Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the period between 10/01/06 to 09/30/11 the RREA OKLN-1002 project resulted in the following outputs. RREA supported a questionnaire mailed to 2,000 Oklahoma residents on prescribed fire that was used to guide our extension program during the reporting period. Natural resource in-services and field days were provided to Extension Educators on the management of wildlife, range, and forestry. Extension staff facilitated Bobwhite Quail Initiative meetings in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) targeting landowners. Both the Oklahoma state and the National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) contest were supported by RREA. The WHEP manual was revised 3 times during this period. The Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council was created. Rangelands West was supported through RREA. Prescribed burn associations were supported and new associations started. Extension material was distributed at the 2007-2011 Wildlife Expos. Extension staff helped organize the Red River Quail Symposium which served as a 2 day training for landowners. RREA funds also supported the Bollenbach Wildlife Symposium. Support from RREA allowed for a quarterly (later biannual) newsletter to be produced covering various topics in natural resources for distribution to various constituents including: alumni, landowners, professionals, and students. We used RREA to support the 3 Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festivals which attracted people from across North America. We provided content for a monthly television segment for public television on various natural resource topics. A book entitled Conducting Prescribed Fires was produced. We created a 4-H youth camping program. We were able to reproduce and distribute popular fact sheets, guides, and videos across the country. We provided partial salary support for a new Extension employee to create a Community of Practice on Prescribed Fire for eXtension. We developed curricula for an online Prairie Project that will be used in primary and secondary education across the region. A new video was produced on fire effects and production on a video on drought impacts to natural resources was initiated. We also established a demonstration site for bird strikes on communication towers and a Northern Bobwhite restoration demonstration site. We were able to offer a competitive grant program for one year. Education opportunities were provided at multiple national or regional events including: Society for Range Management, Pheasants Forever Pheasant Fest, Forestry on the Grow Conference, National WHEP Contest, and Natural Resource Conservation Service Fire Trainings, Farm Bureau Young Farmer National Meeting, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative Meeting, Pheasants Forever National Meeting, Nebraska Habitat Meeting, Kansas Department of Wildlife Managers Meeting, and the Forest Service Grasslands Managers Meeting. The 2nd edition Field Guide to Oklahoma Plants was completed with RREA support. Nine graduate students received a week of intensive natural resource and extension training in Utah. PARTICIPANTS: During the period between 10/01/06 to 09/30/11 the RREA OKLN-1002 project collaborated with the following groups: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance, Oklahoma Division of Forestry, Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance, High Plains RC&D, Oklahoma Audubon Council, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, Tall Timbers Research Station, The Wildlife Society, Society for Range Management, Society of American Foresters, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Cooperative Extension, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, Quail Forever, Tallgrass Prairie Alliance, Mississippi State University, Society of American Foresters, The Noble Foundation, Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Texas Cooperative Extension Service, Sierra Club, Utah State University, Mississippi State University, and the Sutton Avian Research Center. Opportunities for professional development were provided to Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Nebraska Game and Parks, University of Tennessee, Oklahoma Master Gardeners, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Farm Bureau, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Pheasants Forever, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the Society for Range Management. TARGET AUDIENCES: Between 10/01/06 to 09/30/11 the RREA OKLN-1002 project targeted the following audiences: youth, landowners, land managers, urban residents, non-governmental organizations, and state and federal natural resource professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: During the period 10/01/06 to 09/30/07, the project RREA OKLN-1002 PI Rachael Houchin resigned her position in order to accept another position outside the Oklahoma State University system. As a significant portion of our annual RREA allocation was encumbered by salary, we decided to modify our project proposal. This modification resulted in allocation redirection towards projects and products rather than salary. This revised proposal was accepted on 11/19/07.
