Source: KANSAS STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0209061
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2006
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2011
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
KANSAS STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MANHATTAN,KS 66506
Performing Department
Agri & Natural Resources
Non Technical Summary
The Forest Stewardship issue in Kansas involves many older windbreaks that have not been renovated since they were originally planted 40-70 years ago. Land managers need information on methods to improve their windbreaks to maintain the windbreak's original wind reduction and soil erosion function. Riparian buffers along water drainages are needed to improve water quality and decrease soil erosion. Rangeland Stewardship is an important issue in Kansas to maintain livestock production and health of the pastures while maintaining water quality of runoff waters. Downwind air quality in cities affected by pasture burning has brought a new issue to pasture management. The purpose of this involvement is to inform pasture managers about all the available methods to maintain pasture production while protecting the environment. Wildlife Fisheries issues and resources are important to the Kansas environment and the economy. The purpose of the educational effort to land managers and youth is to protect, maintain, learn about and appreciate wildlife and aquatic species in a state with a challenging environment.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1210799106030%
1230613106060%
1350830106010%
Goals / Objectives
RREA funds will be budgeted for 3 strategic issue areas; Forest Stewardship,Rangeland Stewardship, Wildlife Fisheries
Project Methods
Forest Stewardship Funds will be used to: 1) establish windbreak renovation demonstration sites in areas where older windbreaks have dead, unusable, or undesirable trees. 2) organize windbreak renovation field days at the demonstration sites, to inform landowners and agency personnel on methods, tree/shrub selection, and benefits of renovating an older windbreak. 3) demonstrate the use of riparian buffers in Kansas to improve water quality. Program evaluation will be made by recording the number of forestry personnel trained in windbreak renovation, number of landowners/managers that have received knowledge and awareness about declining windbreaks, and the number of renovated windbreaks and installed riparian buffers. Rangeland Stewardship Funds will be used to: 1) support publication and distribution of extension bulletins about rangeland and pasture management to insure sustainable pastures while maintaining the environment. 2) conduct educational events to inform rangeland managers and the public about the effects of burning the rangeland to prevent invasion of unwanted plants. 3) inform the rangeland managers about the air quality issues that result from rangeland burning. 4) conduct laboratory analyses of soil nutrients and forage quality of grasses to enable specific recommendations on rangeland and pasture management. Program evaluation will be made by recording the number of publications developed and distributed, the number of rangeland owners that received training, and the number of rangeland acres that received best management practices. Wildlife Fisheries Funds will be used to: 1) provide information to property managers through a newsletter that will assist management of wildlife and aquatic populations on their property. 2) provide partial support for a yearly Youth Hunting and Fishing Skills camp. 3) conduct a yearly 4-H Youth Wildlife Habitat Evaluation event to inform youth about environmental habitat necessary for wildlife survival, reproduction, growth, and development. State representatives will compete in the National 4-H Competition. Program evaluation will be made by recording the number of newsletters developed and distributed and the number of youth that have received environmental wildlife habitat and fisheries training.

