The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) along with three other Vermont forestry groups are giving a thumbs-up to the U. S. Forest Service decision to re-think the Green Mountain National Forest Plan. The crux of the problem that RGS and others had with the Green Mountain National Forest Plan was a "potentially significant" error in the calculation of the allowable amount of timber to be cut. The plan failed to document why it chose a 150-year timber cut rotation instead of a 120-year cycle. Timber harvest reductions as outlined in the proposed plan would hinder the development of young or early successional habitats needed by ruffed grouse, American woodcock, whitetail deer and 43 species of migratory songbirds. Early successional habitats develop only after timber has been harvested. Bottom line is clear cuts aren't pretty but they sure are useful.