Impacts
Over 172,000 people attended the Wildlife Expos and received information on natural resource issues and management. Approximately 1/3 of these were youth. We equipped 7 of our burn associations with prescribed fire trailers and equipment. Five new burn associations were created. This work resulted in approximately 44,000 acres being burned by the associations. Our multi-state feral hog workshop attracted over 300 participants including the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture and has put the problem of feral hogs in the headlines statewide. A Legislative Task Force being formed in Oklahoma to focus on endangered species resulting from our facilitation. Outreach and facilitation has resulted in 3 spatial tools created by various partners that is enabling energy developers within Oklahoma to be more responsible to natural resource stewardship. Our NREM newsletter was distributed to over 700 participants (and further distributed to other lists). The WHEP manual was revised 3 times. Our television program resulted in 30 segments for SUNUP on Oklahoma public television that reaches an estimated 18,000 people weekly. The Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival attracted 269 people from the U.S and Canada and generated over $150,000 to the local communities of western Oklahoma. For every RREA dollar used to support the festival, over 7 dollars were leveraged. Technical support was provided to the Oklahoma State Legislature to draft the Oklahoma Redcedar Initiative. OSU faculty worked closely with the USDA Farm Service Agency to amend Conservation Reserve Program activities to positively benefit the natural resources on over 1,000,000 acres statewide. Specifically, the time frame for use of prescribed fire as a mid-contract management was expanded to allow greater flexibility in use. Our outreach has resulted in 2 state wildlife agencies altering their prescribed fire management to better manage wildlife habitat. RREA funds were also used to support the Oklahoma Rangelands West web site which has been utilized by over 2,000 unique users thus far and is resulting in changes in knowledge regarding range resource management. The Bobwhite Quail Initiative meetings resulted in an initial 16 landowner contracts which changed the condition of 29,654 acres of land to benefit the Northern Bobwhite. The Red River Quail Symposium had over 120 participants. Approximately 70% were completely satisfied with the content, 19% indicated they would likely implement prescribed fire as a result of the training, and 36% indicated that they would adjust livestock grazing to accommodate the Northern Bobwhite. The Bollenbach Wildlife Symposium resulted in the training and change in knowledge of over 80 participants representing more than 100,000 acres of land. We produced 17 new publications on a variety of natural resource topics. In addition to the specific outcomes listed above, we have conducted over 125 Extension presentations, field days, and trainings that have directly impacted over 3,700 people that represented an estimated 1,000,000 acres of both private and public land.
Publications
- Tyrl, R. J., T. G. Bidwell, R. E. Masters, R. D. Elmore. 2008. Field Guide to Oklahoma Plants: Commonly encountered prairie, shrubland, and forest species, 2nd edition. Oklahoma State University.
- Weir, J.R., 2009. Conducting Prescribed Burns: A Comprehensive Manual. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, Texas, USA, 194 p.
- Elmore, R.D., T.G. Bidwell, and J.R. Weir. 2009. Perceptions of Oklahoma residents to prescribed fire, in K.M.Robertson, K.E.M. Galley, and R.E. Masters (eds.). Proceedings of the 24th Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference: The Future of Prescribed Fire: Public Awareness, Health, and Safety. Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
- Weir, J. R., R. D Elmore, T. G. Bidwell, D. M. Engle, J. D. Carlson, and S. D. Fuhlendrof. 2009. Oklahoma prescribed burning handbook. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service E-1010.
- Elmore, R. D., T. G. Bidwell, R. Ranft, and D.Wolf. 2009. Habitat Evaluation Guide for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service E-1014.
- Elmore, D., D. Wolfe, and K. Allen. 2010. Impacts of Lead Ammunition and Sinkers on Wildlife. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 9015.
- Elmore, D., T. Bidwell, K. Hickman, and R. Wanger. 2010. Options for Expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Land. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 9016.
- Puffinarger, T., D. Elmore, T. Bidwell, J. Sykes, and D. Schoeling. 2010. The Ring-necked Pheasant in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 9017.
- Bidwell, T., M. Beem, D. Elmore, and D. Engle. 2010. Pond Management for Livestock, Fish, and Wildlife. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 2883.
- Elmore, D, C. Harper, and J. Mercer (eds). 2010. 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, 4th edition. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
- Cooper. B.S., A.N. West, S.W. Dunkin, D.L. Jobes, R.E. Will, R.D. Elmore, and F.S. Guthery. 2011. Chickasaw Plum for Wildlife in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular E-1026.