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Forest Stewardship: Kansas State Research and Extension's (KSRE) Extension Forester works closely with the Haskell Indian Nations University, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Kickapoo Tribe. RREA funding was leveraged with USDA Tribal College Research Grants Program support to propagate rare, culturally important tree and shrub species. Red elm propagation was very successful. Plantings occurred at riparian buffers, tribal government centers, dance grounds, and childhood development centers. A streambank stabilization workshop held on the Potawatomi Reservation in August attracted 15 Kansans who observed various demonstration sites. A forestry field day attracting over 65 Kansans and promoting stewardship was held in October in Jackman State Forest. Over 55 people learned about riparian buffers and agroforestry in May at the Agroforestry Field in Corning, KS. Over 320 people travelled to Wichita in January to attend the 4th Annual Kansas Natural Resources Conference, which was held in cooperation with several natural resource societies. Topics included prescribed fire, water quality, range, wildlife and riparian area management. KSRE and Haskell Indian Nations University held a 2-day workshop in May for 23 people who learned to make and use educational tabletop watershed models. Rangeland Stewardship: A burning school was held immediately preceding the 4th Annual Kansas Natural Resources Conference in Wichita in January. Eight prescribed burning workshops were conducted to provide 289 people with information on planning and conducting prescribed burns safely and to increase their knowledge of air quality issues related to pasture burning. Another 764 Kansans learned about prescribed burnings, invasive species management and rangeland management via meeting presentations, webinars, and field days. Plant identification was a major topic for 101 people that attended either two range management schools, 4-H Discovery Days, and/or the Kansas Range Youth Camp. RREA support also enabled Kansans to receive weed control, haying and grazing, and smoke management information via email and radio interviews. It also enabled the KSRE Rangeland Specialist to participate in meetings regarding the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan. Wildlife and Fisheries: Prairie dog management was the focus of RREA support at a meeting that attracted over 200 Kansans. Partial support was also used for additional staff to assist with prairie dog management outreach efforts. A draft publication on prairie dog dispersal was developed and is under review. Fisheries and wildlife management information, including the Farmers and Wildlife Newsletters that that landowners can readily utilize to solve wildlife human conflicts and improve land management decisions, continued to be developed and made available at http://www.wildlife.ksu.edu. The 23nd annual 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program was hosted for 79 people at the Tallgrass National Prairie Park near Strong City, KS. The 4-Hers learned about habitat requirements and limiting population factors for private land wildlife and fisheries management purposes. PARTICIPANTS: Kansas State University Research & Extension, Haskell Indian Nations University, Kansas Forest Service, NRCS, Conservation Districts, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Quail Unlimited, Kansas Forest Service TARGET AUDIENCES: Tribal environmental departments, windbreak and woodland owners, natural resource state and federal agencies, rangeland owners and managers, wildlife and fisheries habitat owners and managers, government and private environmental agencies, youth, educational agencies PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Several publications are in the review process. Black-tailed prairie dog immigration to extirpated colonies in Northwest Kansas has been written and is in the publication process. Draft copy is available. Agriculture wildlife pest applicators manual has been rewritten and is in the review process awaiting pictures to be considered complete. Another publication Understanding the coyote has also been rewritten and is in the review process. The same 3 strategic issue areas are planned to be addressed next year.

Impacts
Forest Stewardship: 455 landowners and resource professionals have gained knowledge on various, forestry and agroforestry practices and techniques. 23 Tribal environmental staff, Extension professionals and other educators learned how to make and use a tabletop watershed model during a 2-day workshop. Rangeland Stewardship: 320 landowners and resource professionals attended the Kansas Natural Resources Conference, with the focus on fire. eUpdates and radio interviews allow widespread distribution of information on the proper timing and safe use of prescribed burning, increase knowledge regarding smoke management, and provide recommendations on invasive plant control. Prescribed Burning Workshops increase the knowledge and help train individuals needing or wanting to conduct safe prescribed burns. A Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan was developed and implemented during the 2011 prescribed burning season. The K-State Flint Hills Smoke Management Team continues to investigate the impact of pasture burning on air quality in partnership with the Kansas City EPA office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas County and State Fire Response personnel, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Kansas Prescribed Fire Council has taken on a major role in helping conduct prescribed burning workshops, including a Prescribed Burn Plan Writing Workshop. Youth and adult range management schools inform and train individuals on a wide range of rangeland management topics. Wildlife and Fisheries: 200 land managers received timely information on prairie dog management and dispersal and management challenges when managing for endangered species (black footed ferret) that requires a species often considered a pest (prairie dog). 79 youth and 16 youth mentors gained wildlife and fisheries information, knowledge, and skills to enable them to make informed decisions later in their careers.

