2024 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

To register for this preconference workshop, click here - additional cost $95
This presentation journeys through the American past exploring factors that contributed to the low engagement of people of color in the outdoors. From massacres to freedom marches, the paths that led us here aren't universally clear, so it's critical that we not only review them together, we must also explore and interrogate the ways we see ourselves and each other, as well as our capacity to create the kinds of outcomes we seek - beyond the jargon and memes. Studies show the benefits of being in nature are many, and without access to safe outdoor engagement, marginalized groups – which are often disproportionately less healthy than their white counterparts – face greater challenges to realizing full health and wellbeing. Part lecture, dialogue, experiential work, we'll explore how each of us can facilitate change within our own spheres of influence so that we interrupt cycles of harm and create the kind of changes we want to see in outdoor spaces and beyond.

To register for this preconference workshop, click here  - additional cost $150
Individuals and organizations are better equipped than ever to anticipate and prepare for environmental hazards such as water level extremes, snow cover, high winds, smoke, and fires. This presentation will demonstrate the use of several free or low-cost online tools to help you anticipate and prepare for environmental hazards. The assessment strategy is 1) Maintain a library of areas/routes of interest (Google Earth or CalTopo); 2) Evaluate surface conditions using near-real-time satellite imagery (MODIS, Sentinel) and environmental sensors (NOAA, etc.); 3) Evaluate recent and forecast weather (Windy); and 4) Document, evaluate, and prepare for the most likely environmental hazards based on 1-3.