UW College of Ag to Host Leadership Symposium April 22

The University of Wyoming’s Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program will host a leadership symposium in Laramie Monday, April 22.

The event will be held at UW’s Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Interested parties also can attend the symposium via Zoom.

The symposium, titled “Navigating Western Waters: Addressing Water Challenges in the Western Region,” will address water use, law and policy, and scientific perspectives about water challenges in the West.

The conference will kick off with an address from Gov. Mark Gordon at 9 a.m. Each of the panels will feature a speaker and a series of panelists, giving attendees a chance to ask questions of knowledgeable experts and participate in the conversation.

Wyoming House Speaker Albert Sommers will lead the first panel discussion, titled “Perspectives from Water Users.” Panelists include Cory Toye, Wyoming water policy director for Trout Unlimited; rancher Jack Berger; and Tom Annear, former Wyoming Game and Fish Department water management supervisor.

Kara Fornstrom, director of the Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis in the UW School of Energy Resources, will lead the “Perspectives Regarding Water, Law and Public Policies” panel.

Finally, the “Science Perspectives” session will feature panelists Jonathan Brant, from the UW College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Kristi Hansen, Joe Cook and Ginger Paige, all from the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.

The symposium is open to the public as well as UW students. The cost is $25 per person for those not enrolled in the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership course. Lunch will be provided, giving students and producers a greater chance to network with one another and the event speakers. To sign up, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal. On-site registration also will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal.