Forestry Education - Current Situation

Extension Forestry Specialists work with county agents and other individuals, agencies, and organizations to provide information, education, and training in many forestry subject areas. We utilize a program planning process which typically includes the following steps:

• Needs Assessment
  Specialist and agents use surveys, personal contacts, observation, and other methods to determine the educational needs of various clientele groups.
• Program planning
  Results of our needs assessment efforts and other pertinent data is used to plan programs to satisfy clientele needs.
• Program Development
  This step includes "putting all the pieces together." We make efficient and effective use of cooperators as volunteer instructors; arrange for the best available facilities, equipment, and learning environment; and prepare current useful educational materials.
• Program Implementation
  In this step, we actually conduct the program. If the previous steps were handled properly and if we conduct the program in a professional manner, we should have an effective program.
• Program Evaluation
  This step in the process is used to determine program effectiveness, quality, and ideas for improvement. Feedback from program participants is usually obtained by written evaluation forms and/or personal contacts, and individual case studies.

Publications

• MSUcares Forestry publications
• 2001 Extension Forestry Annual Report

Other Forestry Information

• Regional Extension Forestry Homepage
• Southern Research Station Publications
• Regional Extension Forestry Home Page
• USDA Forest Service
• Society of American Foresters
• Mississippi Forestry Association
• Mississippi Forestry Commission