MSU Extension Educator

Principle Investigator: Sonja Christensen, MSU Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife -

A key recommendation proposed by Michigan’s CWD working group was the development of public education to address CWD.

Since chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first detected in Michigan in 2015, over 200 deer have
tested positive for CWD across nine Michigan counties. In 2017, the Michigan Natural Resources
Commission established the Chronic Wasting Disease Working Group to develop recommendations on
steps and actions to mitigate or eliminate CWD in Michigan. A key recommendation proposed by
Michigan’s CWD working group was the development of public education to address CWD. To assist in
connecting with new audiences and to amplify messaging around CWD, Michigan State University (MSU)
Extension’s Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI) collaborated with the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to hire a statewide extension educator to create, deliver,
and evaluate local and statewide communication strategies and innovative educational programs that
meet current and projected outreach needs related to white-tailed deer management and CWD. The MSU
Extension Educator works with partners and key audiences to identify communication strategies to
increase awareness among diverse audiences about CWD and efforts associated with this position will
help individuals from across Michigan better understand the scope of CWD and strategies that can be
undertaken to reduce spread, prevalence, and overall impact of
CWD.

Learn more (link to PDF)

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