Paul D. Curtis, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853-3001
Jill Shultz, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853
Louis Berchielli, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation-Bureau of Wildlife, Albany, New York, 12233-4754
Abstract:
Abstract: The nuisance wildlife control industry expanded in New York State during the past decade. Approximately 1,200-1,400 private Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) were given authority annually to handle wildlife conflicts by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The goals of this project were to: (1) develop a core curriculum for individuals who desired to handle nuisance wildlife and charge a fee for service, (2) standardize permit requirements across the state, (3) enhance professionalism and training of individuals involved in the NWCO industry, and (4) develop an electronic test bank for test administration. During 2004, more than 800 NWCOs studied the new “Best Practices for Nuisance Wildlife Control” curriculum and took the certification exam. We pre-tested the exam with approximately 80 NWCO volunteers and 90 DEC staff in spring 2004. The passing rate (80% correct answers) increased from 39% before studying the manual to 81% after studying the curriculum for two weeks. We obtained a similar passing rate (80%) for >800 NWCOs who took the 100-question exam, which validated the test bank and learning objectives in the manual. More than 1,700 copies of the NWCO training manual were distributed in New York and other states during the first 6 months the curriculum was available. In addition to the print version, we developed a web site (www.nwco.net) where NWCOs can access the curriculum on-line. A proposal was approved by the NE-IPM Center to develop a northeast regional version of the NWCO curriculum. This version of the curriculum will be designed and printed by the Natural Resource, Agricultural, and Engineering Service (NRAES), Cooperative Extension, and is anticipated to be available in summer 2005.