CAC vital forests WA

Slide 1: Extension Citizens’ Advisory Committee Vital Forests and the Woodland Advisor Program Eli Sagor Regional Extension Educator esagor@umn.edu (612) 624-6948

Slide 2: Public value • Healthy, vibrant ecosystems • Recreation and culture • Economy: $7 billion from wood products

Slide 3: Woodland Advisor • A master volunteer program offering learning and leadership opportunities around forest ecology, forest products, and agroforestry issues to the citizens of Minnesota.

Slide 4: Woodland Advisor • 45 hours of training • annual conference • volunteer projects

Slide 5: Woodland Advisor • Master Volunteer program • 45 hours on: – Forest ecology – Wood products – Agroforestry – Woodland management

Slide 6: REE locations

Slide 7: 2001

Slide 8: 2002

Slide 9: 2003

Slide 10: 2004

Slide 11: REE locations

Slide 12: LEE REE Campus specialist

Slide 13: Extension’s unique role • Research-based content: curriculum • Standardized and local

Slide 14: Partner roles • Local private woodland councils • Minnesota Forestry Association • MN DNR

Slide 16: Financial self-sufficiency • Direct delivery expenses are fully paid through fees and contracts • Working toward partial salary offset

Slide 17: Program impacts • More education and information for landowners • Citizen engagement • More productive, healthy forest land base

Slide 18: Question: • We’re trying to reach a huge and dispersed audience. Relationships and quality of instruction are paramount. How can we grow without sacrificing quality?