The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has announced that 31 students representing 20 counties were selected to serve as founding members of the Conservation Teen Advisory Council (ConTAC) for the upcoming school year. ConTAC will serve as the voice of Ohio’s youth to ODNR and help expand the reach, impact and quality of the agency’s youth initiatives.
One of those founding members is from Richland County.
“It’s inspiring to see so many young people stepping up to become future leaders and stewards of our state’s natural resources,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “I look forward to working with this group and hearing their unique perspectives on how we can better engage with students across the state.”
Members will spend approximately 10 hours per quarter developing and implementing youth-focused strategies, resources, campaigns, and events, advising ODNR on issues important to teens and working to empower others to enact conservation-focused initiatives in their communities.
One of two homeschooled students on the Council, Samantha Altman is representing Richland County.
Other counties represented on the Council include Adams, Auglaize, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Guernsey, Henry, Logan, Lucas, Mahoning, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Sandusky, Scioto, Shelby, Stark, Union, Vinton and Warren.
ConTAC’s kick-off meeting will be held in July. Students will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of ODNR through hands-on activities and discussions with professionals from the agency’s divisions.
High school students interested in natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, wildlife and making a positive impact are eligible to serve. Members serve one-year terms and may serve for a maximum of two terms.
Additional information about ConTAC can be found here: http://ohiodnr.gov/teens.
