Registration Open for QDMA’S Land Certification Program Inspector Training in Georgia
OutdoorHub 03.13.12
Registration is now open for Land Certification Program (LCP) Inspector Training offered by the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). LCP Inspectors are the qualified natural resource professionals who will help implement QDMA’s new program by visiting, evaluating and providing guidance on hunting lands throughout North America.
The QDMA unveiled the Land Certification Program at its 2011 National Convention last August. The long-awaited companion to the Deer Steward courses – which are aimed at certifying individuals – the LCP is a multi-level, voluntary process which will evaluate and certify one or more properties against an established list of Quality Deer Management (QDM) standards and performance measures.
The LCP was developed to recognize the accomplishments of landowners and sportsmen implementing the four cornerstones of QDM throughout North America, as well as those committed to ethics, conservation and biodiversity through land stewardship; and to encourage management practices on participating lands that will enhance deer and other wildlife species, habitat conditions, and hunting experiences by providing incentives, recommendations and/or assistance; and finally to inspire others to engage in sound wildlife management and conservation of our natural resources.
To learn more about the entire LCP including the standards and performance measures, the three levels of land designation and how to contact a LCP inspector, visit: www.qdma.com/programs/certify/land-certification-program.
LCP Inspector Training Opportunities:
To ensure that everyone has access to a qualified property inspector the QDMA will host a series of half-day LCP inspector training sessions across the country. The 2012 schedule is as follows:
- April 26 at Cayuga Nature Center, Ithaca, N.Y.*
- May 24 at Bradford Research & Extension Center, Columbia, Mo.*
- May 31 at QDMA National Headquarters, Bogart, Ga,
- June 14 at Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, La.
- July 12 at Michigan State University Demmer Center; Lansing, Mich.
- July 26 at South Carolina Forestry Commission Harbison Education Center, Columbia, S.C.*
*Denotes co-sponsored training with the American Tree Farm Systems (ATFS), attendees can become certified inspectors for both organizations in one day/location. One half day each (QDMA and ATFS). Special rates apply. To learn more about ATFS and the ATFS inspector eligibility requirements visit www.treefarmsystem.org.
Who Is Eligible?
The QDMA will approve LCP inspectors through a rigid set of professional standards. If you are interested in becoming a LCP property inspector, you can sign up for one of these training sessions if you satisfy at least one of the following:
- Have an accredited college degree AND two years experience in forestry, wildlife, or another natural resource management field;
- Have completed QDMA Deer Steward II (or higher) course AND three years of wildlife and habitat management field experience*
Those who do not meet either of the above guidelines but wish to become eligible to participate, you must submit a written request outlining your qualifications and experience. The QDMA will review each submission on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.
Wildlife management experience refers to actively managing wildlife population(s) at either the property or landscape level. Habitat management experience refers to personally manipulating vegetation species and composition at the property or landscape level in accordance with wildlife management prescriptions.
Cost
The QDMA LCP training session is $50 for QDMA members and $80 for non-members (includes a 1-year QDMA membership). Current ATFS inspectors can take QDMA training for $35. Cost includes instruction, materials and certificate. Travel, meals and lodging are not included. Lunch will be provided for attendees taking both trainings.
Registration
To register, visit www.qdma.com/programs/certify/land-certification-program to download the registration form. You can register by:
- Calling the QDMA National Office at 800-209-3337
- Faxing a completed registration form to 706-353-0223
- Mailing a completed registration form to: QDMA, P.O. Box 160, Bogart, GA 30622
Lodging
For your convenience, the QDMA has reserved local hotel rooms at a reduced price the evening before each training session. For a complete list of lodging contact information for each training session, visit www.qdma.com/programs/certify/land-certification-program.
