2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 29

Ashley N. Rossi and James B. Armstrong, Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 108 M. White Smith Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849; 334.844.9244 and 334.844.9233; arossi@aces.edu and jarmstro@aces.edu; and Ronald E. Masters, Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, 240 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078; 405.744.8065; rmaster@okway.okstate.edu

Thanks to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant, we are currently implementing strategies for expanding the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) nationally. The WHEP National Committee has stated expansion goals to be an increase of 10 new states that have not participated in the past and a 10% increase in participation from those states that sporadically attend the national contest. Aquaculture, wildlife, and fisheries specialists are essential to the success of the expansion efforts for a number of reasons including: expertise in resource management, expertise in and youth education, and knowledge of potentially interested personnel from their respective states. These groups working collaboratively can help start or build upon a current state WHEP program. To meet the expansion goals, we have conducted regional training workshops in California and Nebraska earlier this year. A third workshop is scheduled for June 8-11, 2000 in Pennsylvania. The third edition of the national WHEP manual was published recently and includes 76 wildlife and fish species, 47 wildlife management practices, and a new habitat region entitled ?Pacific Coastal Forest.? In addition to the release of the new edition of the national manual, workshop promotional efforts include the construction of a web site containing information about the national program and the expansion push, letter mailings, and personal contact with interested parties in states that have shown little or no previous participation in the national WHEP program. An Alabama-based training team, consisting of 3 individuals, is conducting the intensive, 3-day workshops, which address numerous topics including teaching basic wildlife and fisheries management concepts; running a state WHEP program; and dealing with a lack of funding, administrative support and youth interest. Workshop training topics were selected based on results from a written survey mailed to wildlife and 4-H specialists in each state. We offer a brief overview of the national WHEP program, our expansion and promotional efforts, and feedback from the first 2 workshops.