Each year on National Trails Day, outdoor enthusiasts head outside to enjoy the public lands that make America special. For hunters, bird dog owners, hikers and wildlife watchers, trails provide more than recreation. They create access to wildlife habitat, connect people with conservation and support the active forest management needed to sustain healthy working forests.
“At RGS & AWS, trails are an important part of our conservation mission. Hunter walking trails promote foot travel through high-quality grouse and woodcock habitat while providing access for habitat management projects that benefit wildlife and forest health. Road maintenance and sustainability are also essential components of active vegetation management, helping conservation professionals reach project sites and ensuring stewardship investments continue delivering long-term habitat benefits,” said RGS & AWS Chief Conservation Officer Mark Hatfield.
Ottawa National Forest
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, RGS & AWS maintained more than 22 miles of hunter walking trails across the Ottawa. These trails provide recreation opportunities today, while ensuring access remains available for future forest management activities.
In addition to the trails work, RGS & AWS staff have planned 370 acres of habitat improvements and completed work across several hunter walking trail systems, including Norwich, Bluebill Creek, Harris Creek and Davidson Lakes. These projects have improved both habitat quality and public access while helping create healthier forests for grouse, woodcock and other wildlife.
More than 55 acres of alder shearing have been completed to restore aging habitat, while the 271-acre Glinda timber sale will generate revenue for future habitat improvements. The project will create new age-class diversity in aspen forests and improve habitat conditions around the Blue Road Hunter Walking Trail.
Chippewa National Forest
In northern Minnesota, stewardship agreements have allowed RGS & AWS to coordinate approximately 25 projects focused on forest health, timber production, wildlife habitat and recreation. Work includes installation of 22 hunter walking trail gates, wildlife opening maintenance, pollinator habitat enhancements, timber stand improvement projects and snowshoe hare habitat restoration. The commercial aspen regeneration harvests have created a diverse mosaic of forest age classes that benefits grouse, woodcock and numerous other wildlife species.
Access remains a key component of this work. RGS & AWS has restored and maintained approximately 45 miles of hunter walking trails and timber harvest roads annually across multiple sites. These trails not only provide recreation opportunities but also support future habitat management projects. Together, these efforts demonstrate how access and active management work hand in hand to improve public lands.
Whitewater Wildlife Management Area
In southeastern Minnesota’s Driftless Region, Whitewater Wildlife Management Area highlights the connection between public access, conservation and education. Earlier this year, members of the RGS & AWS Driftless Chapter gathered to explore the area’s trout streams, mixed hardwood forests, aspen stands and restored prairie habitat.
Participants learned about plans to help implement a five-year conservation strategy designed to protect and enhance grouse and woodcock habitat across the Whitewater landscape. The event demonstrated how active habitat management supports wildlife populations while creating quality recreational opportunities.
Volunteers also removed 25 bags of trash, four tires, two fence posts and other debris from the area. Stewardship efforts like these improve the visitor experience, strengthen the connection between people and the public lands they enjoy and ensure our public lands are properly managed and cared for by those who use them.
Trails Connect People to Conservation
National Trails Day serves as a reminder that trails are more than recreational amenities. They are essential tools for conservation, providing access for visitors while supporting the habitat management projects that keep forests healthy and productive.
At RGS & AWS, our commitment to habitat outcomes ensures that enhanced access is paired with high-quality wildlife habitat. By maintaining trails, improving roads and supporting active forest management, we’re helping create healthier forests, stronger wildlife populations and better outdoor experiences for future generations.
To support RGS & AWS’ ongoing efforts to improve forest habitats for future generations, visit RuffedGrouseSociety.org.
