Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: Participated in 10 University of Missouri Agricultural Experiemnt Station farm field days. Over 5,000 direct contacts (1,000 adults and 4,000 youths) observed logs being processed into various forest products (e.g dimension lumber, staves, pallets, and biomass) and learned how to properly air-dry green lumber. Co-hosted a woody biomass harvesting demonstration showing potential producers how woody biomass will be sustainably harvested from Mid-Missouri forests to supply the new MU biomass plant. Co-hosted the annual state Tree Farm Field Day demonstrating to over 150 landowners the results of good forest management. In addition to the field days, 50 family forest landowners attended three Missouri Woodland Steward classes in FY11; one class on Casualty Loss and two workshops on Forest Legacy. Produced two webinars on Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnut for landowners and professionals. Continued Emerald Ash Borer outreach efforts by maintaining the state's EAB website. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: Delivered Missouri Master Naturalist programming to 10 recognized chapters resulting in 197 new volunteers trained and co-hosted the annual MMN state conference. Delivered Missouri Master Wildlifer short courses to 32 landowners. Conducted two workshops, "Conserving Biodiversity in Urban, Suburban and Rural Environments" with over 50 city planners, urban developers, park managers, and neighborhood association members attending. Approximately 2,500 adults and youth participated in bobwhite quail summits and educational programs held across the state. PARTICIPANTS: Co-Project Directors were Dr. Hank Stelzer, Associate Professor and State Forestry Extension Specialist, and Dr. Robert Pierce III, State Fisheries and Wildlife Extension Specialist. Dr. Stelzer directed the Missouri Woodland Steward program while Dr. Pierce directed the Missouri Master Naturalist and the Missouri Master Wildlifer programs. Partner organizations included the Forestry, Private Lands, Wildlife, and Outreach & Education Divisions of the Missouri Department of Conservation; the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Missouri Conservation Federation; the Missouri Forest Products Association; the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association; and the Forest and Woodlands Association of Missouri. Collaborators included MU Regional Extension Specialists, MU Extension Centers, and MU Agricutlural Experiment Station Research Centers. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences served were: (1) family forest landowners, (2) farmers and ranchers owning mixtures of cropland, pastures and woodlands, (3) recreational landowners, (4) volunteers interested in natural resource management, and (5) wildlife enthusiasts wanting to learn more about Missouri's outdoors. Live, taped, and online versions of Missouri Woodland Steward, Missouri Master Wildlifer, and Missouri Master Naturalist offered Missouri citizens the option of choosing the appropriate delivery method for teaching forest and wildlife management concepts and practices most suited for their learning styles and life situations. In addition to the named programs, Drs. Pierce and Stelzer conducted live demonstrations at the field days and workshops in the Output section of this annual report. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: MU Forestry Extension forest landowner education efforts resulted in 84 new forest management plans being written (by service or consulting foresters) and 416 family forest landowners implementing at least one new forest management practice for a total of 50,589 impacted acres. With a Net Present Value estimated at $750 per acre, the potential value-added economic return is $37.9 million dollars. RREA funds were leveraged (through in-kind support) to secure a long-term loan a state-of-the-art portable sawmill from Baker Products of Ellington, MO. This sawmill (valued at $48,000) was used extensively statewide demonstrating sawmilling and the relationships between tree/log quality and resulting lumber quality. Related to bioenergy, MU Forestry Extension worked closely with the MU Power Plant in developing contract language to ensure the sustainable procurement of forest residues that is verifiable. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: The Missouri Master Naturalist program trained 197 new volunteers and existing naturalists received 9,639 hours of advanced training. Approximately 52,000 hours of community service was provided by these trained individuals, in collaboration with over 150 local partners, with a resulting economic impact of $1.2MM. Six-month follow-up surveys revealed that 450 landowners who participated in either the Missouri Master Wildlifer program or attended a bobwhite quail educational event adopted at least one wildlife management practice, impacting over 52,000 acres.
Publications
- Saunders, A.M., Aguilar, F.X., Dwyer, J.P. and Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Cost structure of integrated harvesting for woody biomass and solid hardwood products in Southeastern Missouri. J For. (in press)
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Promotes good forest stewardship for family forest landowners.
