Outreach

Growing public-private partnerships: Dr. Mike Kane

Communications Director

Contact Information

Contact Kristen Morales

Phone:

706-206-3055

kmorales@uga.edu

Campus address

Office:

Building 1-202

About

Education:

B.A., Graphic Design, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, 2002

B.S., Print Journalism, Syracuse University, 1998

Biography:

Kristen comes to Warnell after spending five years as communications manager at the UGA College of Education. At Warnell, she oversees the production of The Log, the college's alumni magazine, as well as regular news releases, website updates and social media content. Before working for UGA, Kristen spent more than 15 years in the newspaper industry as an editor, writer, copy editor and designer at newspapers in New York, Massachusetts, California, Florida and Georgia.

Mike Kane has been wearing a lot of hats over the years. Often, he’s worn them at the same time.

These dual experiences began early in his career as a graduate student, taking classes at North Carolina State University while working for the school’s Forest Fertilization Cooperative. The experience gave him a taste of two worlds, balancing the needs of the private sector while working in academia.

Study gives UGA’s invasive species apps high marks

A screenshot of the EDDMapS app homepage.

Communications Director

Contact Information

Contact Kristen Morales

Phone:

706-206-3055

kmorales@uga.edu

Campus address

Office:

Building 1-202

About

Education:

B.A., Graphic Design, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, 2002

B.S., Print Journalism, Syracuse University, 1998

Biography:

Among the hundreds of smartphone apps used around the world to identify invasive species, apps developed by the University of Georgia rise to the top.

This is according to a recent review of 41 apps published in NeoBiota, which ranked English-language apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store across 35 different features. Among all the apps scored, five developed by the UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health—also known as Bugwood—received the highest marks.

A forest's fringe benefits

Communications Director

Contact Information

Contact Kristen Morales

Phone:

706-206-3055

kmorales@uga.edu

Campus address

Office:

Building 1-202

About

Education:

B.A., Graphic Design, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, 2002

B.S., Print Journalism, Syracuse University, 1998

Biography:

A number of public and private partnerships work to keep forests as forests—even if no trees are harvested

In Southeast Georgia, the Warnell family’s lands stretch along the Canoochee River, unfolding into thousands of acres of planted and natural pine stands..
But ask Fred Warnell about one of his favorite areas, and he’ll point to a section of sand hills, wire grass and the river bottoms.

Is it good for timber? No. But it sure is nice to look at.

New project tracks coyotes through metro Atlanta

Graduate student Summer Fink prepares a humane trap in a wooded area of metro Atlanta.

Communications Director

Contact Information

Contact Kristen Morales

Phone:

706-206-3055

kmorales@uga.edu

Campus address

Office:

Building 1-202

About

Education:

B.A., Graphic Design, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, 2002

B.S., Print Journalism, Syracuse University, 1998

Biography:

Using cameras and collars, UGA researchers aim to understand wildlife movements, geography

Squirrels, birds and opossums have all adapted to living in urban spaces. More recently, so have coyotes.

But much is still unknown about how coyotes move throughout urban areas, such as metro Atlanta, as well as their effect on humans and other wildlife. For example, why are these animals reported in some areas of the city but not others?

Bark beetle responses to hurricane-damaged pine stands

Hurricanes can negatively affect southern pine forests. The strong winds and flooding associated with these storms can damage tree branches, stems, roots, and foliage.

The many troubles of wild pigs

Example of rooting damage caused by wild pigs.

Professor, Wildlife Specialist

Coordinator, Georgia Master Naturalist

Contact Information

Contact Dr. Michael T. Mengak

Phone:

706-714-9268

mmengak@uga.edu

Campus address

Office:

Warnell 4-428

Education:

Ph.D. 1987 Forestry/Wildlife Clemson University Dissertation: 'Impacts of natural and artificial regeneration of loblolly pine on small mammals in the South Carolina piedmont.'

M.S. 1982 Forestry/Wildlife Clemson University Thesis: 'A comparison of two diet analysis techniques applied to white-tailed deer in coastal South Carolina.'

B.S. 1979 Fisheries/Wildlife Virginia Tech

Curriculum Vitae:

R_2v2I0oOAh5S4qCm~Vitae_January_2021.pdf (676.11 KB)

Research

Research Areas:

Wildlife Ecology and Management

Area of Speciality:

Service and Outreach/Extension

Wildlife Ecology and Management

Human Dimensions of Wildlife

Non-Game and Endangered Species

Wildlife and Forest Management

Wildlife Damage

Research Areas Detail:

Research focuses on human dimensions aspects of wild pigs; management and economic impact of wild pigs; nuisance wildlife management, natural history and ecology of woodrats (Allegheny and Key Largo); and, inventory and monitoring of mammals.

