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f you want to know how Audubon’s issues fared at the 2013 Montana Legislature, ask our lobbyist, Janet Ellis. “I think overall, this legislature will end in a draw,” said Ellis. “However, if you had asked me in March, I would have told you it could be a disaster.” Although conservation issues infrequently appeared in news headlines, Audubon kept unbelievably busy. In all, we testified on 78 bills, opposing 55 and supporting 23. Of these, our efforts helped defeat 43 anti-environmental/antiwildlife bills, while 9 bad bills passed (although many of these were neutralized by amendments); and we helped pass 14 bills aimed at strengthening our environmental or wildlife laws, while 8 positive bills died. In addition, the outcome of 4 bills rests with the Governor (we are supporting a veto). Since 1981, Montana Audubon has lobbied during our state’s Legislature. This year veteran lobbyist Janet Ellis was ably aided by intern Justin Sakalis and Director of Climate Policy Amy Cilimburg. While Justin kept Janet organized and helped with testimony, Amy kept our ‘Action Alert’ email program on track. So how did our issues fare?
photo by Leah Grunzke
For the conservation of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats...
Wildlife and wildlife habitat issues kept us busiest. “I’ve never seen so many attacks on predators and bison,” said Ellis. “Although all of these bills were ultimately defeated, it took a lot of work to get to that point.” While some legislators introduced bills to allow unlimited or irresponsible killing of predators, there were 11 bad bison bills, including several that would have prohibited bison from stepping into Montana from Yellowstone National Park. Although we worked hard to kill these bills, two terrible bison bills are awaiting the Governor’s action (Senate Bills 256 and 305). Although wildlife issues occupied much of our workload, wildlife habitat programs were also subject to attack. Most of the assaults were on ‘Habitat Montana,’ the state’s flagship program for protecting wildlife habitat. The outcome of the most crippling bill (House Bill 5) is uncertain, awaiting the Governor’s action (hopefully a veto); last minute amendments placed on this bill would prevent outright purchase of land or conservation easements—only short-term leases would be allowed. The good news for wildlife is that several key funding provisions passed. This funding will help long-term management of moose, sage-grouse, nongame wildlife, and aquatic invasive species (such as zebra mussels and the plant Eurasian milfoil). Land use issues also received a lot of attention. Audubon considers uncontrolled development one of the most serious threats to Montana’s wildlife. In the end the Legislature changed little in terms of land-use regulations: all bad bills were killed, vetoed, or neutralized. continued on page 12
“Kudos to Janet Ellis and Justin Sakalis for their help to us and for their work on your behalf and that of all Montanans.” ~ Montana Sportsmen Alliance Spring 2013
Dear Fellow Bird Lovers and Conservationists, Greetings and happy spring to all! Perhaps you have already enjoyed reading the most recent Audubon magazine, “Why Birds Matter.” What a fantastic issue! To follow up on that theme, I wish to address “Why Montana Matters” when thinking about strategic bird conservation in North America. Perhaps one of Montana’s greatest gifts to the conservation of North America’s birds relates to the state’s remaining large blocks of native prairie habitat (more than anywhere else on the continent). These extensive grasslands, primarily in central and eastern Montana, provide valuable habitat for a great number of rare and declining bird species. These are lands that have never been plowed, and thus still contain tremendously diverse native plants and wildlife, including many rare and declining grassland-dependent birds. Grassland birds are showing the most severe declines of any group of birds on the continent. Ornithologists have determined that Montana’s grassland and sagebrush habitats support a remarkable proportion of the total global breeding population of several birds experiencing widespread declines. These include McCown’s Longspur (30% of this species’ global population breeds in Montana), Chestnut-collared Longspur (27%), Ferruginous Hawk (22%), Sprague’s Pipit (14%), and Greater Sage-Grouse (10%). Clearly, Montana has a profound responsibility for the welfare of these and many other grassland species. Of course, Montana’s wetland and riparian habitat is also of great importance to bird conservation, at least on a regional scale. Riparian and wetland areas make up less than 4 percent of the state’s land area, yet comprise Montana’s richest wildlife habitat, providing essential breeding quarters for 199 of Montana’s 260 nesting bird species. As Montana Audubon works feverishly toward completion of its new strategic plan, the above statistics may help us sharpen our focus to make the largest possible impact on the conservation of our beloved birds. We thank you so much for your ongoing generosity—we could not possibly achieve our ambitious bird conservation goals and aspirations without your support! Yours in conservation,