- Bidwell, T.G., R.D. Elmore, and K. Hickman. 2011. Stocking Rate Determination on Native Rangeland. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 2886.
- Bidwell, T.G. and R.D. Elmore. 2011. White-tailed Deer Habitat Evaluation Guide (Revision). Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular E-979.
- Weir, J.R., R.D. Elmore, T.G. Bidwell, and D.M. Engle. 2011. Fire Effects Video. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
- Weir, J.R., R.D. Elmore, R.F. Limb, D.M. Engle, B.W. Allred, T.G. Bidwell, and S.D. Fuhlendorf. 2011. Burning in the Growing Season. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular E-1025.
- Blayr, G. J.R. Weir, R.D. Elmore, and K.P. Allen. 2011. Fire and the land around us. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular L-353.
- Elmore, R.D, and C.H. Harper (eds). 2011. 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, 5th edition. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the period between 10/01/10 to 09/30/11 the RREA OKLN-1002 project resulted in the following outputs. Six natural resource in-services and field days were provided to Extension Educators on the management of wildlife, range, and forestry. Both the Oklahoma state and the National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) contest were supported by RREA. Extension staff continued to work with the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council to implement the use of prescribed fire in Oklahoma. Prescribed burn associations were supported to increase the use of fire within the state. Extension material was distributed at the 2011 Wildlife Expo. Support from RREA allowed for a biannual newsletter to be produced covering various topics in natural resources for distribution to various constituents including: alumni, landowners, professionals, and students. We used RREA to support the 2nd annual Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival which attracted people from across North America. This festival highlighted the threats facing range resources in Oklahoma, and contributed to the local economy through the development of ecotourism. We continued to support an outreach project involving census of white-tailed deer populations to assist landowners with herd management. We provided content for a monthly television segment for public television on various natural resource topics. We continued to support 4-H youth camping program. We were able to reproduce Using Prescribed Fire in Oklahoma, Patch Burning: Integrating Fire and Grazing to Promote Heterogeneity, Smoke Management for Prescribed Burning, Oklahoma Prescribed Burning Handbook, and Habitat Evaluation Guide for the Lesser Prairie Chicken and distribute copies across the region. We provided partial salary support for a new Extension employee to create a Community of Practice on Prescribed Fire for eXtension. We continued to develop curricula for our online Prairie Project that will be used in primary and secondary education across the region. Support was provided for the annual Patch-Burning Working Group meeting which covers most of the Great Plains and Midwest. A new video was produced on fire effects and production on a video on drought impacts to natural resources was initiated. We also established a demonstration site for bird strikes on communication towers and a Northern Bobwhite restoration demonstration site. Education opportunities were provided at multiple national or regional events including: Society for Range Management, Pheasants Forever Pheasant Fest, Forestry on the Grow Conference, National WHEP Contest, and Natural Resource Conservation Service Fire Trainings (2). PARTICIPANTS: During the period between 10/01/10 to 09/30/11 the RREA OKLN-1002 project collaborated with the following groups: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Division of Forestry, Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance, High Plains RC&D, Oklahoma Audubon Council, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, Tall Timbers Research Station, The Wildlife Society, Society for Range Management, Society of American Foresters, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, Quail Forever, Tallgrass Prairie Alliance, Mississippi State University, The Noble Foundation, Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, and the Sutton Avian Research Center. Opportunities for professional development were provided to Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Master Gardeners, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Pheasants Forever, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the Society for Range Management. TARGET AUDIENCES: Between 10/01/10 to 09/30/11 the RREA OKLN-1002 project targeted the following audiences: youth, landowners, land managers, urban residents, and state and federal natural resource professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Twenty-two trainings reached over 1,500 people from across the nation. This outreach resulted in a Legislative Task Force being formed in Oklahoma to focus on endangered species. Our multi-state feral hog workshop alone attracted over 300 participants including the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture and has put the problem of feral hogs in the headlines statewide. We equipped 3 of our burn associations with prescribed fire trailers to increase fire. One additional burn association in Mississippi was started. This work resulted in approximately 10,000 acres being burned by the associations in 2011. Over 65,000 people attended the 2011 Wildlife Expo and received information on natural resource issues and management. This was the largest Expo to date and approximately 60% of all participants had never attended this event. Outreach and facilitation has resulted in 3 spatial tools created by various partners that is enabling energy developers within Oklahoma to be more responsible to natural resource stewardship and avoid sensitive species such as the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. Our NREM newsletter was distributed to over 700 participants (and further distributed to other lists) and is aimed at increasing knowledge levels and influencing behavior. Seventeen states participated in the 2011 4-H WHEP contest and received intensive training in natural resource management. The WHEP manual was also revised. Our television program resulted in 20 segments for SUNUP on Oklahoma public television that reaches an estimated 18,000 people weekly. The 2nd Annual Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival attracted 73 people from 10 states and 1 province and generated over $50,000 to the local communities of western Oklahoma. This is in addition to over $100,000 generated the previous 2 years. Finally 7 new publications were produced on a variety of natural resource topics.
