1. Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Biodiversity Program Work Team (PWT) Gary Goff, Mark Russo, Kristi Sullivan, and Nordica Holochuk, Co-Chairs

2. What is Cooperative Extension? CCE Mission: The Cornell Cooperative Extension educational system enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work.

3. What is a Program Work Team (PWT)? A team of campus- and county-based educators and researchers, as well as external stakeholders focusing on an issue of joint concern History of collaboration and cooperation within our department and with other departments

4. Purpose of the PWT Program Work Teams (PWT’s) conduct the on- going business of program development. engage stakeholders and determine educational needs conduct, interpret, and apply research develop external funding and program proposals design and implement educational programs evaluate impacts of program

5. Biodiversity PWT 2-year duration, renewable Secured seed money of $4,000 annually to support work team activities

6. Potential Programming, Activities Year 1 PWT orientation with Biodiversity and Terrestrial Habitat Project Conduct in-service orientation for CCE county educators and external stakeholders –inform participants of issues and progress –discuss opportunities and activities for outreach programs –set specific objectives

7. Potential Programming, Activities (continued) Year 2 submit proposals for outside funding start-up of research and extension programs in the Hudson Valley as funding allows assess potential for statewide expansion of PWT objectives

8. DNR History with Biodiversity Programs Research Examples French Creek - assessing correlation between land use and stream biodiversity (M. Bain) GAP - application of GAP to facilitate planning for biodiversity conservation (C. Smith) Area-sensitive birds - grassland and forest (T. Gavin) Invasive plants - biological control (B. Blossey)

9. DNR History with Biodiversity Programs Extension Examples Biodiversity for Farms and Forests- video (G. Goff, P. Curtis) Enhancing Biodiversity in the Northeast Through Management of Early Successional Forests- conference (G. Goff, P. Curtis) Biodiversity for Farms, Forests and Parks- satellite video-conference (G. Goff, P. Curtis) Assessment of Stream Bank Protection Practices and Attitudes - survey (D. Gross)

10. Independent, Autonomous Associations

11. County Natural Resource Priorities Topic Number of Counties Watersheds/water quality7 Environment3 Wildlife/wildlife damage3 Invasive plants3 Protected landscapes3 Forestry1 Agroforestry1 * multiple topics reported for each county

12. County Strengths Strong connection to forest landowners, farmers, gardeners, local governments Collaboration with organizations and agencies Skilled, unbiased facilitation of meetings and conflict resolution Multiplier effect - trained volunteers (MFO, Master Gardeners, 4-H leaders)

13. Examples of County-Based Programs Related to Biodiversity