Yes, it's virtual. Yes, it's global. Yes, it's free.

Because of the impacts of COVID-19, we shifted the 2020 Montana Wildlife Conservation
Celebration to a free, global, virtual gathering October 15-20. In making this celebration our
most accessible ever—we're also re-imagining our celebration entirely to ensure that you get the
most from every minute.

Be sure to check out our packed agenda and register. By registering you register for all events. We will send out an email several days before the Celebration begins with a private link and password. Each day you will receive an email with a reminder of the days events and links to join!

Thursday, October 15, 4:30-5:30 PM
Saving Our Herds: Containing the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease is an always-fatal neurological disease found in members of the deer family. It has been in North America for several decades but was first detected in Montana in November 2017. Montana wildlife biologists have a goal of keeping the disease below 5 percent prevalence, and this year are implementing new carcass disposal rules to work to prevent further human-caused spread. Join Quentin Kujala, Chief of Staff, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Emily Almberg, FWP Wildlife Biologist along with Nick Gevock, Conservation Director for Montana Wildlife Federation to talk about how hunters can do our part in this fight.

Thursday, October 15, 6:30-7:30 PM

The Last Cast: Climate Change and Fly Fishing in Big Sky Country

Join Alec Underwood, Federal Conservation Campaigns Director for Montana Wildlife Federation, and Sara Meloy and Skip Kowalski MWF Board Members for a brief presentation on the impacts of climate change on Montana's world-renown trout fisheries and enjoy a screening of MWF's short film, The Last Cast.

Friday, October 16, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Affiliate Round Table

Join MWF staff, board members, and affiliate leaders for a roundtable discussion about the future of the MWF affiliate program and how to continue growing this partnership. Citizens invested in wildlife management were critical to our previous accomplishments and are critical to our continued success. Our network of affiliate organizations throughout the state in addition to our strong member base helps us stay heavily engaged in key issues affecting wildlife at the local, regional, and statewide levels. Led by Marcus Strange, Partnerships Director for Montana Wildlife Federation.

Friday, October 16 6:00-7:00 PM
Public Access to Public Lands, Opportunities

Access to public land – everybody's for it. But often, the solutions to landlocked or large blocks of public lands that are inaccessible to the public are complex. There are a host of state and federal programs that help acquire land that is mixed in with public land, or open easements to those lands. But in other cases, the solutions are more complex. Join John Salazar, MWF Board Member and Treasurer, Nick Gevock, Conservation Director for Montana Wildlife Federation, and Mary Erickson Forest Supervisor for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, to talk about an effort in the east Crazy Mountains to increase access, as well as other measures MWF is pursuing to help increase public access.

Saturday, October 17, 7PM- 9PM
Hunting Film Tour Virtual Movie Night

Join your fellow MWF members for a virtual movie night! MWF is partnering with the Hunting Film Tour to share a series of fair chase hunting films that are sure to inspire your next adventure. Sit back and enjoy a lineup of films from the comfort of your own home that showcase a series of epic adventures that are guaranteed to entertain and inspire.

Sunday, October 18 4-5 PM
Legislative Preview in Helena and Washington, D.C.

Every session of the Montana Legislature and U.S. Congress, numerous bills come forward that affect our public lands, waters, fish and wildlife resources. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks needs to craft a budget that meets the needs of those resources, as well as all Montanans who enjoy wildlife, fish, and our state parks in numerous ways. In addition, MWF will be discussing the impact of the legalization and conservation funding ballot on Habitat if the funding measures are approved by Montana voters. Join State Sen. Tom Jacobson (Great Falls), Quentin Kujala, Chief of Staff for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Nick Gevock, Conservation Director for Montana Wildlife Federation and Frank Szollosi, Executive Director for Montana Wildlife Federation for a look at what are likely to be the biggest issues in the upcoming state and federal legislative sessions.

Sunday, October 18, 6-7 PM
The Future of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and Bison Reintroduction

The Great Plains of Montana once sustained millions of bison herds, but the population was devastated by development, human encroachment, and habitat loss. At more than a million acres, the Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge is a unique opportunity to restore a free-roaming wild population to America's public lands. The National Wildlife Federation has the vision to return bison to their native home in and around the 1.1-million-acre refuge. Join State Senator Pat Flowers (Bozeman), Tom France, Regional Executive Director for National Wildlife Federation, Frank Szollosi, Executive Director for Montana Wildlife Federation, and Mary Zeiss Stange Co-Lead for Montana Artemis Alliance and Bison Rancher.

Monday, October 19, 6:30PM -7:30PM
Voices in Conservation

Join panelists Marcia Brownlee, Program Manager for Artemis Sportswomen Alliance, Jimmy Flatt, Hunters of Color Founder, Anna Le, Fisheries Biologist and Environmental Educator, and SJ Keller of Queers and Camo, as they discuss how hunters and anglers are speaking up for wildlife and wildlands while diversifying the outdoors.

Tuesday, October 20 6PM- 8:30PM
MWF Business and Board Meeting

Join us for the online Business and Board meeting for organizational updates, a policy resolution vote, Board and Officer elections and more.