SELECTED EXTENSION PROGRAMS

Declining Species
Most landowners focus management efforts on game species. The majority (85%) of native wildlife, however, are non-game species. Monitoring programs and research has demonstrated that populations of many species of non-game wildlife, including several reptiles and amphibians, have declined in recent years. Moreover, populations of some groups of species are in jeopardy. For example, 10 of 32 (31%) species of snakes native to Indiana are endangered (n=8) or species of special concern (n=2), and nearly half of the turtles found in the U.S. are imperiled at the state or federal level. This program is helping Indiana residents increase their understanding of conservation and management issues pertaining to many declining species. Program goals are to increase awareness and understanding of amphibian and reptiles native to the region, increase knowledge and awareness of conservation issues pertaining to these species (reasons for their decline), and include the needs of amphibian and reptiles in wildlife management plans while limiting threats.

As part of an ongoing effort to increase people’s knowledge and awareness of native wildlife, Purdue University Extension developed an interactive exhibit and educational CD-Rom. The Snakes of the Midwest exhibit was featured at the 2004 Indiana State Fair and has been displayed at sites around the Midwest in 2005. The Snakes of the Midwest CD offers information about all 45 species of snakes native to the Midwest and includes lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, and activities for late-elementary school kids that meet many Indiana Science Standards. Purdue University Extension has also developed educational resources focusing on specific taxa (snakes, turtles, salamanders) native to Indiana. These guides are used by undergraduate students in our vertebrate zoology courses. Some guides have been distributed to all Indiana Department of Natural Resources field staff to help them identify species in an effort to improve our knowledge of species distribution throughout the state. Finally, educational information has been provided in stand-alone programs and incorporated into other FNR programs including the Tri-State Woodland and Wildlife Workshop and Woodlot Owners Course.

Forest Wildlife Management
About 85% of our wildlife utilize forests in some manner and their value to wildlife is clear. However, management of the needs of forest wildlife must be balanced with other needs including economic, social, and aesthetic needs. Extension programs are faced with the challenge that 76% of Indiana's forestland is owned by well over 150,000 private landowners. Moreover, from 1979-1994 in Indiana, the number of private landowners tripled but the acres of forestland remained relatively constant. Sustainable forest management is a major focus of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and my extension programming.

• In working with local, state, federal and non-government partners, I helped put on multi-state forest and widlife workshops for landowners in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio (Ohio River Valley Woodland and Wildlife Workshop, 2006 - present) and Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio (TriState Woodland and Wildlife Workshop; 2002-present).

• During 2001-2004, I directed the Indiana Coverts Project that taught wildlife and forest management concepts and practices to private landowners and foster their ability to pass on what they have learned. Fifty-one participants representing more than 10,700 acres of forestland attended one of two annual trainings. As a result, these landowners improved timber stands, planted warm-season grasses and additional trees on 500 acres. Almost half said they intended to either establish a forest management plan for their property or hire a natural resources professional to do so. They also worked with public, other landowners and youth to coordinate or help with 18 educational events reaching 600 other people. The project was funded by the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) allocation to the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.

• I have participated and helped coordiate many other field days and programs related to forest and wildlife management. Audiences have included professional foresters, private landowners, and youth.

Human-Wildilfe Conflicts
Balancing the needs of wildlife and conflicts they cause with people is a never-ending battle. My programs in this area have focused on two areas, 1) training professionals who do nuisance animal work and 2) agricultural crop damage.

