Introduction and Conference Opening Go to panel page
The emeritus historian David M. Kennedy and the political scientist Bruce E. Cain framed the critical issues of the rural American West in 2018 – some of which have been around for a hundred years or more, said Prof. Kennedy.
Panel 1: Challenges and Possibilities in Wildfire Management Go to panel page
As devastating wildfires have become a new reality in the American West, this panel discussed the challenges and new possibilities of managing both their impact and our response.
Panel 2: Toward a Healthier Rural West Go to panel page
Building upon the 2017 Rural West conference, this panel brainstormed the next steps in improving health care and access in the rural West.
Panel 3: Perspectives on the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan Go to panel page
The Yakima Basin Integrated Plan has been praised for making the Yakima Basin a great place for families, fish, and farms. This panel discussed the background, implementation, and opposition to the plan.
Panel 4: Models for University-Based Collaborative Governance Go to panel page
This panel highlighted best practices in university-based collaborative governance for addressing environmental, economic, and health issues in the rural West.
Keynote: Hilary Franz, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Go to panel page
Hilary Franz, who was sworn in as Washington State's Commissioner of Public Lands in January 2017, oversees 5.6 million acres of state-owned lands, the majority of which is considered rural. She delivered the closing keynote address at the Sixth Eccles Rural West Conference.