RGS Charles E. Bechtel Chapter to Host Field Day

RGS Charles E. Bechtel Chapter to Host Field Day
Sportsmen and other conservationists invited to participate.

Ruffed Grouse Society
Ruffed Grouse Society

Coraopolis, PA — -(OutDoorWire.com)- The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will hold its 25th Annual South Eastern Pennsylvania Field Day on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at State Game Lands 110 in Shartlesville, Pennsylvania from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

This year Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) Regional Forester, Dave Henry has asked for assistance on a habitat project on State Game Lands 110. The day begins with light refreshments at the parking lot at the top of the Blue Mountain just East of State Route 183. Once everyone has convened the group will proceed by vehicle (on an unimproved dirt road) across the top of the mountain and descend the North Slope.

The demonstration area is a large deer exclosure. Participants will hear about the value of such exclosures, see the habitat benefit of them and the reason why this enclosure has served it purpose. RGS regional biologist Mark Banker will also provide information on the importance of the habitat that has been created at this site.

The North Slope of the Blue Mountain is covered with mature forest. However the value of the timber in this area is low and the cost of access is high resulting in few habitat improvement projects in the area. The Bechtel Chapter, in cooperation with other South Eastern Chapters, would like to rectify this situation. Mr. Henry will talk in depth about the “Road Project” that has been discussed for the past several years, and why this project has to succeed.

This will be followed by a round table discussion and lunch. Following lunch, Mr. Henry and other PGC employees will show attendees how to proceed with the removal of some or all of the deer exclosures.
The PGC has a limited supply of tools for the job, so if you can bring a hammer, linesman’s and fence pliers or similar pliers for cutting fence and/or a small staple remover bar they will help. Leather gloves and eye protection are also recommended.

This event is a great opportunity to meet some of the great folks that work for the commission, interact with sportsman that hunt the area every year and help on a habitat project.

Registration is required and you can do that by sending your name, address, phone number and the number of people in your party to: John Cave, 1220 Milestone Road, Robesonia PA 19551 or you can e-mail the information to cavescorner@comcast.net .

About:
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.

Information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.