As I sit down to write this President’s Message, like much of the last few weeks, I struggle to concentrate. Part of my struggle is clearly due to the distraction of planning for the 90^th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference and preparing for all the associated activities. But of course, further complicating my thought processes are the ongoing losses associated with federal capacity and particularly in the conservation arena.

As presented by Tony Wasley, President Wildlife Management Institute at the 90^th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference

Today, for only the second time in my short tenure at WMI, I have the honor of presenting the George Bird Grinnell Award for Distinguished Service to Natural Resource Conservation. This award is not only the Wildlife Management Institute’s highest honor but clearly one of the highest honors in the natural resource profession. It is truly a pleasure for me to present this award and have this opportunity to acknowledge the career contributions and distinguished service of this year’s recipient.

Resource Management Service, LLC (RMS), one of the world’s largest and most experienced providers of timberland investment services, recently achieved a groundbreaking conservation milestone by successfully reintroducing the federally listed reticulated flatwood salamander (Ambystoma bishopi) in collaboration with multiple agencies and partners.

New Research Identifies Public Approval of Hunting and Target Shooting is Softening as Concerns About Gun Violence Rise

New research shows declining support for hunting and target/sport shooting among the general population. A primary reason for this is that concern over gun violence is high and folks are increasingly associating activities such as legal, regulated deer hunting and recreational trap shooting with illegal gun violence.

Moose populations (Alces alces) in New England are experiencing reduced birth rates, and lower than normal calf and adult survival caused by severe winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) infestations. In the early spring of bad years, it is common to see “Ghost Moose” which are skeletal, and nearly hairless. The ghastly appearance of these moose combined with the population effects of the ticks has caused alarm by moose managers and the public in affected area.