Wilderness Risk Management Conference Kicks Off

Today is the second day of the Wilderness Risk Management Conference, at Jackson Lake Lodge, outside of Jackson, WY. This year’s attendance of 350 people is the largest in the conference’s fifteen year history. The conference kicked off yesterday with a talk by Dr. Sara Newman, who spoke about her design for a public risk management program for the National Park Service. Her comprehensive plan is the first of its kind, and has the goal of reducing visitor injuries across US National Parks. The first session of presentations followed Dr. Newman’s speech, along with an evening reception, exhibitor thank you, and raffle.

This morning the presentations continued, and carried on throughout the
day. An impressive variety of topics were covered, and ranged from legal
issues to crisis management techniques to staff training
recommendations, among many others. The sessions will continue tomorrow prior to the
conference wrap up.

The Grand Tetons provide a beautiful and sobering backdrop throughout the conference. The scenery taunts many conference goers, who would rather be climbing the mountains than looking at them from behind a window. However, the mountains also serve as a constant reminder of why so many have chosen to travel from around the country to attend: to engage in a dialogue about the risks faced in the outdoors, and, ultimately, to more safely and intelligently enjoy the wilderness.