- Stelzer, H.E and Barnett, C. 2011. Spatial analysis of woody biomass for bioenergy production in Missouri. Page 53-57 In Woody Biomass Utilization: Proceedings of the International Conference on Woody Biomass Utilization, Starkville, MS.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Selling timber: What the Landowner needs to know. MU Extension Guide G5051 (new). 6pp.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Air-drying hardwood lumber. MU Extension Guide G5550 (revised). 3pp.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Wood fuel for heating. MU Extension Guide G5450 (revised). 8pp.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Selecting and maintaining a chain saw. MU Extenion Guide G1954 (new). 5pp.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Felling, limbing, and bucking trees. MU Extension Guide G1958 (revised). 4pp.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Operating a chain saw safely. MU Extension Guide G1959 (new). 4pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II. 2011. Nest boxes for wildlife. MU Extension Guide G9413 (new). 4pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011. Ecology an management of white-tailed deer in Missouri. MU Extension Guide G9479 (new). 8pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011. Implementing quality deer management on your property. MU Extension Guide G9480 (new). 6pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Sumners, J, and Flinn, E. 2011. Estimating deer populations on your property: camera survey. MU Extension Guide G9481 (new). 2pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011. Estimating deer populations on your property: observational data. MU Extension Guide G9482 (new). 4pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011. Estimating deer populations on your property: harvest data. 2011. MU Extension Guide G9483 (new). 4pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011. Aging a deer by examining its jawbone. MU Extension Guide G9484 (new). 4pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011. Techniques for aging live deer. MU Extension Guide G9485 (new). 4pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II. 2011. Controlling nuisance muskrats in Missouri ponds and lakes. MU Extension Guide G9400 (new). 2pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II, Martensen, R. and Swafford, S. 2011. Solving wildlife damage problems in Missouri. MU Extension Guide G9425 (new). 6pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II and McGrath, K. 2011. Controlling nuisance pigeons. MU Extension Guide G9448 (revised). 5pp.
- Pierce, R.A.II and Hinnah, R. 2011. Controlling nusiance woodpeckers. MU Extension Guide G9449 (new). 4pp.
- Hicks, C. and Pierce, R.A.II. 2011 Freshwater prawn production in Missouri. MU Extension Guide G9471 (new). 6pp.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: FOREST STEWARSHIP AND HEALTH: Forestry Extension delivered the Missouri Woodland Steward program to 600 family forest landowners. The main thrust of this program was for participants to develop a forest management plan and implement at least one forest management practice as a result of implementing their plan. One emerging issue not identified in the Plan of Work that Forestry Extension nonetheless addressed was woody bioenergy. An online woody biomass spatial analysis tool was developed to assist energy developers and governmental entities assess the sustainable supply of woody biomass in their particular region of the state. Three regional biomass community forums were conducted in the most promising areas of the state that resulted in 20 follow-up meetings with interested parties. In response to the discovery of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Missouri and thousand cankers disease (TCD) in the native range of eastern black walnut, Forestry Extension developed a website to serve as the state's central clearinghouse for information. Lastly, more than 1,500 forest landowners and 12,000 high school students attended various workshops and farm field days to learn how a managed forest not only provides more and higher quality forest products, but also provides improved wildlife habitat and ecosystem services. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: In a true partnership, Wildlife Extension and the Outreach and Education Division of the Missouri Department of Conservation jointly developed the Missouri Master Naturalist Program. Extension developed the curriculum, created and maintained the program's website, and developed the evaluation tools to assess the program's effectiveness. The Department of Conservation coordinated the technical experts in the field to assist the local chapters. Both organizations worked with their respective field staffs to provide the logistical support to meet the specific needs of each chapter and co-hosted the annual statewide annual conference. During the past five years, over 1,500 volunteers have earned the title of Master Naturalist. Wildlife Extension also worked with the Department of Conservation to deliver the Missouri Master Wildlifer program. To date, 555 Missouri landowners have participated in the program. Lastly, more than 2,200 landowners and 10,000 high school students attended various wildlife workshops and farm field days to enhance wildlife habitat or prevent and solve wildlife damage problems. PARTICIPANTS: Co-Project Directors were Dr. Hank Stelzer, Associate Professor and State Forestry Extension Specialist, and Dr. Robert Pierce II, State Fisheries and Wildlife Extension Specialist. Dr. Stelzer directed the Missouri Woodland Steward program while Dr. Pierce directed the Missouri Master Naturalist and Missouri Master Wildlifer programs. Partner organizations included the Forestry, Private Lands, Wildlife, and Outreach & Education Divisions of the Missouri Department of Conservation; the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Missouri Conservation Federation; the Missouri Forest Products Association; the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association; and the Forest and Woodlands Association of Missouri. Collaborators included MU Regional Extension Specialists, MU Extension Centers, MU Agricultural Experiment Station Research Centers; and Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Districts. