Northeast

Photo Credit: BILL GREENE/GLOBE STAFF FILE The Boston Globe recently published an Argument article asking readers if they would support a moratorium on commercial harvesting of state forest land. As wildlife advocates, most of us know that creating a mixed-age mosaic is the foundation of good habitat. Moratoriums like this, which are an all-or-nothing approach, are counterproductive to progress. Wildlife habitat is up against the ropes currently, with proponents of the poll voting 66% against us. It’s time to speak up! Please take a moment, scroll to the bottom of the article, and vote NO on the moratorium. Then, for hypothetical bonus points, comment...

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Please speak up regarding forest health and habitat diversity on the Green Mountain National Forest before March 13, 2023. Click HERE. The Green Mountain National Forest is inviting public comments for the Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project located on the Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts, and we need your support. The 72,250-acre project area is within Rutland, Windsor and Addison Counties, Vermont and includes the towns of Brandon, Chittenden, Goshen, Killington, Mendon, Pittsfield, Pittsford and Stockbridge. The Telephone Gap project includes various proposed forest and habitat management activities to achieve multiple resource goals, objectives and desired future conditions as...

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Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society is pleased to announce that we have recently signed an exciting pilot partnership agreement with Paul Smith’s College in New York.  Situated on 14,000 acres of sustainably managed maple, birch, pine and spruce forests, Paul Smith’s is known as the “College of the Adirondacks” and is widely recognized for its nationally acclaimed forestry program. Our partnership aims to provide hands-on educational opportunities for students in Silviculture, Forest Mensuration II, and Timber Harvesting classes, while also advancing our shared goals around habitat diversity and healthy forests. There is a key public and professional outreach and...

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We hope everyone is having a great hunting season. Here is an update on some exciting conservation initiatives and projects that RGS & AWS is moving forward in Maine, thanks to our amazing chapter leaders and members throughout the Pine Tree State. Downeast Lakes Land Trust Woodcock Habitat Restoration Project:The Downeast Lakes Land Trust Woodcock Habitat Restoration Project connects two nationally recognized conservation partners with a demonstrated commitment to sustainable forests, local communities, outdoor recreation, and wildlife habitat diversity.RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and all forest wildlife. Since 2001,...

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Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly 450,000 acres of forests across the Commonwealth. These forests are managed for a variety of co-benefits including recreation, water quality, open space, sustainable forest products and wildlife habitat. One of DCR’s guiding management frameworks is called the Landscape Designations and Management Guidelines, which have been in place for over a decade. DCR classifies its state forestland into three broad categories including Woodlands (active forestry), Parklands (parks and heavy recreation use) and Reserves (no forestry except in unique situations approved by the Forest Reserve Scientific Advisory Committee).Approximately 40% of state forestland is...

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