Earlier this week members of the community gathered to discuss the probability of starting and supporting a new foundation centered around The Missouri River. Nearly 40 people from diverse backgrounds showed in support of a river they love. There were community members, local business owners, fly shop staffers, outfitters, members of TU, lawyers, land owners, FWP biologists, and a few people from afar who have used The Missouri River as a vacation spot. It was astonishing to be in a room with the amount of knowledge and experience present, all with one common thread -a love of the Missouri River.
Bandon Hoffner from The Henry’s Fork Foundation and Richard Lessner from The Madison River Foundation came and spoke on behalf of their respective organizations. They offered insight into the mission and goals of their foundations as well as past accomplishments they have had the opportunity to perform for their rivers. Both men were very knowledgable and offered a helping hand with the potential genesis of The Missouri River Foundation.
There was some discussion about what the scope and mission will be for the future Missouri River Foundation, but the floor is still completely open and the opportunities are endless. If you love The Upper Missouri River Basin then you too should attended the next meeting where the table is slated to form a mission statement with the discussion of how the actual foundation will be formed. The meeting will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17th at The Oasis Bar and Grill in Wolf Creek, MT.
To learn more about this potential foundation and to keep up with future meetings like the page on Facebook: Missouri River Foundation
Special thanks to Pat Hunter (Izaak’s Restaurant) for organizing this event and gathering people together for discussion. Also, a big thanks to Chip and Sue Anderson for hosting the meeting at the beautiful Missouri River Ranch. We can’t forget Keith Scott who provided some good tunes after the meeting for people to enjoy.
Please post a comment below if you have any thoughts or suggestions about the possible formation of this new Missouri River Foundation or concerns for the watershed you would like addressed by this organization. We would love to have your input.
Words by Taylor Todd and Chris Strainer.
No special elitist interests, just protecting and preserving the resource for all users, waders and boaters.
Hootch- So far, this entity is starting out truly as a “grass roots” organization. I understand your concern about “special elitist interests” but if you were at the first meeting, your concerns would be greatly eased as everyone there was interested in helping the Missouri “for all users.” If it makes you feel better there was only 3 Outfitters in attendance (I wish there was more) and no one at the meeting even mentioned restrictions to peoples access to the river. Most talk revolved around water quality, water quantity, the pros and cons of a foundation and working with other conservation groups. If you live in the area, please come out to the November meeting in Wolf Creek. We need all the input we can get at this early stage.