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences served were: (1) family forest landowners, (2) farmers and ranchers owning mixtures of cropland, pastures and woodlands, (3) recreational landowners, (4) vlunteers interested in natural resource management, and (5) wildlife enthusiasts wanting to learn more about Missouri's outdoors. Lived, taped and online versions of Missouri Woodland Steward, Missouri Master Wildlifer, and Missouri Master Naturalist offered Missouri citizens the option of choosing the appropriate delivery method for conveying forest and wildlife management concepts and practices most suited for their learning styles and life situations. In addition to the named programs, Drs. Pierce and Stelzer conducted live demonstrations at the field days and workshops identifed in the Outputs section of this final report. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: As a result of the Missouri Woodland Steward program, 969 forest stewardship plans were written and six-month follow-up surveys revealed that 1,321 family forest landowners implemented at least one new forest management practice on their property. These efforts resulted in 173,195 woodland acres impacted for a potential value-added economic return exceeding $133 million dollars. The online woody biomass spatial analysis tool successfully assisted leaders of six Missouri communities in evaluating the sustainable wood supply from forest derived residues. As a result, two proposed projects were rejected and three were shelved; the latter ones in part due to the recession. One project that is moving forward and will be online in 2012 is the University of Missouri's new biomass boiler. This project will reduce the University's coal consumption by 25 percent and keep $5 million dollars in the regional economy through purchasing local woody biomass from forest product industries and family forest landowners. Since coming online, the EAB/TCD website has received over 500,000 visits lasting more than two minutes. Through the use of RREA funds to support Forestry Extension's presence at University farm field days across the state, we were able to leverage that presence to obtain a long-term loan of a state-of-the-art portable band sawmill from Missouri-based Baker Products of Ellington, Missouri. This gift has enabled us to demonstrate sawmilling techniques and the relationships between tree/log quality and resulting lumber quality to over 13,500 adults and high school students. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: As a result of RREA funding, 12 Missouri Master Naturalist chapters have been created. The 1,500 Master Naturalists who have been trained have returned over 139,000 hours exceeding an economic value of $2.8 million dollars. Six-month follow-up surveys of the 555 landowners who have participated in the Missouri Master Wildlifer program and the various wildlife workshops and farm field days revealed that 65 comprehensive wildlife management plans have been written and 2,097 individuals have implements at least one new wildlife management practice on their property, impacting 135,866 acres.
Publications
- Stelzer, H.E. 2007. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Twelve-page newsletter promoting sustainable forest management for family forets landowners. 3,500 circualtion.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2008. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Twelve-page newsletter promoting sustainable forest management for family forets landowners. 4,000 circualtion.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2009. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Twelve-page newsletter promoting sustainable forest management for family forets landowners. 4,500 circualtion.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2010. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Twelve-page newsletter promoting sustainable forest management for family forets landowners. 5,000 circualtion.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Twelve-page newsletter promoting sustainable forest management for family forets landowners. 5,000 circualtion.
- Stelzer, H.E. and Pierce, R.A. II. 2007. Missouri Woodland Steward. MU Extension DVD15. 4-DVD set, 450 minutes.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2007. Forestry assistance for landowners. MU Extension Guide G5999. 4pp.
- White, B., Graham, P. and Pierce, R.A. II. 2007. Missouri bobwhite habitat appraisal guide. MU Extension Publication MP902. 16pp.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2009. Forest pest control commercial pesticide applicator training manual. MU Extension Publication M94. 63pp.
- Broun, C., Nilon, C. and Pierce, R.A. II. 2009. Evaluation of the Missouri Master Naturalist Program. JOE 47:3 15pp.
- Pierce, R.A. II. 2010. Missouri bobwhite habitat appraisal guide. MU Extextension Publication DVD16.
- Stelzer, H.E. and Barnett, C. 2011. Spatial analysis of woody biomass for bioenergy production in Missouri. Pp 53-57 In Woody Biomass Utilization: Proceedings of the International Conference on Woody Biomass Utilization, Starkville, MS.
- Saunders, A.M., Aguilar, F.X., Dwyer, J.P., and Stelzer, H.E. 2011. Cost structure of integrated harvesting for woody biomass and solid hardwood products in Southeastern Missouri. J For (in press)
- Stelzer, H.E. 2011 Selling timber: What the landowner needs to know. MU Extension Guide G5051. 6pp.