Montana Audubon Board of Directors Officers Dan Sullivan, President Fred Weisbecker, Vice-President Cary Lund, Secretary Bernie Rose, Treasurer
Delegates Bitterroot Audubon Becky Peters
Five Valleys Audubon Pat Little Carolyn Goren
Flathead Audubon Bob Lee
Last Chance Audubon Sumner Sharpe
Mission Mountain Audubon Bob Bushnell Jim Rogers
Pintler Audubon Jack Kirkley
Sacajawea Audubon Vacant
Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon Nora Gray Bill Miller
Helena Staff:
Montana Audubon PO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624 Phone: (406) 443-3949 Fax: (406) 443-7144 Email: mtaudubon@mtaudubon.org Website: www.mtaudubon.org Audubon Conservation Education Center 7026 S Billings Blvd Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 294-5099 Website: www.mtacec.org
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www.mtaudubon.org
Steve Hoffman Executive Director Janet Ellis Program Director
Bird Conservation/ Global Warming:
Yellowstone Valley Audubon
Amy Cilimburg, Director of Bird Conservation & Climate Policy Phone: (406) 465-1141
Bill DeMeyer Sheila McKay
Norane Freistadt Development Director
Audubon Conservation Education Center Staff:
Cathie Erickson Business Manager
Darcie Vallant, Center Director Heather Bilden, Education Director Mihail Kennedy Land Stewardship Coordinator Carol Ward Naturalist & Volunteer Coordinator
Natalie (Nat) Forcier Office Manager & Festival Coordinator
Spring 2013
At-large Board Members Lou Ann Harris Bob Mackin Harriet Marble Bob Martinka Peter Norlander Andy Roberts Donald Seibert Judy Tureck Heidi Youmans
by Amy Cilimburg
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eally? How? This past year I’ve been connecting these earthly elements—from birds to showers— as part of a TogetherGreen Leadership Fellowship sponsored by the National Audubon Society and Toyota. In addition to interacting with an inspiring group of 40 Fellows from across the U.S., this fellowship provided funding for projects that will positively impact my local community, Missoula. With global climate change considered the greatest threat to biodiversity, including our everinspiring birds, we all need to be part of the solution to reduce carbon pollution. Through TogetherGreen, I developed two projects that connect our ecosystems to energy systems, helping motivate people to take action at the community level, where outcomes are tangible and together we can make a difference. First, healthy riverine systems are our life-blood. As the climate changes, how do we keep clean, abundant water in rivers and reduce the energy used to move and clean it? The story of the links between energy, aquifers, and rivers could be quite compelling in a film featuring community members, great scenery, and songs by local kids. Together with the Clark Fork Coalition and University of Montana videographer Patrick Record,
Welcome Nat!
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lease welcome Montana Audubon’s new Office Manager, Natalie Forcier. ‘Nat’ comes to us with a degree in English and much office experience. She has excellent web and publication design skills, AND great birding knowledge! She wrote her first haiku as a fifth grader on a rock in the middle of Missoula’s Rattlesnake Creek and is thrilled to be a part of the Montana Audubon team. Among many other duties, Nat is facilitating our annual Wings Across the Big Sky festival.
Montana Audubon’s Director of Bird Conservation Amy Cilimburg teaches a fifth-grade class in Missoula as part of the TogetherGreen program. MA photo.
we crafted just such a short film, showing how water travels, is treated, uses energy, and then returns to the Clark Fork River. We taught Missoula’s Coyote Choir about our wastewater treatment plant, and they wrote and performed the film’s song about clean water, teeth brushing, and showers. It’ll be linked on the homepage of our website soon! Second, I created “You have the Power,” a placebased school education/action project targeting fifthgraders and their families, and designed to reduce home energy use. We used “kill-a-watt” measuring devices to explore home appliance/electricity energy use, encouraged sleuthing of reasons behind monthto-month energy variation, and brainstormed ways to reduce energy. As I wrap up my fellowship, I’ll be looking for ways to share and celebrate our Hidden Life of Water film, as well as the classroom curriculum and stories of Kids with the Power—all to make the planet better for rivers and birds.