Management and Impact of Wild Pigs

Human dimension surveys related to citizens (landowners, hunters, farmers, etc.) issues arising from wild pig occurrence and economic damages as well as beliefs and attitudes; extension outreach related to wild pig management and resolution of conflict issues.

Allegheny Woodrats

Conduct a survey of historical sites in Virginia for the presence of Allegheny woodrats. Collect biological data on individuals captured and habitat/landscape date for each site sampled.

Area of Specialization
Inventory and monitoring of non-game wildlife; wildlife damage management; wildlife service and outreach

Labs/Centers/Committees:

Outreach Faculty

Georgia Master Naturalist

Wildlife Damage Laboratory

Recent Citations:

Books or Book Chapters

Mengak, M. T. 2021. Nuisance Wildlife Management. Chapter 27 in Georgia Master Gardener's Handbook. UGA Cooperative Extensions Publication.

Mengak, M. T., and C. A. Miller. 2020. Chapter 10: Human Dimensions and Education Associated with Wild Pigs in North America. Pages 229-243 in K. VerCauteren, J. C. Beasley, S. S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G. J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland (editors). Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL. 485 pages.

Mengak, M. T. 2020. Georgia Landowners' Guide to Wild Pig Management. eBook. https://books.apple.com/us/book/georgia-landowners-guide-to-wild-pig-ma…; 66p.

Kammermeyer, K. and M.T. Mengak. 2010. Camera Surveys. Pages 193-197 in K. Kammermeyer and R. Thackston. Deer & Turkey Management Beyond Food Plots. Scott Lithographing Company, Tucker, GA.

Mengak, M.T., C.M. Butchkoski, D.J. Feller, and S.A. Johnson. 2008. Lessons form long-term monitoring of woodrats. Pages 109-132 in J. Peles and J. Wright (editors) The Allegheny Woodrat: Ecology, Conservation, and Management of a Declining Species. Springer-Verlag Publishers.

Monographs

Linehan, J. M, and M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, and D. Miller. 2008. Inventory of the mammalian species at Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Occasional Papers of the Texas Tech Museum. Number 272. 11 March 2008. 16 pages.

Castleberry, S. B., M. T. Mengak, W. M. Ford. 2006. Neotoma magister. Mammalian Species No. 789, pp. 1-5, 3 figs

Journal Articles (since 2013)

Powers, K. E., M. T. Mengak, R. R. Sheehy, W. M. Ford, and R. J. Reynolds. 2020. Bot fly parasitism of Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister) in Virginia. American Midland Naturalist 184:62-72.

Hohbein, R. R. and M. T. Mengak. 2018. Cooperative extension agents as key informants in assessing wildlife damage trends in Georgia. Human-Wildlife Interactions 12: 243-258.

Kanine, J. M., E. M. Kierepka, S. B. Castleberry, M. T. Mengak, N.P. Nibbelink, and T. C. Glenn. 2018. Influence of landscape heterogeneity on the functional connectivity of Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister) in Virginia. Conservation Genetics Published online_6 August 2018 http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-018-1093-4

Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, and V. K. Terrill. 2018. Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting Allegheny woodrat occupancy. Wildlife Society Bulletin 42: 667-673.

Mingie, J., N.C. Pouydal, M. K. Bowker, M. T. Mengak, and J. Sirey. 2018. Comparing the net benefit of forestland access for big game hunting across landownership types in Georgia, USA. Forest Science 65: 189-200. doi: 10.1093/forsci/fxy045

Lombardi, J.V., M.T. Mengak, S.B. Castleberry, and V.K. Terrell. 2017. Mammal occurrence in rock outcrops in Shendandoah National Park: Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing trap success and co-occurrence. Natural Areas Journal 37: 507-514.

Mingie, J., N. Poudyal, M. Bowker, M. T. Mengak. 2017. Big game hunters preferences for hunting lease attributes: An application of a choice experiment. Forest Policy and Economics 78(2017): 98-106.

Mingie, J., N. Poudyal, M. Bowker, M. T. Mengak, and J. Sirey. 2017. A hedonic analysis of big game hunting club dues in Georgia. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 22: 110-125.

