Taylor Ranch Managers Awarded For Wilderness Learning Efforts
Friday, April 13 2001
April 13, 2001^MOSCOW–Taylor Ranch managers Jim and Holly Akenson, of the Frank Church/River of No Return wilderness area, received April 10 the University of Idaho's Cooperative Education Employer of the Year Award for 2001.^Nominated by UI's College of Natural Resources administrators, colleagues and past and present interns, the Akensons are recognized for their expertise in wilderness management and their desire to preserve wilderness values through higher education.^ The 65-acre Taylor Ranch lies in central Idaho near Cascade, between the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Big and Monumental creeks, 36 miles from the nearest road. It provides scientists and students unique opportunities - a university-administered, permanently staffed wilderness field station in the heart of a designated wilderness area. Dedicated to advancing understanding of natural ecosystems and wilderness values, the ranch hosts appropriate research and education projects. ^ The pair began their commitment to the ranch in 1982. Over the next eight years, they developed long-range plans and policies, including designing a wilderness field course and coordinating a student internship program. Jim holds a master's in resource geography from Oregon State University and a Bachelor's in environmental studies from Eastern Oregon University; and Holly earned a Master's in wildlife resources from UI and Bachelor's in biology and education from Eastern Oregon University. From 1991-1997 the Akensons pursued professions away from the ranch -- Jim as a wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Holly as a self-employed wildlife biologist.^Taylor Ranch student interns learn to become confident and independent in their wilderness surroundings. The ranch workers and students use horses and mules to haul wood, and they cut and stack hay and pack into backcountry. Former intern Renan Bagley (Joseph, Ore.) characterizes the Akensons as "more than just employers -- they are scientists, teachers and advocates for students." Several nominators expressed that their lives were changed forever after spending time with the Akensons at Taylor Ranch.^The Akensons' philosophy that learning goes beyond textbooks and that students' time is best equally divided between work and research permeates their roles as counselors, advisers and mentors. Students say they are inspired to reach a higher degree of professionalism both indoors and out, and model after the Akensons' common-sense approach to problem solving. ^Of particular note was their quick response and handling of the rapidly spreading wildfire that caused them to evacuate Taylor Ranch last summer. The Akensons cleared brush, set up hoses and sprinklers, and sent out the interns by bush plane before riding and leading their stock to the safety of the Flying B Ranch on the Middle Fork river, some 22 miles away. Once at the Flying B, the Akensons and a UI student assistant escaped converging wildfires and helped establish fire lines at the Flying B without further loss of life. For their bravery and skill, the Akensons were awarded a UI President’s Medallion at graduation ceremonies last December.^ By showcasing the living history of Taylor Ranch and providing a level of service that goes beyond traditional teaching methods, the Akensons advance the future of natural resource professionals. Jeremy Kleinsmith, (Holmen, Wisc.) one of the interns who was evacuated during the fire, says his mentors exemplify the excellence that merits the honor of Cooperative Employer of the Year. "Jim and Holly practice what they preach and hold values that are true to each other and their research." Contacts: Alton Campbell, associate dean, UI College of Natural Resources, (208) 885-2397, altonc@uidaho.edu; Holly and Jim Akenson, akenson@uidaho.edu, (208) 885-6442; or Sue McMurray, CNR communications, (208) 885-6673, suem@uidaho.edu ^^-30-^SM-4/13/01 CNR^Photos available upon request. Also see the website at www.its.uidaho.edu/cnr/presentations/taylorranch^
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