University of Wyoming to host expanded land and resource management conference
The University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources will host the Rocky Mountain Land and Resource Management Conference April 15 in Laramie, expanding the scope of a long-running event focused on land management.
The conference, formerly known as the Rocky Mountain Professional Landman Conference, is organized in partnership with the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources and the Student Chapter of Energy Resources. It is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.
Organizers say the rebranded event brings together academic, industry, legal and business perspectives to examine issues in land and resource management. This year’s program will focus on negotiations, entrepreneurship, innovation and stewardship.
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
Kami Danaei, senior assistant dean of the School of Energy Resources, said the conference has traditionally connected students with industry professionals while highlighting the school’s land management program. The updated format also incorporates collaboration with the university’s Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership program.
The conference will alternate its focus in future years to reflect different academic concentrations while also serving as a capstone event for the Ranching in the West Seminar.
Randall Violett, associate director of the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership program, said the joint approach reflects the interconnected nature of land use in the region, where energy development, agriculture and environmental considerations often overlap.
The agenda includes a presentation by authors David Prescott and Michael Ashley on their book “Creative Destruction,” along with panel discussions on ethics, land use, reclamation, technology applications and negotiation in rural communities.
The conference is free and open to the public, though registration is required. Organizers say attendees may earn continuing education credits through several professional organizations, including the American Association of Professional Landmen and continuing legal education credits in Wyoming.
A networking reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. April 14 at the same venue. Hosted by the Student Chapter of Energy Resources in partnership with the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, the event will include opportunities for attendees to meet students and industry professionals.
