New award recognizes a lifetime of dedication to healthy forests, abundant wildlife and conservation ethics
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) recognized three conservation leaders with the inaugural Diana and David L. Moore Conservation Excellence Award during the 2026 National Grouse & Woodcock Hunt.
Established in 2026, the award is RGS & AWS' highest individual honor, recognizing those whose lifetime dedication to healthy forests, abundant wildlife and conservation ethics has made a lasting impact on forests and wildlife.
The award is named in honor of Diana and David L. Moore, whose decades of conservation leadership have included forest management, wetland preservation, land protection and advocacy for wildlife and wild places. Their commitment to conservation through organizational leadership, philanthropy and hands-on stewardship reflects the values the award was established to recognize.
"It was an incredible honor to recognize Diana, David and the first three award recipients on that October night. I've come to know these conservation champions very well over the years and can say without hesitation that they inspire our work each and every day," said Ben Jones, RGS & AWS CEO.
The three inaugural recipients are:
Wayne Jacobson — A co-founding member of the National Grouse & Woodcock Hunt, Jacobson served 13 years on the Ruffed Grouse Society's national board, including four years as board chair and president. Through his extensive personal and professional relationships, he has helped raise millions of dollars for conservation efforts nationwide. A dedicated conservationist, Jacobson actively manages land for wildlife habitat and has generously shared his personal property with others over the years. He was also a close friend of renowned ruffed grouse researcher Dr. Gordon Gullion and helped bring Gullion's scientific research to broader audiences and public land management agencies.
Bruce Ogle — A longtime champion of the National Grouse & Woodcock Hunt, Ogle has leveraged his professional and personal connections to raise significant funds in support of the Ruffed Grouse Society's conservation mission. He has also provided leadership within the local Grand Rapids Chapter. His commitment to conservation extends to acquiring and managing land for wildlife habitat and using his personal property to connect new and longtime supporters with the importance of healthy forests and abundant wildlife.
David Sandstrom — Sandstrom is a co-founding member of the National Grouse & Woodcock Hunt and served seven years on the Ruffed Grouse Society's national board, including a term as treasurer. He also held leadership roles within the Grand Rapids Chapter and played an instrumental role in efforts to secure funding through the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund. For more than 25 years, Sandstrom has actively managed his personal property to benefit wildlife habitat and demonstrate the value of habitat management to prospective donors.
The Moore Conservation Excellence Award recognizes more than a single accomplishment or project. Recipients are selected for a lifetime of sustained contributions to forest and upland habitat conservation, wildlife stewardship, land protection, organizational leadership and promotion of conservation ethics.
Nominees are evaluated on their conservation achievements, leadership and lasting influence, with an emphasis on measurable results and contributions that will benefit wildlife for future generations.
Presented annually during the National Grouse & Woodcock Hunt, the award includes a commissioned bronze, a framed certificate and permanent recognition on the RGS & AWS website.
Through the Moore Conservation Excellence Award, RGS & AWS celebrates individuals whose lifelong commitment to conservation serves as an example for future generations of wildlife stewards and conservation leaders.
About the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. For more information, visit RuffedGrouseSociety.org.
###
Media Contact:
Logan Holtz
Director of Marketing and Communications
Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
LoganH@RuffedGrouseSociety.org