Abby Shuler

A member of the Powell Clarks-Fork Conservation District Board of Supervisors has been chosen to join the 2026 cohort of the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI).

Abby Shuler of Powell is one of eight individuals from across the country who were selected.

Over the course of the year, she’ll receive advanced training in advocacy, public policy, communication, leadership, media engagement, conflict management and team building. Run by the nonprofit National Conservation Foundation, the program is intended to help conservation district officials navigate complex challenges and lead collaborative, locally led conservation efforts. 

The other members of this year’s cohort hail from North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, Kentucky, Louisiana, Georgia and North Carolina.

Brent Van Dyke, chair of the National Conservation Foundation, said he’s enthused about the “diverse group of dedicated individuals” in the 2026 class.

“... we are excited to see the energy, innovation and leadership they will bring to the program and to conservation efforts across the country,” he said in a release.

The program is valued at more than $10,000 per participant, and Van Dyke called it “one of the most impactful investments we can make in the future of conservation.”

“Each year, we see participants grow into leaders who not only strengthen their local districts but also contribute to national conversations about resource stewardship,” he said.

Shuler — who was reelected to the Powell-Clarks Fork board in 2024 — said she’s looking forward to participating in the program.