Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Wildlife Management Education

Plan Goal

Provide current life history and management information on wildlife in New Mexico to ranchers, farmers, natural resource management agencies, and the general public. Expose youth to science based wildlife and fisheries habitat management principles.

Situation Statement

The state of New Mexico possesses a great variety and abundance of wildlife species. Many of these species are popular game animals, while others are non-regulated or threatened/endangered species. There is a great deal of need for information on the various species of wildlife that occur throughout the state. Many New Mexicans exhibit an interest in wildlife for varied reasons and illustrate a need for life history information as well as management information. Agriculture producers throughout the state manage their lands in a manner that is beneficial for wildlife as well as livestock. Therefore, up-to-date information is needed to guide these individuals in their management endeavors to ensure the long-term sustainability of our natural resources. Natural resource management agencies also need accurate, unbiased information and research oriented data to help resolve conflicts that arise over the management of the natural resources occurring in the state. The youth of New Mexico also are keenly interested in the wildlife that occurs across the state and require accurate information to further their knowledge about the wildlife resource. Educational programs have been used to increase ranchers, farmers, natural resource management agencies and the general public’s knowledge about wildlife and the techniques used for improving wildlife habitat. Wildlife/livestock interactions are being investigated through scientific studies on rangelands and forests in New Mexico to help mediate natural resource conflicts and promote wildlife management.

Target Audience and Actions

The target audience is composed of natural resource management agencies, agriculture producers, sportsmen, 4-H chapters, FFA chapters, public schools, and the general public. Information will be distributed through extension publications, published scientific studies, workshops, presentations and verbal communications with anyone interested in obtaining knowledge about wildlife, its habitat needs and habitat improvement techniques. Demonstration studies will be conducted to investigate the interactions between wildlife and livestock on public and private land. Coordinate workshops and symposiums to arbitrate conflicts between natural resource managers, consumers and producers. Develop teaching materials to be used in natural resource educational curriculums and conduct educational programs for youth in 4-H, FFA and the public school system.

Short-Term Objectives

• Ten percent more farmers, ranchers, and resource managers will implement wildlife management practices as evidenced by a 10% improvement in wildlife habitat on public and private lands of New Mexico.
• Ten percent increase in resolved conflicts over management of wild and domestic ungulates on public lands.
• At least 200 New Mexico youth will gain increased awareness and participate in wildlife youth programs.

Medium-Term Objectives

• Increase awareness of novel wildlife management practices and knowledge of current issues for 15% of natural resource agency personnel and New Mexico livestock producers through educational programs and direct communications.
• Improve decision-making skills of 500 livestock producers, 4-H and FFA youth, and county Extension agents through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in wildlife management.

Long-Term Objectives

• Improve wildlife habitat management decisions by state and federal natural resource management agencies.
• Improve knowledge level of county Extension agents regarding wildlife management through in-service trainings.

Evaluation Plan

Evaluation of this program will be accomplished by verbal and written responses received from clientele concerning the information provided and the recommendations made by the Extension Wildlife Office. The number of acres improved in terrestrial and aquatic habitats is a good index of the skills learned and the practices adopted. The resolution of conflicts between various stakeholders concerned with wildlife will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of our program as well. Levels of participation and feedback received from youth concerning the educational programs offered will also provide a measure of success for this major program area.