By Andrew Wigger
Indian Creek Phase One (Indian Creek Restoration Initiative) began in 2004 when a partnership of local, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations and private landowners came together to restore, enhance and protect 16,000 acres of wildlife habitats on national forest and private land in Newberry County.
“Technical and financial assistance through USDA’s Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program and National Forest Foundation grants were used to implement conservation practices such as pine stand thinning, prescribed burning, native warm season grass establishment and eradication of invasive species,” said Stacie Henry with Newberry County Natural Resources Conservation Services.
Some of the partners included, but were not limited to, the NRCS, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest, SC Forestry Commission, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Quail Forever and the Newberry County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Indian Creek Phase Two began two years ago with a proposal that was funded and brought back together with the unique partnership of friends who share the common thread of enhancing the quail population, according to Henry.
Phase Two has grown to include Union County and more areas in Newberry County, taking this project phase to 40,000 acres.
Read the rest of the NewberryObserver article
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
HIRING BIOLOGIST PROGRAM SPECIALIST (Quail Program Coordinator): Arkansas
Agency
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Location
Negotiable
Job Category
Full time Positions
Website
http://www.arstatejobs.com/
Salary
$43,217 annually
Last Date to Apply
October 3, 2016
Description
AGFC BIOLOGIST PROGRAM SPECIALIST (Quail Program Coordinator)
POSITION NO. 22164583
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
CLASS SUMMARY:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biologist Program Specialist is responsible for the management and life processes of fish, wildlife, and their habitats; collecting and analyzing biological data; and, specializing in fish and wildlife research, management, husbandry, and/or habitat management. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.
SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:
Frequent in-state travel required.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:
Provides program and project supervision by developing program curriculums, monitoring facilities and personnel, and coordinating program maintenance and protocols. Makes recommendations on management, regulation, and planning of fish and wildlife populations and habitats, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options. Studies characteristics of fish and wildlife, such as population dynamics, life histories, diseases, genetics, and distribution. Prepares collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease. Implements state and federal preventative programs to monitor and control fish and wildlife diseases and invasive, exotic species. Disseminates information by writing reports and making presentations to schools, clubs, interest groups, and agency administration. Promotes hunting and fishing through a variety of outreach programs. Directs the operation and maintenance of various public lands, waters, and/or fish propagation facilities, based on program management plans. May testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides statewide intra-and interagency leadership and coordination regarding AGFC’s management/research activities for quail. Primarily coordinates division and agency quail management and research/survey programs including but not limited to the following: gathers and analyzes baseline data on the distribution, trends, and abundance of quail. Develops and implements monitoring programs to track and evaluate population changes and impacts of management programs. Leads an interdivisional team in implementing and updating long range strategic and operational plans for quail. Develops research projects and oversees contracts for cooperative research projects. Coordinates with private companies, other state agencies, landowners, federal agencies and other AGFC agency staff in the statewide management of quail and their habitat. Develops annual statewide quail harvest/hunting regulation recommendations. Coordinates statewide data collection. Emphasis will be placed on a habitat-based approach to statewide quail restoration including a focus on the beneficial impacts to all early-successional species including grassland songbirds. Conducts technical in-service training for agency field personnel on research/survey procedures and management techniques. Presents educational programs to schools, civic groups, sportsmen’s groups, the Commission and agency staff. Prepares technical presentations and scientific papers on quail management for professional meetings. Serves as Arkansas’s representative on state, regional and national committees involving quail management. Writes news releases and magazine articles and participates in television and radio shows. Performs administrative duties including but not limited to the following: develops and manages program budgets. Administers federal, state and private research, and conservation grants. Supervision of employee (s). Develops and maintains databases. Writes project reports and in-service documents. Other duties will be carried out as assigned. This position has statewide duties and will involve some overnight travel both in and out-of-state. Frequent field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.
All applicants subject to a criminal background check.
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus three years of experience in biology, wildlife management, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.
PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
A master’s degree in wildlife management, biology, zoology, or a related field, ideally with a thesis on Northern Bobwhite. Experience in wildlife management/research dealing with Northern Bobwhite. Experience in a leadership capacity is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of methods and techniques of scientific testing, data collection, and analysis. Knowledge of the effects of pollution on plants, fish, animals, and human life. Knowledge of fish/wildlife management programs, including propagation, cultivation, and harvesting techniques. Knowledge of wildlife/fish management laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures. Ability to communicate in oral and written forms. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to conduct scientific wildlife and/or fish surveys/studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative reports of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife and/or fish management programs. Ability to operate and maintain fishery and wildlife equipment.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Strong interest in and knowledge of the biology, ecology, and management of Northern Bobwhite. Knowledge of Northern Bobwhite habitat requirements and habitat management techniques is essential. Knowledge of Northern Bobwhite trapping, banding, survey, and research techniques. Must be proficient with a variety of computer software applications including ArcView/ArcGIS/ArcMap, Microsoft. The ability to work efficiently and effectively with others within and outside the agency (e.g., USFWS, USFS, NRCS, FSA, etc.) as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload. Possess effective organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to facilitate large and diverse groups to accomplish large goals.