Publications

  • Barden C.J. et al. 2011. Chapter 14, Cross-cultural Collaboration for Riparian Restoration on Tribal Lands in Kansas in the book titled Pathways for Getting to Better Water Quality: The Citizen Effect, edited by L.W. Morton and S.S. Brown. Springer. pp 171-179. Through the Haze The Role of Fire on the Prairie. 2011. Proceedings of the Kansas Natural Resources Conference. Edited by C.J. Barden and H. Blume. 31pp.
  • Barden, C.J., L. Fisher, B. Chapin, and W. Welton. 2011. Lessons Learned Working on Kansas Indian Reservations. In Proc. (Abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS. p. 18.
  • Beck, W. et al. 2011. Assessing Riparian Forests in the Delaware River Watershed and Relation to Sedimentation of Perry Lake. In Proc. (Abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS. p. 21.
  • Ricci, N., C.J. Barden, and M. Kennelly. 2011. New Disease Threatening Kansas Walnut Trees. In Proc. (Abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS. p. 22.
  • Barden, C.J. et al. Edited by Frannie Miller. 2010. Stump Treatment Manual. KSRE Bulletin S-153. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. September 2010. 16pp.
  • Fick, W.H., and W.A. Geyer. 2010. Herbicides for saltcedar control in Kansas. Abstr. 65:50. North Central Weed Sci. Soc., Lexington, KY.
  • Rensink, C.B., and W.H. Fick. 2011. Impacts of patch-burn grazing on livestock and vegetation in the Tallgrass Prairie. Abstracts, Kansas Natural Resources Conference, January 20-21, Wichita, KS. Kansas State Univ. Agr. Exp. Sta. and Coop. Ext. Serv.
  • Fick, W.H., and W.A. Geyer. 2011. Herbicides for saltcedar control in Kansas. Abstracts, Kansas Natural Resources Conference, January 20-21, Wichita, KS. Kansas State Univ. Agr. Exp. Sta. and Coop. Ext. Serv.
  • Fick, Walt. 2011. Pasture and Rangeland Weed and Brush Control. p. 85-94. In: Frannie L. Miller (ed.) Agricultural Plant Pest Control. Kansas State Univ. Agr. Exp. Sta. and Coop. Ext. Ser. S-19.
  • Fick, Walt. 2011. Sericea lespedeza control in rangeland, pasture, and CRP. K-State Extension Agronomy e-Update. No. 301.2.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A streambank stabilization workshop was held on the Potawatomi Reservation in August 2010. Treatments reviewed included both rock and redcedar revetments, willow cuttings, and riparian buffer plantings. Over 35 attendees from many state and federal agencies participated, along with representatives from 2 of the 4 Kansas Native American tribes, and local landowners. An Agroforestry Field Day was held in May 2010 in Grey County with over 30 agricultural producers and other landowners to a program on windbreak management and agroforestry practices. A natural resources study tour was offered for various sites in Oklahoma. Over the 3 day tour, participants learned about intensive river management for flood control and recreation in OK City. At the Noble Foundation in Ardmore, we reviewed studies on alternative forages and grazing management. At OSU we visited the Crosstimbers Experimental Range, and a biogas generator used to treat swine effluent. The 3rd annual KS Natural Resource Conference was held in Wichita in February 2010, with the cooperation of several professional natural resource societies. The theme was KS Waters: Signs of Prosperity and Health. Over 170 professionals attended presentations on water quality and quantity issues, aquatic invasive species, windbreak and riparian area assessments. Rangeland Stewardship 4 email updates were written regarding proper timing of prescribed burns, control of eastern redcedar, management of sericea lespedeza, and woody plant control. Four radio interviews were conducted on prescribed burning and weed/brush control. A total of 9 prescribed burning workshops (326 attendees) were conducted to provide landowners and managers with information on planning and conducting prescribed burns safely and to increase their knowledge of air quality issues related to pasture burning. Another 228 individuals (adult and youth) attended presentations on prescribed burning, management of invasive species, and grazingland management. Plant identification was a major topic at two adult range management schools and at the Kansas Range Youth Camp impacting 83 individuals. KSU Rangeland Specialist is a member of the steering committee of the Kansas Prescribed Fire Council and participated in meetings during the development of the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan to lessen undesirable air quality effects on downwind cities. Prairie dog management and population dispersal from unmanaged colonies were the focus of RREA funding support and information was provided at 4 public meetings. Over 200 landowners, land managers, Extension personnel, wildlife agency staff, University students, and conservation organization personnel attended those meetings. Partial support for additional outreach efforts on the ecological considerations of prairie dog management was provided. Past issues of Farmers and Wildlife Newsletters are posted on the site. Newsletters provide information that landowners can readily utilize to solve wildlife human conflicts and improve land management decisions. The 22nd annual 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program was hosted for 71 youth, coaches and volunteers at the Quivera National Wildlife Refuge. PARTICIPANTS: Kansas State University Research & Extension, Haskell Indian Nations University, Kansas Forest Service, NRCS, Conservation Districts, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Quail Unlimited, Kansas Forest Service TARGET AUDIENCES: Tribal environmental departments, windbreak and woodland owners, natural resource state and federal agencies, rangeland owners and managers, wildlife and fisheries habitat owners and managers, government and private environmental agencies, youth, educational agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The same 3 strategic issue areas are planned to be addressed next year.

