What: 3-day summit exploring the conservation, economic, and social aspects of outdoor recreation in Montana, co-hosted by the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR), W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, and Montana Access Project
When: Wednesday, October 11th - Friday, October 13th
Where: Copper King and surrounding areas, 4655 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
The 2023 Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit is a 3-day event dedicated to exploring the conservation, economic, and social aspects of outdoor recreation in Montana. Topics of discussion include the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations, examining the economic impacts of outdoor recreation, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors. Summit registration also includes a free ticket to the Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit Film Festival.
During the summit, the onX Emerging Outdoor Community Award will be presented. The award seeks to acknowledge the work of a Montana organization improving or creating outdoor recreation opportunities in a lesser-known or underserved area of Montana, and will provide $10,000 in funding for site maintenance, the next phase of the project, upgrades, or for the organization to begin their next project expanding recreation opportunity in that community. Award applications close on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
Summit Panels
Conservation of Outdoor Recreation Resources
Recreation Guests: Navigating Outdoor Recreation Partnerships on Private Lands
Montana's Hunting Heritage: A Dialogue on Tradition, Conservation, and Changes Ahead
Navigating Montana's Waters: Conservation, Angling, and Access
Economic Impacts of Outdoor Recreation
Pathways to Adventure: Navigating Tourism Partnerships and Outdoor Recreation
Rural Outdoor Communities: Leveraging the Potential of the Outdoors at the Heart of Rural Communities
Outdoor Ventures: Unlocking Success in the Business of Outdoor Recreation
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Outdoor Spaces
Nature for All: Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion in Outdoor Spaces
Bridging the Divide: Exploring Equity Issues in Outdoor Recreation
Sharing the Spirit of the Land: Indigenous Voices in Outdoor Recreation and Conservation
Field Trip Spotlight: Butte Trolley Tour
Ride through the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country on the Butte trolley tour. The tour will explore Butte’s mining, labor, and immigration history with stops at the World Museum of Mining, Granite Mountain Specular Mine Memorial, Mai Wah Museum, and B’nai Israel Cultural Center. Participants will also engage in discussion about Butte’s environmental history at the Berkeley Pit as well as the recent restoration renaissance which includes many new parks and trails.
