Elizabeth Jacobs to attend forum in Oklahoma City

Elizabeth Jacobs, a Monache High School senior, has placed second overall at the state level of the Range and Natural Resources Camp at Elkus Youth Ranch in Half Moon Bay.

She earned her award through cumulative scores based on plant identification, subject matter exam, and peer/staff evaluation — resulting in an all-expense paid trip to represent the California-Pacific Section at the Society for Range Management’s High School Youth Forum in February to Oklahoma City, Okla.

Encouraged by her AP Environmental Science instructor to attend, Jacobs spent a week at Half Moon Bay with other 15- to 18-year-olds discovering the science and management of natural resources, including riparian habitats, rangeland ecology, wildlife management, soils, forestry, watershed, hydrology, GPS and GIS technology applications. In addition, she worked on a team-project-planning competition from experienced professionals and university faculty.

“I was excited to learn that I received a top-camper award, especially because I was holding the tradition of the delegate from Monache receiving it,” Jacobs said. “I am excited for my opportunity in Oklahoma and I hope I come back with an increased knowledge of the importance of range land and its resources.”

Because of the state placement, Jacobs was selected by the California Pacific section of the Society for Range Management to participate in the High School Youth Forum.

Daughter of Skip and Laura Jacobs, she was chosen by each of the 21 individual sections of the parent society throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, based on her high degree of interest in the range and natural resources field, as well as on her exemplary dedication and effort to learn more about the particular area.

While in Oklahoma City, Elizabeth Jacobs will compete in a paper presentation competition with the content covering a range-related topic.

All presentations will be judged by a panel of judges, with the top five papers being recognized at the SRM awards ceremony. The top paper winner is invited to return next year to help with the forum and present the paper to the general membership of the society. In addition, participants will be offered a local ecological field tour of the meeting site, and a program to enhance communication skills. Since the number of delegates allowed to attend is limited, selection for the activity is considered a high honor for those selected.

“We’re really proud of Elizabeth,” said her father, Skip Jacobs. “The forum in Oklahoma City will be a great experience for her.”