The River Management Society (RMS) has announced 2024 recipients of the River Studies and Leadership Certificate, a program offered in partnership with 14 U.S. colleges and universities. Nine students have completed a unique profile of interdisciplinary coursework and a field-based practicum in river-related science, policy, conservation, education, and recreation that offers the foundation of knowledge and experience required to pursue river-related careers.
RMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting river professionals nationwide with training, networking opportunities, and resources. Their mission is “to support professionals who study, protect and manage North America’s rivers.” Its membership of about 600 includes river managers, planners, rangers, students, researchers, outfitters, hydrologists, biologists, fluvial geomorphologists, water trail leaders, river stewards, and advocacy groups. They bridge gaps among river professionals across state lines, agencies and organizations, facilitating information sharing and collaboration that supports the wise management and stewardship of our rivers.
Programs include the River Training Center, National Rivers Project (a growing boatable rivers map and database), and the River Studies and Leadership Certificate. They host training and networking opportunities including our biennial River Management Symposium, annual River Ranger Rendezvous, annual river trips hosted by eight chapters, monthly River Management Roundtables (virtual/free), and a variety of virtual and in-person trainings focused on specific rivers, topics or resources.
“We’re inspired by these graduates, whose dedication and passion carve a path towards sustainable stewardship and innovative leadership in river management,” says Risa Shimoda, RMS Executive Director. “As veteran river professionals working in the private and public sector transition into retirement and rivers continue to grapple with escalating usage and climate change, these emerging professionals bring fresh perspectives and skills that are critical for the future health of our river systems.”
Many have already begun river-related careers in positions such as fisheries technician, water quality lab technician, climate resiliency technician, and mental health resiliency ranger. “The knowledge and experience I have gained about conservation work, climate change, environmental politics and policy, river culture, and outdoor therapies truly cannot be matched,” said Amber Martin, who has recently begun her career as the first Mental Health Resiliency Ranger at Colorado National Monument. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible training program and know that I will use this knowledge throughout my career and personal river pursuits for the rest of my life.”
The River Management Society established the River Studies and Leadership Certificate in 2015 to underscore the multi-disciplinary nature of wise, holistic river management for students interested in river-related careers.
Lead image from left to right, top to bottom: Amber Martin (Colorado Mesa University), Kennedy Perry (Fort Lewis College), Austyn Rice (Northeastern State University), Leah Fletcher (NSU), Danielle Juarez (Northern Arizona University), Macie Wagner (NAU), Ella Buckwalter (Virginia Commonwealth University), Isabelle Pillow (VCU), and Jennoa Fleming (VCU)