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MSU Extension reports lower outreach numbers after reduced U.S. Forest Service partnership
Summary
MSU Extension staff told the Wayne County Human Services Committee that year‑to‑year outreach numbers fell after the county’s collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service produced fewer joint activities; Extension said 4‑H participation rose while other youth contacts fell and Master Gardener counts were trimmed after file cleanup.
Dr. Brianna Osorio, director of the county public‑health division, introduced Richard Wooten, director of MSU Extension in Wayne County, who presented a year‑to‑year comparison report for fiscal 2023–2024. Wooten said the office’s total impact numbers fell by roughly 4,000 contacts between the two years. “The main reason they're down is because of the partnership we have with the US Forestry Service,” Wooten said. He said the Forest Service delivered programs in 2024 that did not involve MSU Extension staff, so those contacts could not be counted in the Extension’s direct‑contact totals.
Wooten said 4‑H participation rose even as total youth‑service numbers fell and that Master Gardener volunteer counts declined because staff performed an annual “cleaning house” audit and removed volunteers who were not meeting activity requirements. He described efforts to restore in‑person engagement after a shift to online classes: “We're going to try to do those watch parties. We're going to try to bring people back together.” Wooten said MSU Extension had staffing reductions that prompted more online programming and that staff are seeking compromises — such as local watch‑party events — to serve seniors and learners who do better in face‑to‑face settings.
Commissioners asked follow‑ups. Commissioner Morecki asked why the Forest Service collaboration weakened; Wooten said the Forest Service staff member assigned to the county “wasn't in that space for the majority of 2024” and that many Forest Service activities were indirect events (festivals, junior ranger programs) that did not involve Extension staff directly. Commissioners also asked about geographic distribution, program quality and next steps; Wooten said the report and a recently completed annual report are available electronically and that Extension plans to continue outreach adjustments.
The committee received the report.