Ninke, L.B. and M. T. Mengak. 2016. Evaluating the Georgia Master Naturalist Program. Journal of Extension, June 2016, Vol. 54, No. 3, Article #3RIB7. www.joe.org

Harper, E.E. , J. J. Vaske, C. A. Miller, M.T. Mengak, and S. Bruno. 2016. Stakeholder attitudes and beliefs toward wild pigs in Georgia and Illinois. Wildlife Society Bulletin 40:269-273.

Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, V. K. Terrell, and M. Fies. 2016. A new long-tailed weasel county record in Shenandoah National Park. Virginia Journal of Science 67:1-5.

Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, and S. B. Castleberry. 2016. Three new county records for Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) in Shenandoah National Park. Banisteria 46:25-27.

Harper, E.E., J.J.Vaske, C.A.Miller, M.T. Mengak, and S. Bruno. 2016. Stakeholder attitudes and beliefs towards wild pigs in Georgia and Illinois. Wildlife Society Bulletin 40: 269-273.

Kanine, J. M., S.B. Castleberry, M. T. Mengak, and C. Winchester. 2015. Seasonal variation in Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) diets. Southeastern Naturalist 14: 405-414.

Castleberry, S. B., M. T. Mengak, and T. E. Menken. 2014. Comparison of trapping and camera survey methods for determining presence of Allegheny woodrats. Wildlife Society Bulletin 38: 414-418.

McCleery, R., M. Oli, J. Hostetler, B. Karmacharya, D. U. Greene, C. Winchester, J. Gore, S. Sneckenberger, S. B. Castleberry, and M. T. Mengak. 2013. Are declines of an endangered mammal predation-driven, and can a captive-breeding and release program aid their recovery? Journal of Zoology, Print ISSN 0952-8369; doi 10.1111/jzo. 12046.

Greene, D. U., S. B. Castleberry, and M. T. Mengak. 2013. A methodology for long-term monitoring of the endangered Key Largo cotton mouse. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 37: 368-374.

Conference Proceedings

Todd, C. T. and M. T. Mengak. 2018. Wild pig hunting outfitters in the Southeast. Proceedings of the 17th Wildlife Damage Management Conference, 17: 89-90. Perdido Beach, AL. Feb. 26-28, 2017

Mengak, M. T. 2016. Landowner opinions regarding wild pigs in Georgia, USA. Pages 162-169 in RM Timm and RA Baldwin (editors). Proceedings 27th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Newport Beach, Ca. March 6-10, 2016.

Mengak, M. T. 2014. The extent and impact of wild pig damage to landowners in southwest Georgia, USA. Pages 287-290 in RM Timm and JM O’Brien, (editors). Proceedings 26th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. March 3-6, 2014.

Mengak, M. T., C. A. Miller, and D. I. Hall. 2009. Attitudes of students in a wildlife damage management class towards nuisance wildlife control. Pages 75-83 in J. Boulanger (editor). Proceedings 13th Wildlife Damage Management Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY. May 3-6, 2009.

Mengak, M. T. 2009. Growing loblolly pine with wildlife food plots, hunting lease assumptions and liability issues. Pages 92-100 in Siry, J. et al. (editors). 2009 Proceedings of the 2008 Southern Forest Economics Workers Annual Meeting; 2008 Mar 9-11, Savannah, GA.

Stephens, L. R., M. T. Mengak, D. I. Hall. 2007. Evaluation of resident Canada Goose relocation in Georgia. Pages 543-553 in D. L. Nolte (editor). Proceedings of the 12th Wildlife Damage Management Conference, Corpus Christi, TX.

Outreach & Extension Publications. (Partial List ONLY -- see C.V. for complete list)

1. Extension Book Chapters (Peer-reviewed)

2. Mengak, M. T. 2020. Vertebrate Pest Control. Pages 498-502 in D. Horton (editor), Georgia Pest Management Handbook. Commercial Edition. Special Bulletin 28.

1. Mengak, M. T. 2020. Vertebrate Pest Control. Pages 170-172 in in D. Horton (editor), Georgia Pest Management Handbook. Homeowner Edition. Special Bulletin 48.

2. Extension Bulletins (peer edited)

5. Mengak, M. T. 2013. Resolving Human-Nuisance Wildlife Conflicts. UGA Cooperative Extension Service, Publication B-1248. 9 pages.

4. Pennisi, B. and M. T. Mengak. 2012. Resolving Issues with Nuisance Wildlife. AV Library No. CD-056. 140 slides. Slide set for county programs. Accompanying textual support material (script for presenters)—46 pp.

