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(65) A Program Design to Reach Unengaged Woodland Owners
Deborah Beyer,University of Wisconsin – Cooperative Extension, Sheboygan, WI
Jake Blasczyk, University of Wisconsin – Cooperative Extension, Madison, WI
Session: Concurrent session D2: Reaching New Audiences
In Wisconsin, it is estimated that 70-80% of private, non-industrial woodland owners are not actively managing their woodlands. Furthermore, this audience has remained elusive in Wisconsin’s traditional woodland owner programming, comprised mostly of full-day or multi-day workshops and conferences. In 2006, a new program design was piloted in eastern Wisconsin with the intent of attracting woodland owners who are not already engaged in woodland management.
The program model focuses on making programs as convenient for woodland owners as possible. Programs are brief (no more than two hours in duration) and held locally on multiple dates and times, featuring practical woodland management topics taught by professional foresters and other specialists. Program announcements are mailed directly to woodland owners’ homes and program registration is simple.
Analysis of registration data and program feedback forms showed that the program series was successful in reaching unengaged woodland owners. After fifteen classes were offered in each of the three project counties, attendance totaled 852 people, representing 328 households and more than 10,000 acres. More than 64% of respondents had attended no events or activities to learn about trees or woodlands in the two years prior to the pilot program. Each of the county foresters involved in the program experienced immediate follow-up from landowners.
The project is an example of reaching a target audience through program design. The program model is being tested in other regions of the State, for possible implementation statewide.
The results of follow-up survey work to assess program impact on woodland management and to profile woodland owners who were targeted, but did not participate in the program, will also be presented.
Deborah Beyer
University of Wisconsin – Cooperative Extension
University Drive
Sheboygan, WI, 53081
Phone: 920-459-6644
FAX: 920-459-6602
deb.beyer@ces.uwex.edu