Impacts
Outcomes/Impacts: Forest Stewardship 425 landowners and resource professionals have gained knowledge on various forestry and agroforestry practices and techniques. 10 Extension professionals learned about current best management practices of riparian, forage, and grazing management during a 3-day study tour. Rangeland Stewardship eUpdates and radio interviews allowed widespread distribution of information on the proper timing and safe use of prescribed burning, smoke management, and invasive plant control. Prescribed Burning Workshops increased the knowledge and help train individuals needing or wanting to conduct safe prescribed burns. The impact of pasture burning on air quality continues to be investigated in partnership with the Kansas City EPA office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas County and State Fire Response personnel, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. A Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan is being developed. The Kansas Prescribed Fire Council has taken on a major role in helping conduct prescribed burning workshops. Youth and adult range management schools informed and trained individuals on a wide range of rangeland management topics. Wildlife and Fisheries 200 land managers received timely information on prairie dog management and dispersal challenges when the management plan includes an endangered species (black footed ferret) that preys on the prairie dog as a major source of food. 71 youth and 11 youth mentors gained wildlife and fisheries information, knowledge, and skills to enable them to make informed decisions later in their careers.

Publications

  • Barden, C.J., L. Fisher, B. Chapin, and W. Boyer. 2010. Conducting a GPS-Enabled Rapid Stream Assessment. In Proc. (Abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Wichita, KS. p. 16.
  • Barden, C.J., B. Welton, B. Chapin, and L. Fisher. 2009. Streambank Stabilization and Restoration Practices on the Potawatomi Reservation in Kansas. Presentation and Abstract, In Proc. CSREES National Water Conference, St. Louis, MO. URL www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2009/PDF/Wshed-oral/Barden09.pdf. Fisher, M. et al. 2009. Bioassessment and GIS-Enabled Stream Assessment. Heartland Regional Water Quality Conference, Overland Park, KS. URL www.heartlandwq.iastate.edu/NR/rdonlyres/22B951AE-57DC-4482-80BC-E491 05AD053E/117069/fisher_bioassess.pdf


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Support was used to initiate renewable energy programming and continue the windbreak renovation and riparian buffer project. A forestry field day was held October 2008 near Lawrence, KS, for over 100 landowners to a program promoting forest stewardship practices. Agroforestry Field Day was held May 2009 in Smith County for over 50 agricultural producers and other landowners for a program on windbreak management and other agroforestry practices. 40 people attended a presentation on windbreak design and establishment at the Wichita Garden Show, March 2009. Three professional development opportunities were organized. Professional training was conducted in Emporia, KS on "Forest Management for Wildlife", with support from National Wild Turkey Federation, and cooperation from USDA Forest Service, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Over 40 wildlife and forestry professionals attended the two-day program, October 2008. The 2nd annual Kansas Natural Resource Conference, "Renewable Energy, Renewable Resources", was held in Wichita, January 2009, with cooperation of professional natural resource societies. Over 175 professionals attended presentations on new developments in wood technology, biorefineries, and wood energy. An August timber tax seminar was held for 25 accountants and forestry business owners in Topeka, with support from National Wild Turkey Federation and Kansas Farmers Union. Two email updates were written on prescribed burning of CRP and proper timing of prescribed burns on warm-season grazinglands. Two radio interviews were conducted on grass and rangeland burning and prescribed pasture burning. Training session for county agents was conducted via teleconference and Adobe Connect on smoke management and pertinent information provided by National Weather Service. Twelve prescribed burning workshops (440 attendees) were conducted to provide landowners and managers with information on planning and conducting prescribed burns safely and to increase their knowledge of air quality issues related to pasture burning. 63 individuals (adult and youth) attended presentations on burning as a management tool and proper burning techniques for rangeland and CRP. Forage quality analyses were done on over 30 forb species typically found on native hay meadows. Plant identification was a major topic at two adult range management schools, Kansas Range Youth Camp, and a prairie walk impacting 112 individuals. Management and ecological considerations of prairie dog populations were a focus. Over 250 landowners, land managers, Extension personnel, wildlife agency staff and conservation organization personnel attended 5 public meetings concerning prairie dog management. Fisheries and wildlife management information was developed for a website at http://www.wildlife.ksu.edu. Past issues of Farmers and Wildlife Newsletters are posted on the website. 21st annual 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program hosted 75 youth, coaches and volunteers at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Center. This program teaches youth about habitat requirements and limiting population factors of managing wildlife and fisheries on private lands. PARTICIPANTS: Kansas State University Research & Extension, NRCS, Conservation Districts, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Quail Unlimited, Kansas Forest Service. TARGET AUDIENCES: Windbreak owners, riparian buffer installers, rangeland owners and managers, wildlife and fisheries habitat owners and managers, government and private environmental agencies, youth, educational agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The same 3 strategic issue areas are planned to be addressed next year.

