Pacific Northwest Section Meeting

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) section meeting was held in Kelowna, B.C., June 16-18, at the Lake Okanagan Resort.  The area is home to interesting rangelands, watersheds, user groups, and ecosystems as well as spectacular views, fruit and wine.  The tour had two engaging themes: Integrated Resource Use and Range Management and Range Management and Interface Issues.  Presenters represented a range of perspectives and fostered some great discussions.

During the tour we had the opportunity to learn about a local coordinated resource management effort, and presenters included representatives from diverse interests: grazing, community watersheds, recreation (off highway vehicles, OHVs), wildlife, and protected areas.  It was particularly interesting to listen to a variety of perspectives and presenters, all of whom talked freely about issues concerning resources, values, their area of expertise, and how they have been able to communicate with other parties involved.

This photo (above) was put up by the Okanagan Trail Riders Association as part of a large effort to reduce the effects of intensive recreation.  We also learned about the area watersheds, concerns for water quality and quantity, and local grazing practices and arrangements.

Another fun and informative exercise at the PNW meeting was to learn about the history and assessment of Bald Range.  We broke into small groups to get hands-on experience with monitoring and assessment, and compared monitoring notes.

During the final day of the PNW meeting, we toured a reservoir, learned about the Okanagan Mountain Fire and its impact on area rangelands, and hiked part of Myra Canyon over the reconstructed train trestles.

While at the PNW meeting, the committee for the 2012 Annual Meeting in Spokane met to work on planning for the 2012 meeting.  The Spokane group is working hard to put on a great program and give a new edge to the SRM Annual Meeting.  You won't want to miss it in 2012.

One of the clear tour highlights was the BBQ dinner, during which Ken Mather, Cowboy Poet and Author, 'enhanced our membership experience' with stories and poetry, and Rob Dinwoodie and Tim Ross impressed us all with their music - and especially their lyrics!

Stay tuned!  As always, there will be more to come.

Nebraska Youth Range Camp

Early last week I attended part of the Nebraska Youth Range Camp, near Halsey, Nebraska.  The camp had 41 high school students in attendance from around the state.  During the week-long camp, students gain experience and training in rangeland ecology and management through a variety of presentations and lesson plans.  Time is spent both outside and in, as students learn about topics ranging from plant identification, range sites, ecology, and condition, grazing strategies, tips for going to college, and conflict management.  Two take home messages from Monday evening and Tuesday morning were 1) there is much more to rangeland ecosystems than just cows, and 2) get involved!

The Nebraska Youth Range Camp is operating in its 47th year and has trained more than 1,500 students since its inception in 1963.  While all students in attendance had some interest in rangelands, many were unsure how they would apply that interest as they went off to college and on to their careers.  Instructors highlighted the utility of mentors and students were encouraged to get in touch with other professionals (SRM members included) to use as resources for college and beyond.

While visiting the camp, I had the exciting opportunity to experience my first ever tornado warning, when the warning alarm went off shortly after bedtime.  Everyone at camp: all 41 high school students, a group of 4-H campers, and all instructors, crammed into the basement/bomb shelter of one small building to wait out the watch.  I was glad I had my camera on hand to capture some stylish students during the hour plus spent in the basement.  My personal favorite: several folks sporting a pj's and cowboy boots combo.
Thank you to the Nebraska Youth Range Camp for their hospitality!  Stay tuned - I am heading to the Pacific Northwest section meeting in Kelowna, B.C. this week.

Announcing the New SRM Internship Program - DEADLINE EXTENDED!

The Society for Range Management is pleased to announce the new SRM Internship Program. SRM is currently accepting Outreach Intern applications for the fall 2010 semester. Students are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity by September 10, 2010. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with outreach activities including networking, public speaking, communications, and more. Check out all the details below:

Fall semester 2010, tentative dates: September 20, 2010 – December 3, 2010, approx. 10-16 hours/week
Unpaid, for college credit, small educational stipend available
Reports to: Director of Outreach and Leadership Development

The Society for Range Management (SRM) is a non-profit professional society dedicated to supporting persons who work with rangelands and have a commitment to their sustainable use. It is headquartered in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Rangelands comprise almost one-half of all the lands in the world. They are extremely important to society for the goods and services they produce and for the ecological services they provide. SRM is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of rangelands for the benefit of current societies and for future generations.

Outreach Internship Description:

This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience with:

• Outreach
• Public Relations
• Networking
• Event and Meeting Planning
• Non-Profit Organization
• Communication
• Rangeland Ecosystem Science and Management

The SRM outreach efforts are an integral and important facet of the organization. The Intern will work closely with the Director of Outreach and Leadership Development. The successful candidate will focus on two primary projects: short biographies of rangeland professionals for the SRM Outreach Blog, and in the development of marketing and outreach materials for the Society. The Intern will be involved in outreach efforts including:

• Communications and public relations
• Development of marketing and outreach materials
• Social networking
• Blog updates
• Some public speaking
• Event planning
• Press releases
• Other administrative tasks as assigned
• Will have the opportunity for paid travel to one meeting in the United States with the Director of Outreach and Leadership Development

This position includes a small educational stipend. SRM will work with students enrolled in a university to receive course credit for the internship program. It is recommended that the successful candidate be able to commit 10-16 hours per week for 12-14 weeks (hours are flexible depending on availability). The program tentatively runs Monday September 20, 2010, through Friday, December 3, 2010 (subject to change based on academic schedule).

Requirements:

• Basic education and knowledge of rangeland and natural resource ecology AND/OR public relations/marketing/outreach/event planning
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Applications, Outlook, and the Internet
• Self-motivated
• Adaptable to a changing and fast-paced work environment
• Excellent customer service skills
• Comfortable working alone and in a team environment
• Positive attitude and sense of humor

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and short personal biography (less than 500 words) as a writing sample to Aleta Rudeen, Director of Outreach and Leadership Development, by Friday, September 10, 2010: arudeen@rangelands.org