Applicants may apply online at www.arstatejobs.com.
Applications must include complete work history and references. Applications will be accepted via online, US mail or fax (501-223-6444) and must be received by 4:30 p.m. on October 3, 2016.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Attn: Human Resources Division
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
“AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, THE COMMISSION WILL MAKE ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES”
ADVERTISED IN-HOUSE AND AR GOVERNMENT JOBS WEBSITE
Read the full Original Post
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Location
Negotiable
Job Category
Full time Positions
Website
http://www.arstatejobs.com/
Salary
$43,217 annually
Last Date to Apply
October 3, 2016
Description
AGFC BIOLOGIST PROGRAM SPECIALIST (Quail Program Coordinator)
POSITION NO. 22164583
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
CLASS SUMMARY:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biologist Program Specialist is responsible for the management and life processes of fish, wildlife, and their habitats; collecting and analyzing biological data; and, specializing in fish and wildlife research, management, husbandry, and/or habitat management. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.
SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:
Frequent in-state travel required.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:
Provides program and project supervision by developing program curriculums, monitoring facilities and personnel, and coordinating program maintenance and protocols. Makes recommendations on management, regulation, and planning of fish and wildlife populations and habitats, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options. Studies characteristics of fish and wildlife, such as population dynamics, life histories, diseases, genetics, and distribution. Prepares collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease. Implements state and federal preventative programs to monitor and control fish and wildlife diseases and invasive, exotic species. Disseminates information by writing reports and making presentations to schools, clubs, interest groups, and agency administration. Promotes hunting and fishing through a variety of outreach programs. Directs the operation and maintenance of various public lands, waters, and/or fish propagation facilities, based on program management plans. May testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides statewide intra-and interagency leadership and coordination regarding AGFC’s management/research activities for quail. Primarily coordinates division and agency quail management and research/survey programs including but not limited to the following: gathers and analyzes baseline data on the distribution, trends, and abundance of quail. Develops and implements monitoring programs to track and evaluate population changes and impacts of management programs. Leads an interdivisional team in implementing and updating long range strategic and operational plans for quail. Develops research projects and oversees contracts for cooperative research projects. Coordinates with private companies, other state agencies, landowners, federal agencies and other AGFC agency staff in the statewide management of quail and their habitat. Develops annual statewide quail harvest/hunting regulation recommendations. Coordinates statewide data collection. Emphasis will be placed on a habitat-based approach to statewide quail restoration including a focus on the beneficial impacts to all early-successional species including grassland songbirds. Conducts technical in-service training for agency field personnel on research/survey procedures and management techniques. Presents educational programs to schools, civic groups, sportsmen’s groups, the Commission and agency staff. Prepares technical presentations and scientific papers on quail management for professional meetings. Serves as Arkansas’s representative on state, regional and national committees involving quail management. Writes news releases and magazine articles and participates in television and radio shows. Performs administrative duties including but not limited to the following: develops and manages program budgets. Administers federal, state and private research, and conservation grants. Supervision of employee (s). Develops and maintains databases. Writes project reports and in-service documents. Other duties will be carried out as assigned. This position has statewide duties and will involve some overnight travel both in and out-of-state. Frequent field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. Occasional exposure to hunters and dangerous animals may be required.
All applicants subject to a criminal background check.
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus three years of experience in biology, wildlife management, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.
PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
A master’s degree in wildlife management, biology, zoology, or a related field, ideally with a thesis on Northern Bobwhite. Experience in wildlife management/research dealing with Northern Bobwhite. Experience in a leadership capacity is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of methods and techniques of scientific testing, data collection, and analysis. Knowledge of the effects of pollution on plants, fish, animals, and human life. Knowledge of fish/wildlife management programs, including propagation, cultivation, and harvesting techniques. Knowledge of wildlife/fish management laboratory techniques, equipment, and procedures. Ability to communicate in oral and written forms. Ability to make public presentations. Ability to conduct scientific wildlife and/or fish surveys/studies, analyze and evaluate collected data, and prepare written narrative reports of findings. Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife and/or fish management programs. Ability to operate and maintain fishery and wildlife equipment.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Strong interest in and knowledge of the biology, ecology, and management of Northern Bobwhite. Knowledge of Northern Bobwhite habitat requirements and habitat management techniques is essential. Knowledge of Northern Bobwhite trapping, banding, survey, and research techniques. Must be proficient with a variety of computer software applications including ArcView/ArcGIS/ArcMap, Microsoft. The ability to work efficiently and effectively with others within and outside the agency (e.g., USFWS, USFS, NRCS, FSA, etc.) as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload. Possess effective organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to facilitate large and diverse groups to accomplish large goals.