- Pierce, R.A. II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011 Ecology and management of white-tailed deer in Missouri. MU Extension Guide G9479. 8pp.
- Pierce, R.A. II, Sumners, J. and Flinn, E. 2011. Implementing quality deer management on your property. MU Extension Guide G9480. 8pp.
- Hicks, C. and Pierce, R.A. II. 2011 Freahwater prawn production in Missouri. MU Extension Guide G9471. 6pp.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2007 MU Forestry Extension website. www.snr.missouri.edu/forestry/extension/
- Stelzer, H.E. 2008. Missouri Woodland Steward Online http://cdis2.missouri.edu/moodle/course/view.phpid=17
- Stelzer, H.E. 2010. Missouri EAB website. www.eab.missouri.edu
- Pierce, R.A. II. 2007 MU Wildlife Extension website. www.snr.missouri.edu/fw/extension/
- Pierce, R.A. II. 2007. Missouri Master Naturalist website. www.extension.missouri.edu/masternaturalist/
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: The Missouri Woodland Steward program was restructured to include more topics in shorter segments as a way to entice more landowners to begin managing their woodlands. Six of these restructured programs were offered in FY10 with 90 family forest landowners attending. In addition to Woodland Steward, 14 forestry demonstrations/workshops were held around the state in conjunction with the University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station's farm field days. Over 1,700 direct contacts (710 adults and 1,000 youths) were given information how a forest management plan could assist landowners in the proper harvesting of biomass, marketing their carbon credits, and certifying that their forests are being managed sustainably. A major biomass extension output was a user-friendly spatial analysis tool to assist project planners 'see' how potential woody biomass is spatially distributed within a user-defined supply basin and allow the user to investigate several 'what if' scenarios (http://projects.cares.missouri.edu/MoBAT/). Other biomass related outputs were the submission of three manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals resulting from research efforts during FY10. Co-sponsored with the Missouri Departments of Agriculture and Conservation, and the USDA Forest Service the Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) Conference in St. Louis and produced a TCD poster that was distributed to public agencies and black walnut processors in 10 states. Continued emerald ash borer (EAB) outreach efforts by maintaining the state's EAB website. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: Delivered Missouri Master Naturalist (MMN) programming to 11 recognized Chapters and introduced MMN to two new locations in the state. Revised the MMN Coordinator's Manual. Co-sponsored the annual MMN Conference and Advanced Training Workshops; over 300 volunteers participated. Master Naturalist Statewide Advisory, Officer's workshops and leadership training programs were conducted, with 50 volunteers participating. Conducted Missouri Master Wildlifer (MMW) short courses in collaboration with selected MU Extension Centers and the Missouri Department of Conservation; 124 landowners and 20 natural resource professionals participated. Revised the MMW Program Manual. Organized and delivered wildlife programs featuring "agriculture and wildlife" educational themes. Produced MU Publication DVD 16: Conducting bobwhite quail habitat appraisal on your property. Conducted 15 wildlife habitat management demonstrations; 4 biofuel crops and wildlife habitat management demonstrations; 1agriculture and wildlife field day; and 1 wildlife damage management workshop. Approximately 2,300 adults and youth participated in these educational events, conducted in partnership with the MU Agricultural Experiment Station and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Conducted 2 bobwhite quail management and habitat appraisal workshops in cooperation with Quail Forever and other nonprofit organizations, with 135 landowners participating. PARTICIPANTS: Co-Project Directors were Dr. Hank Stelzer, Associate Professor and State Forestry Extension Specialist, and Dr. Robert Pierce, State Fisheries and Wildlife Extension Specialist. Dr. Stelzer directed the Missouri Woodland Stewrad program while Dr. Pierce directed the Missouri Master Naturalist and Missouri Master Wildlifer programs. Partner organizations included the Forestry, Private Lands, Wildlife and Outreach & Education Divisions of the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Missouri Conservation Federation, the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association, and the Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council. Collaborators included MU Extension Regional Specialists and MU Extension Centers. