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
President's Message
Ruffed 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 JonesGiving Tuesday | Join The Movement
Make a Giving Tuesday donation today.
Over the years, the American Woodcock Society (AWS) has supported ground-breaking research into this fascinating bird, the American woodcock. First, a migration study in the Central Flyway revealing key nesting grounds, migratory paths, and wintering locations. Now, a similar study in the Eastern Flyway. In 2017 AWS sponsored the 11th American Woodcock Symposium, highlighting work from the world’s leading researchers.
[Read more…] about Giving Tuesday | Join The MovementBen Jones Addresses West Nile Virus Testing in Ruffed Grouse – RGS
Grouse enthusiasts are abuzz this week with hunting seasons in full swing and recent press releases from key states. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan shared 2018 West Nile Virus testing results after an unexpected laboratory delay (details can be found here).
I read the reports, completed phone interviews with reporters and braced myself. When West Nile Virus appears in the news, it can even eclipse dog breed and shotgun choice “discussions” in level of interest and disagreement. Justifiably so. The appearance of a new disease threatening our beloved ruffed grouse is reason for concern.
[Read more…] about Ben Jones Addresses West Nile Virus Testing in Ruffed Grouse – RGSPresident’s Message
October 1, 2019
Don’t you just love this time of the year?
The air is crisper, skies are brighter, and colorful foliage fills the forest. These are the days
we live for, and to celebrate our love for October, we’re launching an amazing membership
promotion you don’t want to miss!
During October, when you join, renew or rejoin the Ruffed Grouse Society or
American Woodcock Society as an auto renewing Regular ($35)member, you’ll
receive our latest Upland Awesome Forests t-shirt as a special gift.
2018 Annual Report | Taking Stock
READ Full Version | 2018 Annual Report
Last April, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Executive Board and I had our first conversation—the first of many. Initially, the CEO interview brought us together. By the end of that discussion, it was clear we were converging on much more in our conservation pathways.
[Read more…] about 2018 Annual Report | Taking StockPresident’s Message: Spring Magazine
I had to smile when my son came flying through the house with the mail last week. He was holding a magazine – the start of his Ranger Rick subscription from Grandma. His own name was right there on the address bar. Magical! Of course, he wanted to read the whole thing that night. I counseled him in the art of savoring a magazine, relishing articles, hence minimizing downtime until the next issue. Sage advice, but admittedly hypocritical since I rip through my favorite periodicals within days of receipt. Then, when the next installment finally appears on the kitchen counter, everyone at home really enjoys my response. Kind of like a 5-year old!
[Read more…] about President’s Message: Spring MagazinePRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: What are “Healthy Forests”?
“I have read many definitions of what is a conservationist, and written not a few myself, but I suspect that the best one is written not with a pen, but with an axe. It is a matter of what a man thinks about while chopping, or while deciding what to chop. A conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke he is writing his signature on the face of his land.”
[Read more…] about PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: What are “Healthy Forests”?