CONGRATULATIONS TO CLASS 40 AGFORESTRY GRADUATES!

Class 40 (which included Bureau of Reclamation’s Jennifer Hickenbottom, Yakima) completed the AgForestry Leadership Program in May. During their final seminar the class gained insight into what keeps leaders motivated and effective. Speakers underscored the power of collaboration in tackling contentious natural resources issues.

Class members also delivered their capstone Public Policy Project presentations. Each project had real world impact and highlighted the skills and knowledge class members learned during their time in AgForestry. A panel of evaluators provided constructive criticism and valuable feedback on each group’s report, presentation, and approach to solving the public policy issue they tackled.

AgForestry Leadership is the only program of its kind in Washington State that specifically focuses on developing adult leaders in agriculture, forestry and natural resources. Strong leadership is needed now more than ever because few things touch people’s lives more than natural resources. They provide successful livelihoods, quality of life and make the largest economic impact in the state. Over 18 months, AgForestry presents 11 in-state, one national, and one international intensive hands-on learning seminars at public/private institutions of higher education, leading businesses, organizations and in the field.