At RGS & AWS, we’re committed to conserving wildlife habitat, promoting forest diversity and optimizing carbon stewardship across forest landscapes, including National Forest System lands. Thus, we view the recent decision by the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw a proposal to revise its management of old-growth and mature forests as an important step toward a sustainable future for America’s forests. The move underscores the importance of active management, thoughtful conservation and strong partnerships in sustaining diverse, resilient landscapes.
The Forest Service proposal, initiated in response to a 2022 executive order by President Joe Biden, sought to address the pressing challenges posed by landscape-level threats to forest health. RGS & AWS worked closely with the USFS throughout this process, offering scientific expertise, advocating for comprehensive management approaches and engaging members of our community during public comment periods and meetings. This collaboration affirmed our shared commitment to ensuring all forest types – from young stands to ancient groves – thrive under sound stewardship.
“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.”
USFS Chief Randy Moore, in a memo announcing the withdrawal, highlighted the valuable insights gained during the process. He pointed to the importance of stakeholder input and scientific findings that will continue to guide forest management strategies. At RGS & AWS, we appreciate the agency’s transparent approach and its commitment to working collaboratively with partners to achieve conservation goals.
“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.”
Beyond ecological benefits, active forest management offers significant socioeconomic rewards. At RGS & AWS, we advocate for fostering a “restoration economy” that strengthens communities by creating family-supporting jobs in forestry, forest products and restoration work. Investments in projects that improve forest and watershed health bolster both ecological stability and economic vitality in communities surrounded by national forests.
For more than 60 years, RGS & AWS has been a leader in advancing sustainable forest management grounded in sound science. Our dedicated forestry professionals collaborate with public and private stakeholders to ensure forests remain a lasting resource for wildlife and future generations alike.
The withdrawal of the USFS proposal is not the end of the conversation. To the contrary: it’s a step toward more informed, impactful conservation efforts. As we move forward, our mission remains clear: to promote healthy, resilient landscapes that sustain the greatest diversity of forest wildlife. Together, we can ensure the stewardship of forests that benefit wildlife, climate and the communities that depend on them.
Learn more about our work to build healthy and sustainable forest landscapes. Support the RGS & AWS mission today by joining or gifting a membership!