Spring 2013 www.mtaudubon.org
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NiT-Picking the Best Interns
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he phone at the Audubon Center rings off the hook in April, with people ready to sign up for summer camps. This always motivates our staff to prepare for eight weeks of fun! Every summer, high school Naturalist in Training (NiT) interns join the staff. Audubon Center staff developed the NiTs program in 2010 to provide valuable staffing assistance to our summer camps, and to provide career development opportunities for high school students. As one former NiT said, “If everyone could have experiences like these, there would be many more environmental teachers in the world.” What makes this experience so meaningful? We sat down with 2012 NiT intern Chrissy Webb to get her take on her summer internship at the Audubon Center.
Q: Q: Q:
If you could summarize the program in one word, what would it be? Webb: Discovery. Of myself, what I want to do, and the Montana landscape. What were some of your favorite parts about teaching camp? Webb: The kids’ enthusiasm and curiosity. They are interested in all the little things and helped me notice things I wouldn’t have seen before. What did you take away from the program? Webb: I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It really helped me set my mind on what I want to do in the future. I was a little lost before that and it gave me a path.
Chrissy Webb, Neal Gunnels (CampusCorps intern), and Heather Lansdown (volunteer) relax while the campers build forts, summer 2012. MA photo.
Q:
Were there any surprises in the program? Webb: The level of responsibility I was given in planning and teaching camps. I was treated as an adult—it was the first time I wasn’t a little camper myself.
Next fall, Chrissy will head to the University of Montana and investigate the Environmental Studies and Wildlife Biology departments as she decides how to focus her passion for the outdoors, conservation, and education. This spring, when we hire a new group of NiT interns, we will reflect on what past interns said was the best thing about their summer experience, such as, “Watching the kids’ faces light up when they were taught a new thing about nature,” and “The people! I feel like I really fit in here.” Those are just a few good reasons to get excited about another season of summer camp at the Audubon Center!
From the Mouths of Center Students: “I’ll do anything for science.” ~Wyola 4th grade student on an ANTS field trip (in photo, right) “This was so much fun. I’m going to think about it every day. I can’t wait until I get my own bird book!” ~Orchard 4th grade student ANTS field trip
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Spring 2013
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he Audubon Center is planning another evening of fine dining and entertainment! Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 7, 2013. Come at 6 p.m. for the silent and live auctions, dinner, and live music from Kemmick and Friends. Now in its second year, the evening boasts a casual, fun atmosphere, perfect for celebrating and supporting the Audubon Center. Tickets will be available on our website (www.mtacec.org) in July.
Get Outside Montana!
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et Outside Montana (GOM) motivates families to spend more of their time in outdoor activities, and also makes them more aware of the wealth of recreational opportunities in Billings, Red Lodge, and surroundings. Now in its third year, GOM’s new partners are increasing the range of activities and conservation areas offered in this FREE back-to-nature event. Participating families function as a team that is encouraged to engage in a friendly competition as they explore local outdoor areas. The top prize of four new bikes from The Spoke Shop will go to the team who completes the most activities. Learn how your family can compete at www.mtacec.org/programs/get-outside-montana/.
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ust 42 species’ accounts remain to be written for Birds of Montana, and author Jeff Marks is on track to complete them before Thanksgiving. Coauthors Paul Hendricks and Dan Casey are working on the introductory chapters, and this month our book designer is formatting the waterfowl accounts, including range maps and illustrations for selected species. We are grateful to everyone who has donated funds (see http:// mtaudubon.org/birds/sponsor.html) and provided information used in the species accounts. Signed, limited-edition prints of the book cover, a Boreal Owl painted by Albert Gilbert, are for sale through the Helena office at a discounted price of $200. See www.aba.org/birding/v43n4p5w1. pdf for information about Mr. Gilbert and his bird art.
Spring 2013 www.mtaudubon.org
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idespread, diverse, healthy, unhealthy, threatened, chockfull of birds—all these words describe Montana grasslands. Across North America, grassland birds are the suite of birds most in decline. Here in Montana we believe we can conserve I depend on grasslands, our grassland birds. How best to do this? This past year, conservationists am not too particular and biologists from the Montana Bird about which type (as Conservation Partnership, including long as I can tuck in Montana Audubon, put our heads my nest), don’t mind together to figure out just how to a bit of agriculture, make progress conserving grassland but Heavens-to-Betsy bird habitat. We decided the Longbilled Curlew made an excellent “focal don’t plant houses and species” for conservation. It’s not too lawns. I‘m okay around particular and is easily recognizable, a few cows, but keep especially compared to its grassland away the ATVs and brethren. When we considered where we find good numbers and where there are knapweed, please. You’ll both threats and opportunities to make recognize me by my a difference on the ground—it became extraordinarily long bill clear that the Mission Valley is a hot and “cooLI” call. I knew spot in western Montana, and this will be our first focal area. We are helping to I was cool; now I hear lead this initiative and will report back I’m a “focal species” – after the habitat conservation strategy wow-eeee. meeting in May. Stay tuned!
