Following a decision by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to withdraw a proposal to revise its management of old-growth and mature forests, the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society reiterated its own commitment to conserving wildlife habitat, promoting forest diversity and optimizing carbon stewardship across the entire National Forest System.
“It was a worthy effort for the Forest Service to find out where the oldest forests are and what care they need,” said RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones, “and we were encouraged by the agency’s discovery that old forests need active management just as the entire forest does. Withdrawing the proposal while learning from the analysis behind it is the right thing to do. Now, we need to accelerate the pace and scale of active management that promotes health across all forest types, young and old.”
RGS & AWS worked closely with the Forest Service in the years-long process, which was initiated following a 2022 executive order from President Joe Biden mandating USFS policy recommendations in consideration of landscape-level threats. RGS & AWS members weighed in as well during USFS public comment periods and at public meetings.
Chief Randy Moore announced the decision to withdraw the agency’s proposed environmental impact statement in a memo to Forest Service supervisors on Tuesday.
“This process has helped us to identify a wealth of best available scientific information and engage with many to gain important insights that can help to guide our future stewardship of these special forests,” stated Moore, also acknowledging that stakeholder feedback regarding place-based differences in national forests will enable the Forest Service to make better management decisions. Moore also signaled the agency’s continued commitment to collaborating with partners.
Following the USFS announcement, Jones thanked the Service for its comprehensive analysis and transparent process, including ample opportunities for public engagement, while underscoring the importance of science-based management of the nation’s forests.
“Healthy, resilient landscapes rely on diversity – a shifting mosaic of young, middle-aged and old forest – that are essential for both wildlife and climate resilience,” said Jones. “At RGS & AWS, we share the Forest Service’s commitment to proactive management, and we value partnership with the agency on true conservation – the sustained stewardship of our forest and wildlife resources.”
RGS & AWS has consistently stressed that accomplishing climate resilience in America’s national forests requires local capacity. A restoration economy can strengthen communities nested within national forests by creating family-supporting jobs in the forestry, forest products and restoration sectors. Social and economic stability can be supported by the Forest Service investing in projects that improve forest and watershed health.
“Forest science tells us that humans – who are major ecological players and have been for thousands of years – must continue to play a hands-on role in stewarding many natural systems,” Jones continued. “Active forest management aimed at achieving diverse landscapes can sustain ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and the greatest diversity of forest wildlife. Without it, species will be lost.”
Read more about RGS & AWS approach to advancing sustainable national forests management.
