation of the resources being harvested.

Boy Blue is a timber sale, associated with the Somerset IRP, in Somerset, Vermont. Much of the area is dominated by American beech that have root sprouted in response to beech bark disease. The understory of many of these stands receive little light due to the intense competition with beech sprouts. The use of regeneration treatments will allow light to reach the forest floor and promote the regeneration of other species that aren’t as shade tolerant as beech and grow healthier, better-quality trees for the future.

Leave tree marking is used to implement the regeneration treatments; the trees being left behind are often high-quality crop trees that will provide seed.

Depending on the silvicultural treatment, tree retention is used to manipulate conditions to regenerate varied species. The hope is to shift most of the stands to sugar maple, yellow birch and red spruce. Throughout the timber sale, special attention is taken to preserve wildlife trees, such as bear clawed beech, cavity and certain legacy trees. Treatments such as group selections, clearcuts and shelterwoods also allow for the creation of temporary early successional habitat. Improvement cuts aim to promote healthy, superior quality trees for future sawtimber by removing single and groups of trees from a stand. This sale will likely be advertised in 2025.

Howe Pond in Readsboro, Vermont, is associated with the South of Route 9 IRP. Howe Pond is a much smaller timber sale and located on a poorer and rockier site than Boy Blue. Beech bark and leaf disease is present in most of the stands being treated. There is an effort to retain clean, non-symptomatic beech, in hopes that their genetic makeup may be resistant to the two different diseases. This sale also has a larger component of softwoods, mostly red spruce and hemlock.

Throughout the regeneration, treatments varying the amounts of tree retention are being used to create conditions that regenerate and promote red spruce. Similar to Boy Blue, the leave tree priority is sugar maple, yellow birch and red spruce. All of the hemlock within both timber sale boundaries will be retained for wildlife in response to hemlock wooly adelgid. Most of the timber sale is composed of regeneration treatments that aim to create a multi-aged stand with diverse habitat structures. This sale will be advertised this year.

Timber SaleAcres of Regeneration (approximately)Acres of Improvement (approximately)
Boy Blue18152
Howe Pond5116

RGS & AWS Receives Grant to Improve 28,600 Acres of Habitat in the Northeast

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Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is proud to announce a major new investment in forest health and wildlife habitat across the Northeast. Through generous support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s 2025 Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund, we’ve been awarded a $274,340 grant to advance large-scale forest resilience and habitat management across 28,600 acres in northern New York and Vermont’s Champlain Valley. This work is part of a larger collaborative effort that leverages an additional $274,340 in matching contributions from partners and supporters.

At a time when Northeast U.S. forests are facing mounting pressures from fragmentation, invasive species and an alarming decline in habitat diversity and quality, this grant enables our team and our partners to implement proactive, science-based solutions at scale. Working through our long-standing partnership with Paul Smith’s College (PSC), as well as with the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and Huntington Community Forest, we’ll advance landscape-level forest block planning, launch new habitat projects and engage hundreds of landowners, professionals and community members.

A Strong Foundation of Partnerships

This effort builds upon years of collaboration with public and private partners committed to restoring and stewarding the Northeast’s forests. RGS & AWS will work closely with PSC to enroll their 14,000-acre working forest in a comprehensive forest block plan, enhancing its role as a living laboratory for adaptive silviculture and habitat diversity. Together with PSC’s newly launched Institute of Forestry and its flagship Adirondack Watershed Institute, we will align fieldwork, student engagement and research to maximize impact.

State agencies, including the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, will provide vital support on public lands, helping to coordinate forest management efforts across key Wildlife Management Areas such as Fairfield Swamp and The Narrows in Vermont. Meanwhile, landowners surrounding these areas – representing over 57,000 acres already identified through NRCS’s Working Lands for Wildlife program – will continue to be engaged in habitat planning and restoration.

What This Project Will Deliver

With the support of NFWF and our funding partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sylvamo North America LLC and the American Forest Foundation, this project will:

  • Improve habitat across 1,800+ acres, including 321 acres prioritized for Golden-winged warbler, American woodcock and ruffed grouse.
  • Reach 200 participants through field workshops, volunteer events and outreach efforts
  • Support two regional Master Logger trainings to promote professional excellence in sustainable forestry

Our work will strengthen habitat for at-risk species, improve water quality, support community forests and recreation and enhance climate resilience by managing for structural complexity and species diversity. This grant also helps catalyze additional resources and attention for conserving the Northeast’s iconic young forest habitat – essential for a range of declining wildlife.