Sage-Grouse Strut for Adopt-a-Lek Volunteers
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age-grouse are charismatic and cool, especially when they gather at their breeding leks to boom and strut. Unfortunately, they are also declining across their range. What’s an Auduboner to do? Get outside and help monitor! Monitoring programs provide the backbone for informed conservation decisions.
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Spring 2013
The “Adopt-a-Lek” sagegrouse project (AAL) works with citizen volunteers to monitor some of the largest remaining Greater Sage-Grouse populations in Montana and the West. This project, led by grouse conservationist Ben Ben Deeble, Montana Audubon’s Adopt-a-Lek Deeble, came to Montana coordinator. Audubon in 2012, and we’re in the thick of another season. How does it work? Every April, citizens travel to leks they’ve “adopted” to count the birds, including other sage-obligate species. Lek adopters are selected based on their experience and willingness to conduct dawn counts in remote locations, under sometimes adverse conditions (we’re not kidding). Last spring, 31 volunteers surveyed 79 leks in southwestern Montana, on the C.M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, and in a handful of other locales. This year we will also collect feathers to determine which leks are most important to genetic variability and exchange. The BLM provides much-needed AAL funding; we’re seeking matching funds. Contact Ben to learn more (bddeeble@gmail.com).
Ellis Selected for Governor’s Sage-Grouse Council
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overnor Steve Bullock recently appointed Montana Audubon’s Janet Ellis to his SageGrouse Advisory Council. In forming the Council, Bullock commented, “This new council brings together diverse groups that will develop practical steps to protect sagegrouse habitat while providing predictable and multiple uses of private, state and public lands.” Work by the Council should help prevent listing this bird under the Endangered Species Act.
Photo by Bob Martinka.
Photo by Bob Martinka.
Long-billed Curlew Initiative: Focus on Charismatic Mega-avifauna
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his spring the Center was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Royal Bank of Canada Blue Water Initiative to help us restore our wetlands. The money will help purchase willows and other wetland plants that we will plant in suitable locations around the Center’s ponds. We hope that the willows will provide a renewable food source for any beavers that happen to pass through, and provide habitat for animals along the shoreline. We will first regrade the banks in certain areas to create a more gradual slope; this is the first step of many in our quest to provide better habitat. All of the fill material and equipment operation will be pro bono, thanks to our neighbors, McCall Homebuilders. This promises to be a very exciting season.
Spion Kop Wind Farm. Montana Audubon Program Director Janet Ellis has been appointed by NorthWestern Energy to serve on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the 25-turbine Spion Kop Wind Farm, located in the Highwood Mountains east of Great Falls. The TAC has begun work on a BBSC. Jawbone Wind Farm. The 175-turbine Jawbone Wind Farm, planned north of Harlowton, is now on hold.
Here’s Some Good News We are excited to support the following projects through our Audubon Wildlife Fund endowment grant program. Clark’s Nutcracker R esearch— for a Beartooth Plateau study on nutcrackers, the “Johnny Appleseed” of declining whitebark pine. Results on where these birds cache seeds should help pine regeneration work in a changing climate.
Clark’s Nutcracker. USFWS photo.
Audubon Conservation Education Center: Wet, Willowy & Wild
L ee M etcalf R efuge Education Project—matching funds to print 300 workbooks for Bitterroot Valley third-graders.
Great Blue Heron at Audubon Center on floating island. MA photo.
Black Swift Monitoring Project—to support citizen scientists in locating nests of this little-known Species of Concern, which nest behind waterfalls in western Montana. Black Swifts are probably Montana’s most vulnerable bird to global climate change.
Wind Power News Interested in the answers that are blowing in the wind? Check out these updates on Montana wind projects. K evin R im Important Bird A rea /R im Rock Wind Farm. Located 20 miles northwest of Shelby, this 126-turbine project went online in December 2012. We are currently working on comments for the site’s Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy (BBSC), which details the research needs and mitigation measures to be followed during the life of the project. Join us for a July 19–21 tour of this site where 75 raptor nests were found last summer (see article page 12).
