Wildlife Master Volunteers: A Multi-County Approach to Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts

摘要: The Wildlife Master (WM) Program in Colorado was modeled after the highly successful Gardener volunteer program. In 10 populated suburban counties with large rural areas surrounding Denver Metro Area, State University (CSU) Cooperative Extension Natural Resources agents train, supervise and manage these volunteers identification, referral, resolution of wildlife damage issues. High quality, researchbased training is provided by university faculty other professionals public health, animal control, management behavior. Inquiries are responded to mainly via telephone. Calls concerned residents forwarded WMs who provide general information about human-wildlife conflicts possible ways resolve complaints. Each serves a minimum 14 days on phone duty annually, calling from remote location voice mail system which messages can be conveniently retrieved. Response time per call generally less than 24 hours. During 2004, more 2,000 calls, e-mail walk-in requests for assistance were fielded 100 cooperative extension WMs. one county increased five-fold during past five years, calls over 500 annually. Valued at rate approximately $18.00 hour, leveraged value each WM $450 2005, based 25 hours service training. estimated program 2004 $45,000 in-kind service, or full-time equivalent member. This paper describes components Colorado’s Program, guides set-up similar programs states.