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences served were: (1) family forest landowners, (2) famers and ranchers owning mixtures of cropland, pastures and woodlands, (3) recreational landowners, (4) volunteers interested in natural resource management, and (5) wildlife enthusiasts wanting to learn more about Missouri's outdoors. Live, taped, and web-based versions of Missouri Woodland Steward, Missouri Master Wildlifer and Missouri Master Naturalist offered Missouri citizens the option of choosing the appropriate delivery method for teaching forest and wildlife management concepts and practices most suited for their learning styles and life situations. In addition to the named programs, Drs. Pierce and Stelzer conducted live demonstrations at the field days and workshops outilned in the Output section of this annual report. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: MU Forestry Extension forest landowner education efforts resulted in 227 new forest management plans being written (by service or consulting foresters) for a total of 35,476 acres. With a Net Present Value estimated at $750 per acre, the potential value-added economic return is $26.6 million dollars. This increase in written management plans compared to past years was directly attributable to the successful joint efforts of MU Forestry Extension, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association to champion for increased funding of forestry practices in EQIP. Related to bioenergy, planners in the Missouri communities of Perryville and Salem utilized the woody biomass spatial analysis tool to assess proposed wood energy projects. MU Energy Plant managers are also utilizing the tool to assist them in developing their wood procurement strategy for meeting the needs of their new 100,000-ton biomass boiler scheduled to come online in Summer, 2012. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: During FY10, 334 volunteers were trained and certified as Missouri Master Naturalists (e.g., 40 hours of basic training, 8 hours of advanced training, and 40 hours of community service). A total of 903 volunteers have completed training since the program began in 2005. Over 6,500 hours of advanced training in natural resources and conservation were completed during the year by program participants. In addition, approximately 35,000 hours of community service was provided by Master Naturalist volunteers, in collaboration with over 100 local partners, with a resulting economic impact of $793,800. Landowners who participated in the Missouri Master Wildlifer Program demonstrated a significant knowledge gain of 2.1 points on a five-point Likert scale. A six-month follow-up evaluation revealed that 90 percent of the landowners performed at least two wildlife management practices on their property, positively impacting approximately 13,000 acres. Program evaluations indicated that approximately 80% of the 350 landowners and wildlife enthusiasts participating in "integrating wildlife management and agriculture" field days and events planned to conduct habitat appraisal and/or implement management practices on their property or hunting club that benefit selected wildlife species and communities of interest.
Publications
- Stelzer, H.E., Charrier, R.J., Cutts, J.H., and Barnett, C. 2010. Spatial analysis of woody biomass for bioenergy production in Missouri (abstract). 2010 Smallwood Conference, Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 20-22, 2010.
- Saunders, A.M., Aguilar, F.X., Dwyer, J.P. and Stelzer, H.E. 2010. Economic sensitivity analysis of integrated mechanized harvesting of sawlogs and fuel chips in the Missouri Ozarks. (submitted to Journal of Forestry)
- Saunders, A.M., Aguilar, F.X., Dwyer, J.P. and Stelzer, H.E. 2010. Cost structure of integrated harvesting for woody biomass and solid hardwood products in Southeastern Missouri. (submitted to Journal of Forestry)
- Aguilar, F.X., Stelzer, H.E., Goerndt, M., Miles, P., Shifley, S. and Song, N. 2010. Regional assessment of woody biomass as an energy feedstock for combined combustion in the U.S. Northern Region. (submitted to Journal of Forestry)
- Pierce, R.A. II and Potter, L. 2010. Methods of counting quail on your property. MU Extension Guide G9433. 6pp.
- Pierce, R.A. II and Byrd, R. 2010. Controlling nuisance blackbirds in roosts. MU Extension Guide G9447. 4pp.
- Pierce, R.A. II and McGrath, K. 2010. Controlling nuisance pigeons. MU Extension Guide G9448. 6pp.
- Pierce, R.A. II. 2010. Missouri Bobwhite Quail Habitat Appraisal Guide. MU Extension DVD16.
