Convention
2010 MWA convention a huge success
The 2010 Montana Wilderness Association Convention in Whitefish, Wilderness on our Horizon, was a great success. Close to 150 people attended the conference and enjoyed hiking, biking, horse packing demonstrations and great presentations and conversation.
Despite cold and wet weather, most people braved the elements and headed outdoors. Some folks helped improve trails on a brand new trail system. Others enjoyed a nature walk, and a few rode mountain bikes on some great single, and double, track. Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, gave a great keynote address on collaboration and protecting watersheds, and Live Auction and Wilderness Trivia brought thunderous applause.
The entire convention was amazing, but here are a few highlights and some photos.
On Friday night, People danced and enjoyed listening to the very entertaining Belton Blues Band.
On Saturday, Lauren Caldwell from Senator Baucus’ office to read a letter from the Senator in support of our efforts and wishing us well moving forward.
Kassandra Hardy, Centennial Coordinator for Glacier National Park, discussed the various activities happening throughout the summer and the importance of the 100th year anniversary of the park.
Tony Incashola, Director of the Salish-Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee, shared some words of wisdom and an invocation in his native language.
MWA Conservation Director John Gatchell paid tribute to Loren Kreck, longtime MWA supporter and wilderness advocate.
Photo by Phil Hough
The afternoon progressed with a very informative panel discussion. Doug Scott, Policy Director for the Campaign for Americas Wilderness, moderated this panel. We heard from Jack Potter, Chief of the Division of Science and Resources Management at Glacier National Park. Jack addressed the current proposal to designate Wilderness in Glacier’s backcountry. Will Hammerquist, Glacier Program Manager in the Northern Rockies Regional Office of the National Parks Conservation Association, discussed a transboundry vision for the North Fork Flathead River. Phil Hough, Chair and Executive Director of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, discussed their efforts to protect the Scotchman Peaks roadless area.
Photo by Gerry Jennings of Sarah Lundstrum at the auction
Heather Day and Zack Porter, both U of M Students and Interns for the Montana Wilderness Association tag teamed and talked about all their great work to get college students involved in wilderness issues at the University of Montana.
Andrew Klaus, a junior in high school from Trout Creek, who has explored and photographed the Cabinet Mountains and surrounding area, wowed the audience with his passion for protecting western Montana's last roadless lands.
The always inspiring and funny, Doug Chadwick, author of a new book The Wolverine Way talked about his research and read a passage from his 
book. He then did a book signing which was a real treat for convention participants.
Photo by Gerry Jennings of the Flathead-Kootenai Chapter Board
People enjoyed some good conservation over dinner and listened to a video recording from Senator Jon Tester. Senator Tester applauded MWA for our hard work and dedication to his bill, the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act.
The very lively live auction had people digging deep into their pockets in support of MWA. We’d like to thank this year’s auctioneer Gary Salisbury for his exceptional calling of the auction.
We’d like to thank this year’s convention volunteers, business sponsors, and auction donors. As always we are indebted to you!
Next year’s convention will be held in Bozeman in Spring 2011.
___
Brass Lantern Award Winners:
Bill Martin from Troy -Original founder and mainstay of the Cabinet Resource Group, a classic fixture on the Kootenai Forest since the Carter Administration
Charlie O'Leary from Butte - President of the Backcountry Horsemen, he has been instrumental in educating folks about the importance of the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act
Jeff Hunnes from Billings - Founding member of the Eastern Wildland Chapter, he helped get designation of the Line Creek Plateau as a research National Area
Jack Rich from Seeley Lake - a leader in the Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Partnership - he helped shape the cutting edge package now proposed to become law in S1470
Kim Dale from Helena -a stellar volunteer and true leader on the MWA state council and the Wild Divide Chapter Board, she actively recruits new members and major donors
Bob and Shirley Bayley from Ennis- have been instrumental in reinvigorating the Madison-Gallatin Chapter
Photo by Gerry Jennings
The Founder's Award this year went to Lex Blood from Kallispell. Lex has spent more than 35 years as a Flathead Valley geologist, geographer, conservationist and educator. Lex helped found the Glacier Institute Outdoor Education Center. He is a founding board member of the Montana Environmental Information Center, Glacier Park Associates, Montana Environmental Education Association, Flathead Forestry Council Project and Sunrift Center for Sustainable Communities. An ardent adventurer and consumer of outdoor gear, Lex's opinion is frequently sought regarding trails, routes and equipment purchases. Lex has always been dedicated to the mission of the Montana Wilderness Association and we value his friendship.
__________________________________________________________
for their generous contributions to this event!
