About Us
OUR VISION AND GOALS
Powder River Basin Resource Council was founded by ranchers and townspeople concerned about the impacts of strip mining on landscapes, communities, and freshwater aquifers. For 50 years, we have advocated for the responsible development of Wyoming’s energy resources.
Using community organizing, connections with scientific, policy, and legal experts, and coalitions with other organizations, we wage effective campaigns to protect Wyoming’s air, land, and water quality and to promote sustainable agricultural practices and policies in the state.
OUR MISSION AND COMMITMENT
The preservation and enrichment of our agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle.
The conservation of our unique land, mineral, water, and clean air resources, consistent with responsible use of those resources to sustain the livelihood of present and future generations.
The education and empowerment of our citizens to raise a coherent voice in the decisions that will impact their environment and lifestyle.
OUR STAFF
Pennie Vance, Ag and Local Foods Organizer
Pennie was raised on the family cattle ranch north of Ranchester where she lives today with her grandson, Wes. She returned to Powder River in January 2020 as the Ag & Local Foods Organizer, a position she held years ago before leaving in 2004 when she purchased The Book Shop in Sheridan. Prior to Powder River, she was a youth counselor at NSI, a program for at-risk youth, and then served as executive director for the NSI Montana program. Pennie also co-owned and operated a wilderness hunting and fishing outfitting business in the Bridger Teton Wilderness. She spent one summer in a wilderness camp, eight-hours on horseback from the nearest road , with her two teenage sons and two-year-old daughter. Pennie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from University of Wyoming where she also studied art and public administration. She says that working for Powder River on split estate legislation, COOL and other challenges still relevant today, was one of her most rewarding jobs years ago and that she’s very excited about having the chance to return to one of Wyoming’s finest organizations.
Natalie Johansen, Renewable Energy Community Organizer
Natalie Johansen has been hired as Powder River Basin Resource Council’s Renewable Energy Community Organizer where she will focus on promoting sustainable energy solutions and protecting Wyoming's natural spaces. She brings a diverse background in environmental studies and outdoor leadership to her role. In 2020, she graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in Geoscience. Her background includes experience on an all-women's trail crew in Montana, fieldwork in Alaska, and three years as a ski instructor and outdoor leader in Wyoming. She recently graduated from the University of Wyoming with a master’s in science in Natural Science Education with a concurrent degree in Environment and Natural Resources. Natalie will be based in Laramie, WY. where she calls home and is excited to put her education and experience towards protecting the land she loves.
Katherine Schrock
Office Manager/Member Relations Coordinator
A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. in Parks and Recreation Administration, I served in an administrative capacity for both municipal and private recreational entities. The highlight of my career in Recreation was in the creation, ownership and operation of Minnesota’s first Swim School Organization alongside my husband Peter. Together we operated three locations teaching thousands of young ones to love swimming over a 28 year period of time. We share with pride how Regan Smith, 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist, developed her early swimming skills at our Lakeville pool. Our Family Swim School was unique in its time with very small classes, warm water, amazing curriculum and a dedicated mature staff. Recreation continues to be an important part of my life with lap swimming, yoga, biking, hiking, camping, fishing and gathering with friends and family.
My husband Peter and I raised our son and daughter in Lakeville, Minnesota. Carrie works for Salesforce and resides in Milwaukee, WI with her husband and Frank is a BSA Camp Director in the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, WA. We all take turns visiting each other in our respective unique areas of America.
Employment with the Powder River Basin Resource Council allows me to meet and work with the people of Wyoming who are passionate about this land, protecting it now and for generations to come.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
