The University of Wyoming Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) program will host a leadership symposium in Laramie Monday, April 22.

The event will be held at the UW Gateway Center from 9-3 p.m. Interested parties can also 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 Governor Mark Gordon at 9 a.m. All 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 State Representative 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 former Game and Fish water management supervisor Tom Annear.

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

Finally, the “Science Perspectives” session features panelists Jonathan Brant from the UW College of Engineering & Physical Science and Kristi Hansen, Joe Cook and Ginger Paige 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 RMAL course. Lunch will be provided, giving students and producers a greater chance to network with each other and the event speakers. To sign up, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal. On-site registration will also be available, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The symposium is the final event in the 2024 RMAL seminar series. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag/rmal.