1. P.u.S.H.ing Natural Resource Education A collaborative focus on trees, wildlife, & people in Polk, Sevier, & Howard Counties in Western Arkansas Sherry Eudy*- CEA- AG Howard Co. Carla Vaught- CEA- Staff Chair Polk Co. Rex Herring- CEA-Staff Chair Sevier Co. Dr. Tamara Walkingstick- Forestry Specialist

2. Background Information Private timberland owners & pro- loggers were a neglected audience They wanted & needed an education program. Very receptive to educational programming.

3. Planning Extension Agents, AFC personnel, private landowners, & pro-loggers met & identified topics that needed to be addressed. We contacted experts in these areas to address the needs of our target audience.

4. Funding Arkansas Forestry Resource Center- First 2 yrs. $1500/Co./yr. 3 rd year funding- ANR section, Arkansas Forestry Commission, Chemical Companies Domtar Corp., Weyerhaeuser Co., & AFC We have been able to offer this program at no charge for participants.

5. Implementation The Cossatot Forestry Clinic has completed its 4 th year (2006) with plans to continue. The average attendance has been ~150 people with a large number of repeat participants. The clinics have drawn people from a 3 state area.

6. Topics have included: SMZ Forestry Chemical Chainsaw Safety Wildlife mgmt Timber Bids, Sales, & Taxes Improving Pine Plantations Nutrient Mgmt in Surplus Watershed Laws & Legislation Timber Theft Burning Penalties Endangered species Pine Plantation nutrient mgmt. Forestry Weed & Disease ID & control Wildlife Leases Site Prep- Tours

7. Clinic

8. Tour

9. Impact Knowledge was increased in most all of the topic areas Better managers of wildlife habitats. A better understanding of laws & regulations concerning timber 75% Plan to implement SMZ & BMP clauses in timber contracts.

10. Impacts 85% indicated that they will implement safety practices when using a chain saw 62% indicated that they will be more timely in their pruning & thinning practices 100% of those who turned in surveys felt that it was worth their time to come to the program & felt they had gained useful information from it.

11. Youth Component Youth are more aware of environmental issues & wanted more information. Included training of forestry teams, shooting sports teams, wildlife habitat teams, etc. Conducting day camps & environmental workshops

12. Youth Activities Compass orienteering Forestry Judging Wildlife Habitat mgmt. & judging

13. More Youth Activities Tree Id & using a Biltmore stick How to make recycled paper Hunters Education Gun Safety Protecting their Environments

14. Youth Impact Youth have a better understanding of their environment Can ID Native AR trees using Arkansas Tree Guide 4 Forestry teams trained 2 Wildlife Habitat teams trained Youth are now involved in Wildlife Food plot establishment & maintenance.

15. Conclusion We targeted a neglected audience. Provided them with an educational opportunity. Now receive continued support and repeat participation Youth are also educated in a variety of activities & trained to be better stewards of the land.

16. Quote Far & away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. ~Theodore Roosevelt~