Fundraiser to benefit grizzly bear population
The annual fundraiser for Montana wildlife biologists who oversee the state’s grizzly bear population is July 11 at Jack and Suzi Hanna’s farm near Bigfork.
Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation—formerly the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Foundation—organizes the yearly event to give state biologists the tools and personnel they need to manage grizzly populations.
Jack Hanna is the director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and celebrity wildlife expert known for taking animals on TV talk shows to educate people about the importance of wildlife preservation. The Hannas have hosted the Grizzly Bear Rendezvous for the past six years and raised a total of about $400,000 in that time, according to the foundation’s director, George Bettas.
“As our grizzly bear numbers are increasing, the need for the bear biologists to respond to calls from the public is increasing, too,” Bettas said. “The last couple years we’ve been able to fund three bear management technicians to help grizzly bear biologists, provide fuel for vehicles and make money available for things like trail cameras and other equipment they use for collaring and tracking bears.”
The money is also used to help protect bears and people’s property.
Most of the programs so far have centered in Northwest Montana, down to Ravalli and Granite counties. But Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation is trying to raise enough funds this year to provide bear management techs to help in southwestern Montana and the Rocky Mountain Front.
Over the past few years, the foundation has funded paid summer internships for University of Montana wildlife students and the Legacy Foundation is planning to foster a similar relationship with Montana State University as well.
A new twist for this year’s event includes a small art auction featuring original works donated by several regional artists. The auction will feature, among other items, an original grizzly bear oil painting by Kalispell’s Tom Saubert titled “Monarchs and Painted Ladies” and a brown-bear skull elaborately decorated by Jana Waller.
The event will include music by Shane Clouse and his band, Stomping Ground, and will be catered by Chris Ricciardi.
Over 250 people attended last year. Space is limited. Tickets are $100 and available at www.mtoutdoorlegacy.org or by calling (406) 444-6759.