Hear from our graduates some of their thoughts on Participating in the Woodland Leadership Institute...

What has participating in the Woodland Leadership Institute meant to you?

• It has given me the opportunity to meet people involved in woodland issues from other areas and get different views on these issues.
   
  
• It has given me knowledge and hard data to use in pushing the idea of sustainable management in my community.
   
• It has shown me I am not just a single person against social pressures on our environment. It was surprising how varied the interested people are.
  
  
•  WLI has opened a whole new world of possibilities.
  
  
•  Participating in the Institute was an enlightening experience and afforded me the opportunity to better understand myself and my passions for forestry.
   
• It has given me a better understanding of some areas that I didn’t know much about.
   
• It has meant an opportunity to meet and listen to any number of issues and management solutions others are using.

What are some of the things that stand out in your mind about what you have learned and done as a part of this program?

• If you put your mind to something you can get the job done!
  
  
• Interaction of people that have a slightly different view as mine
  
  
•  I’m impressed with the wide variety of people that I met through the program. It is good to associate with this caliber of people
  
  
• The conservancy issues were real important to the people back home who are the aging farmer/landowners who are generally worried about protecting their holdings against fragmentation.
  
  
• …and there in the half light of the conference room all things merge into one and a theme runs through it… the strong, assertive personalities may not be the most effective leaders/consensus builders.
  
  
• Most importantly were the varied viewpoints and opinions brought to the group from the participants and presenters.
  
  
• I have been impressed by how large and different our state is but we all face the same problems with forest fragmentation and resistance to tree cutting.
  
  
• I’ve learned and I was somewhat surprised at the truly sincere effort that the DNR forestry Dept is taking in trying to support our (private woodland owners) management efforts.

What would you say to someone who asks you about participating in the Woodland Leadership Institute?

• It is worth the time and effort just to get an idea of what is happening across the state.
  
  
• It is a great opportunity to define and clarify the work you can do in your community to further sustainable forestry.
  
  
• If you have a vision and a desire to influence others this will help you execute that desire.
  
  
•  An excellent way to get appraised of the current issues concerning forestry today. Not the course you want for woodland skills.
  
  
•  If you get the opportunity, jump on it! You can both teach and learn while you are there! Be prepared to share and receive information at all times.
  
  
•  The program broadens ones perspective of forestry in the state.
   
• Go for it! Best place on earth to acquire new and hopefully lasting friendships. You’ll love it.
  
  
•  It definitely reinforces your knowledge of forestry and improves your leadership skills.
  
  
• Excellent opportunity to get good information on leadership and land use.

Who would you say would benefit from participating in the Woodland Leadership Program?

• Anyone in a leadership role.
  
  
• Those individuals who show a passion for woodland stewardship
  
  
•  Anyone who has a chance to influence public opinion
  
  
•  Landowners, government leaders, interested students of natural resources.
  
  
• Someone with a vision and a desire to see that vision actualized.
  
  
• A diverse group of people with a desire to make a positive impact in their community.
  
  
• Anyone who is involved in land planning, zoning or just loves the forest.
  
  
• Any landowner who is now engaged in land management would benefit.