RGS Bolsters Leadership to Accelerate Forest Wildlife Conservation

 

Pittsburgh, Pa. (Aug. 14, 2025) — The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) today announced the hiring of two nationally respected conservation leaders to fill new roles: Chief Conservation Officer (operations) Mark Hatfield and Vice President of Conservation Karl Malcolm. The additions mark a major investment in RGS & AWS’ leadership and ability to scale habitat conservation across North America.

“These are transformational leaders who have built impactful careers in conservation,” said RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones. “We’re building a team that matches the urgency and opportunity facing forest wildlife. Mark and Karl bring the experience and the vision we need to lead the future of working forest conservation.”

Hatfield, who most recently served as the national director of science and planning at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), brings decades of experience in nonprofit operations, conservation strategy and organizational growth. He led NWTF’s $50+ million Keystone Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, negotiated in 2022, stewarded and expanded the NWTF and Natural Resources Conservation Service partnership and has managed field programs, finances and staff at national scale.

“RGS & AWS has a proud history and a powerful mission,” Hatfield said. “I’m honored to help strengthen its operational capacity so the entire conservation team and our volunteers can do what they do best – restore habitat, build partnerships and make a difference on the ground and in communities.”

Malcolm, previously assistant director of renewable resources for the Forest Service’s Eastern Region, is a policy expert and field biologist with global conservation credentials. His early work included directly supporting the establishment of China’s first privately funded nature reserve, and his Forest Service leadership role positioned him as a close partner of RGS & AWS in recent years.

 “Ruffed grouse, woodcock and the healthy forests these iconic species help define need proactive, science-based conservation action,” Malcolm said. “This role allows me to combine my background in policy, relationship building and boots-on-the-ground project delivery in a way that will benefit forests, wildlife and all of us who cherish these special places.”

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USFWS Director Nesvik Confirmed

August 4, 2025

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies enthusiastically commends the Senate for confirming the nomination of Brian Nesvik, who will serve as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). On August 1, 2025, the Senate confirmed the former Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

“We applaud the selection and confirmation of Brian Nesvik, a proven leader who possesses a strong history of collaboration and conservation,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Mr. Nesvik’s commitment to fulfilling the public trust responsibilities, understanding of cooperative management and commitment to science-based conservation, make him an ideal choice to lead the federal agency most critical to our natural resources. Mr. Nesvik’s experience, demonstrated collaborative leadership skills, and commitment to conservation excellence will strengthen the federal-state relationship and enhance our shared efforts to sustain America’s fish and wildlife resources for future generations.”

The Association proudly supported his nomination and joined many other conservation organizations in advocating for his advancement, including through a public letter of support submitted to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

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Federal Judge Upholds Swampbuster

Wildlife Management Institute Outdoor News

June 16, 2025

A federal judge in Iowa has ruled against a landholding company that sought to dismantle a long-standing wetlands law called Swampbuster. Starting in 1985, the Farm Bill put conditions on the receipt of federal subsidies: farmers must not drain wetlands (“Swampbuster”) or plant crops on highly erodible land (“Sodbuster”) if they want to receive the subsidies. Chief Judge C.J. Williams in the Northern District of Iowa dismissed CTM Holdings’ claims, saying Swampbuster falls within the spending power of Congress. Congress can attach conditions to federal funds “in pursuit of the general welfare and may require a recipient’s compliance with conditions to receive the funding.”

The lawsuit arose when CTM Holdings sought to farm a 9-acre portion of property that had previously been designated a wetland. The company, which rents the property to farmers, alleged in the complaint that the USDA “unconstitutionally” conditions its farm benefits through Swampbuster. The company also argued that the wetlands in question were dry, but the federal agency would not remove the wetland designation.

Under the Farm Bill conservation provision, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can withhold federal subsidies, like crop insurance and disaster payments, from farmers who clear, drain, or convert designated wetlands. CTM Holdings, a company that owns around 800 acres in Iowa, argued that the Swampbuster law unconstitutionally restricts what farmers can do with their property.

Liberty Justice Center, one of the law firms representing CTM Holdings, said in an X post that it will appeal the decision to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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NDA names MDC 2024 Agency of the Year

Missouri recognized for deer management, hunter recruitment and education, and stakeholder engagement.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The National Deer Association (NDA) named the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) its 2024 Agency of the Year Award winner. The award recognizes an agency that has practiced innovative and progressive deer management techniques; affected positive change in deer management regulations, hunter education, hunter recruitment, and/or involvement in youth hunting; and has engaged its hunters and other key stakeholders in the deer management process. MDC was presented with the award Friday, March 28 at Commission Headquarters in Jefferson City.

“We’re thankful to the National Deer Association for presenting MDC with this award,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle. “Deer management in Missouri is a team effort involving hunters, MDC staff, landowners, and partners like the National Deer Association, and we’re grateful for everyone’s contribution.”

According to NDA’s 2025 Deer Report, Missouri consistently ranks high in numerous deer management categories. MDC was also recognized for its Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), its targeted removal program to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), and its collaborative efforts with key conservation partners and the public to revise its 10-Year White-tailed Deer Management Plan.

“Driven by science and with public input, MDC has a deer management program that benefits deer, deer habitat, and all Missouri residents,” said NDA Senior Director of Conservation Matt Ross. “We are proud to present this award to them and honored to have such a strong partnership with MDC.”

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First zoo-raised hellbender successfully reproducing in the wild

April 13, 2023 by MDC News

Missouri hits significant milestone in endangered hellbender population recovery.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a significant milestone in population recovery efforts of the endangered Ozark hellbender. A zoo-raised hellbender has successfully reproduced within the Current River.

“We are very excited to announce this news,” said Missouri State Herpetologist Jeff Briggler. “This is the first documented event of a zoo-raised animal fathering a clutch of eggs in the wild.”

Rivers in southern Missouri and adjacent northern Arkansas once supported up to 27,000 Ozark hellbenders. Today, fewer than 1,000 exist in the world – so few that the Ozark hellbender was added to the federal endangered species list in October 2011.

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