Looking Ahead

RGS & AWS believes the best conservation outcomes happen when we align the needs of wildlife, forest ecosystems, landowners and local communities. This investment allows us to do just that – bridging science and practice, local action and regional vision. We extend our deep thanks to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Sylvamo North America LLC, American Forest Foundation and all our project and funding partners. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a healthier, more connected forest landscape that benefits wildlife and people for generations to come.

To learn more about our forest habitat initiatives in the Northeast, visit RuffedGrouseSociety.org/northeast-regional-page/.

Restoring Forests and Habitat in Central New York: 1,400 Trees and Shrubs Planted at Heiberg Memorial Forest

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by Todd Waldron, Forest Conservation Director, Northeast U.S., Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

On a cool, rainy Saturday morning in late April, the spirit of healthy forests and quality habitat came to life in Central New York through a boots-on-the-ground project at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s (SUNY ESF) Heiberg Memorial Forest. Thirty-seven volunteers, including SUNY ESF students and faculty, along with Central New York RGS & AWS chapter members joined forces to plant 1,400 native trees and shrubs across a series of restoration plots. This was more than just a tree planting event; it was a moment of community, action and ecological renewal.

This year’s Central New York RGS & AWS Chapter annual Appleseed Habitat Project would not have been possible without strong partnerships and shared vision. It reflects what we at RGS & AWS believe is the future of conservation: collaborative, locally grounded and rooted in science and community values. Thanks to the generous support of the Central New York Community Foundation and the dedication of our partners at SUNY ESF and the Central New York RGS & AWS Chapter, the project marked a significant milestone in a broader effort to restore forest health and habitat diversity across a heavily altered landscape.

Building a Healthier Forest, One Tree at a Time
The habitat restoration efforts focused on enhancing habitat quality and forest resilience by replanting 1,000 native hardwood and conifer species like quaking aspen and balsam fir, along with 400 native wildlife shrubs to enhance and diversify habitat quality.

The planting site had recently undergone a thoughtfully planned and executed 18-acre sustainable timber harvest as part of a long-term forestry and habitat objective to regenerate the stand and establish a more natural, age-diverse forest structure. This aligns closely with the goals of both the New York State Wildlife Action Plan and SUNY ESF’s forest management strategy: to promote diverse, native forest types and improve habitat for species of greatest conservation need—including ruffed grouse and American woodcock.

Seedlings were protected with tubes, stakes and biodegradable mats to reduce deer browse pressure and support healthy root establishment. ESF faculty and the Forest Properties team, including Dr. Stephen Teale, were instrumental in preparing the site with contractor Jason Bush of Sky2Ground LLC, while our partner Kellen Murphy of Murphy Forest Management in Oneida, New York, guided volunteers through proper planting techniques.

The Central New York Chapter of RGS & AWS not only provided funding and volunteer support but also brought camaraderie and hospitality to the event—preparing a field-cooked lunch for volunteers after a hard day’s work. SUNY ESF students from multiple disciplines joined in, applying classroom knowledge in real-world conservation practice.

Special thanks to Central New York Community Foundation, who played a critical role by funding key aspects of the project—covering costs for seedlings, site prep, coordination and protective materials. Their investment in this initiative demonstrates the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, habitat conservation and community engagement across the region.

A Broader Vision: The Central New York Forest Block Partnership
This project is part of a larger, multi-year forest restoration and habitat initiative funded by Central New York Community Foundation’s Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund Grant and Central New York RGS & AWS Chapter’s Vitkus involving RGS & AWS, SUNY ESF and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Together, we’re working to improve forest health, habitat quality and age class diversity across more than 10,000 acres spanning Heiberg Forest, Morgan Hill State Forest, Kettle Bail State Forest and nearby private lands. This strategic partnership between RGS & AWS, SUNY ESF and New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) connects central New Yorkers to the outdoors by funding critical habitat improvement practices which promote a mosaic of diverse forest conditions, ages and culturally significant forest and native ecosystem benefits.

Dr. Robert J. Vitkus was a visionary and a passionate conservationist who was committed to expanding access to the outdoors and amplifying wildlife habitat and conservation efforts throughout central New York. Along with his broad support for conservation groups across the region, Dr. Vitkus was an active member and generous donor of RGS & AWS. Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and American woodcock (Scolopax minor) are species that were vitally important to Dr. Vitkus, but both are currently facing alarming population declines and significant habitat challenges. This is due to several factors, including habitat diversity decline across central New York and beyond.

