Conservation Education Summit

Conservation education is one of the most vital tools for shaping the long-term conservation and enjoyment of fish and wildlife resources in the United States.
The will have a profound influence on the future of state fish and wildlife agencies.

Late in 2004, the IAFWA Summit on Conservation Education gathered directors, I&E chiefs and key conservation education administrators from state fish and wildlife agencies -- as well as key conservation education partners. Together, they discussed education trends, heard from experts on the future of education, examined current management techniques and, most importantly, charted a strategic course for the future of conservation education in state fish and wildlife agencies.

Conservation Education Survey Results
IAFWA conducted two pre-summit information-gathering efforts to provide a snapshot of conservation education programs and a detailed look at state conservation education strategies. Though not a comprehensive analysis, the survey results below offer a basis for comparison and insight into where conservation education stands today.

Conservation Education Program Summary
State fish and wildlife agencies, federal agencies and NGOs were asked to submit summaries of conservation education programs and initiatives. The information provides an at-a-glance summary of the wealth of programs available throughout the nation, and as a means for comparing and contrasting programs. More than 160 programs are included in this report.

Conservation Education - State of the States
Each state fish and wildlife agency was asked to complete a survey providing information about the agency's overall conservation education approach (rather than individual initiatives). Thirty-seven states contributed information about their efforts.