Deadline to Submit Nominations for the National Conservation Leadership Institute is Fast Approaching

The June 15 deadline for the prestigious National Conservation Leadership Institute is just around the corner. If you're a fish and wildlife leader, and thinking of nominating one of your staff to attend this rigorous training, now is the best time to submit your applications.

It's no secret that nearly three-quarters of the nation's conservation leaders will retire within the next 10 years. This is a move that will, quite literally, change the face of conservation. The thought of leaving a new generation of top managers, to face future and growing conservation challenges without the proper skills, is not an option most organizations are willing to entertain. Now, in a bold move to ensure future conservation success, a collaborative new effort called, The National Conservation Leadership Institute, will annually unite 35-50 of the nation's highest-potential future leaders for state of the art leadership development training.

Research findings showed 77 percent of state fish and wildlife agency senior leadership will retire by 2013. Even more shocking is that between 2002 and 2007, more than half of senior executive employees of federal natural resource agencies are expected to retire! NGOs and conservation related industries are also facing a similar exodus of baby boomers from their leadership ranks.

“It is a scary thought to have to worry about the challenges our future conservation leaders will face,” says John Baughman , Executive Vice President of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “The institute will allow rising stars to learn from world-class leadership development instructors and curriculum.”

This extraordinary learning opportunity is a year-long experience, including preparatory reading, a two-week residency in November 2006 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown , West Virginia and a springtime retreat.

The Institute organizers, lead by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Wildlife Management Institute, the Conservation Fund, Boone and Crockett Club, Izaak Walton League, and US Fish and Wildlife Service, are currently raising funds to help keep costs affordable. This will ensure fellows are selected based on their leadership potential, not their ability to pay.

Nominations may only come from the chief executive or agency director. The nominator will write a letter explaining why the nominee should participate in the NCLI. Additionally the nomination letter should identify a significant issue that will likely become the basis for the applicant's 5-month project. CEOs and directors are ready to make a nomination when they have selected an individual or individuals they would like to send to the NCLI and the individual(s) have agreed to participate. Click here submit a nomination.

If you have additional questions please call the Association's Management Assistance Team (MAT) at 304 876-7988, or visit the National Conservation Leadership Institute website.