Outdoor news
Climate change talk
University of Montana-Missoula professor Steven Running will present a free talk about climate change at Glacier National Park’s Community Building, in the Park Headquarters area in West Glacier, on Monday, June 24, from noon to 1 p.m. Running shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 as a chapter lead author for the fourth assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He received a Ph.D. in forest ecology from Colorado State University in 1979 and has been with the University of Montana since then. The talk is part of the brown bag lunch talks hosted by the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center and the Glacier Institute. For more information, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/naturescience/ccrlc-brown-bag-lectures.htm.
Coal Creek fish
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment for a draft environmental assessment for the South Fork of Coal Creek Habitat Enhancement Project. The draft is out for a 21-day public review through June 28. FWP proposes to implement a project to increase available spawning and rearing habitat for westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout by adding large, woody debris to an impaired section of the South Fork of Coal Creek. Copies of the draft are available online at www.fwp.mt.gov under “Public Notices.” For more information, call Amber Steed at 751-4541 or e-mail asteed@mt.gov.
Park activities
Ranger-led activities in Glacier National Park through June 30 will include hikes, talks, boat tours, demonstrations and evening programs. Hour-long to day-long hikes led by rangers are offered in many areas of the park, including Lake McDonald Valley, Two Medicine, Many Glacier and St. Mary. Most programs are free of charge. The schedule of activities is available online at http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/inforequest/inforequest3.cfm or may be obtained when entering the Park.
Wildlife side show
Renowned photographer Tom Ulrich will present a side show on “The Pantanal of Brazil” at the Montana House in Glacier National Park’s Apgar Village on Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required by calling 888-5393. Ulrich has been a freelance and award-winning photographer since 1975. A reception and book signing will take place after the talk.
CAC volunteers
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking volunteer applicants to fill four slots on the Region 1 Citizen Advisory Committee. The 14-member committee is in its 18th year and was established to provide input and guidance from the public on all issues and programs. To apply, call 752-5501 or e-mail mabbrescia@mt.gov. Interested persons will receive an application by mail or e-mail.
Kids camps
Glacier Institute’s Big Creek Outdoor Education Center will offer kids camps for ages 7-16 this summer. They include Soaring Eagle Backcountry Wilderness Camp, June 30-July 5, ages 14-16, cost $400; Soaring Eaglet Backcountry Wilderness Camp, July 8-2, ages 11-14, cost $325, Woolly Bugger Fly-fishing Camp, Aug. 4-7, ages 12-14, cost $200; Bear Paw Young Naturalist Camp, Aug. 11-16, ages 9-11, cost $325; and Wolf Pup Mini Camp, Aug. 18-20, ages 7-8, cost $125. For more information, call 755-1211.
Board members needed
The Glacier Institute, now in its 30th year providing outdoor education to children and adults, is seeking qualified individuals to serve on its board of directors. For more information, visit online at www.glacierinstitute.org, call 755-1211 or e-mail register@glacierinstitue.org.
Naturalist course
The Glacier Institute will host a Montana Master Naturalist Certification Course from July 6-11 in Glacier National Park with experienced naturalists Brian Williams, from the Montana Natural History Center, and Greg Peters, from the University of Montana’s Biology and Botany Department. The course will take place at the Glacier Institute Field Camp Cost is $675, including lodging, meals, education, transportation and certification. For more information, call 406-755-1211 or visit online at www.glacierinstitute.org.