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Master Wildlifer 2018

Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources

W. Heaton
State Wildlife Specialist, Extension Assistant Professor
CLEMSON EXTENSION SERVICE
Columbia

Team Members: Bean, R1, Dailey, M2, Yarrow, G3, Savereno, A4, Barrett, K5, Kantrovich, A6, Nelson, B7, Marshall, M8, Barnes, J9, Heaton, W10
  1. Area Forestry and Natural Resources Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Camden, South Carolina, 29020
  2. 4-H Extension Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Walhalla, South Carolina, 29691
  3. Department Chair and Professor, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
  4. Area Forestry and Natural Resources Agent, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Bishopville, South Carolina, 29010
  5. Professor, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
  6. Associate Professor, Agribusiness, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Columbia, South Carolina, 29229
  7. Extension Associate, Farm Management, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Columbia, South Carolina, 29229
  8. Soil, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
  9. Senior County Extension Agent-Distinguished Row Crops, Forages & Wildlife, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Hampton, South Carolina, 29924
  10. State Wildlife Specialist, Extension Assistant Professor, CLEMSON EXTENSION SERVICE, Columbia, South Carolina, 29229

Abstract

Master Wildlifer is a nationally recognized wildlife management educational outreach program originally developed by Dr. Greg Yarrow at Clemson University.  The course utilized leading specialists and biologist from numerous organizations to provide advanced level wildlife management education. The course format ensured participants received the latest unbiased science based information, and provided a direct line for conversation between the participants and the experts.  Initially the course was held before a live audience as well as being broadcast live to satellite host sites throughout the Southeastern US.  Eventually the program was adapted to an online version.  Reduced participation following the introduction of the online version led to Master Wildlifer not being offered in SC from 2012 through 2017.  Other land grant universities developed their own Master Wildlifer programs during this period.

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During the absence of Master Wildlifer many requests were received for this program to be revived, however staffing and budget restraints made this difficult.  In late 2017, several Clemson Cooperative Extension agents came together to rebuild the program.  A location in Greenville, SC was chosen and a schedule set for seven sessions to take place starting in January and finishing the end of February 2018.  Specialists from several state and federal agencies were called upon to provide content.  These partners included SC Department of Natural Resources, SC Forestry Commission, USDA APHIS WS, Clemson University, and Clemson Cooperative Extension.

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The 2018 program met maximum registration with 61 participants. Program evaluations were provided to each participants at the completion of the final session. 60.7% of participants responded to evaluation surveys.  Survey responses indicated 100% of participants gained knowledge from attending the program.  Participants were responsible for the management of 21,424 acres in SC.  Respondents indicated information presented during the program would allow them to greatly reduce costs associated with management activities on the properties they manage.  Total reported savings were in the range of $65,000 to $190,000.  Additionally, participants indicated they expected to increase income on the properties they manage by $1,000 - $10,000 with a total reported income increase of $28,000 to $95,000.

Years of CES Service: 0

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