Publications
- Cooper. B.S., A.N. West, S.W. Dunkin, D.L. Jobes, R.E. Will, R.D. Elmore, and F.S. Guthery. 2011. Chickasaw Plum for Wildlife in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular E-1026.
- Bidwell, T.G., R.D. Elmore, and K. Hickman. 2011. Stocking Rate Determination on Native Rangeland. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 2886.
- Bidwell, T.G. and R.D. Elmore. 2011. White-tailed Deer Habitat Evaluation Guide (Revision). Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular E-979.
- Weir, J.R., R.D. Elmore, R.F. Limb, D.M. Engle, B.W. Allred, T.G. Bidwell, and S.D. Fuhlendorf. 2011. Burning in the Growing Season. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular E-1025.
- Blayr, G. J.R. Weir, R.D. Elmore, and K.P. Allen. 2011. Fire and the land around us. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Circular L-353.
- Elmore, R.D, and C.H. Harper (eds). 2011. 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, 5th edition. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
- Weir, J.R., R.D. Elmore, T.G. Bidwell, and D.M. Engle. 2011. Fire Effects Video. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the period between 10/01/09 to 09/30/10 the RREA OKLN-1002 project resulted in the following outputs. Four natural resource in-services were provided to Extension Educators on the management of wildlife, range, and forestry. We held 6 field days statewide that reached landowners, policy makers, and the media on the issue of prescribed fire. Both the Oklahoma state and the National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) contest were supported by RREA. Extension staff continued to work with the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council to implement the use of prescribed fire in Oklahoma. Prescribed burn associations were supported to increase the use of fire within the state. Extension material was distributed at the 2010 Wildlife Expo. Support from RREA allowed for a quarterly newsletter to be produced covering various topics in natural resources for distribution to various constituents including: alumni, landowners, professionals, and students. We used RREA to support the first annual Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival which attracted people from across North America. This festival highlighted the threats facing range resources in Oklahoma, and contributed to the local economy through the development of ecotourism. We continued to support an outreach project involving census of white-tailed deer populations to assist landowners with herd management. A monthly television segment was created for public television on various natural resource topics. We continued to support 4-H youth camping program. We were able to reproduce our popular Using Prescribed Fire in Oklahoma, Patch Burning: Integrating Fire and Grazing to Promote Heterogeneity, Smoke Management for Prescribed Burning, and Habitat Evaluation Guide for the Lesser Prairie Chicken and distribute copies across the region. Additionally, we supported a temporary employee to create a website devoted to prairie ecology that will be used in primary and secondary education across the region. Education opportunities were provided at multiple national events including: Farm Bureau Young Farmer National Meeting, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative Meeting, Pheasants Forever National Meeting, and Natural Resource Conservation Service Fire Training. Regional meetings supported included: Nebraska Habitat Meeting, Kansas Department of Wildlife Managers Meeting, and the Forest Service Grasslands Managers Meeting. PARTICIPANTS: During the period between 10/01/09 to 09/30/10 the RREA OKLN-1002 project collaborated with the following groups: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Division of Forestry, Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance, High Plains RC&D, Oklahoma Audubon Council, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, Tall Timbers Research Station, The Wildlife Society, Society for Range Management, Society of American Foresters, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, Tallgrass Prairie Alliance, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Cooperative Extension, and the Sutton Avian Research Center. Opportunities for professional development were provided to Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Nebraska Game and Parks, Pheasants Forever, Farm Bureau, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, University of Tennessee, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the