RGS & AWS is expanding its conservation and development capacity in the Upper Midwest with the addition of two new team members: Emma Belling as forest wildlife specialist in Wisconsin and Brett Edstrom as director of regional development for the Western Great Lakes.
Emma Belling – Forest Wildlife Specialist, Wisconsin
Belling will serve in a collaborative partnership role based in Rhinelander with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Her work within a DNR service center will support both public and private lands across northeastern Wisconsin.
A Wisconsin native, Belling earned a degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and brings professional experience in prescribed fire, habitat restoration, forest management and endangered species management. She most recently worked as an assistant tree improvement forester after serving as a wildlife area manager for the state of Virginia. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking and kayaking with her husband.
Brett Edstrom – Director of Regional Development, Western Great Lakes
Edstrom joins RGS & AWS with more than 20 years of sales experience in the public safety and communications industry and a long record of leadership in the conservation community. He is the past president of the Goodhue County Pheasants Forever Chapter, the Minnesota Grouse Dog Association and the Minnesota Hunting Spaniel Association. He also served on the boards of the Chippewa Valley Grouse Dog Association and Region 19 of the Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America.
In his new role, Edstrom will focus on building and strengthening relationships with partners and supporters across Minnesota and Wisconsin in support of the RGS & AWS mission and the conservation of the woods and wildlife we all hold dear.
These additions strengthen RGS & AWS’ work to advance active forest management and build durable partnerships that benefit ruffed grouse, American woodcock and the broader suite of conservation efforts across the region.
