2024 Annual Meeting
March 17-21, 2024
Hilo, HI
Meeting Summary
The Rangelands Partnership (RP) Annual Meeting, held from March 17-21, 2024, at the University of Hawaii, Hale Ōlelo campus, and virtually, was a dynamic showcase of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to US rangelands and beyond. The event was marked by a blend of on-site and virtual participation, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of the partnership. The meeting would not have been made possible without Mark and Jean Thorne’s seamless coordination.
Ashely Hall, Chair of the RP, and Barbara Petty, Dean & Director of Extension at the University of Idaho, extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees. The keynote address by Ka’iu Kimura, Executive Director of the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai’i and the Director of the College of Hawaiian Languages, was a profound reminder of the importance and power of language and culture.
The RP state lightning talk sessions provided a platform for both rangeland and librarian members to share updates on state activities, including Extension programming and grant-funded projects. These sessions were a testament to the ongoing work and dedication of the members in advancing rangeland science and library resources.
The business meeting highlighted the organization’s robust health and growth, with a review of past activities and a positive financial update. The mid-term review scheduled for May, the expansion to 41 members across 19 states, and the highest financial balance in history were notable achievements. The meeting also served as a strategic planning session, with calls for proclamations recognizing the IYRP, and proposals for a presence at the International Rangeland Congress in Adelaide, Australia.
Keynote speaker Lani Petri provided insights into the history of Hawaiian cattle ranching on the Kapāpala Ranch. Sergio Arispe, Levy Randolph, Jason Karl, and Tip Hudson presented on innovative learning opportunities, virtual reality applications in extension services, drones, and podcasting. Hands-on training sessions further enriched the professional development experience, equipping members with new tools and techniques. Livia Olsen and Carol Sevin provided an example how Kansas State University Libraries embraced artificial intelligence (AI) in their community and highlighted different AI programs used to identify and organize references.
The meeting concluded with a unified vision for the year ahead, aligning with the RP Objectives. As we look forward to the next annual meeting in Kerrville, TX, the spirit of collaboration and innovation continues to drive the RP towards a sustainable future. The meeting was a resounding success, setting the stage for another year of impactful work and community engagement across our rangelands and throughout our libraries.