Society for Range Management. TARGET AUDIENCES: Between 10/01/09 to 09/30/10 the RREA OKLN-1002 project targeted the following audiences: youth, landowners, land managers, urban residents, and state and federal natural resource professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The 6 fire field days trained over 300 people that represented over 450,000 acres of both private and public land. These trainings have resulted in 2 state wildlife agencies altering their prescribed fire management to better manage wildlife habitat. An additional 25 presentations and trainings were conducted that directly reached 1,293 people from across the nation. We equipped 2 of our burn associations with prescribed fire trailers to increase fire. We additionally started 2 additional burn associations. This work resulted in 50 prescribed fires that burned approximately 14,000 acres. Over 52,000 people attended the 2010 Wildlife Expo and received information on natural resource issues and management. Our NREM newsletter was distributed to over 700 participants (and further distributed to other lists) and is aimed at increasing knowledge levels and influencing behavior. Fifteen states participated in the 2010 4-H WHEP contest and received intensive training in natural resource management. OSU faculty worked closely with the USDA Farm Service Agency to amend Conservation Reserve Program activities to positively benefit the natural resources on over 900,000 acres statewide. Specifically, the time frame for use of prescribed fire as a mid-contract management was expanded to allow greater flexibility in use. Our new television program resulted in 10 segments for SUNUP on Oklahoma public television that reaches an estimated 18,000 people weekly. The 1st Annual Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival attracted 96 people from 7 states and generated over $50,000 to the local communities of western Oklahoma. This is in addition to over $50,000 generated the previous year. For every RREA dollar used to support the festival, over 7 dollars were leveraged. Support from RREA led to 24 4-H activities in Oklahoma with 740 participants. For every RREA dollar used to support Oklahoma 4-H, at least 5 were leveraged. We were also able to distribute educational material to 15 states due to RREA support. Technical support was provided to the Oklahoma State Legislature to draft the Oklahoma Redcedar Initiative. Finally 5 new publications were produced on a variety of natural resource topics.
Publications
- Elmore, D., D. Wolfe, and K. Allen. 2010. Impacts of Lead Ammunition and Sinkers on Wildlife. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 9015.
- Elmore, D., T. Bidwell, K. Hickman, and R. Wanger. 2010. Options for Expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Land. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 9016.
- Puffinarger, T., D. Elmore, T. Bidwell, J. Sykes, and D. Schoeling. 2010. The Ring-necked Pheasant in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 9017.
- Bidwell, T., M. Beem, D. Elmore, and D. Engle. 2010. Pond Management for Livestock, Fish, and Wildlife. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet NREM 2883.
- Elmore, D, C. Harper, and J. Mercer (eds). 2010. 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, 4th edition. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the period between 10/01/07 to 09/30/08 the RREA OKLN-1002 project resulted in the following outputs. Four natural resource in-services were provided to Extension dducators on the management of wildlife, range, and forestry. We held 3 field days statewide that reached landowners, policy makers, and the media on the issue of prescribed fire. Both the Oklahoma state and the National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) contest was supported by RREA. Three WHEP trainings were provided to youth and 4-H volunteers to increase participation in this youth program. Extension staff continued to work with the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council to implement the use of prescribed fire in Oklahoma. Extension material was distributed at the 2009 Wildlife Expo. RREA supported Oklahoma Rangelands West. This web based tool allows Oklahoma land managers easy access to the best available science related to rangeland ecosystems and is supported by RREA. The site can be accessed at http://www.okrangelandswest.okstate.edu/. Support from RREA allowed for a quarterly newsletter to be produced covering various topics in natural resources for distribution to various constituents including: