Changing Roles: Past, Present, and Future Annie Hermansen-Baez, U.S. Forest Service - InterfaceSouth

Outline Why Changing Roles? Past Present Future Background Partners and Cooperators Creating CR Present New CR Coordinator Future Brainstorm activity: How can we support CR programs in your state?

Why Is Changing Roles Needed? Change Change Change

Population Changes in the South 43 percent projected increase (2000-2030). 65 of the 100 fastest growing counties in the U.S. (2000-2005). The South is one of the most rapidly growing regions of the United States. The region is projected to gain an additional 43 million people between 2000 and 2030, an increase of 43 percent (U.S. Census Bureau 2005). This trend is driven by migration from both other U.S. regions and abroad, as well as natural increase. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2006), of the 100 fastest-growing counties between April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005, 65 were located in the South, 18 in the Midwest, 16 in the West, and just 1 in the Northeast. Georgia leads the nation with 18 of the fastest-growing counties, and both Texas and Florida are close behind with 13 each. Cultural changes:

Demographic Changes Older population (65 and older) will double by 2050 Minority populations increasing rapidly E.g. Hispanic population in U.S. will nearly triple between 2008 and 2050 (from 47 to 133) Between 1990 to 2000 GA-324%, NC-440%, TN -284% In 2030, when all of the baby boomers will be 65 and older, nearly one in five U.S. residents is expected to be 65 and older. This age group is expected to increase to 89 million in 2050, more than doubling the number in 2008 (39 million). 85 and older population will more than triple. Within two decades the U.S. foreign-born population will surpass the historic 19th century peak of nearly 15 percent of all residents, reported the Pew Research Center in a recent study. The center projects that 19 percent of Americans will be foreign-born in 2050. Minorities, now roughly 1/3 of the U.S. population, are expected to become the majority in 2042. By 2023, minorities will comprise m0re than half of all children. The U.S. Census recently reported that the Hispanic population is expected to triple, from 47 million to 133 million during the 2008-2050 period. Its share of the nations total population is projected to double from 15 to 30 percent. Black population is projected to increase from 41.1 million, or 14 percent of the population in 2008, to 66 million, or 15 percent in 2050. Asians is projected to climb from 15 million to 40.6 million (5.1 to 9.2 percent) The southeastern U.S. (states other than Florida) has experienced unprecedented immigration and migration of Latinos in the last twenty years. For example, the Latino population in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee increased 324, 440 and 284% respectively over the ten year period 1990 to 2000. This increase in the South has been primarily in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas in the Appalachian and “Black Belt” areas, unlike other parts of the country that have mainly seen growth in large cities. Different ethnic, cultural, and age groups have different preferences for how natural resources are managed and what kinds of recreational opportunities are provided. “A lot of research shows that blacks and Hispanics prefer more developed recreation sites and recreational opportunities involving larger groups—extended family and friends—compared to whites,

Land Use Change Loss/alteration of natural areas Deforestation, fragmentation and parcelization of forests Between 1992 to 2020, South will lose 12 million forest acres More, smaller, and absentee land ownerships. - 90 % NIPF owners - 94 percent < 100 acres Undoubtedly the South is undergoing tremendous change—land-use change, population pressures, and demographic shifts—with no end in sight. These changes are having and will continue to have dramatic effects on the sustainability of forests and other natural areas. Forecasts show the southern region losing 12 million forest acres (8 percent) to developed uses between 1992 and 2020, with an additional 19 million forest acres forecast to be converted between 2020 and 2040. This loss of forest area and the fragmentation of remaining forests are the most obvious effects of urbanization and other human activities on forests. We are indirectly affecting forests through activities such as introducing nonnative invasive species, polluting the air, reducing biodiversity, and increasing soil erosion. In the South, over 90 percent of forested land is held by non-industrial private land owners. The majority of these owners (94 percent) own less than 100 acres. Many are new owners who bring with them diverse cultural values, attitudes, lifestyles, and perceptions regarding the use of forestlands and how they should be managed. We can no longer assume that forest landowners see timber as the primary reason for owning forests; owners of small forests tend to emphasize amenity, identity, lifestyle, and ecological reasons for forest ownership.

The Wildland-Urban Interface As a result of these changes in population, demographics, land ownerships, etc, dramatic changes in natural resource practices have occurred, such as the way forest fires are fought. Not only must natural resources be protected, but also homes and people. Increased human influences on southern forests strain the ability of many natural resource professionals to deal with the complex array of social, economic, and political issues in the interface. As the ownership and geographic continuity of interface forests become more fragmented, managing them with traditional strategies becomes a challenge. The changing landscape brings new opportunities for managers as well as residents as more people desire the amenities that nature can provide.

Past: CR Background Southern WUI Assessment “The interface is a mosaic of incompatible land uses, a zone of increased conflict.” (TX) “I think we have taken the wrong focus when saving a tree or patch of woods. Rather we need to take a systems approach. We need to look at the natural system and all the components.” (VA) “We’re moving into a multicultural society, and I don’t think we (natural resource professionals) have changed to reflect that.” (MS) “The wildlife is being squeezed into smaller and smaller areas or into areas where there is little space…” (VA) The assessment revealed that the resource professionals need new skills, tools, and knowledge to address the challenges of working in the WUI.

