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Photo by Matt Lindler
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NWTF Wildlife Instruction Stewardship and Education program
The NWTF's WISE program is designed to educate landowners and wildlife managers in wildlife habitat enhancement techniques and formally recognize them for their dedication and commitment to wildlife conservation.
"The WISE program is a great opportunity to educate NWTF members on the effective techniques that improve their property for wildlife," said Donnie Buckland, NWTF's director of upland management. "Certification ensures that our conservation message is reaching those who are most willing to make a difference for wildlife."
The Wildlife Instruction Stewardship and Education, or WISE, program consists of three certification levels:
- Level 1 — Junior Wildlife Habitat Practitioner
Junior Wildlife Habitat Practitioners must achieve a minimum of 20 conservation credits by attending seminars and courses offered at NWTF accredited sessions. Credits must include a minimum of four credits each from the forestry and wildlife management and four credits from fisheries disciplines. The remaining eight credits can be electives from a selection of NWTF accredited courses/sessions. - Level 2 — Senior Wildlife Habitat Practitioner
Senior Wildlife Habitat Practitioners must achieve the Level 1 certification and complete an additional 20 conservation credits to qualify as a NWTF WISE 2. The credits may be achieved from any combination of accredited courses not completed previously. At least four credits must be attained from outdoor demonstration and interaction aspects indicated as "field applied" accredited NWTF courses. - Level 3 — Master Wildlife Habitat Practitioner
To achieve the Master level of certification, an applicant must have completed both the Level 1 and Level 2 certification programs, an additional 16 credits of advanced level certification classes and submit an application to the NWTF for Master level approval. The application should include practical applications of wildlife management in a working field setting, as well as participation in a variety of applied activities. To achieve the minimum level for Master certification, the applicant must document 30 additional conservation credits of related activities. Credit values and descriptions of activities will follow the guidelines developed in the NWTF WISE program.
Certifications are achieved by completing the minimum education requirements as specified by the NWTF at each level. Each level may have alternative courses or activities that allow participants to qualify for certification while pursuing concentrations in various species groups and management aspects. These courses and activities will be offered at the NWTF annual national convention, the Land and Wildlife Expo, other wildlife and conservation related expos, through intensive landowner workshops and field days and other advertised and associated functions.
The WISE program is self-paced with no time limit restrictions. Levels are based on an accumulation of "conservation credits" earned through courses, seminars, outreach and practical field documented experience.
Why become WISE?
"NWTF's WISE certification has value beyond the educational achievements," Buckland said. "We want to create great incentives to encourage advancement through the program and recognize landowners that take wildlife management to heart by their actions and ability to teach others about NWTF's message of conservation."
The intangible values of the program include an appreciation of the principles of wildlife and land management, becoming a better land steward and mentoring others in our conservation and hunting heritage.
Other incentives include special recognition in the NWTF's publications, website and at local banquets, as well as decals and certificates for each level of achievement, a special shirt and plaque for Master Wildlife Habitat Practitioner, a management sign for landowners who qualify as Master Wildlife Habitat Practitioners and special membership recognition and discounts on land management products sold through the NWTF and its affiliated partners.
Call Donnie Buckland at (803) 637-7510 to learn more about this exciting new program.