Ruffed Grouse Society donates $28,478 to support young forest habitat management in Wisconsin

MADISON -- Seven young forest habitat management projects will be conducted in Wisconsin thanks to a $28,478 donation from the Ruffed Grouse Society that the state Natural Resources Board accepted at its meeting April 13 in Madison.

"The Ruffed Grouse Society continues to be a leader in improving wildlife habitat within Wisconsin's forests" said Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Kurt Thiede. "Wisconsin's upland bird hunters and birdwatchers have RGS to thank for a number of great habitat projects throughout the state."

The Ruffed Grouse Society is dedicated to the preservation of the sporting tradition by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. The society contributed these funds through its Wisconsin Drummer Fund Program. The Drummer Fund uses contributions from Wisconsin's Ruffed Grouse Society members to target important forest management practices across the state.

"Over 880 acres of habitat will be directly enhanced through the Drummer Fund Program - this is very beneficial to the full suite of wildlife species who call young forest habitat home," said Scott Walter, Ruffed Grouse Society regional wildlife biologist. "Wisconsin DNR has long been a committed partner in the Ruffed Grouse Society's mission to promote healthy forests, abundant wildlife, and sporting traditions. We are excited to continue this great partnership through this year's projects."

The Ruffed Grouse Society's donation will help fund the following habitat projects in Wisconsin:

• White River Wildlife Area alderregeneration ($2,300);
• D. Besadny Fish and Wildlife Areagrouse and woodcock habitat management ($4,928);
• Marathon County alder regeneration($2,500);
• Woodboro Lakes Wildlife Area habitatmanagement ($4,000);
• Black River County Forest openingmanagement ($6,250);
• Borst Valley Wildlife Area shrub and alderregeneration ($3,500); and
• Mud Lake Wildlife Area grouse andwoodcock habitat improvement ($5,000).

For more information regarding upland bird habitat management in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "young forest."