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Global Study Reveals the Extent of Habitat Fragmentation

The planet’s forests are shrinking, and it’s playing out to the tune of massive species losses, a new study shows. And birds could be one of the biggest fatalities. In the landmark study, published in Science Advances, researchers across the globe used results from seven separate experiments carried out in five continents to posit that habitat fragmentation is rife. Ultimately, they found that 70 percent of global forests lie within just half a mile of their edges, exposing woodland species to human developments and agriculture. Even worse, almost 20 percent of forested land has just 100 meters (the equivalent length of
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First Georgia Golden Eagle Added to Regional Tracking Project

A high-tech research project helped along by a middle Georgia hunt club recently began tracking one of the state’s most rare raptors – a golden eagle. Project partners including West Virginia University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Cellular Tracking Technologies and Devil’s Backbone Hunting Club teamed to catch the young eagle at a “bait” pile Feb. 15 and attach a tracking device. The club’s 4,700-acre lease borders Sprewell Bluff Wildlife Management Area near Thomaston. The 5-year-old eagle, which was still in the area as of Monday, is the first caught in Georgia for the effort that has documented eastern
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New Study Looks at Future of Appalachian Energy Development

A new study and online mapping tool released by the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) and The Nature Conservancy are intended to inform discussions among conservation agencies and organizations, industry, policy makers, regulators and the public on how to protect essential natural resources while realizing the benefits of increased domestic energy production. The study and online mapping tool were developed by Nature Conservancy researchers through a grant from the Appalachian LCC—one of a nationwide network of 22 partnerships linking science with management to sustain natural and cultural resources at large, regional scales.  The study assesses energy development potential and trends
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Public Meetings to Discuss Forest Management to Benefit Grouse, Wildlife

A series of public meetings to discuss forest management to benefit grouse and other woodland species in eastern Kentucky will begin next week. Biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will conduct meetings in Morehead, Paintsville and Corbin. Grouse populations in eastern Kentucky have been on the decline for several years. Management planning seeks to boost the population of forest species such as grouse. Presenters will discuss the current status of woodlands wildlife, existing forest conditions, the department’s future vision for management and an ongoing partnership with Wisconsin on habitat work. Department officials will seek feedback from the audience
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RGS Announces PA Drummer Fund Habitat Projects 2015

Seven projects benefiting ruffed grouse and American woodcock habitat in Pennsylvania have been selected by the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and its sister organization the American Woodcock Society (AWS) to receive $45,000 during 2015 through the Pennsylvania Drummer Fund program. These projects will improve habitat on 2,577 acres and include the following partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), Army Corps of Engineers (ACE), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Parks Division, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). “The Ruffed Grouse Society has a strong and storied history of supporting healthy forest habitat
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NWTF and U.S. Forest Service Award Recognizes Conservation Achievements

The Making Tracks with the Forest Service awards recognize people and projects that best incorporate conservation education, partnerships and wild turkey management. The awards are presented during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Convention and Sport Show to people and projects that achieve goals of the organization’s Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initative. Wayne National Forest in Ohio, took top honors in the Habitat Management Program category. This award recognizes program accomplishments that benefit wild turkeys over several years. Numerous programs and projects take place on Wayne National Forest. Nearly 5,500 acres of habitat will receive or already have
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