by Emily Sliski, RGS & AWS Mid-Atlantic Engagement Coordinator
What began as two chapters supporting the mission of RGS & AWS has become one incredibly impactful collaboration in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The Charles E. Bechtel Chapter is a historic chapter within RGS & AWS. “The Bechtel Chapter was started to raise funds for RGS & AWS for the oldest volunteer-run fundraising banquet,” said John Cave, chapter president. “Our 47 years of being a chapter shows the dedication of the committee, the chapter founders and the many men and women who’ve made the chapter so special.”
The South Mountain Chapter has experienced several waves of leadership, making their history a bit more challenging to track. “We have a storied history back before the current crew restarted in 2004,” said committee member Jan Christen.
Fortunately, current President Troy Leid has been involved for nearly a decade. “Back then, I was just looking to be part of a chapter, to interact with others who are passionate about woodcock and grouse hunting, to share stories and make friendships with others who love bird dogs. What I found on top of that were individuals who were really dedicated to raising money for and advancing the mission of conservation.”
While it’s important to recognize individual pasts, it’s the future of these chapters that’s so inspiring. “One thing that’s allowed us to continue our service has been our ability to adapt,” said John Cave.
To benefit both chapters, chapter leaders decided on a collaborative banquet instead of holding individual struggling events. “The rest is history,” said Christen. “We’re much stronger together. Our circle of influence is larger, our enthusiasm is higher, our revenue is higher and our impact on habitat is larger.”
The chapters now function under the collective Southeastern PA Chapters. Beyond their annual conservation banquet, they host a successful fundraising shoot, a seafood fest, Birds and Brew, Shoot and Brew, annual ticket raffles, host a booth at a local youth hunting and fishing day and hold a marquee habitat field day, which merges education and outreach with tree planting. Dave Henry, the habitat chair, spearheads the field day and all chapter habitat efforts. “With attendance of 50 people at each field day, the chapter’s time and effort has helped educate the public about wildlife and their habitats,” said Henry.
Since their partnership began, approximately $44,000 of RGS & AWS funds (chapter funds leveraged alongside PA Drummer Funds) have provided access for the management of 2,400 acres of young forest habitat across three regional state game lands. Ben Larson, Mid-Atlantic forest conservation director, often points to the southeastern chapters as a prime example of how local chapters can navigate local relations with public land agencies, leading to high-impact habitat for grouse, woodcock and other forest wildlife.
What’s next for these chapters-in-partnership? “Our focus now is reaching the next generation of conservationists,” said Christen. “All RGS & AWS members and grouse hunters need to ask themselves, ‘If not us, then who?’ Conservation and creation of heathy diverse forests are the only thing that can save our beloved sport for future generations wanting to chase the King and Prince of the woods.”
Emily Sliski is the RGS & AWS Mid-Atlantic regional engagement coordinator. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Johnathan, and two Springer Spaniels, Fern and Wild.