Beyond active forest management and additive stewardship activities like wildlife plantings, the initiative includes innovative conservation practices like slash wall construction to deter over browsing by deer, invasive species control, mast tree release and in future phases, potentially prescribed fire to promote regeneration and ecosystem function. Long-term habitat, forest health and community impacts include:

  • Improved fish and wildlife habitat, including numerous Species of Greatest Conservation Need outlined in the New York State Wildlife Action Plan.
  • Enhanced mitigation against invasive species, insect infestation and disease
  • Leveraged community involvement and awareness through volunteer events and increased recreational opportunities.
  • Improved functionality of forest ecosystems that are native to Central New York.

It’s a bold vision and one rooted in sound science, strong partnerships, and a deep commitment to Central New York’s forests and communities.

To learn more about our forest habitat initiatives in the Northeast, visit RuffedGrouseSociety.org/northeast-regional-page/.

A Legacy Rooted in the Outdoors – Benjamin E. Jeffries

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Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is honored to announce the generous donation of 72 acres of forestland in Frankfort, Maine, (in Waldo County) by the Benjamin E. Jeffries Family Trust. This incredible gift reflects the late Mr. Jeffries’ lifelong dedication to the outdoors, upland hunting and forest conservation, and ensures his legacy will inspire future generations of conservationists and sportsmen alike.

A Legacy Rooted in the Outdoors

Benjamin E. Jeffries was a passionate outdoorsman with deep ties to Maine’s upland hunting culture. His vision for the land he stewarded was clear: to enhance its conservation value and provide sustainable habitat for wildlife. Over the years, the Jeffries family managed this property to support the health and diversity of the forest, creating a haven for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and countless other species. Their commitment embodies the spirit of responsible land stewardship and the deep cultural connection to Maine’s forests and wildlife.

In late 2023, the Jeffries family reached out to RGS & AWS with a vision to honor Benjamin’s legacy. Their wish was not only to donate this remarkable property but to ensure it continued to serve as a vital habitat for upland bird species and as a resource for the community. This act of generosity allows public access for upland hunting to remain a cornerstone of the land’s significant contribution in a state where most land is privately owned.

Enhancing Habitat, Expanding Access

The donated property exemplifies high conservation value, featuring diverse forest habitats that are crucial for the survival and prosperity of Ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other wildlife species. Over the years, the land has been actively managed to support young forest regeneration and to foster rich ecological diversity. These management practices align with the RGS & AWS mission to promote healthy, diverse forests and enhance habitats that benefit wildlife and local ecosystems.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the decision to grant public access to the property for upland hunting. This aspect of the donation is deeply meaningful. By opening this forestland to the public, the Jeffries family has not only honored Benjamin’s passion for the outdoors but also supported the broader hunting and conservation community.

A Call to Conservation-Minded Landowners

The Jeffries family’s generosity demonstrates how landowners can leave a lasting impact on wildlife conservation and public access. At RGS & AWS, we believe that partnerships like these are critical to the future of sustainable forest management and upland hunting traditions. This donation underscores the importance of private landowners’ roles in advancing conservation efforts, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Jeffries family for their trust and vision.

We invite other conservation-minded individuals and families to consider the potential of their own land to support wildlife habitat and public engagement. By partnering with RGS & AWS, landowners can help preserve the traditions and values we hold dear while making a profound impact on forest health and wildlife conservation.

Gratitude and Forward Vision

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society extends heartfelt thanks to the Benjamin E. Jeffries Family Trust for their extraordinary gift. This property will serve as a lasting testament to Benjamin’s love of the outdoors and his commitment to conservation. Together, we will honor his legacy by continuing to steward this land responsibly and ensuring it remains a vibrant habitat and a place for the public to connect with nature.

To learn more about how you can support RGS & AWS or explore opportunities to leave your own conservation legacy, visit RuffedGrouseSociety.org.

Standing for Active Forest Management: RGS & AWS Supports White Mountain National Forest Stewardship

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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 Forest Center, The Nature Conservancy, New Hampshire Audubon, the Society of American Foresters’ Granite State Division and more. Each partner shares a commitment to sustainable forest stewardship that balances ecological health, public engagement and the economic vitality of local communities.

