Pittsburgh, Pa. (February 21, 2024) – The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) has signed a national partnership agreement with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF and QF), affirming the organizations’ commitment to working together in support of habitat conservation.
The memorandum of understanding sets the stage for on-the-ground efforts that will advance habitat solutions at a landscape scale for upland gamebirds and all wildlife that benefit from active forest and early successional habitat management. The organizations’ work will focus on restoring “dynamic forest landscapes” through sustainable, science-based methods, a holistic approach that restores ecosystem function, benefiting wildlife and people on both public and private lands.
RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones emphasized the MOU’s value to the participating organizations, as well as to upland hunters, outdoor recreationists and anyone who appreciates the importance of sustainable resources management for wildlife.
“Whether you’re chasing woodcock, bobwhites or both, American hunters understand the importance of habitat management,” said Jones. “RGS & AWS is proud to officially partner with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to improve habitat in key regions and to advance our shared organizational values.”
“We’ve been successfully working alongside RGS & AWS for many years. This agreement bolsters our commitment to restoring our uplands and the species that depend on them,” said Marilyn Vetter, PF and QF’s president and CEO. “There are immediate and meaningful opportunities to partner on woodcock and quail habitat in particular. Their overlap in habitat across Southeastern U.S. creates an ideal situation to strengthen our partnership, and together we can ensure the uplands continue to thrive for future generations.”
Jones and Vetter signed the MOU on Saturday during the 41st annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, or SEWE, which takes place in Charleston, South Carolina, to celebrate the outdoors through fine art, live entertainment and special events.
About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future.
About Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 400,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy.
###
Media Contact: Katie McKalip
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
KatieM@RuffedGrouseSociety.org
