1. After Re-entry: Communicating Our Message Effectively UConn Cooperative Extension System The Connecticut Forest & Park Association The Department of Environmental Protection

2. After the seminar, I went home and: Found I’d gained five pounds Nursed my bug bites Wondered what to do next

3. What you may (or may not) remember you agreed to do.... Making your own woodland into a local stewardship demonstration area by applying your new knowledge to it; Actively publicizing the fact that you are a Coverts project Cooperator and are available to answer other woodland owners’ questions; Selecting and planning for one specific outreach activity in the coming year, either on my own or with fellow cooperators.

4. Goals Get something done on your own forest Build Awareness with the public, behavior change with other landowners “Attract the right eyeballs” But How?!

5. Bias For Action High Affinity Woodlot owners with the right attitudes, facing a decision, possessing the resources to take on active forest management. “Best Prospects”

6. Best Prospects Forest owners who hold some degree of stewardship ethic Facing a decision; at a “teachable moment”. Inclined to act Right intentions, but don’t know which buttons to push Help them focus, find the right resources

7. Mainstream “Agnostics” Forest owners with Open Minds May or may not be at a decision point Don’t know/Aren’t aware Expose to ideas + info Share your enthusiasm & experiences

8. Unredeemable “Atheists” “Stewardship!?! No &$!#@ ever did anything for me - why should I be any different?!” Minds are made up: forest stewardship isn’t even on the radar screen!! Get Professional Help or Leave “em be!

9. Best Prospects AgnosticsAtheists OUR TARGETS

10. Local/Community Media…. Adds credibility and reach Can connect to both “Best Prospects” and “Agnostics” Will report news, are looking for stories, guests to interview Public access Appreciate up front effort (facts, writing, photos, etc.) Human interest/environment combo is potent Lots of readers/viewers/listeners keep up to date via local media and will connect with your message!

11. The Process Press Release, Other Publicity Following Seminar Do Something Real! Plan &/or Implement Create and Promote An “Event” Get the word out now while it’s news Complete small steps to build experience, credibility and demonstration opportunities Proven formats available Target your audience Schedule carefully Follow up!!

12. Ron Carlyle Made sure Press Release got in, established contact w/ reporter Posters in chain saw shops, realtors offices, town hall Two press articles Gave forest stewardship seminar at local adult ed center – Materials & AV from Ruth – Service Forester, DEP Wildlife Biologist helped teach – Two hour program – 19 attendees Gave us registration list and we followed up

13. Bill Farrell Contacted reporter, built article from press release Neighborhood of small to mid- sized forests Gathered names at town hall, invited abutters to a lunch 15 attendees, 300 acres Tom W and local DEP Forester spoke Followed up with letter and information, second annual held last year

14. Jim Matschulat Not successful with press release Retained consulting forester, did stewardship plan Invited neighbors to walk with him & forester 2000 adjacent acres under plans Hosted Coverts sponsored tour Arranged for presentation at town land trust annual meeting, got others to speak

15. Event Tips Check the competitive landscape for times & dates Piggy-back onto existing crowd gathering events Don’t forget existing clubs, associations Don’t do things you’re not comfortable doing: speakers are available We want to help!!! Your fellow Coverts Cooperators want to help!!! You are not alone!!!