2020 Voices of the Wilderness - Virtual Fireside Chats

Thanks to all who joined us for our first virtual Voices of the Wilderness - At Home event! We learned a lot and had a blast in the process, and we hope you enjoyed it too. We’re so grateful to everyone who bid on the auction, purchased raffle tickets, and for all of the businesses who donated items or a sponsorship. We also greatly appreciate all of the special guests who joined us for our virtual talks and contributed so much to these conversations.

View the recorded Fireside Chats below.

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Fireside Chat #1: Heroes of The Bob with John Fraley
BMWF Executive Director Bill Hodge talks with author John Fraley about his new book, “Heroes of The Bob Marshall,” the origins of the book and some of the characters captured in the pages. They are joined by legendary Outfitter Smoke Elser and Forest Service Packer Bill Workman – two guests that are sure to captivate everyone with tales from lives spent largely in The Bob.

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Fireside Chat #2: Bears of The Bob
BMWF Executive Director Bill Hodge talks bears with Tim Manley, MT FWP Biologist and Wildlife Management Specialist, and Bryce Andrews, Field Director for People and Carnivores. They cover how The Bob's unbroken habitat benefits bear populations, what happens when bears leave the wilderness boundary, and how we can reduce conflicts and coexist with our ursine friends.

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Fireside Chat #3: 80 Years of The Bob
Retrace the history of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex on the 80th anniversary of its designation. From the first inhabitants of the land, to the Wilderness Act, to the current day and future of the partnerships that steward the Complex. With Jesse DeRosier - member of the Blackfeet Nation, veteran and instructor; Lincoln Bramwell - Chief Historian for the US Forest Service; Chris Peterson - on retracing Bob’s epic hike; Carla Belski - on the founding of BMWF; and Leanne Marten - USFS Regional Forester, Northern Rockies Region.