Ruckelshaus Institute

A division of the Haub school of environment and natural resources at the university of wyoming 

Our Mission

Inspired by William D. Ruckelshaus's legacy of collaboration, the Ruckelshaus Institute supports community-driven approaches to environmental challenges by advancing collaborative decision-making, convening discussions around emergent policy and management questions, and communicating insights and practical approaches to critical natural resource issues.

 

While the Ruckelshaus Institute's work varies in response to stakeholder needs and requests, we maintain four, flagship programs: the Collaboration Program in Natural Resources, Western Confluence magazine, the Emerging Issue Forum, and the Collaboration Symposium. To receive biannual updates on our collaboration, convening, and communications work, as well as timely reminders about upcoming events and registration deadlines, sign up for our e-newsletter. 

 

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Ruckelshaus Institute Research and Outreach Programs

Whitney MacMillan Private Lands Stewardship Program

Led by Dr. Drew Bennett, this program addresses the needs of private landowners by drawing on expertise and interdisciplinary collaborations across natural resource management, rangeland ecology, business and finance, law, decision-making, collaborative processes, and other fields. The program will focus on a range of pressing issues affecting private landowners, including intergenerational transfer of land; options for participation in emerging markets such as conservation banks; science-based range management and grazing practices; and effective collaboration with federal, state, and private land managers on issues ranging from grazing leases to carnivores.

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Through the generosity of the Spicers, this program supports a chaired faculty position occupied by Dr. Matt Hamilton, the Collaboration Program in Natural Resources, and collaborative processes throughout the state. 

Whitney MacMillan Private Lands Stewardship Program

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Collaborate

Supporting shared solutions to complex natural resource challenges through trainings and decision-making support services. 

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Convene

Bringing people together around issues that are important to the future of Wyoming and the West.

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Communicate

Sharing sound information in meaningful ways to drive better decisions. 

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Melanie Armstrong, Ruckelshaus Institute Director.

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Birch Malotky, Emerging Issue Initiative Coordinator and Western Confluence Editor.

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Drew Bennett, Whitney MacMillan Private Lands Stewardship Program Director.

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Callie Berman, Ruckelshaus Institute Research Scientist

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Matt Hamilton, Spicer Chair of Collaborative Practice

Our history

William D. Ruckelshaus's diverse and impactful career earned him a reputation for unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to advancing business interests alongside environmental protection. In 1993, when he became the founding board chair of a new, interdisciplinary institute for environment and natural resources at the University of Wyoming, Ruckelshaus immediately made the case that it should focus on bringing together stakeholders with differing perspectives to share their values and work toward solutions that would create value for all parties. Today, we work to carry forward his collaborative ideals and fulfill his vision of a space where "disparate parties, science, and policy-making can come together more efficiently and produce more light than heat."

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