- Pierce, R.A. II and Martensen, R. 2009. Prevention and control of feral hogs in Missouri. MU Extension Guide G9457. 4pp.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: The economic downturn significantly reduced family forest landowner participation in a number of events. Ad hoc surveys suggested that most of these recreational landowners were not willing to pay the historical $35-50 registration fee for a program. Even when offered scholarships to help defray that cost attendance was down due to landowner reluctance to commute for a multiple-session program. That said, 100 landowners did attend six Missouri Woodland Steward short courses across southern Missouri. We did see some success in (1) 85 landowners attending casualty loss workshops offered as a result of the May 8th windstorm in the Ozarks that severely impacted over 150,000 acres of forestland, (2) 24 families participating in our first in a series of family forest succession planning workshops, and (3) 100 landowners participating in forest management field days that were co-sponsored by the Missouri Tree Farm System and the Walnut Council. Considerable effort was also put into working with various woodland owner groups to lobby the NRCS to set aside a dedicated pool of EQIP dollars for forestry projects. A major uotput relating to forest health was the complete rewrite of the Forest Pest Control Commercial Applicator Training Manual for natural resource professionals in EPA Region 7 states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: Continued development of 13 Master Naturalist chapters throughout the state, representing collaborative efforts of 40 organizations. Conducted three Missouri Master Wildlifer short courses. In conjunction with the MU Agricutlural Experiemnt Station's Bradford Research Farm. conducted well-attended bobwhite quail field days. More than 500 landowners and homeowners participated in training sessions to prevent and solve wildlife damage problems. PARTICIPANTS: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: Partner organizations during FY09 included the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Department of Agriculture, USDA NRCS, USDA Forest Service, Ameren UE (investor owned energy company), Big springs RC&D, Top of the Ozarks RC&D, Southwest Missouri RC&D, Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council, Conservation Federation of Missouri, Missouri Tree Farm System, Missouri Walnut Council, and the Missouri Forest Products Association. Collaborators during FY09 included the MU Sustainable Energy Center, MU Center for Agroforestry, MU Agricultural Experiment Station's farms and centers (11 facilities across the state), and the Missouri Alternatives Center. Training and professional development activities for FY 09 focused on forest health; most notably field workshops and webinars relating to the emerald ash borer, a national conference on the emerging threat of thousand cankers disease on eastern black walnut, and rewriting the forest pest commercail pesticide applicator training manual. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: Partner organizations during FY09 included the Missouri Department of Conservation, USDA NRCS, Conservation Federation of Missouri, and Quail Unlimited. Collaborators during FY09 included the MU Center for Agroforestry, and the MU Agricultural Experiment Station's farms and centers (most notably the Bradford Research Farm). Training and development activities for FY09 focused on expanding the Missouri Master Naturalist Program and quail habitat restoration. To the former point, an additional 337 Master Naturalists were trained and the cummulative volunteer service hours for FY09 was over 26,000 hours with an estimated value of $507,000. TARGET AUDIENCES: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH:Forestry Extension used online distance education, workshops, field days, and evening seminars to raise the level of awareness of farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners to the value of their forested acres. We also used workshops and seminars to assist landowners and forestry professionals in assessing forest casualty loss claims and preparing for orderly succession of family owned forestland. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: Wildlife Extension used satellite distance education, workshops, short courses and field days to teach landowners, youth, and agricultural and natural resource professionals how to assess and restore wildlife habitat for both game and non-game species. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: Eighty (80) new forest management plans were written for landowners who participated in the Woodland Steward short course and another 20 plans were prepared as a result of directly contacting either the state or regional forestry extension specialist totalling 27,000 acres. With a Net Present Value estimated at $700 per acre, the potential value-added economic return is $19 million dollars. Another significant impact was the Missouri NRCS decision to dedicate 10 percent of FY10 EQIP funding to forestry practices. Based on FY09 dollars, this means aproximately $1.7 million dollars will be available to assist family forest landowners. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: The Master Naturalist program trained 337 volunteers in 13 chapters across the state. Collectively, these Master Naturalists logged 26,000 volunteer hours valued at $507,000. Three MU Extension Centers helped deliver the Missouri Master Wildlifer program to 105 landowners impacting 15,300 acres. Learners posted an average knowledge gain of two full points on a five-point Likert Scale. Follow-up surveys indicated that each landowner had implemented an average of three management practices learned in the course.
Publications
- Stelzer, H. 2009. Forest pest control commercial pesticide applicator training manual. University of Missouri Extension. Missouri Manual 94. 63 p.
- Stelzer, H.E. and Hall, M. 2009. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Promotes forest stewardship, agroforestry, and community forestry for Missouri's 350,000+ family forest landowners.
