Federation News - Events @ the 75th Annual Meeting

Working for three-quarters of a century to ensure that Montana wildlife and the habitats necessary to sustain them are maintained, conserved and safeguarded – MWF has had great influence in Montana. Hundreds of thousands of hours volunteered by everyday people with a passion for wildlife, hunting and fishing who continue to give so that their children, grand children, and great grand children all have outdoor opportunities. There have been so many issues and people -- people who have made a difference and left a mark in Montana during the past 74 years -- Tom Messelt, Carl Malone, Leland Schoonover, Ken and Florence Baldwin, Gay Easton, Bob Cooney, Don Aldrich, Cecil Garland, Les Pengelly, Robert Lynman, Harry McNeal, John Oberlitnmer, Fred Carver, Pat Williams, Phil and Robin Tawney, Pat Simmons, Jim Richard, Tony Schoonen, Jim Posewitz, Joe Gutkoski, John and Carol Gibson -- these are only a few of Montana’s very long list of conservation heroes’.  Some are living, some are gone but most have been MWF members and/or leaders.

 The 75th meeting of Montana Wildlife Federation April 16, 17 and 18 in Helena was far more than a membership or Board of Director’s assembly – it was a celebration of the affinity MWF members have for conservation and how its efforts transcend generations and reach far beyond politics. More than 220 people gathered during the weekend to honor the work, dedication and all that wildlife, hunting and fishing enthusiasts have accomplished during the first 74 years of MWF.

 MWF’s work benefits all people who enjoy wildlife, wild places, hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Montanans and non-residents, outdoor interests and future generations will be able to enjoy excellent opportunities to hunt, fish, or simply enjoy our Montana landscape and great wildlife diversity thanks to many MWF efforts.

 “The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.”

 --Pierre Teilhard de Chardin--

 The three day event drew an engaged crowd including a full room at the open to the public meeting Saturday where three interconnected issues/panels discussed:  “The Sea of Change: The Future of Wildlife Management and Public Opportunities”, “Challenges to the North American Wildlife Conservation Model” and “The Youth Conservation Connection & The Value of Investing in Youth”. 

 Participants on panels included: FWP Commissioner Ron Moody, Dan Pletscher – PhD University of Montana, Jim Posewitz – Orion: The Hunters Institute, Land Tawney – Private Lands/Public Wildlife Council chair, Alan Merrill – Montana Farmers Union President, Tom Hougen - Montana Stockgrowers President, Quentin Kujala – FWP Wildlife Mgmt Section Chief, Thomas Baumeister - FWP Education Manager, and Mark Corio - Conservation Federation of Missouri, Conservation Leadership Corps program.

 Attendees at the evening fundraising banquet were privileged and pleased that Montana Senator Jon Tester and National Wildlife Federation, CEO and President Larry Schweiger freely and openly moved among the crowd exchanging greetings and conversation. Sen. Tester and CEO Schweiger highlighted the evening with rousing, inspirational presentations about the value of MWF work and the many challenges ahead.  In addition to several past leaders of MWF, a few other noteworthy attendees included legislators, State agency administrators, Governor Schweitzer staff, a member of the Montana Supreme Court, FWP Commissioners, and Senior Advisor to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Steve Doherty. 

 The event was sponsored by “Gauge Wines”, soon to come to Montana with wines crafted specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and anglers, and the great folks at D.A. Davidson & Co. and Valley Bank, Helena.