Impacts
Forest Stewardship: 305 landowners and resource professionals have gained knowledge on various forestry and agroforestry practices and techniques; 25 accountants and professional tax preparers learned how to report timber income and expenses correctly under the Federal income tax code. Rangeland Stewardship: Email updates and radio interviews allowed widespread distribution of information on the proper timing of prescribed burning and increased knowledge of air quality issues that result from burning; Prescribed Burning Workshops increased the knowledge and help train individuals needing or wanting to conduct safe prescribed burns; The impact of pasture burning on air quality continues to be investigated in partnership with the Kansas City EPA office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas County and State Fire Response personnel, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment; The Kansas Prescribed Fire Council has taken on a major role in conducting prescribed burning workshops; and Forage quality information will be used to assist county agents, agency personnel, and the Nature Conservancy to educate the public regarding the benefit of broadleaf species on native hay meadows. Wildlife and Fisheries: 250 land managers received timely information on prairie dog management and its associated challenges in the presence of endangered species (black footed ferret); and 75 youth gained wildlife and fisheries information, knowledge, and skills to enable them to make informed decisions later in their careers.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: RREA funds were budgeted for 3 strategic issue areas--Forest Stewardship, Rangeland Stewardship, and Wildlife Fisheries. Forest Stewardship--RREA support was used to continue the windbreak renovation initiative and enhance the riparian buffer project. The second windbreak renovation site in Ellsworth County was selected for inclusion in a "Driving Conservation Tour". A sign was erected with partner's funds describing the windbreak renovation practice. The farm is frequently used for FFA and Extension educational events and contests. A Forestry Field Day was held October 5, 2007 near Ft. Scott Kansas. Over 100 landowners learned about the benefits and opportunities for forest stewardship practices; including timber stand improvement and riparian buffer management. Agroforestry Field Day was held May 29, 2008 near McPherson, Kansas. Featured topics included windbreak design, fire safety and riparian buffer establishment. A total of 75 people (60 landowners, 15 natural resource professionals) participated in the educational event. RREA funds for windbreak renovation and riparian buffer projects were leveraged with EPA 319 funds and with CSREES Tribal College Research grants via cooperation with Haskell Indian Nations University. Rangeland Stewardship--Three Grassland Water Quality Newsletters (404 copies each issue) were written and distributed. Newsletters can be accessed at http://www.agronomy.ksu.edu/extension/DesktopDefault.aspxtabid=25. Five prescribed burning workshops [195 attendees] and two adult range management schools [63 attendees] were conducted to provide landowners and managers with information for planning and conducting prescribed burns and to increase their knowledge of air quality issues related to pasture burning. Two workshops [36 attendees] were conducted to help educate extension and landowners about plant identification. Advice and training was provided to the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Nation tribe through a facilitated discussion of range and buffalo herd management principles and practices with herd managers and tribal leaders. A tribe tour was conducted at the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area to review KSU Konza buffalo management practices. Wildlife and Fisheries--One issue of the Farmers and Wildlife Newsletter was written, published and distributed to 4,000 landowners, land managers, and Extension personnel in Kansas. The newsletter disseminated timely and updated research information about land management practices that affect wildlife and fisheries resources. The newsletter provided reviews of 8 technical journal reports and synthesized several other popular literature articles into a format that landowners could quickly understand. Topics in the newsletter ranged from the nutritive value of food plots, blue-green algae in ponds and summarized some of the new conservation programs found in the 2008 farm bill. The 20th annual 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program was hosted for 79 youth at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. This program teaches youth about habitat requirements and limiting population factors of managing wildlife and fisheries on private lands. Elk and bison are the primary grazers on the refuge. PARTICIPANTS: Kansas State University Research & Extension, NRCS, Conservation Districts, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Quail Unlimited. TARGET AUDIENCES: Windbreak owners, riparian buffer installers, rangeland owners and managers, wildlife and fisheries habitat owners and managers, government and private environmental agencies, youth, educational agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Forest Stewardship--75 landowners, land managers have become aware of the value of renovating windbreaks and received training on windbreak renovation and riparian buffer installation and management. Due to publicity from these projects, numerous phone calls and email inquiries have been received regarding recommended treatments for windbreaks. The windbreak demonstration farm is frequently used for FFA and Extension educational events and contests. Funds for the windbreak renovation and riparian buffer projects were leveraged from the EPA 319 program, and from the CSREES Tribal College Research grants, via cooperation with Haskell Indian Nations University. Due to the increased awareness of the plight of aging windbreaks from the FY 2008 work, the Coronado Crossing RC&D along with the Kansas Forest Service has developed their own Windbreak Initiative using GIS to inventory and assess the condition of windbreaks across the region. Rangeland Stewardship--The three published newsletters greatly increased Kansas land managers' knowledge of water and air quality, prescribed burning, and grazing management. The impact of pasture burning on air quality continues to be investigated in partnership with the Kansas City EPA office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas County and State Fire Response personnel, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. A Kansas Prescribed Fire Council was formed to be a proactive organization dealing with smoke issues associated with prescribed burning. Wildlife and Fisheries--4,000 producers gained timely land management information to make informed wildlife and fisheries decisions. 79 youth gained wildlife and fisheries information, knowledge, and skills to enable them to make informed land management decisions in the future.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: RREA funds were budgeted for 3 strategic issue areas; Forest Stewardship, Rangeland Stewardship, and Wildlife Fisheries. Forest Stewardship RREA support was used to enhance the windbreak renovation initiative, and to continue the riparian buffer project. A second windbreak renovation site was established in April 2007 in north central Kansas. Eight natural resource professionals from the Kansas Forest Service and Extension received hands-on training in renovation techniques at a conservation demonstration farm. An Agroforestry Field Day was held May 31, 2007 in Washington, Kansas. Featured topics included windbreak design, renovation, and riparian buffer establishment. A total of 48 people (35 landowners and 13 natural resource professionals) participated in the educational event. A Forestry Field Day was held October 12, 2006 near Emporia Kansas. Over 80 landowners learned about the benefits and opportunities for forest stewardship practices; including timber stand improvement, and riparian buffer management. Rangeland Stewardship: Four Grassland Water Quality Newsletters (375 copies each issue) were written and an on-line database of grassland water quality literature was updated. Newsletters can be accessed at: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/glwq/Newsletters.htm. Four prescribed burning workshops [208 attendees] and two adult range management schools [62 attendees] were conducted to provide landowners and managers with research information for planning and conducting prescribed burns and increase their knowledge of air quality issues related to pasture burning. Wildlife and Fisheries: One issue of the Farmers and Wildlife Newsletter was written, published and distributed to 4,000 landowners, land managers, and Extension personnel in Kansas. The newsletter disseminates timely and updated research information about land management practices that affect wildlife and fisheries resources. The newsletter provided reviews of 6 technical journal reports and synthesized ten other popular literature articles into a format that landowners could quickly understand. Topics in the newsletter ranged from summer fish kills in ponds and hybrid sunfish management to coyote food habits. An annual 4-H program for 83 youth at four different sites was conducted in cooperation with a national program called Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Project. This program teaches youth about habitat requirements and limiting population factors of managing wildlife and fisheries on private lands. PARTICIPANTS: Kansas State University Research & Extension, NRCS, Conservation Districts, Kansas Wildlife and Parks TARGET AUDIENCES: Windbreak owners, riparian buffer installers, rangeland owners and managers, wildlife and fisheries habitat owners and managers, government and private environmental agencies, youth, educational agencies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None

