Informational structure dedicated to the memory of Gordon Gullion

Coraopolis, PA – The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) was honored to be a part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) dedication of an informational kiosk at the Mille Lacs WMA headquarters near Onamia, MN on Wednesday, especially since the kiosk was dedicated to the memory of Gordon Gullion — a University of Minnesota professor and world-renowned expert on ruffed grouse whose life work was centered around this magnificent game bird and whose forest-management procedures has become a blueprint for others to follow.

Funded through RGS with a grant from Federal Premium Ammunition, the two-panel kiosk located on the circle drive in front of the WMA’s headquarters gives an overview of Gullion’s ruffed grouse research and discusses the importance of habitat to the bird’s lifecycle.

The grant is part of the Minnesota-based ammunition company’s effort to highlight science-based management and show how critical applied research is to habitat for wildlife and recreation.

“Mille Lacs is the ideal place to highlight the benefits of forest management to wildlife, particularly grouse, because much of Gullion’s work was done right here,” said Dan Dessecker, RGS director of conservation policy. “His research clearly demonstrated the important relationships between ruffed grouse populations and aspen.”

“Gullion was a world-renowned researcher whose work at Mille Lacs has helped sustain Minnesota as one of the top grouse hunting destination in the country,” said DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. “His work was instrumental in developing forest management practices that benefit ruffed grouse.”

Also in attendance was Ted Dick, the newly installed ruffed grouse coordinator, a position created through a RGS and DNR partnership. Dick will provide insight that will allow both organizations to better focus on habitat for game and non-game species and promote the continuation of abundant grouse and woodcock hunting opportunities.

“The people, practices and places Gullion’s work influenced over the many years of his research are one of the reasons I have this opportunity,” said Dick. “I’m here to work with others who share an interest in healthy forests and quality grouse habitat.”

In addition too, and in appreciation of Federal’s commitment to habitat and wildlife, particularly the efforts of Bill Stevens, the company’s former conservation coordinator, RGS President and CEO Mike Zagata presented the now retired Stevens with a bronze grouse for his lifelong commitment to conservation.

In making the presentation, Zagata said, “Bill and I have been friends for more than 30 years, during which time we fought many battles together for conservation. For this and many more reasons, it is with great pride and pleasure I present Bill with this acknowledgement for all his conservation efforts throughout those 30-plus years.”

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.

Recognized by Charity Navigator as a four-star not-for-profit organization, information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.

Media Contact:

Dan Dessecker

715-234-8302

E-mail: rgsdess@chibardun.coop