3. Pennisi, B. and M. T. Mengak. 2012. Deer-Tolerant Landscapes. AV Library No. CD-057. 115 slides. Slide set for county programs. Accompanying textual support material (script for presenters)—24 pp.

2. Mengak, M. T. 2010. Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife. UGA Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin No. 1248. 14 pages (revised).

1. Mengak, M. T. 2004. Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife. Extension Bulletin Number 1248. Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Athens, GA. 12 pages.

3. WSFNR – Wildlife Damage Management Series (peer reviewed)

18. Hill, M. R. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: Tree Squirrels. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-37A. 5 pages.

17. Callaghan, K. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: Canada Goose (Branta canadensis). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-38A. 6 pages.

16. Brown, J. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: Eastern Cottontail Rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-58A. 6 pages.

15. Bray, A. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-60A. 6 pages.

14. *Jaques, B. and M. T. Mengak. 2019. Managing Wildlife Damage: Coyote (Canis latrans). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-19-45. 5 pages.

13. Nitschke, K. and M. T. Mengak. 2015. Managing Wildlife Damage: Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) and Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. Publication Series. WSFRN-15-09. 6 pages.

12. *Miller, E. A. and M. T. Mengak. 2011. Managing Wildlife Damage: American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-12-12. 7 pages.

11. *Hecht, A. and M. T. Mengak. 2009. Managing Wildlife Damage: American Beaver (Castor canadensis). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-09-11. 5 pages.

10. *Stull, D. W. and M. T. Mengak. 2009. Managing Wildlife Damage: Coyote (Canis latrans). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-09-10. 5 pages.

9. Mengak, M. T., and S. Valitzski. 2008. Managing wildlife damage: Woodchuck (Marmota monax). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-08-08. 6 pages.

8. *¶Parris, J. D., M. T. Mengak, and K. V. Miller. 2008. Use of Gallagher^©2-layer deer exclusion fencing to temporarily deter white-tailed deer browsing in food plots. Warnell Outreach Publication - Wildlife Damage Series WDS-08-09. 7 pages.

Technical Bulletins and Final Reports

Mengak, M. T. 2018. Wildlife Translocation. USDA Wildlife Services - Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. National Wildlife Research Center, Ft. Collins, CO. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_…

Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, V. C. K. Terrell. 2016. Observations from a rock outcrop camera survey in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. National Park Service Final Report. 83 pp.

Hatt, J., L. Worsham, G. Sundin, G. Grossman, M.T. Mengak, and N. Nibbelink. 2016. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Natural Resource Report NPS/GUIS/NRR—2014/1135. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Hatt, J., L. Worsham, G. Sundin, G. Grossman, M. T. Mengak, and N. Nibbelink. 2016. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Natural Resource Report NPS/JELA/NRR—2014/953. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Sundin, G., L. Worsham, N. Nibbelink, G. Grossman, and M. T. Mengak. 2014. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Vicksburg National Military Park. Natural Resource Report NPS/VICK/NRR—2014/769. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Published Report – 2207798.

Worsham, L, G. Sundin, N. Nibbelink, G. Grossman, and M. T. Mengak. 2014. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Natchez Trace Parkway. Natural Resource Report NPS/NATR/NRR—2014/843. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Published Report – 2216371.

Recent Grants and Contracts

Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division - Hunting Lease Survey; 2022 - $26,000

Georgia Farm Bill_NRCS Feral Swine Control Pilot Project; 2020-2023 $1,500,000 (Mengak Share - $275,000)

Tall Timbers Research Station (NRCS Feral Swine Control Pilot Project (GA/FL)); 2021-2023 $68,000 - feral swine impact

Tall Timbers Research Station (NRCS Feral Swine Control Pilot Project (GA/FL)); 2021-2023 $74,000 - feral swine, Judas Pig

Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association; 2017-2023 $96,000

Joint Venture Agreement for Natural Inquirer; 2015-2021 $300,000

Survey and protect the rare Allegheny woodrat, NPS-Shenandoah National Park; 2014 - 2016 $49,993

Development of the Georgia Wild Hog Management Field Manual, River Valley Regional Commission; 2013 - 2014 $15,000

Natural resource condition assessment for 5 regional parks, NPS; 2010 - 2013 $285,000

Natural resource conditions assessment for 6 regional parks, NPS: 2005 - 2010 $200,780

Status & Distribution of Allegheny Woodrats in Virginia, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries; 2009 - 2011 $87,500

