CONSERVATION FOR GENERATIONS
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Kalyn Waters
CED/Agriculture Agent
University of Florida
Bonifay
Abstract
Hunting and fishing is critical to wildlife conservation in the U.S. In 2016 there were 11.5 million anglers/hunters, representing a decline of 2.2 million from 2011 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). The aging trend of this population causes a need for youth to become involved. Objectives: To address these issues the Conservation for Generations (C4G) was developed with the objectives to: 1) increase the knowledge of conservation, 2) increase the number of youth who participate in natural resource management (NRM) and conservation minded hunting/fishing, and 3) provide platforms for multigenerational interactions that will increase mentorship of youth in conservation, while encouraging the aging populations to continue to participate conservation activities. Method: Formal and informal learning events facilitate multigenerational knowledge dissemination, science based NRM training, and build a network of mentors for youth/new conservationists. This program model is based on volunteer led experiential learning activities that are hands-on in a field setting. Example events include: a Big Doe Contest, Fishing Tournaments, Live Wildlife Demonstrations, etc. were adults’ team up with youth or inexperienced adults to hunt/fish following educational training. Results: Post-program survey data indicates that 84% of participants applied knowledge gained for actual practice change, 100% increased their understanding of the National Conservation Model, 94% increased their efforts to take youth hunting/fishing because of what they learned through C4G, and 100% of participants feel C4G reaches a critical audience and increased their quality of life. Additionally, 45% of all participants have never used Extension, or attended an Extension event, making it an effective model for reaching non-traditional clients. Not including social media reach, a total of 27,076 participants have been educated, 26 scholarships to purchase lifetime hunting licenses have been given to youth and $36,545 of funding has been generated. Conclusion: This program develops the next generation of conservationists, a critical component for population management and wildlife viability in an ecosystem. Additaionally, the program increased the participation of youth in conservation-based hunting/fishing, increased client’s knowledge of NRM and created a source of funds to purchase lifetime hunting/fishing license for youth. This strengthens the future of conservation in this region.
Authors: Kalyn Waters
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Kalyn Waters County Extension Director/Agriculture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County, Florida, 32425