Applicants may apply online at www.arstatejobs.com.
Applications must include complete work history and references. Applications will be accepted via online, US mail or fax (501-223-6444) and must be received by 4:30 p.m. on October 3, 2016.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Attn: Human Resources Division
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
“AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, THE COMMISSION WILL MAKE ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES”
ADVERTISED IN-HOUSE AND AR GOVERNMENT JOBS WEBSITE
Read the full Original Post
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Kansas 2016 quail populations good official forecast says
BY MICHAEL PEARCE
mpearce@wichitaeagle.com
This year Kansas quail hunters should have one of their best seasons in the past 20 to 30 years. Last year the average number of quail bagged per hunter day, 1.7 birds, was the highest it’s been since before 2000. Thanks go to an unlikely ally.
“One thing I’m pretty adamant about is that the same drought that brought us a big decline a few years ago is what’s making it good again,” Prendergast said. “A lot of the pastures really got beat up and that brought on a lot of the weeds quail need. It created some excellent production conditions and that seems to continue.”
South-central Kansas will probably have the best hunting for quail this season, particularly the areas with a lot of prairie. That could include areas south and west of Pratt, plus some areas of sandhills prairie north of there, too. Areas with similar habitat in southwest Kansas are expected to have good numbers of quail, too. North-central Kansas should have more quail this season.
Flint Hills quail populations, which have been strong the past two seasons, may be down slightly but Prendergast said he’s still pleased with the region’s quail densities.
Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/sports/outdoors/article101099227.html#storylink=cpy
mpearce@wichitaeagle.com
This year Kansas quail hunters should have one of their best seasons in the past 20 to 30 years. Last year the average number of quail bagged per hunter day, 1.7 birds, was the highest it’s been since before 2000. Thanks go to an unlikely ally.
“One thing I’m pretty adamant about is that the same drought that brought us a big decline a few years ago is what’s making it good again,” Prendergast said. “A lot of the pastures really got beat up and that brought on a lot of the weeds quail need. It created some excellent production conditions and that seems to continue.”
South-central Kansas will probably have the best hunting for quail this season, particularly the areas with a lot of prairie. That could include areas south and west of Pratt, plus some areas of sandhills prairie north of there, too. Areas with similar habitat in southwest Kansas are expected to have good numbers of quail, too. North-central Kansas should have more quail this season.
Flint Hills quail populations, which have been strong the past two seasons, may be down slightly but Prendergast said he’s still pleased with the region’s quail densities.
Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/sports/outdoors/article101099227.html#storylink=cpy
Texas 2016 Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch’s 9th annual field day is set from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 30.
The ranch is 11 miles west of Roby on U.S. Highway 180, or just east of the intersection of Farm-to-Market 611 and U.S. Highway 180.
“Our theme for this year is Can We Insulate this Quail Boom?,” said Dr. Dale Rollins, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist at San Angelo and the ranch’s executive director.
Rollins, who is also AgriLife Extension’s coordinator for the ongoing Reversing the Decline of Quail state initiative, said this year’s quail crop looks to be better than what he calls the “jubilee year” experienced in 2015.
“It’s pretty incredible to see back-to-back boom years like we’ve experienced recently,” he said. “But our most recent counts are up by 20 percent over last year’s bumper crop. Now the question becomes, how long can we ‘insulate’ the birds and sustain the good times?”
The field day will feature tour stops addressing prescribed burning, prickly pear management for quail, ongoing research efforts and managing for monarch butterflies.
Two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available for private applicators.
Registration is $10 due upon arrival. The fee includes refreshments and lunch. Participants are encouraged to RSVP for meal planning purposes to Mary Lynn Nelms at 325-653-4576.
The field day is sponsored by the Reversing the Decline of Quail initiative, Dow AgroSciences and the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation.
For more information on the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, see www.quailresearch.org .
“Our theme for this year is Can We Insulate this Quail Boom?,” said Dr. Dale Rollins, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist at San Angelo and the ranch’s executive director.
Rollins, who is also AgriLife Extension’s coordinator for the ongoing Reversing the Decline of Quail state initiative, said this year’s quail crop looks to be better than what he calls the “jubilee year” experienced in 2015.
“It’s pretty incredible to see back-to-back boom years like we’ve experienced recently,” he said. “But our most recent counts are up by 20 percent over last year’s bumper crop. Now the question becomes, how long can we ‘insulate’ the birds and sustain the good times?”
The field day will feature tour stops addressing prescribed burning, prickly pear management for quail, ongoing research efforts and managing for monarch butterflies.
Two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available for private applicators.
Registration is $10 due upon arrival. The fee includes refreshments and lunch. Participants are encouraged to RSVP for meal planning purposes to Mary Lynn Nelms at 325-653-4576.
The field day is sponsored by the Reversing the Decline of Quail initiative, Dow AgroSciences and the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation.
For more information on the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, see www.quailresearch.org .
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