Rural teens speak up!
Reardan, WA High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agricultural Issues Team members at the WDFW commission meeting on September 27, 2024, speaking to Commissioner Steven Parker between sessions. In the background is WDFW director, Kelly Susewind. Students: L-R Bryson Flaa, Amelia Ray, Rysen Soliday. Not present: Team member Aidan Chilson.
by Sue Lani Madsen
Observations from yesterday’s WA Fish & Wildlife Meeting
September 27, 2024 - The Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission met in Spokane (link to meeting video at left) and conducted a full agenda including topics that might not make mainstream headlines, but are critical to rural communities including:
Value of working lands to wildlife habitat
Impact of predator management policies on rural communities and residents
Green energy impacts on wildlife habitat
During Friday morning’s open public input session, Reardan, WA high school senior and member of his school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agricultural Issues Team, Rysen Soliday testified in front of the commission including,
“Consumptive and non-consumptive users should agree that they both want the same thing - healthy and resilient populations of ALL wildlife on Washington’s landscapes.”
You can read Rysen’s statement here which was shared on behalf of his team and fellow Reardan H.S. students; Amelia Ray, Bryson Flaa, and Aidan Chilson. The team researched the history, tenets and application of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and developed the case both pro and con for the Ag Issues competition. The competition format is a timed verbal presentation of the results of the research, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Teams are scored on the quality of the scripted presentation as well as their ability to handle tough questions from advocates from both sides of the issue. After winning at the state level, the team will be competing nationally in October.
Watching an FFA Ag Issues competition, especially at the highest levels of competition, is a great source of hope in the ability of the next generation to step into community leadership. Ag Issues competition is one of the inspirations for the WREN. Discussing policy trade-offs and the impact on rural communities requires deeply researching both/all sides of an issue and engaging in open debate without fear of questions. Students learn the value of understanding both sides before reaching a conclusion.
Reardan H.S. educator and FFA director Rick Perleberg shares, “I continue to be so proud of our team. In fact the entire community of Reardan, WA can take pride in these young people who are engaging in policy discussions at the highest levels of Washington State agency policy formation.”
At the WDFW meeting, Rysen was well-organized for his 3 minute time slot, spoke boldly and with civility on points criticizing past actions of the WDFW Board, and had specific recommendations for a path forward. His was exactly the kind of voice our state legislators, boards and commissions need to hear when policy is debated.
The WREN will be tracking legislation and rulemaking for opportunities, virtually or in-person, to speak up and network with other rural facing organizations to place our voices in the room. This fall is a time of preparation and research, laying the groundwork for 2025. Your support is critical, both financially and in sharing the the message of the WREN. Please consider donating, subscribing, and sharing on social media!
