American Agri-Women Symposium: ‘Divided lands: Federal vs. state management in the West’
American Agri-Women addressing land issue at its
22nd Annual Symposium in D.C., June 8, during annual Fly-In
Who owns Nevada? American Agri-Women, the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women, raises the question as an example as it looks into federal land management at its 22nd annual Symposium, 9-11 a.m., Monday, June 8, USDA building, Room #107A Washington, D.C.
The symposium, “Divided Lands: Federal vs. state management in the West,” will feature
The annual symposium is a free public forum that presents rural issues to consumers and policy makers. It is one of the featured events of American Agri-Women’s annual Fly-In, set for June 7-10. AAW is celebrating 40 years of advocating for agriculture.
“The issue of too much or too little federal lands is one that is being currently debated on both sides of the Mississippi River,” says Karen Yost, AAW symposium chair. “While Eastern states have little federal lands within their boundaries, the cost output of managing public lands in the Western states affects the fiscal budget for all states. This panel discussion will be an opportunity to learn from several viewpoints.”
Symposium speakers include:
Ken Ivory, Utah House of Representatives – Ivory was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2012 and has just begun his third term in the House. He is known throughout the U.S. for his expertise on federalism and the public lands issue in the West. Ivory is federalism chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council, and chair of the Utah Federalism Commission, Utah Federal Funds Commission and Utah Public Utilities and Technology Committee.
Will Coggin, director of research, Environmental Policy Alliance – The Environmental Policy Alliance is devoted to uncovering the funding and agendas behind environmental activist groups and exploring the intersection between activists and government agencies. Coggin will address the funding behind the land management issue. He has been a contributor to numerous national print and broadcast media outlets.
Harriet Hageman, managing partner of Hageman Law – Hageman is involved with addressing the impact of federal and state regulations on land and water use. In 2004, in a continuing effort to inform the general public regarding that regulatory environment, she formed the Wyoming Resource Alliance, working to increase public participation at both the state and federal regulatory level. Hageman Law focuses upon water and natural resource issues, including matters related to the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and management and use of National Forest Service Lands.
More info about the Fly-In
The Fly-In includes a series of legislative events, with members advocating on these key topics for 2015. Details about the positions are included in AAW 2015 Position Statements, which can be downloaded here.
· Agriculture labor (position #1)
· FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (position #127)
· Pollinators (positions #158 and #159)
· Water of the U.S. definition in the Clean Water Act (positions #243 and #244)
· Endangered Species Act (positions #167 and #168)
“American Agri-Women was formed 40 years ago to be a force for truth about American agriculture. During our Fly-In, we tackle the issues head on and educate and build strong relationships with elected officials and policy makers,” says AAW President Sue McCrum.
For updates, follow the hashtag #FlyIn15 or follow the event on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/AgriWomen/.
About American Agri-Women
American Agri-Women promotes the welfare of our national security through a safe and reliable food, fiber and mineral supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers; advocate for agriculture; and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW web site for more information and to join, www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/ and Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag).
AAW is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary with a five-month long “Drive Across America.” AAW leaders will drive in a specially wrapped pick-up truck, participating in educational and advocacy events hosted by AAW’s more than 50 affiliates.
Follow the event on Twitter with the hashtag #AAW40years or follow the event on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/AgriWomen/.
Contact: Lynn Woolf, vice president of communications, 316-648-3717. communications@americanagriwomen.org
