The future of our forest wildlife depends on dedicated conservationists and chapter leaders like Perry
The RGS & AWS family of volunteers represent a diverse group of individuals that at the core, deeply care for young forest habitat and the wildlife that benefits from these woodlands. Today, we’re recognizing Perry Seitzinger as a featured member of that work.
Perry is the chapter president for the Indiana Chapter of RGS as well as a certified forester and has been a leading voice in the conservation of ruffed grouse and young forest conservation in the Hoosier state.
In December 2020, ruffed grouse were added to the Indiana endangered species list; The population decline that created the need for this listing – which was supported by RGS – was attributed to loss of habitat due to aging forests. To Perry, ruffed grouse and forest management became a calling as a boy hunting in south central Indiana with his father. While one may not think of Indiana for its grouse hunting, Perry stated,
“I started grouse hunting in Indiana thirty years ago. At that time, grouse populations had already begun to decline. A good day hunting back then was moving 10 to 15 grouse in a day. In my lifetime, I have watched young forests and grouse rapidly disappear in the landscape.”
After graduation from Purdue University with a B.S. in Forestry, he started his career as an urban forester in Marion County (Indianapolis) before starting his own private practice: Seitzinger Forestry, LLC. His company manages private forests in the west central region of the state.
Perry said, “If grouse hunters and foresters aren’t ever-vigilant in advocating for active science-based forest management, it can very quickly have dire consequences on woodland wildlife like the near extirpation of the ruffed grouse in Indiana.”
His blend of volunteerism and forestry should resonate across the RGS & AWS community, as his eyes have viewed loss of both habitat and birds in the boilermaker state. Science, communication, and membership will lead us forward to make sure young successional forest management to the benefit of wildlife continues to be forefront in our message.
RGS & AWS would like to thank all members for your continued efforts and support of the our conservation mission. Without you, ruffed grouse, woodcock, and forest wildlife wouldn’t have a voice. Please send us a suggestion if you’d like to nominate someone as a Featured Member.