SUCCESS! For the last 2 years, Montana Audubon’s Amy Climburg co-led Missoula’s task force to develop a municipal Climate Action Plan. This winter, the Plan unanimously passed the City Council. Way to go, Missoula!
Spring 2013 www.mtaudubon.org
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Bridger Raptor Migration Count, Fall 2012
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ret Davis and Kalon Baughan did a fabulous job with the 21st consecutive full-season autumn count of migrating eagles and hawks, conducted from the summit of Bridger Bowl Ski Area, near Bozeman. This standardized, scientific count conducted in collaboration with HawkWatch International is designed to monitor long-term trends in northern Golden Eagle populations and many additional raptor species (including Sharpshinned and Cooper’s Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Northern Harriers, and Peregrine Falcons). A total of 2,818 raptors of 17 species were tallied in 414 hours of observation (58 days). Almost half the count were eagles, including 1,272 Goldens and 92 Balds. The 2012 count results suggest Golden Eagle numbers continue to decline (down approximately 40 percent since the late 1990s). On a more positive note, American Kestrel populations have been rebounding since 2008, and Peregrine Falcon numbers reached a new seasonal high in 2012 (34 birds). Immature Golden Eagle. Photo by Kalon Baughan.
Please download the full 2012 report at www.mtaudubon.org/birds/raptor.html#bridger. We thank the following generous funders for supporting this project: Gallatin National Forest, NaturEner USA, Sacajawea Audubon, the Izard Family Charitable Trust, and Clyde and Cheryl Wootton. Plans are currently underway to continue this project in fall 2013. Visit the Bridger site and watch the migration!
Audubon Chapters at Work National Audubon recently awarded grants to two Montana chapters. Five Valleys Audubon of Missoula will fund classroom lessons, paired with a field trip, for third-graders at St. Joseph School. Students will learn about fire ecology, emphasizing the interaction of trees, plants, wildlife, and fires. Flathead Audubon of Kalispell hires an environmental educator each year to provide programs and workshops for students of all ages and backgrounds. This grant will support reaching more than 4,000 individuals in the Flathead Valley through youth and family programs, creating three native plant gardens at local schools, teacher workshops, and more. Ashley Mason serves as Flathead Audubon’s Conservation Educator. Photo by Brooke Andrus/ Bigfork Eagle.
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Spring 2013
M
ontana Audubon depends on generous gifts from many individual donors. The following individuals contributed to a variety of projects between April 2012 and April 2013. Due to space constraints, we have listed all donors with gifts totaling $100 or more. For a complete listing of all individual donors, please go to mtaudubon.org/about/index.html.
Donors: $1000 & up Arbogast, Steven & Cynthia Brewer Blank, Diana Brown, Rockwood Butler, Steven & Cindy Dayton, Bob & Shari Ellis, Jane Ann Ellis, Janet & Jim Hansen Fay, Mary Flaherty-Gray, Nora & Randy Gray Forbes, Don & Betsey Goren, Carolyn Harris, Lou Ann & John Hartung, Jim & Lillian Hoffman, Donna & Richard Dum Hoffman, Steve & Lisa Daly Kiesling, Bob Kirchmar, Gary Lukanitsch, Marjorie Mackin, Robert & Elizabeth Adcock Mars, Forrest E. McHugh, Bernard & Frances Clark Orser, David & Ossie Abrams Pariseau, Sarah Roberts, Andrew & Karen Salisbury, Russell Schrader, Marilyn & Chuck Seibert, Donald & Leila Farnum Setter, Jean Speers, Jennifer Spencer, John & Mary Alice Stevens, Hope & Bob Stocks, Mitchell Sullivan, Dan & Delight Sutherland, Jean Thweatt, Suzanne & Dick Van Wingen, Rachel Wambach, Carla Whitmire, John & Susie Maclin
