Katie Kargol received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science from the University of Colorado. While in college, Katie moved to Alaska for a summer to work as a passenger service/naturalist on a whale-watching tour boat. After attaining her Bachelor’s degree, Katie moved to Oregon for another adventure. Katie enrolled in an array of classes at Northwest Renewable Energy Institute where she ultimately attained a Wind Turbine Technician Diploma. Following her second year with RARE AmeriCorps – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments, Katie hopes to find a full-time position that allows her to integrate sustainable practices in government and community-based development projects.
Katie is placed with Lake County Resource Initiative (LCRI). The mission of LCRI is to demonstrate a sustainable approach to natural resource management to ensure quality of life for present and future generations. LCRI designs and manages resource-based projects and services in the communities of Lake County. LCRI educates the local work force about economic opportunities that result from managing forests for ecological health and seeks to assist local workers access federal contracts. Further, LCRI has close ties to the Lake County Sustainability Working Group and strong board of directors, all of whom are taking action to promote a strong economy based on a healthy, thriving natural environment.
With LCRI, Katie will focus on promoting a number of local renewable energy programs and projects. A large part of LCRI’s mission is to transform Lake County into a net exporter of renewable energy. Specifically, Katie will further develop LCRI’s website and renewal energy documents; promote LCRI to Lake County residents; offer an array of renewable energy tours; perform energy audits for local income renters, homeowners, and businesses; and help develop and coordinate curriculum for LCRI’s newly-created Natural Resources Learning and Innovation Center.
Organization: Lake County Resource Initiative
Community: Lakeview, Oregon
Population: 2,474
County: Lake