2003 Annual Report for ENE03-077
Timber to truffles: West Virginia workshops in traditional and special forest products
Summary
In recent times, there has been an explosion of information and markets for special forest products (medicinal herbs, mushrooms, natural textiles, etc.). West Virginia has habitats that are ideal for many of these woodland medicinals and specialty products, many of which have a long established tradition of being important forest commodities. This proposal seeks funding to provide training in traditional and special forest products to 80 extension agents, West Virginia Division of Forestry service foresters, NRCS technical staff and associates, and West Virginia Conservation Service Supervisors and staff over the course of two years—40 in the first year and 40 in the second year. These targeted beneficiaries will generate a total of 16 extra workshops within two years of their respective attendance at the Timber to Truffles workshops.
Objectives/Performance Targets
Performance target
We will provide training in traditional and special forest products to 80 extension agents, West Virginia Division of Forestry service foresters, NRCS technical staff and associates, and West Virginia Conservation Service Supervisors and staff over the course of two years—40 in the first year and 40 in the second year. At least 10 percent (4 beneficiaries) of these 80 workshop attendees will sponsor woodlot trainings or seminars within a year of completing the training workshop and a total of 20 percent (8 beneficiaries) do this within two years. Hence, the targeted beneficiaries will generate a total of 16 extra workshops.
Accomplishments/Milestones
Actions by beneficiaries and estimated number completing the action.
Action Number of Beneficiaries
Read advertisements 400
Call for more information 50
Register for workshop 41
Attend workshops 40
Answers follow-up questionnaire 38
Holds workshops in local community 4
Reads 2nd year advertisements 400
Call for more information 50
Register for workshop 41
Attend workshops 40
Answers follow-up questionnaire 38
Holds workshops in local community 4
Total number of workshop over two years following workshops 16
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
Due to late funding, no workshops were completed in Summer 2003. WVU Extension is working with partners to coordinate summer training session in 2004.