Ecological understanding as a guideline for evaluation of nonformal education (EUGENE), USDA Forest Service; 2005 - 2009 $200,780

Assessing knowledge gain from the Natural Inquirer, USDA Forest Service; 2009 - 2011 $96,390

A protocol for monitoring Key Largo cotton mouse, US Fish and Wildlife Service; 2006 - 2008 $75,000

Teaching:

Graduated Students (Since 2013)

In Progress

Smith, Justine (MS, 2022) - wild pig impacts and damage assessment

Riegle, Matthew (MNR, 2022) - project undetermined

Hoskins, Kelsey (MS, 2023) - wild pig impacts and damage assessment

Kruis, Faith (MS, 2023) - wild pig impacts and JUDAS pig

Terrazas, Chris (MS, 2023) - wild pig impacts and JUDAS pig

Completed

Callaghan, Katy (MNR, 2021) - Necropsy Assistant, UGA VetMed -- SCWDS

Jaques, Ben (MNR, 2019) - Wildlife Specialist, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services

Kelley, Steven (MNR, 2018) - Biology Teacher, Forsyth County

Mingie, James (PhD, 2016) - Post-Doc, Univ Tennessee

Kanine, Jennifer (PhD, 2013) - Wildlife Biologist, Michigan

Todd, Charles (MNR, 2017) - UGA Cooperative Extension Agent

Foster, Michael (MNR, 2015) - Environmental Consultant, North Carolina

Fulmer, Josie (MNR, 2014) - UGA 4-H Environmental Education

Hildreth (Ninke), Lauren (MNR, 2013) - Outreach, Missouri Dept Wildlife Conservation

Arnold, Sarah (MNR, 2013) - ZooAtlanta

Courses Regularly Taught:

WILD 4900/6900-4900L/6900L

WILD 4500/6500

FANR 4500

Outreach:

My outreach focus is on nuisance wildlife management and human-wildlife conflict resolution. I work with county extension agents and various landowners and clients to solve urban nuisance wildlife issue. I also work with county extension agents to resolve wildlife damage issues related to wild pigs, white-tailed deer, and common urban wildlife. I am the state coordinator for the Georgia Master Naturalist Program.

Links:

Georgia Master Naturalist

Feral Swine (Wild Pigs)

Agriculture producers are well aware of the economic impacts they suffer at the snout and mouth of the wild pig. Hunters are harvesting pigs in the fall along with deer and other game species. Wild pigs are abundant, troublesome, and widespread in Georgia.

Nine tax tips every forest landowner should know

Forest Economics & Taxation Outreach Specialist

Contact Information

Contact Dr. Yanshu Li

Phone:

706-389-5336

Yanshu.li@uga.edu

Campus address

Office:

4-506

Education:

B.S. Accounting, Shanxi University, 1997.

M.S. Agricultural Management and Economics, China Agricultural University, 2000.

M.S. Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, 2003

Ph.D. Forest Economics, Auburn University, 2006

Research

Research Areas:

Forest Management

Area of Speciality:

Economics

Timber Supply and Markets

Policy

Service and Outreach/Extension

Research Areas Detail:

Federal and state forest taxation, economic issues related to forest investment and management, forest products market analysis, economic benefits of forest.

Labs/Centers/Committees:

Outreach Faculty

Outreach:

Federal and state forest taxation, economic issues related to forest investment and management, forest products market analysis, economic benefits of forest.

Many forest landowners think about taxes only after they had a timber sale. However, careful tax planning is essential to minimize your total taxes considering the long-term nature of forest management and the availability of a few income tax provisions related to timber.
Here are 9 tax tips for forest landowners:

‘Connect to Protect’ program helps bring new life to Tifton lab

The garden area before plants were introduced.

Communications Director

Contact Information

Contact Kristen Morales

Phone:

706-206-3055

kmorales@uga.edu

Campus address

Office:

Building 1-202

About

Education:

B.A., Graphic Design, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, 2002

B.S., Print Journalism, Syracuse University, 1998

Biography:

The view from Elizabeth McCarty’s window is a lot more colorful lately—and more friendly to bees.

Earlier this spring, McCarty, an assistant professor and forest health specialist for the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources who based at UGA’s Tifton campus, worked with a handful of lab staff and volunteers to transform a small square of dirt into a pollinator garden. Undergraduate and graduate students, lab techs and even a family member pitched in with mulching and weeding, along with the initial planting.