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UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Applying Conservation Science to Action
The 1st Annual Research Symposium
October 9-10, 2008
 Missoula, MT 
 Download the CALL FOR ABSTRACTS here (MS Word document)!

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER ACTIVITIES: 

Our chapter activities focus on four main areas:
1) Hosting Regional Meetings
2) Commenting on Public Policy
3) Sponsoring Film and Speaker Events
4) Developing Educational Programs

Hosting Regional Meetings

We are planning our first annual regional meeting entitled, “Applying Conservation Science to Action” on October 9-10, 2008.   The meeting is organized around the theme of applying science to real world conservation problems, policy decisions, and educational outreach.  This will be a great opportunity to share your research and learn about cutting edge conservation science in Montana and the U.S. Northern Rockies / Transboundary region.

We encourage everyone to attend, make connections, and learn about the newest developments in applying conservation science to action.  Please spread the word about this symposium. 
 

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. 

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 two 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. We are planning two events for this spring, with details forthcoming.

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.