www.purdue.edu/cropdamage

PEER REVEIWED EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS

1. MacGowan, B.J., L.A. Humberg, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2006. Truths and myths about wild turkey. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-264.
2. MacGowan, B.J., L.A. Humberg, J. C. Beasley, T. L. DeVault, M. I. Retamosa, and O. E. Rhodes, Jr. 2006. Corn and soybean crop depredation by wildlife. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-265.
3. MacGowan, B.J., L.A. Humberg, J. C. Beasley, and O. E. Rhodes, Jr. 2006. Identification of wildlife crop depredation. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-267.
4. Williams, R. N., B. J. MacGowan, Z. Walker and B. K. Kingsbury. 2005. Salamanders of Indiana. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-261.
5. Miller, B. K. and B. J. MacGowan. 2004. Put a little wildlife in your backyard this spring. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-247W.
6. MacGowan, B. J. and B. K. Miller. 2004. Attracting butterflies to your yard. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-248W.
7. Miller, B. K. and B. J. MacGowan. 2004. Attracting hummingbirds to your yard. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-249W.
8. MacGowan, B. J. and B. K. Miller. 2004. Size does matter – nest boxes for wildlife. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-246W.
9. MacGowan, B. J., B. A. Kingsbury, and R. N. Williams. 2004. Turtles of Indiana. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-243, 63pp.
10. MacGowan, B. J. 2003. Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-213.
11. Miller, B. K., B. J. MacGowan, and R. P. Reaves. 2003. Are constructed wetlands a viable option for your waste management system? Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-202W.
12. Miller, B. K., and B. J. MacGowan. 2003. Tree windbreaks for farms and homes. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-38.
13. MacGowan, B. J., and D. Osborne. 2002. Food plots for white-tailed deer. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-194.
14. Whitford, F., J. Loven, B. J. MacGowan, J. Vaive, D. Akers, and A. Blessing. 2002. Conflicts with wildlife around the home. Purdue Pesticides Program, Purdue University, PPP-56.
15. MacGowan, B. J., and B. K. Miller. 2002. The basics of managing wildlife on agricultural lands. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-193W.
16. Miller, B. K., and B. J. MacGowan. 2001. Windbreaks for farms and wildlife. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-189W.
17. B. J. MacGowan, and B. K. Miller. 2001. Enhancing your farm for northern bobwhite quail,. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-192W.
18. MacGowan, B. J. 2001. Warm season grasses, why all the fuss? Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-188W.
19. Miller, B. K., J. Seifert, and B. J. MacGowan. 2001. Forestry and Wildlife Management Assistance Available to Indiana Landowners: Providers, Organizations, and Programs, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-87.
20. MacGowan, B. J. and B. Kingsbury. 2001. The snakes of Indiana. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, FNR-173.
21. MacGowan, B. J. 2001. Conserving endangered and threatened species on private lands. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, FNR-172.
22. MacGowan, B.J., J. Loven, and F. Whitford. 2000. Animal damage management – rules and regulations in Indiana. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, FNR-FAQ-16W.
23. MacGowan, B. J., J. Loven, and F. Whitford. 2000. Canada goose management. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, FNR-FAQ-8W.
24. Miller, B. K., and B. J. MacGowan. 2000. Assessing you land’s potential for wildlife. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, FNR-175W.
25. Miller, B. K., and B. J. MacGowan. 2000. Wetlands, regulations and you: what every Indiana farmer needs to know. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, FNR-171.
26. MacGowan, B. J., and B. K. Miller. 1999. EQIP: Opportunities for wildlife management on your land. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, FNR-169.
27. MacGowan, B. J., B. K. Miller, and C. D. McCreedy. 1999. The wildlife habitat incentives program (WHIP) can help to improve wildlife habitat. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, FNR-168.

Non-PEER REVEIWED OUTREACH PUBLICATIONS

1. MacGowan, B.J. 2004. Trees for Wildlife. In Your Land, Your Trees – A Homeowners’ Guide. R. Eddleman (ed.).
   

Cd-ROMs

1. MacGowan, B. J. and B. Kingsbury. 2004. Snakes of the Midwest. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, West Lafayette, Indiana, CD-FNR-3.
   

DVDs

1. MacGowan, B.J., L.A. Humberg, J. C. Beasley, and O. E. Rhodes, Jr. 2006. Wildlife CSI: unraveling the mysteries of wildlife crop damage. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, DVD-FNR-266.
   

NEWSLETTERS

1. Everything WILDlife E-newsletter (Editor)
2. MacGowan, B. J. 2005. Deer Crossing Ahead. October 2005, Everything Wildlife E-newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 2.
3. MacGowan, B. J. 2005. Which Plant is Best? October 2005, Everything Wildlife E-newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 2.
4. MacGowan, B. J., and D. Glista. 2005. Wildlife CSI October 2005, Everything Wildlife E-newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 2.
5. MacGowan, B. J. 2005. Turtles in Your Yard. May 2005, Everything Wildlife E-newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 1.
6. MacGowan, B. J. and H. P. Weeks, Jr. 2005. Hairless Squirrels? May 2005, Everything Wildlife E-newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 1.

WEB SITES

1. Everything WILDlife, www.purdue.edu/wildlife
2. Purdue University Wildlife Crop Damage Web, www.purdue.edu/cropdamage
3. Indiana Chapter, the Wildlife Society, www.agriculture.purdue.edu/fnr/itws/