Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument

Working to conserve and restore Central Montana's National Monument

Clarks Overlook Bullwhacker Creek Canoeing the White Cliffs Sunrise White Cliffs Eagle Creek camp Public Land at Dark Butte
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About the Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument

Mission Statement

The Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument are conservationists, business people, hunters, anglers, hikers, river users, outfitters, farmers, ranchers, recreationists from across the great State of Montana and throughout the Nation. We inform and engage people about the Monument's awesome landscapes, its wildlife and its historical, cultural and scientific values. We advocate for the Monument's values on behalf of all Americans who share our vision and mission, and we promote environmentally responsible uses of the Monument that can benefit the towns and communities of central Montana. We actively monitor impacts on the landscape and the land-use planning processes so that we can inform and educate the public and develop cooperative conservation projects with the BLM and other partners. We seek to influence management policies with the ultimate goal of protecting the many natural, cultural and historical assets of this special place for generations to come.

If you are interested in getting involved in a volunteer project, these are projects from 2009, if you are interested in getting involved ia volunteer project in 2010, check here for opportunities during the year.

  • Cabin restoration is being done this year. The "Irvin Cabin Restoration," at Gist Bottom is completed. Four cabins are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places: Irvin, Hagadone, Nelson and Ervin. BLM hopes to have Hagadone, Nelson, and Ervin listed by the end of 2009. U of M graduate students are working on two of the nominations.
  • The BLM is developing a Site Stewardship program for the Monument, designed to involve the public in the protection, preservation, and monitoring of recorded cultural properties. . If you have a passion for preserving the physical remains of our cultural heritage, contact Crystal Alegria at (406) 994-6925 calegria@montana.edu, or the BLM contact, Zane Fulbright (406)538-1900 zane_fulbright@blm.gov. The program seeks volunteers with a strong interest in cultural resource conservation.
  • Two exclosures have been erected this spring. One is for recreation enhancement at Gist Bottom and one is to protect young cottonwood seedling recovery generated by the high waters of 2008. Other exclosures may be erected. Public participation will be welcomed. call Friends at (406) 538-8506 wildmissouri@tein.net.

Letter to Members

Dear Friends:            March 22, 2010
               
This year marked the 9th anniversary of the creation of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, and the Friends celebrated that mark with publication of its “Hike the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument” map and guide.  Creation of this map was a major achievement and was made possible by the generous support of our donors.  We look forward to continuing our work to promote this special landscape and its wildlife habitat, historic and geologic treasures. 

This year, we have some interesting projects planned, including:

  • Continuing the projects and programs developed with the help of the National Riparian Service Team (NRST). Projects which include the “Monument Update” newsletter, efforts to periodically increase water flows during a spring flood to benefit cottonwoods and Pallid Sturgeon, installing exclosures to protect cottonwood seedlings and other riparian vegetation, and working cooperatively on weed control projects.
  • Bringing together citizens to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Landscape Conservation System (which includes this monument) by touring special features of the monument, the interpretive center and the amenities of its surrounding communities.
  • Hosting a Science Café to bring research on wildlife, climate, nanotechnology and other scientific advances into an open and entertaining forum.
  • Working with the Monument Interpretive Center to help introduce youngsters from Central Montana to the Missouri River - its water quality, vegetation, flow factors, wildlife and other aspects, while experiencing a two-day float trip.
  • Leading hikes using our newly-produced Monument hiking map and further helping people get into this daunting landscape to experience its many features and treasures.
  • Protecting cultural sites.

 

We are the only citizen organization that exists solely to support this Monument, and we need your help to continue our efforts to preserve it for future generations so that they may experience the Monument in a condition as close to the natural state as possible.  This natural state is threatened by several developments including the plan to drill thousands of gas wells outside the Monument boundary and to haul vast quantities of water by truck to holding pits day in and day out.  There won’t be a place left for wildlife to flee to except for the sanctuary of the Monument.

Your donation can help us work to keep habitat in the Monument a safe zone for birds and other wildlife and to preserve this quiet, rugged landscape.    Enclosed is a donation envelope, or log-on to our website and make a donation there and view photos of the Monument. 

 

Sincerely,
Dennis Tighe-President