Friday, November 20, 2020

Association of Consulting Foresters and Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Partner to Improve Wildlife Habitat

ACF and RGS&AWS Sign Memo of Understanding to Preserve Forests and Protect Wildlife

Williamsburg, VA – To help landowners improve the habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other songbirds and other forest wildlife, the Association of Consulting Foresters(ACF) and the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS&AWS) have formed a new collaboration.

In the memo of understanding, ACF and RGS&AWS agree to develop business models to advance sustainable forest management; raise awareness about wildlife conservation; develop and implement training programs and promotional materials for natural resource professionals and forest landowners; and support joint activities and opportunities including those at the chapter level.

ACF members are independent professionals who manage forests and market forest products for private woodland owners.

“This collaboration with RGS&AWS is a natural fit given ACF member capacity to assist landowners in forest management activities to improve wildlife habitat,” said Shannon M. McCabe, CAE, Executive Director, Association of Consulting Foresters. “We recognize the benefits of this partnership in furthering our common goals and are excited to work with RGS&AWS to promote sustainable natural resources management.”

RGS&AWS is a conservation organization dedicated to science-based approaches to healthy forest habitats for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and all forest wildlife.

“This is a great opportunity that allows both organizations to work together to reach our mutual goals,” said Benjamin C. Jones, President and CEO, Ruffed Grouse Society. “Through our efforts, we will have a stronger voice advocating for forest management and wildlife conservation, as well as other mutual interests.”

ACF members help landowners enhance property values, increase the value of timber, produce a more sustainable timber harvest, enhance wildlife habitat, and establish and protect a family’s forest legacy. Because of their vital role in the forest products supply chain, ACF members have been deemed essential workers during COVID-19. As a condition of membership, every consulting forester must have minimum education and experience levels, complete the Practice of Consulting Forester course, and most importantly, agree to adhere to the organization’s stringent Code of Ethics. For more information about ACF, log onto www.acf-foresters.org.

RGS&AWS members are grouse and woodcock conservationists who support national efforts to ensure the future of the species. Headquartered in Coraopolis, PA, RGS&AWS employ forest wildlife conservation professionals to work with private landowners and government, including local, state and federal land managers interested in improving their land for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and the other songbirds and wildlife with similar habitat requirements. For more information on RGS&AWS, visit ruffedgrousesociety.org.