Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Reconnecting People to the Land and Each Other
The Fifth Annual Conference was another big success. The event took place January 14 - 17, 2006, at the Albuquerque Hilton, and drew 500 people from 18 states. Speakers came from Vermont, Wisconsin, California, Oregon, Utah, as well as the Southwest region and Mexico.

The Keynote Speaker, Richard Louv, children's advocate and author of 'Last Child in The Wood's' gave a rousing call-to-arms about the challenge of reconnecting children to nature. His was one of three standing ovations delivered by the audience. Tears flowed during the three days too - many people considered this Conference to be the most emotional so far.

The official goal of the Conference was this:
"To many the widening divide between urban and rural populations in the West threatens the region's long-term economic and ecological health. Whether it is food, water, policy or politics, the connection between urban and rural, once strong, has become a chasm. Overcoming this great divide will require new thinking, new dialogue, and new understanding of a rapidly changing world. This Conference will explore emerging ideas and innovative strategies that reconnect land and people."

The unofficial goal was to grow the 'village' of ranchers, conservationists, public land managers, scientists and others who have come together over the last five years in an effort to shake hands, look, listen, and learn about the possibility of a shared future. A breakdown of attendees:

• New Mexico: 330
• Out-of-state: 170
• Ranchers: 28%
• Environmental Groups: 17%
• Federal: 12%
• State: 11%
• Tribal: 2%
• Academic: 9%
• Private Business: 7%
• Media: 1%
• Public (non-affiliated): 13%

In addition, the Range School, taught by Dr. Fred Provenza of Utah State University, drew 180 participants, nearly all of whom were ranchers. And a Special Symposium on the Clean Water Act drew nearly 100 people.