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The Great Burn Conservation Alliance has watched with heartbreak and horror as the realities of systemic racism expose the violence, pain and anguish that so many communities of black, indigenous and people of color face in their everyday lives. Over the past two weeks, we have listened intently, respectfully and humbly as these communities have made it abundantly clear to all of us how widespread racism and inequality are within our society. They also have reminded us of the long history of racism and inequity within the conservation movement that has traditionally protected public lands for the enjoyment of people who are predominately wealthy, privileged and white.
We recognize that the Great Burn, named and delineated by white people, is part of the ancestral lands of the Salish and Nez Perce people who lived, hunted and fished them for millennia until they were coerced or forcibly removed onto reservations. We recognize that though these lands are public and everyone can hike their trails, horse pack to their lakes, and fish their creeks, they are not equally accessible to black, indigenous and people of color communities due to the systemic inequities in our economic, political and social systems. Right now, we feel compelled to make a statement of support for the black, indigenous and people of color communities. We envision a time that the gems of our public lands like the Great Burn are welcoming and can be visited without fear of judgment, harassment or violence. This cannot be achieved unless we listen and learn about how black, indigenous and people of color communities have been excluded from the Great Burn and do our part to make it a special, safe and renewing place of wildness and solitude for all. Sincerely, The GBCA Board of Directors
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 A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in Missoula Gives! We sure do feel lucky to be part of such an amazing community, and can't get wait to get out into the backcountry this summer. Make sure to check out our summer trip offerings and grab a new map of the Great Burn!
Just because we are keeping a distance doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected to nature. We need trails to quiet places for solitude and the mental health benefits provided by being in nature. PLEASE consider donating today to help protect the Great Burn; to protect the clean free-flowing rivers that support great fisheries; and to protect important wildlife habitat that provides connectivity to the north and south. If you’re not currently in a position to give, you can still help us out by sharing the link to our giving page, encouraging others to follow us on social media, and telling your friends what the Great Burn means to you! Visit this page to donate today! 
 For more than 40 years, GBCA has been working with the Forest Service and partners to ensure that a wild Great Burn persists into the future. But we can’t do it without you.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest is currently seeking public comment on its proposed forest plan, which determines how places like the Great Burn will be managed for decades to come. As proposed, the plan reduces recommended wilderness and poses a risk to wildlife like mountain goats, wolverine and fisher. The public comment period for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest closes on April 20th. Use this handy tip sheet from our friends at Montana Wilderness Association to inform your comment. Comment today to support a wild Great Burn.
Join us for the workshop!
Comment at one of the open houses
Can't make the meeting? You can comment online!
Comment period will close April 20th. For more information on commenting topics, use this Montana Wilderness Association tip sheet.  The Great Burn Conservation Alliance and Montana Wilderness Association are proud to host Naturalist Trivia at the Montana Natural History Center.
Questions will cover everything from The Bob to The Burn! Test your knowledge of the wildest places in Montana! Bring your own crew or join a team when you arrive and meet someone new. There will be four rounds of wilderness-themed questions, and please feel free to bring snacks and beverages. Montana Natural History Center 120 Hickory St, Missoula, MT 59801 January 22 7-9pm Great food, great company, and a great cause..... The Great Burn! You're invited to our Annual Patron Party! Great Burn Conservation Alliance wants to thank YOU! Throughout the year, GBCA completes an enormous amount of on the ground work in the Great Burn Proposed Wilderness, and we couldn't do it without our dedicated volunteers and supporters. This is a chance to celebrate the place we all love and work to protect. There will be drinks, tasty food, and raffle items- we can't wait to see you! Where: Montana Natural History Center When: November 1st, 6pm-9pm
 Our field crews have been busy tending to the Great Burn region of the Nez Perce Clearwater Forest and Lolo National Forest. Trails Crew Our joint Great Burn Conservation Alliance and Forest Service crew has been successfully keeping trails functioning and passable all summer throughout the Clearwater National Forest. To date they have installed or cleaned over 50 waterbars, cleared brush and logs from 25 miles of trail, and improved trail tread on over 1000 feet of trail. Noxious Weed Crew Kelly Creek is one of the most prized trout streams in Idaho, and provides clean, cool waters for spawning bull trout. Every year, our Kelly Creek noxious weed crew is packed into the backcountry to curb noxious weeds from taking over this valuable habitat. This year, our crew released 10,000 Chrysolina beetles, which are happily munching on St. John's Wort. In addition, the crew sprayed meadows and handpulled weeds near streams, increasing the chance that native flora will thrive. |
AuthorsGBCA staff and board members. Archives
November 2020
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