alumni, landowners, professionals, and students. A book entitled Conducting Prescribed Fires was produced. This guide will be used as a textbook for fire practitioners nationwide. It is the only book of its kind in the US. We used RREA to initiate a Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival which attracted people from across N. America. This festival will highlight the threats facing range resources in Oklahoma, and will contribute to the local economy through the development of ecotourism. We supported an outreach project involving census of white-tailed deer populations to assist landowners with herd management. We were able to offer a competitive grant program which awarded 4 grants to support our prescribed fire associations and allowed a new 4-H youth camping program to develop. We were able to reproduce our popular Using Prescribed Fire in Oklahoma and distribute copies across the region. Finally, we supported a temporary employee to begin creating a website devoted to prairie ecology that will be used in primary and secondary education. PARTICIPANTS: During the period between 10/01/08 to 09/30/09 the RREA OKLN-1002 project collaborated with the following groups: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quail Forever, Sierra Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Division of Forestry, Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance, High Plains RC&D, Oklahoma Audubon Council, Utah State University, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, Society for Range Management, Society of American Foresters, Mississippi State University, and the Sutton Avian Research Center. Opportunities for professional development were provided to Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, and the Society for Range Management. TARGET AUDIENCES: Between 10/01/08 to 09/30/09 the RREA OKLN-1002 project targeted the following audiences: youth, landowners, land managers, urban residents, and state and federal natural resource professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The 4 Natural Resource In-Services trained 72 Extension Educators on natural resource opportunities, and the WHEP trainings resulted in the education of 85 people. Over 42,000 people attended the 2009 Wildlife Expo. Of these, 55% were first time visitors and over 10,000 were youth. RREA funds were also used to support the Oklahoma Rangelands West web site which has been utilized by over 2,000 unique users thus far and is resulting in changes in knowledge regarding range resource management. Our NREM newsletter is distributed to over 700 participants quarterly (and further distributed to other lists) and is aimed at increasing knowledge levels and influencing behavior. Sixteen states and 96 individuals participated in the 2009 4-H WHEP contest and received intensive training in natural resource management. We additionally awarded 4 grants to county extension staff and associated natural resource groups to address our RREA state strategic goals. These grants are supporting work in prescribed fire outreach and youth education, and were leveraged with at least $2 for every RREA dollar. The prescribed fire associations that RREA supports conducted 47 burns on over 20,000 acres and the associations received over $100,000 in grants. OSU faculty worked closely with the USDA Farm Service Agency to amend Conservation Reserve Program activities to positively benefit the natural resources on over 9,000,000 acres statewide. The inaugural Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival attracted over 100 people from 11 states and 2 Canadian Provinces and generated over $50,000 to the local communities of western Oklahoma. We were also able to distribute more than 5,000 pieces of educational material to 8 states due to RREA support. Finally 4 new publications were produced on a variety of natural resource topics.
Publications
- Weir, J.R., 2009. Conducting Prescribed Burns: A Comprehensive Manual. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, Texas, USA, 194 p.
- Elmore, R.D., T.G. Bidwell, and J.R. Weir. 2009. Perceptions of Oklahoma residents to prescribed fire, in K.M.Robertson, K.E.M. Galley, and R.E. Masters (eds.). Proceedings of the 24th Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference: The Future of Prescribed Fire: Public Awareness, Health, and Safety. Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
- Weir, J. R., R. D Elmore, T. G. Bidwell, D. M. Engle, J. D. Carlson, and S. D. Fuhlendrof. 2009. Oklahoma prescribed burning handbook. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service E-1010.