Donors: $500 - $999 Baldridge, Julie Ballard, Bill & Lee Beaudry, Candis Brown, Jim & Sue Court, Jim & Virginia
Crawford, Tim & Kathy Hansen Davis, Jeannette & Tom Duncan, Tom & Karen Eder, Jo Ann Geary, Michael & Nayri Hanna Halaby, George & Mary Hicks, Kathryn Hull, Dorothy Jaffray, Patricia Kaeding, Beth & Lynn Krizek, Boris & Jane Leppert, Mark & Tami Lindbergh, Land & Janet McMillan Loehnen, Paul & Elizabeth Lyman, Jennifer & Tom Marble, Harriet Marks, Barbara Martinka, Bob & Kathy McKay, Sheila H. McKenzie-Stearns, Precious & Williams Stearns McNutt, Robert & Moira Miller, Bill & Joyce Peters, Rebecca & Bill Ross, Sig & Bev Sells, Jim & Jean Speers, Randall Stevens, Reid & Marlene Strause, Howard Tuss, Elsie Tyrell, Nancy & David Wootton, Clyde & Cheryl Youmans, Clifton & Heidi
Donors: $250 - $499 Ballinger, Sharee & Ken Ballou, Bucky Batts, Joe & Lana Baumler, Jill Bednarz, James & George Anne Thibodeau Bennett, Adele Boelter, Kathryn & James Boelter Caldwell, Robert & Dana Hillyer Carlson, Jayme, Martin & Garrett Carlson, John & Laura Gittings-Carlson
Caruso-Hirst, Donna Coates, Ladd Cone, Clancy Cronin, Margaret Cushman, Bob & Susan Davis, Kate Deeble, Benjamin Desonia, Bruce Detrick, Dale & Nancy Deveny, Tom & Kathy Knudsen Epstein, Susan & Spencer Shropshire Erikson, Dan Eshbaugh, Steve & Elisa Ewer, David Farmer, Ron & Cheryl Fichtner, James Fletcher, Suzette Frazer, Eliza & Barry Hood Frazza, Christian Gabster, Jeffrey Goldes, Jeff & Libby Good, James & Margaret Gordon, Richard & Cheryl Watkins Guggenheim, Mary Anne & Jan Donaldson Harrison, Lee Hertz , Judith Hill, Beth & Russell Jackson, Susan Kanning, Ardella Keaveny, Theresa Lamb, Nick Lopp, Bob & Jane Martinka, Matt Marts, Karen & Steven McClelland, Riley & Pat McDougal, Suzanna Miller, John & Debbie Nelson, Alan & Jeanne Hansen Oates, James & Rayleen Wall O’Connor, Roy Parker, John & Tamie Pauli, David Peterson, Robyn Pitman, Barbara Potts, Wayne Poulsen, Dorothy & Randy Rose, Bernard Ross, Rickard & Jan
Saberhagen, Camilla Sarkisian, Judy Sherman, W. Steven Shuttleworth, Estelle Sjostrom, Derek Skumanich, Marina Smith, Paula & Bob Snedigar, Linda Sperry, Janet Straub, Delbert Sturgis, Nathaniel & Margo Sundstrom, Adam & Sarah Lord Tapia, Lionel & Vicki Taylor, James & Anne Townsend, Karen & Burke Tureck, Judy & Hugo Vanderhorst, Ruth Ward, Carol & Charles Weisbecker, Fred & Carolyn Wiggins, James & Nancy Wilke, Kathleen Williams, Rebecca & Larry Williams, Roger & Patricia Wolcott, Robin & Richard
Donors: $100 - $249 Akland, Rosanna Alexander, Stephanie Allard, Deb Allen, Jocelyn & Ed Ancell, Carrie & William Anderson, Sandra Aragon, Charles & Kathy Baird, Margaret & Bill Bauer, Jim & Mary Bay, Lisa & Mike Bayley, Robert & Shirley Becker, Steve Benedict, Lyn & Bruce Bennett, Dan & Judy Hinderks-Bennett Bick, Tom & Kathleen Bierzonski, Janie & Arthur Birck, Kim Erway & William Birck Birnbaum, Dana Blee, Catherine Blye, Robert & Carol Boorman, Barbara Braxton, Elizabeth & Robert Breeding, Noreen & Roger