Past: CR Background Creation of Southern Center for WUI Research and Information (now InterfaceSouth) Southern WUI Council (SWUIC) serves as advisory council SWUIC developed the Changing Roles concept – flexible, adaptable modules

Partners and Cooperators Southern Group of State Foresters University of Florida U.S. Forest Service – InterfaceSouth U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Virginia Tech, Auburn University, NC State, Southern Regional Extension Forestry

Creating Changing Roles Development began in 2004, took two years First train-the-trainer workshop held in GA in Feb 2006 for prospective trainers in each of the 13 Southern States and Puerto Rico. Designed for state and federal agency use in training programs in the South Addresses the need for in-state training, reduced costs. The 2-day TOT workshop introduced the materials, demonstrated ways to present the information. There were over 50 participants from a variety of agencies – mainly state forestry agencies and extension, some national forest representation

Examples of how CR has been used In TX, the TFS has conducted three Changing Roles Conferences targeting a range of audiences. In VA, Coop Extension has used the materials for Master Naturalist trainings. In GA, the Sustainable Community Forestry Program held district training sessions. In TN, county extension agents attended CR in-service trainings, three more planned this month. Green Infrastructure/WUI Training was conducted in W. VA in 2007. Since that workshop, a Changing Roles section was added to the InterfaceSouth website that includes the training materials plus a Trainer’s Corner with adaptations, suggestions, and agendas from trainers that have used the materials. Notably, many states have already conducted their own training workshops and are using the materials in various capacities according to their own needs and resources

Further Implementing Changing Roles The SGSF identified the expansion of CR as an action item of critical importance in 2007, recognizing the need for further improvement and implementation. Saw the need to address areas beyond forestry. InterfaceSouth developed and submitted a proposal to the SGSF to fund a Changing Roles Coordinator for three years. Nicole Wulff was hired to work with InterfaceSouth late November 2008. Since that workshop, a Changing Roles section was added to the InterfaceSouth website that includes the training materials plus a Trainer’s Corner with adaptations, suggestions, and agendas from trainers that have used the materials. Notably, many states have already conducted their own training workshops and are using the materials in various capacities according to their own needs and resources

Present: New Coordinator Main responsibilities are to: Assist trainers with trainings. Add to and modify existing materials; develop new modules as needed. Develop partnerships with professional organizations and agencies. Facilitate interaction between trainers in different States and potential partners. Develop new strategies, such as webinars, to train more people. Assist trainers with trainings as needed and facilitate interaction between trainers in different States and potential partners (extension, planners). Also - evaluate materials and workshops, update website content, record and promote successful strategies for implementing CR. Develop partnerships with professional organizations and agencies working in the wildland-urban interface to help distribute and integrate Changing Roles into their management and practice. Partner with Green Infrastructure programs, NRCS and watershed councils, state extension, and other institutional efforts addressing interface issues. Write grants to solicit funds for continued development and implementation of the program and materials , such as the items listed in the next two bullets Add to and modify existing materials. One example is a package of materials for selected audiences (such as a package of fact sheets for homeowners, or a set of lessons and exercises on water issues). Develop new modules as needed. Develop new strategies such as web-based, just-in-time platforms, to train more people in the Changing Roles program. Upkeep the web content. Assemble and distribute materials. Evaluate materials and workshops. Record and promote successful and unsuccessful strategies implementing Changing Roles

Changing Roles Section on InterfaceSouth Changing Roles Listerve Changing Roles Update Module Materials Related Resources Trainer’s Corner Evaluation Resources Changing Roles Listerve Created for those interested in learning about the latest news and information regarding Changing Roles. Changing Roles Update CR Update includes information about new additions to the Changing Roles website, upcoming Changing Roles workshops, and examples of how Changing Roles is being used across the region. An electronic, quarterly bulletin sent out over the listserve Related Resources A bibliography of books, articles, websites, programs, etc. Trainer’s Corner Dedicated to helping trainers share their adapted materials and suggestions for using Changing Roles. Training Materials Includes the trainer's guides, exercises, fact sheets, case studies, presentations, and other resources. Trainer’s Corner includes a place to view and submit trainer adapted materials and suggestions, evaluation resources

Future: Integrated CR Program Southwide and Beyond Webinar and other on-line delivery New modules and incorporation of new information into existing modules. Support of and facilitation and coordination between trainers in different states and across regions. Partnerships with various organizations to conduct trainings and development of a variety of products incorporating CR concepts.

How can we help you? Discuss ways the CR coordinator could support CR programs in your state. Any other products or methods for delivering information that you would like to suggest? Please encourage submitting new adaptations to CR!

Roundtable Discussion Are there areas in your state where landscape is changing due to human influence? If yes, give an example.

What is the role of your agency associated with this change? How can your agency be part of the solution?

What are the skills that your staff need? What do you need to make it happen?

Who is missing? Who else could we involve? What can we do together? Who is missing? Who else could we involve?