- Elmore, R. D., T. G. Bidwell, R. Ranft, and D.Wolf. 2009. Habitat Evaluation Guide for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service E-1014.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the period between 10/01/07 to 09/30/08 the RREA OKLN-1002 project resulted in the following outputs. Three Natural Resource In-Services was provided to Extension Educators on the management of wildlife within the crosstimbers region. One 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) trainings were provided to youth and 4-H volunteers to increase participation in this youth program. Extension staff continued to work with the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council to implement the use of prescribed fire in Oklahoma. Books of matches with wildlife management information were created and distributed to the public at the 2008 Wildlife Expo to increase knowledge of the role of fire in wildlife management. Magnets were also distributed to the public at the Expo with web links to the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council. A temporary student worker was employed to update and manage the Oklahoma Rangelands West web site. This web based tool allows Oklahoma land managers easy access to the best available science related to rangeland ecosystems and is supported by RREA. The site can be accessed at http://www.okrangelandswest.okstate.edu/. Support from RREA allowed for a quarterly newsletter to be produced covering various topics in natural resources for distribution to various constituents including: alumni, landowners, professionals, and students. RREA support allowed Debbi Gaddis from Mississippi State University to speak to landowners at the 2008 Oklahoma on the Grow Conference. RREA funds provided travel expenses for the Oklahoma Master Naturalist coordinator to attend the annual conference of the Association of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Providers (ANROSP). A presentation was made to state coordinators of Master Naturalist, Master Watershed Steward and similar programs from across the country. These coordinators were made aware of the successful Oklahoma experience in partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide volunteer monitoring of restored wetlands and grassland habitats under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. It is hoped that as a result of this presentation similar partnerships will be initiated in other states. A book entitled Conducting Prescribed Fires was edited and sent to Texas A&M Press, it is currently in copy edit and should be available next year. The 2nd edition Field Guide to Oklahoma Plants was completed with RREA support. Nine graduate students received a week of intensive natural resource and extension training in Utah. RREA supported a questionnaire mailed to 2,000 Oklahoma residents on prescribed fire that will be used to guide our extension program. The 2008 National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program contest was supported by RREA and was held in Oklahoma for the first time. Nineteen additional presentations were given around the region on a variety of natural resource topics. And finally, RREA support allowed a Ranch Conversation meeting to discuss the Lesser-prairie Chicken and the implications of an ESA listing. PARTICIPANTS: During the period between 10/01/07 to 09/30/08 the RREA OKLN-1002 project collaborated with the following groups: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Division of Forestry, Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance, High Plains RC&D, Oklahoma Audubon Council, Utah State University, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, Society for Range Management, Society of American Foresters, Mississippi State University, and the Sutton Avian Research Center. Opportunities for professional development were provided to Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, and the Society for Range Management. TARGET AUDIENCES: Between 10/01/07 to 09/30/08 the RREA OKLN-1002 project targeted the following audiences: youth, landowners, land managers, urban residents, and state and federal natural resource professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The 3 Natural Resource In-Services trained 29 Extension Educators on natural resource opportunities, and the WHEP training resulted in the education of 40 people. Over 29,475 educational items were distributed at the 2008 Wildlife Expo which had approximately 38,600 participants. Of these, 51% were first time visitors and over 5,000 were youth. These items were targeted to youth and urban residents to change knowledge regarding prescribed fire. RREA funds were also used to support the Oklahoma Rangelands West web site which has been utilized by over 1,900 unique users thus far and is resulting in changes in knowledge regarding range resource management. Our NREM newsletter is distributed to over 700 participants quarterly (and further distributed to other lists) and is aimed at increasing knowledge levels and influencing behavior. We received 647 responses to our prescribed fire questionnaire which will be used to guide programming for the next few years. Results of this survey have shown that knowledge of prescribed fire associations is very low but support for fire as a management tool is high in Oklahoma. Eighteen states and 104 individuals participated in the 2008 4-H WHEP contest in Stillwater and received intensive training in natural resource management. Respondents indicated that the WHEP contest improved individual abilities in teamwork (100%), communication (94%), and decision making/leadership (91%). An additional 15 presentations (with associated fact sheets) were given to over 500 individuals on a variety of topics across the country. We additionally awarded 4 grants to county extension staff and associated natural resource groups to address our RREA state strategic goals. These grants will support work in prescribed fire outreach and youth education during the upcoming year. Finally, staff supported by RREA worked closely with the USDA Farm Service Agency to amend Conservation Reserve Program activities to positively benefit the natural resources on over 9,600,000 acres statewide.