- Broun, C.N., Nilon, C.H., and Pierce, R.A. 2009. An evaluation of the Missouri master naturalist program and implications for program expansion. JOE 47(3):1-15.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: Conducted six, town hall meetings for the purpose of developing community and regional wood-to-energy partnerships. Three communities were selected based upon the potential woody biomass that would be available from forest thinning operations within a 50-mile radius of the community. The first meeting introduced participants to basic wood-to-energy information. A second, follow-up meeting was conducted in each community approximately one month later. In conjunction with the woood-to-energy effort, the State Forestry Extension Specialist co-sponsored with MU Agricutlrual Extension and Truman State University two bioenergy workshops. Forestry Extension partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation and MU Business Development Extension to successfully develop and fill a regional forestry business development specialist in the Eastern Ozarks. This is a first for Missouri. The emerald ash borer was found in Missouri during the summer of 2008 and this event has resulted in Forestry Extension collaborating closely with six state and Federal agencies to develop appropriate information instruments. Worked with various woodland owner groups in the state to successfully lobby the NRCS to increase EQIP funding for the prescribed forestry practice. Efforts continued in FY08 to deliver the Missouri Woodland Steward short course online. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES REOURCES: Continued development of nine Master Naturalist chapters throughout the state, representing the collaborative efforts of 40 organizations. Conducted ten Missouri Master Wildlifer short courses. In conjunction with the MU Agricultural Experiment Station's Bradford Research Farm, conducted well-attended bobwhite quail field days. PARTICIPANTS: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: Partner organizations during FY08 included the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Economic Development, USDA NRCS, Ameren UE (investor-owned energy company), Big Springs RC&D, Top of the Ozarks RC&D, Southwest Missouri RC&D, Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council, City of Fredericktown, City of Doniphan, Conservation Federation of Missouri, Missouri Tree Farm System, Missouri Walnut Council, and the Missouri Forest Products Association. Collaborators during FY08 included the MU Sustainable Energy Center, MU Center for Agroforestry, MU Agricultural Experiment Station's farms and centers (11 facilities across the state), and the Missouri Alternatives Center. Training and professional development activities for FY08 focused on bioenergy. Through the Missouri Alternatives Center and the SARE North Central Region, more than 200 agriculture and natural resource professionals, educators, and farmers/ranchers/woodland owners received the latest news and information regarding sustainable bioenergy opportunities. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: Partner organization during FY08 included the Missouri Department of Conservation, USDA NRCS, Conservation Federation of Missouri, and Quail Unlimited. Collaborators during FY08 included the MU Center for Agroforestry, and MU Agricultural Experiment Station's farms and centers (11 facilities across the state). Training and professional development activities for FY08 focused on expanding the Missouri Master Naturalist Program and quail habitat restoration. To the latter point, more than 4,000 landowners, youth, and agricultural and natural resource professionals attended various field days and workshops to learn 'hands-on' how to assess and restore wildlife habitat for both game and non-game species. TARGET AUDIENCES: FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: Forestry Extension used online distant education, workshops, field days, evening seminars, statewide conferences, and town hall meetings to raise the level of awareness of farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners as to the value of their forested acres. We also used workshops and seminars to update agricultural and natrural resource professionals as to the latest developments in carbon credits and wood-to-energy technologies. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: Wildlife Extension used satellirte distant education, workshops, short courses, and field days to teach landowners, youth, and agricultural and natural resource professionals how to assess and restore wildlife habitat for both game and non-game species. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND HEALTH: Over 150 stakeholders attended the wood-to-energy town hall meetings across the three targeted communities. Two of these communities have formed wood-to-energy committees that are meeting on a regular basis. These committees are working with the state's Department of Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Economic Development with the expressed purpose of developing a sustainable wood-to-energy project. Forestry Extension developed a common website to serve as a one-stop shop for citizens and natural resource professionals alike to obtain the latest information on the emerald ash borer in Missouri. Since going live, the site has received over 1,500 sustained visits lasting more than five minutes indicating that viewers are reading the online material. The successful lobbying effort with the Missouri NRCS resulted in 270 new forest stewardship plans being written totaling 50,130 acres. With a Net Present Value of $912 per acre, the potential value-added economic return is $45.7 million dollars. WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES: The Master Naturalist Program trained 380 volunteers in nine chapters across the state. Collectively, these Master Naturalists logged 15,791 volunteer hours valued at $333,964. Ten MU Extension Centers helped deliver the Missouri Master Wildlifer Program to 156 landowners impacting 30,566 acres. Learners posted an average knowledge gain of two full points on a five-point Likert Scale. Follow-up surveys indicated that each landowner had implemented an average of three management practices learned in the course.
Publications
- Stelzer, H.E. and Hall, M. 2008. Green Horizons. Quarterly. Promotes forest stewardship, agroforestry, and community forestry.
- Farlee, L.D. and Stelzer, H.E. 2008. Cash for carbon: A woodland owner's guide for accessing carbon markets. Purdue Extension Guide FNR-228-W.
- Stelzer, H.E. and Seek, M. 2008. Emerald ash borer: CSI. Missouri Department of Conservation Guide F00034.
- Sudkamp, S., Chapman, R.N. and Pierce, R.A. 2008. Quail-friendly plants of the Midwest. MU Extension Publication MP903.
