Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Who knew there were so many silent grouse hunters and other people interested in helping save the little birds' habitat?

Before the publication of a recent Star-Ledger Outdoors column that told of his plight, Jim De Saye, president of the Ruffed Grouse Society's Skylands Chapter, could never seem to find enough volunteers to help with the group's habitat restoration projects.

But now his phone is ringing off the hook and De Saye couldn't be happier.

"I've recruited probably 20 people so far," he said yesterday. "It's probably going to end up being a lot more than that, only because lots of them said they know of friends who will come out and help, too. It was a great response."

As far as De Saye is concerned, the more the merrier. He realizes people are busy and can't commit to spending lots of time cutting trees or planting new growth. But to show his appreciation, De Saye plans to bestow Ruffed Grouse Society membership upon anybody who volunteers.

The society was receiving state and federal government approval for habitat restoration projects but De Saye wasn't sure how it was going to live up to its end of the deals, since finding helpers was so difficult.

However, he's now learning few people realized government officials were interested in allowing projects that help grouse, woodcock and other small critters.

"The weird thing is, a lot of the people who are calling me said they thought the state would never do anything for grouse and woodcock habitat," De Saye said.

Now, with his ranks of volunteers growing, De Saye is optimistic the society can accomplish the work planned for 2004.

"We've got some big projects slated in March and April," he said. "I reached out to make more contact to the state to let them know we are now ready to roll."

The biggest projects on the calendar involve planting trees, probably aspen, cedar or dogwood, in two overgrazed meadows where nothing but weeds can now exist.

"They been overgrazed for probably close to 100 years," De Saye said. "Nothing will grow but short, stunted grass. We're going to revert those meadows to good bird habitat. The area is already acceptable grouse and woodcock habitat, but not great.

"We're going to give it a jump start to return it to native forest using native species. It's going to require a few thousand trees."

De Saye doesn't expect the fields to be ideal habitat until the trees are at least eight years old. Before grouse find it attractive, it's likely to be targeted by the less fussy woodcock.

"Everything takes time with grouse," De Saye said. "There's no instant gratification."

In other places, society volunteers will cut old growth trees and plant saplings. Grouse love to eat aspen buds.

De Saye -- who can be reached at (973) 702-8380 -- noted some of those who called aren't even bird hunters.

"They basically said they read the article and they were very interested in helping out. They're just people who want to help and make the woods a better place."