Participants self-select to a breakout room to explore a topic with subject-matter experts in panel discussions. Following each discussion, participants will convene in small groups to interact directly with panelists and thought-leaders on the topic.
Session 1: Never Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste
Location: Grand Room
Hunters, anglers, conservation orgs, and the outdoor rec community discuss the public land transfer movement and the opportunities for collaboration it presents. Participants will share success stories of innovative, inclusive, collaborative, and effective responses to the movement that can be replicated on a national scale.
Panel Host: Leandra Taylor
Moderator:
– Whit Fosburgh, CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Panelists:
– Brad Brooks, Deputy Director for Idaho Region, The Wilderness Society
– Katie McKalip, Communications Director, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
– Kirsten Blackburn, Corporate Communications and Advocacy Manager, KEEN
– John McCauley, Regional Organizer, Outdoor Alliance
Session 2: Public Lands, Urban America
Location: Teton Room
The term “public lands” can evoke visions of unpopulated landscapes beneath wide western skies, but most Americans live in urban areas. This discussion explores how the public land transfer movement is relevant to urban Americans and conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Panel Host: Laura Nayeli Torres
Moderator:
– Gayle Hazelwood, Senior Urban Program Manager, National Park Service
Panelists:
– Taimur Ahmad, Recreation and Forest Policy Fellow, The Wilderness Society
– Andy Laurenzi, Co-Founder, TOTAGO (Turn Off Your App and Go Outside!)
– Daniel Lucio, Lone Star Chapter, The Sierra Club
– Morgan Dixon, Co-Founder, GirlTrek
Session 3: Public Lands: The Business Case
Location: Timberline 1
Public lands play a fundamental role in a sustainable outdoor industry. In recognition of this, Conservation Colorado has recently launched the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance (COBA), which represents a coalition of the state’s leading outdoor recreation businesses. COBA capitalizes on successes like the permanent protection of Browns Canyon National Monument, linking outdoor business leaders with Conservation Colorado’s organizational expertise to elevate outdoor industry voices in public lands advocacy. This panel discussion examines the role a state’s outdoor rec businesses can play in public lands policy—including how similar coalitions are springing up around the Rocky Mountain West.
Panel Host: Rachel Woods-Robinson
Moderator:
– Gabe Kiritz, Public Lands Business Organizer, Conservation Colorado
Panelists:
– Rachel Leinweber, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance
– Maria Povec, Policy Director, American Alpine Club
– Lana Weber, Idaho Conservation League
– Evan Reimondo, Environmental Stewardship Coordinator, National Outdoor Leadership School
Whit Fosburgh
Brad Brooks
Kirsten Blackburn
Katie McKalip
Josie Norris
Gayle Hazelwood
Taimur Ahmad
Andy Laurenzi
Daniel Lucio
Gabe Kiritz
Rachel Leinweber
Maria Povec
Lana Weber
Evan Reimondo
Land Tawney