- Broun, C., Nilon, C., and Pierce, R.A. 2008. Evaluation of the Missouri Master Naturalist Program. JOE (accepted).
- White, B., Graham, P., and Pierce, R.A. 2007. Missouri bobwhite quail habitat appraisal guide: assessing your farm's potentil for bobwhites. MU Extension Publication MP902.
- Pierce, R.A., White, B., Jones-Farrand, T.D., Dailey, T.V., and Carpenter, B. 2008. Field borders for agronomic, economic, and wildlife benefits. MU Extension Guide G9421.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Missouri Woodland Steward: Produced 1,000 copies of the DVD-based short course (MU Publ.DVD15). Disseminated 100 copies to USDA NRCS offices throughout Missouri for professional training purposes; 50 copies sold as a stand-alone item to private landowners; and 50 copies sold as a companion to the online version of the short course. Developed the online version of Missouri Woodland Steward in cooperation with the MU Center for Distance and Independent Study and graduated 15 landowners through the program in 2007. Conducted six live versions of the short course for 175 family forest landowners across the state in 2007. Missouri Master Wildlifer: Delivered the short course as a simulcast to 138 landowners and 50 resource professionals at ten sites across the state. Missouri Master Naturalist: Delivered basic 40-hour training to 190 volunteers across seven chapters statewide. Conducted two woodland management workshops in conjunction with the Missouri Walnut Council. Conducted
the annual Missouri Woodland Owners Conference in cooperation with the Missouri State Tree Farm Committee. Conducted the first Master Naturalist Conference in conjunction with partner agency, the Missouri Department of Conservation.
PARTICIPANTS: Co-Project Directors were Dr. Hank Stelzer, Associate Professor and State Forestry Extension Specialist, and Dr. Robert Pierce, State Wildlife Extension Specialist Partner organizations included the Forestry, Private Lands, and Outreach & Education Divisions of the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Missouri Conservation Federation, the Missouri Consulting Foresters Association, and the Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council. Collaborators included MU Extension Regional Specialists Gerald Bryan, Gaylord Moore, Stacy Hambleton, Don Dey, Matthew Herring, Ed Browning, Richard Atkinson, Bruce Lane, Jim Jarman, Wesley Tucker, Julie Abendroth, Parman Green, Tom Morrow, Kevin Hansen. Professional development opportunities were afforded to twelve MU Extension regional specialists through an approved in-service training event and to over 50 soil conservationists from the USDA NRCS throughout Missouri.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences served were: (1) family forest landowners, (2) famers and ranchers owning mixtures of cropland, pastures and woodlands, (3) recreational landowner, and (4) wildlife enthusiasts wanting to learn more about Missouri's outdoors. Live, taped and online versions of Missouri Woodland Steward, Missouri Master Wildlifer and Missouri Master Naturalist offered Missouri citizens the option of choosing the appropriate delivery method for teaching forest and wildlife management concepts and practices most suited for their learning styles and life situations.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major delays or problems were experienced. As such, no major project modifications are planned in the coming fiscal year.
Impacts
Missouri Woodland Steward: Those landowners who either participated in both the live on online versions of the short course showed a significant, self-assessed knowledge gain of two full points on a five-point Likert scale. Six-month follow-up from family forest landowners who completed the short course in 2006 show 10,000 acres have been placed under management. Sample inventory data from this timbered acreage and simple cash flow analysis yielded a projected Net Present Value (NPV)of $9.79 million ($979 per acre). If left unmanaged, the NPV on this same acreage would have only a cumulative NPV of $0.94 million ($94 per acre); an increase of $8.85 million ($885 per acre). Missouri Master Wildlfier: There was a significant, self assessed knowledge gain of 1.7 points on a five-point Likert scale of the 138 landowners who particpated in the short course. A six-month follow-up survey revealed that 95 percent of the landowners performed at least one wildlife management
practice that positively impacted 31,000 acres. Missouri Master Naturalist: During FY07, 4,500 volunteer service hours were tallied statewide with an estimated value of $98,000 to the State of Missouri.
Publications
- Brase, G. L. and H. E. Stelzer. 2007. Education and persuasion in extension forestry: Effects of different numerical information formats. Journal of Extension. 45(4): 4FEA1.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2007. Forestry Assistance for Landowners. Revised MU Guide G5999.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2007. Forestry Terms for the Woodland Owner. Revised MU Guide G5054.
- Stelzer, H.E. 2007. First Aid for Storm-damaged Trees. MU Guide G6867.
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