Impacts
Forest Stewardship: 128 landowners, land managers have become aware of the value of renovating windbreaks and received training on windbreak renovation and riparian buffer installation and management. Due to publicity from these projects, numerous phone calls and email inquiries have been received regarding recommended treatments for windbreaks. The windbreak demonstration farm is frequently used for FFA and Extension educational events and contests. Funds for the windbreak renovation and riparian buffer projects were leveraged from the SARE professional development program, and from the CSREES Tribal College Research grants, via cooperation with Haskell Indian Nations University. Due to the increased awareness of the plight of aging windbreaks from the FY 2007 work, the Coronado Crossing RC&D has developed their own Windbreak Initiative to inventory and assess the condition of windbreaks across the region. Rangeland Stewardship :The four published newsletters and on-line database have greatly increased Kansas land managers' knowledge of water quality and air quality concerns of rangeland burning and management. The impact of pasture burning on air quality is being investigated in partnership with the Kansas City EPA office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas County and State Fire Response personnel, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Wildlife and Fisheries: 4000 producers gained timely land management information to make informed wildlife and fisheries decisions. 83 youth gained wildlife and fisheries information, knowledge, and skills to enable them to make informed land management decisions in the future. Four Grassland Water Quality Newsletters (375 copies each issue) 4,000 issues of the Farmers and Wildlife Newsletter

Publications

  • No publications reported this period