The Montana Chapter focus on four main activity areas:
- Hosting Regional Meetings
- Commenting on Public Policy
- Sponsoring Film and Speaker Events
- Developing Educational Programs
Hosting Regional Meetings
We have hosted five annual regional meetings. The meetings are organized around the theme of applying science to real world conservation problems, policy decisions, and educational outreach. These meetings are a great opportunity to share research findings and learn about cutting edge conservation science in Montana and the U.S. Northern Rockies / Transboundary region. We encourage everyone to attend our annual symposium to learn about the newest developments in conservation biology in our region.
- 6th Annual Research Symposium, Bozeman, MT, November 6-8, 2013
- 5th Annual Research Symposium, Bozeman, MT, October 24-26, 2012
- 4th Annual Research Symposium, Missoula, MT, November 17-18, 2011
- 3rd Annual Research Symposium, Missoula, MT, October 21-22, 2010
- 2nd Annual Research Symposium, Missoula, MT, November 5-6, 2009
- 1st Annual Research Symposium, Missoula, MT, October 9-10, 2008
Commenting on Public Policy
We are applying the principles of conservation biology to address public policy related to the conservation and restoration of endangered species. For example, we developed and submitted comments on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to remove Rocky Mountain gray wolves from the list of species protected by the Endangered Species Act.
View the comments on the proposed rule to delist the Northern Rocky Mountain population of gray wolf.
Sponsoring Film and Speaker Events
Every year, we host a number of public meetings, at which we either screen films or invite guest speakers to present on topics of interest to the Society. These are designed to foster discussion on conservation issues of interest and raise awareness of the role of science in regional conservation.
We have hosted several film events at the Roxy Theater in downtown Missoula, and have hosted speakers presenting on priorities for conservation biology, mollusk diversity in Montana, de-listing of gray wolves, and diverse other topics.
Developing Educational Programs
We have developed curriculum for college and grade school-level students to foster knowledge, appreciation, and awareness of the natural environment. We created a course entitled, “Conservation Education Through Natural History,” that was offered jointly through the Wildlife Biology Program and the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Montana.
In this course, UM students gain the skills to use natural resources to teach ecological awareness guided by the principles of conservation biology. Through this course, we have developed an “In-Reach Program” which is a long-term educational resource for elementary schools available though MTSCB.