Conservation Program Update

We’re excited and ready for a fresh start in 2018: Montana Audubon recently began the strategic planning process that will allow us to focus our many excellent programs, opportunities, and networks of partners to secure our mission. Though hard work lays ahead, many exciting projects are already underway for 2018 – including several citizen science opportunities.

Here are a few projects and programs already in motion:

• Citizen Science Long-billed Curlew surveys in the Mission and Helena Valleys (April – May 2018)
• Citizen Science Rosy-Finch and Black Swift surveys throughout western Montana (June – August 2018)
• Citizen Science Chimney Swift surveys in eastern Montana (June – July 2018)
• Breeding Bird Surveys in Eastern Montana (June 2018)
• Assisting with GEMS in the Big Belts (September – November 2018)
• Representing Montana Audubon on the Berkeley Pit Advisory Committee (continuing)

While winter is settled in Helena we’re busy reporting, cleaning up data, and working with partners to make 2018 a success.

Here are a few highlights from 2017:

• Citizen Science surveys in the Helena and Mission Valley obtained over 200 point locations for Long-billed Curlews.
• Citizen Science and field technician surveys throughout western Montana helped bring the current number of Black Swift nesting locations from just 17 last year, to over 30.
• The Berkeley Pit Advisory Committee helped Montana Resources draft its first revision to its Hazing and Mitigation plan for Snow and Ross’s Goose since 1994.
• We spent 4 months defending Montana’s wildlife and habitats at the Montana State Legislature, testifying on 53 bills; helping defeat 15 bad bills and pass 10 bills aimed at improving environmental and/or wildlife laws.

For more information about Montana Audubon’s conservation and science work, contact Amy Seaman at 406.443.3949 or aseaman@mtaudubon.org