2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 47

Thomas G. Barnes, Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Forestry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0073; 606.323.8633; tbarnes@ca.uky.edu

Changes in 1995 Farm Bill made wildlife an important consideration in conservation programs implemented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). A large component in the new Conservation Reserve Program, EQIP, and WHIP is the establishment of native warm season grasses (NWSG). Unfortunately, NRCS staff in Kentucky had little experience working with these grasses. Enter the Cooperative Extension Service (CES). Prior to rewarding new contracts, NRCS invited faculty from the CES to provide training on killing tall fescue, establishing NWSG, and establishing cool-season grasses at 2 regional meetings. Results from several applied research studies were provided to the district conservationists as well as other practical information. Further educational training efforts, based on CES applied research studies, including 3 one-day field programs and an additional field day for central Kentucky district conservation staff. More than 390 county agents and professional resource biologists from 8 states representing the NRCS, Kentucky CES, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, The Nature Conservancy, Virginia Game & Freshwater Fish Commission, Indiana DNR, Illinois DNR, NC State University, Clemson University, Quail Unlimited, and NWSG nurserymen attended these meetings/field days on killing fescue and establishing NWSG in a single growing season. Ninety-nine percent of field day participants indicated they learned something new about these grasses. Typical comments included (from a native plant nurserymen): "Traveled from Michigan to attend this program, and it was well worth the trip." "Excellent, concise with lots of information; will help with technical guidance to landowners." In a single year, these educational efforts resulted in 1,357 landowners establishing 33,403 acres of NWSG for wildlife habitat and CRP plantings. In addition, the applied research project has generated 3 CES fact sheets, 3 scientific journal articles to date, 5 popular magazine articles to date and presentations at 4 national scientific and policy meetings. This is an excellent showcase of how CES can impact resource management by creating partnerships to do applied research (Partners included UK CES and Department of Forestry; RREA funding; Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth Chapter of Quail Unlimited, Monsanto Corporation, American Cyanamid) followed by technology transfer to various federal and state agencies, NGO's and the private sector.