This collaborative effort responds to a legal challenge that threatens to restrict the ability of the Forest Service to carry out timber harvests—actions that have been meticulously planned through a public process. These harvests aren’t random; they’re part of a long-term strategy to enhance forest diversity and resilience, benefiting ruffed grouse, American woodcock and a suite of other wildlife species that thrive in young forests.

Why did we step forward? Because the stakes are high. Limiting active forest management undermines the progress we’ve made in advocating for forests that sustain diverse habitats. The WMNF is not only a natural treasure but also a living example of how thoughtful silviculture can create forests that are healthier, more resilient and teeming with life.

Our participation in this legal effort aligns directly with our mission. At RGS & AWS, we champion working forests that are alive with birdsong and brimming with opportunities for upland bird hunters. Supporting the Forest Service’s plans is about more than a single decision; it’s about preserving the ability of land managers to implement sound practices that safeguard our forest heritage.

This is a call to action for all who value the hunting tradition, the thrill of a flushing grouse and the integrity of our forests. Together, we’re ensuring that the next generation will inherit not just a landscape to marvel at, but a legacy to uphold.

For the love of forests and the upland birds we cherish,
The Northeast RGS & AWS Team

Join RGS & AWS in Supporting Science-Based Forestry and Habitat Management in New Hampshire
Join RGS & AWS today and let your voice be heard. Your voice matters in preserving the balance of our national forests. Together, we can ensure a thriving future for wildlife and forest ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions:


What is the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), and why is it important?


The WMNF spans almost 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and Maine and is one of only two national forests in New England, offering multiple benefits like wildlife habitat, recreation, timber production and carbon sequestration. Its management reflects the “multiple use” principle, ensuring that it serves diverse needs sustainably while preserving its natural beauty.


What are the two timber projects being litigated?


A lawsuit, seeking injunctive relief, was filed in May 2024 in the United States District Court, New Hampshire, by the environmental group Standing Trees. This litigation seeks to stop the Tarleton Integrated Resource Project and Peabody West Integrated Resource Project from moving forward, alleging that the Forest Service bypassed the public input process in coming to their decision. Tarleton and Peabody West are multiple use forest management projects located in the Pemigewasset and Androscoggin Ranger Districts. Silvicultural treatments for the two projects total less than 3,000 acres, or 0.375% of the total national forest area. WMNF began the public planning and scoping process for the Peabody West Integrated Resource Project in December 2019 and the public comment period was initiated in August 2022. An objection period started in April 2023, and the Forest Service’s decision was made in February 2024. The public comment period for Tarleton began in July 2021 and a two-year planning process ensued before a decision was reached by the Forest Service in November 2023. This public input was considered by the Forest Service as they developed the plans to align with the 2005 WMNF Land and Resource Management Plan “The Forest Plan.” 


Why is RGS & AWS involved in this amicus brief?

Science-based forest management on our public lands is central to RGS & AWS’s mission of promoting young forests that sustain ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. By joining the amicus brief, RGS supports sustainable forestry practices on WMNF that improve forest health and biodiversity while balancing ecological and human values.


Who are the coalition partners supporting the amicus brief?


Partners include the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Appalachian Mountain Club, The Nature Conservancy, Northern Forest Center, New Hampshire Audubon, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, New England Society of American Foresters and others. Each organization has a unique mission and role in its commitments to healthy forests, open space and connecting New Englanders to nature. 


What are the main arguments in favor of the U.S. Forest Service’s management plans?


The WMNF Management Plan, including the Tarleton and Peabody West integrated resource management projects, are the result of extensive public input and balance diverse uses, from recreation to open space to timber harvesting. The planned projects fulfill the goals of the forest plan, which promotes healthy ecosystems, wildlife habitat and sustainable forest products. Restricting these efforts undermines forest health and resiliency.


How does this effort align with RGS & AWS’s mission?


RGS & AWS advocate for diverse, resilient forests that support upland bird species. By defending the U.S. Forest Service’s ability to manage public forests, we ensure the continuation of practices that foster the habitats crucial for grouse, woodcock and other wildlife.


What happens next?


The court will review the amicus brief and the arguments from all sides. Meanwhile, RGS & AWS will continue advocating for science-based forest management and educating our members and the public at large about the importance of public land stewardship. Members can stay engaged by supporting our advocacy efforts and spreading awareness of the benefits of sustainable forestry.

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