Publications
- Tyrl, R. J., T. G. Bidwell, R. E. Masters, R. D. Elmore. 2008. Field Guide to Oklahoma Plants: Commonly encountered prairie, shrubland, and forest species, 2nd edition. Oklahoma State University.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the period between 10/01/06 to 09/30/07 the RREA OKLN-1002 project resulted in the following outputs. Extension staff facilitated 5 Bobwhite Quail Initiative meetings in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) targeting landowners. Two Natural Resource In-Services were provided Extension Educators on a variety of topics relevant to natural resource management. Two 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) trainings were provided to youth and 4-H volunteers to increase participation in this youth program. Extension staff worked to establish the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council which will serve as a planning group for increasing the use of prescribed fire in Oklahoma. Books of matches with wildlife management information were created and distributed to the public to increase knowledge of the role of fire in wildlife management. Magnets were created and distributed to the public with web links to the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council.
Bracelets were created and distributed to youth with information regarding the role of prescribed fire for wildlife management. A temporary student worker was hired to update and manage the Oklahoma Rangelands West web site. This web based tool allows Oklahoma land managers easy access to the best available science related to rangeland ecosystems and is supported by RREA. The site can be accessed at http://www.okrangelandswest.okstate.edu/. Support from RREA allowed for a quarterly newsletter to be produced covering various topics in natural resources for distribution to various constituents including: alumni, landowners, professionals, and students. Extension staff helped organize the Red River Quail Symposium which served as a 2 day training for landowners on land management actions to benefit the Northern Bobwhite. RREA funds also supported the Bollenbach Wildlife Symposium which provided various natural resource information to landowners, students, and professionals over a 2 day
symposium. In cooperation with the ODWC, Extension staff created and manned a display for the 2007 Oklahoma Wildlife Symposium to distribute information to the general public. And finally, RREA support allowed Jan McReynolds from Mississippi State University to speak to landowners at the 2007 Oklahoma on the Grow Conference. Exploring Opportunities and New Technologies for Natural Resources Management and the Wood Products Industry was the topic.
PARTICIPANTS: During the period between 10/01/06 to 09/30/07 the RREA OKLN-1002 project collaborated with the following groups: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Cooperative Extension Service, Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Division of Forestry, Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, Society for Range Management, Society of American Foresters, Mississippi State University, and the Sutton Avian Research Center. Opportunities for professional development were provided to Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, The Wildlife Society, and the Society for Range Management.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Between 10/01/06 to 09/30/07 the RREA OKLN-1002 project targeted the following audiences: youth, landowners, land managers, urban residents, and state and federal natural resource professionals.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: During the period 10/01/06 to 09/30/07, the project RREA OKLN-1002 PI Rachael Houchin resigned her position in order to accept another position outside the Oklahoma State University system. As a significant portion of our annual RREA allocation was encumbered by salary, we decided to modify our project proposal. This modification resulted in allocation redirection towards projects and products rather than salary. This revised proposal was accepted on 11/19/07.
Impacts
The Bobwhite Quail Initiative meetings resulted in 16 landowner contracts which changed the condition of 29,654 acres of land to benefit the Northern Bobwhite. Additionally, over 100 landowners were in attendance and received technical assistance which resulted in a change in knowledge levels. The 2 Natural Resource In-Services trained 40 Extension Educators on natural resource opportunities, and the 2 WHEP trainings resulted in the education of 79 people and the addition of 1 new WHEP coach. Of the 10,000 prescribed fire match books created, over 8,000 have been distributed. All of the 5,000 magnets and 5,000 bracelets have been distributed. These items were targeted to youth and urban residents to change knowledge regarding prescribed fire. RREA funds were used to support the Oklahoma Rangelands West web site which has been utilized by over 1,800 unique users thus far and is resulting in changes in knowledge regarding range resource management. Our NREM newsletter is
distributed to over 700 participants quarterly (and further distribute to other lists) and is aimed at increasing knowledge levels and influencing behavior. The Red River Quail Symposium had over 120 participants (many of which were landowners). Surveys from the symposium indicated that 70% were completely satisfied with the content. About 19% indicated they would likely implement prescribed fire as a result of the training. Another 36% indicated that they would adjust livestock grazing to accommodate the Northern Bobwhite. Thus, we directly changed the behavior on pertinent land management actions. The Bollenbach Wildlife Symposium resulted in the training and change in knowledge of over 80 participants representing more than 100,000 acres of land. The 2007 Wildlife Expo resulted in the distribution of more than 20,000 educational items to change knowledge levels. More than 40,000 participants attended this event.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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