Federation News -MWF Reveals Montana Matters Campaign
Montana’s diverse natural wealth, its natural beauty, abundant wildlife and quality of life available because of our open spaces and diverse landscapes are central to what Montana is. The challenges of maintaining this natural wealth today are far different from those of the past. New, powerful and profound threats to Montana’s ecological integrity and our outdoor recreation opportunities loom on the horizon. Montana is at a crossroads.
Do we move forward, with the knowledge and understanding of our past, our victories and our defeats? Do we simply forget those hard learned lessons in favor of quick, short-term financial gains, long-range damage to our natural resources, and less accountability from those who would exploit Montana for personal gain?
What we have heard and learned during the last century is that Montana matters, the state-of Montana matters, not just for those that live in Montana but globally. So what can we do as stewards entrusted to care for all that Montana is, as champions for wildlife, wild places, and the Montana hunting and fishing traditions and heritage?
How do we ensure all that is so valuable to so many?
Montana Matters – The Project
The Montana Constitution reinforces and upholds what is held so dear: “…the quiet beauty… the grandeur of our mountains, the vastness of our rolling plains, and our desire to improve the quality of life for this and future generations…”
MWF is working to raise visibility, awareness, and funding for wildlife and wild places, for the conservation of what makes Montana one of the most special places on earth and because…Montana Matters.
Beginning with the MWF Annual Meeting and Banquet in Helena in 2009 the Montana Matters project is an effort designed to ensure that Montana’s next century follows progressive action to maintain and enhance what matters most to Montana. The project will raise national awareness for the values and importance of conserving Montana, it will support and enhance the effectiveness of Montana Wildlife Federation and ensure that Montana remains the last, best place; a place that provides an inheritance for our children’s children and generations unborn.
MWF can make a marked difference not only in the politics and policies of Montana, but in how Montana matters to the world. Our goal is simple - our changing world demands new approaches and new strategic partnerships. This campaign will strengthen the credibility of MWF as visionary leaders in shaping Montana’s wildlife and natural wealth future.
Montana Matters will strengthen and enhance our individual and our collective efforts and will foster effective outcomes for the future of Montana, to leave a legacy because…Montana Matters.
Launching this effort, we thought we should explore various personal points of view why Montana Matters. The following are a collection of comments received from individuals responding to the question, “Why does Montana matter to you?”
The challenges we face today are far different than those of past generations. The future of this magnificent state and the future of our natural wealth and resources lie within our hands. How we address new and profound threats to Montana’s ecological integrity will determine what kind of future we leave to our children and grandchildren. Oil and gas development in sensitive wildlife habitats, urban/suburban sprawl and development, an ever-increasing human population, climate change, loss of traditional wildlife management techniques and a host of other issues are changing the face and the future of our Montana. MWF has defended against these challenges for 74 years; the Montana Matters Campaign exemplifies how the hunting and angling community can remain committed for the long haul.
For more information about Montana Matters, please visit the website at www.montanamatters.com and view the events, photos, spokespeople, products, Montana Matters music CD and how to get more involved. Go to the comment section of this website, www.montana wildlife.org, or email csharpe@mtwf.org & Tell us why MONTANA MATTERS TO YOU!!
CLICK THIS LINK TO READ WHAT MATTERS TO OTHERS!
Listen to Montana Matters music video featuring Shane Clouse
Montana Matters Bronze Sculptures
Montana Matters is offering two unique and specifically crafted for the campaign, limited edition custom bronze sculptures by Tobin Capp. Tobin’s sculptures are a unique reflection of his western lifestyle. He is a third generation Montanan, descended from an adventurous great-grandfather who pioneered the West. Tobin is considered a pure artist in the world of bronze art as he not only creates each ‘original’ piece in clay but he is personally involved in the molding, casting, and marketing.
Tobin’s art is heavily influenced by his passion for nature and the wilderness. He spends an average of 100 days per year in the outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping and says, “Woodsmanship is a tradition of my family and is the obligation of each generation to pass down to the next. I draw the majority of my inspiration from my time in the field.” To find out more about Tobin and his work go to: www.beartracksbronze.com