Brewer, Ted & Beth Kampschror Broadie, Douglas Brock, Pat Brown, William & Amy Bruins, Denalie Bruno, Lou & Bill Cardin Bryant, Don Bull, Marcia Carlson, Helen Chenoweth, Joe Cilimburg, Robert & Kathryn Clagg, William Clough, Mary Coddington, Lane & Darci Thorsrud Coffin, Christine & Rick Fuhrman Collard, Sneed Colvin, Susan Cone, Clancy Cook, Keith Corcoran, Linda & Joe Costanzo, Ralph & Sheryl Cronholm, John & Carla Cummins, Milla Daly, John & Nita Darilek, Sheryl Davis, Tana Decou, Bill & Nancy Degrandpre, Michael & Kate Lindner Delap, David DeMeyer, William Dietrich, Anne Dimond, Roy Dinwoodie, Marie Dirnberger, Jerry Dolese, Thomas & Dorothy Douglass, Elizabeth Dubois, Kristi & Bert Lindler Duncan, David & Mary Susan Entz, Loren Ezell, Douglas & Sharon Christensen FitzGerald, Bill & Vicki Fulton, Kay Garrelfs, Iris Geer, Janice Genter, David continued on page 10
Spring 2013 www.mtaudubon.org
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Gillam, Con & Daphne Gillette, Richard & Susan Hinkins Gore, James Gracia, Mary Gratch, Alan & Sallie Graybill, Benjamin Greene, Jim & Martha Vogt Gregovich, Barbara Griffin, Jim & Jane Faught Gunnels, Neal Haferkamp, Marshall & Gwen Hagstrom, Dave & Cindy Hall, Catherine & Anthony Dal Nogare Hall, Bradley Hannemann, Myrna & Aaron Hansen, Kathleen Hansen, Ken & Kymberly Harding, Rita Harper, Ed & Susan Scott Hayes, Gary Hayes, Larry Heath, Chuck & Carol Hebert, Dorothy & Ray Hecimovic, Anton & Mary Heffernan, Kathy & John Helding, Linda Hendrickson, Erik Heppel, Scott Hewitt, Arch & Gail Heymann, Nancy Hiestand, Kathryn L. & Neal Miller Hillner, Perry Hoag, David M Hockett, Glenn & Laurie Hoffman, Donald & Caroline Hoffman-Morris, Janet Hopper, Carolyn & Dennis Horowitz, Ellen Hughes, John & Kathy Hutchins, Judith James, Doug & Kathy Jarussi, Karen Jeffrey, Robert Jennings, Chuck & Gerry Jensen, Bill & Carole Johnstone, Silke & Craig Jones, Cedron & Sara Toubman Kaufmann, Christine & Pat Kemp Kelly, Robert & Sheila King, Kimberly
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Knaphus, Kathleen & Kristopher Knight, Ellen & Bob Kohler, Nathan & Patti Jo Lacey Kriskovich, Colleen & Edward Kuhl, Richard & Marylane Pannell Kurtz, Caroline & Willis Landis, Connie & Bob Langlinais, Vicki & Lee Larsen, Vince & Louise Lee, Rod & Teri Lesnik, Mike Little, Patrick & Anne Lopp, Robert & Brenda Boys Lord, Russell & Denece Lund, Cary & Susan Witte Marks, Jeff Martinka, Bob & Kathy Mayer, Joyce McKay, Sheila H. McKelvey, Robert McKittrick, Allan McLaughlin, Poody & T. Joseph Regan Merker, Chris Miller, Roger Mitchell, Brent & Kay Moak, Mark & Rhett Mohr, Sue & Howard Reid Moll, Graydon & Robin Mooers, Mel Moore, Colleen Moore, John Moore, Robert & Betty Moore, Robin & Bob Morrison, Ken & Sherry
Mowat, George & Bernice Munoz, Madeleine & Miguel Murdock, Don & Marilyn Murray, Sue Nave, Mike & Joyce Neff, Samuel & Ruth Neff, Susan & Rick Novak, Michael & Margaret Odegard, Christine & Ron Ohnstad, Milton & Jane Oitzinger, Sandy & John Olson, Jeanne Olson, Judith & Byron Owens, Peggy Owen-Still, Sally & Thomas Still Palmer, Shirley Parker, Louise Patten, Duncan & Eva Patterson, Don & Mary Peterson, Donald & Wendy Pijon, Linda Pinkerton, Eileen Pirami, Bill Prach, Ed Preston, Jay Quinlan, Thomas & Elizabeth Resetarits, Mark & Jeannie Haffenreffer Richard, Jim & Barbara Ristow, Bruce Robinson, Betsy &SteveGehman Rogers, Samuel & Carolyn Rollins, Maryclare Roser, Patricia & Andrew Langford
Ryshavy, M. Joan Sample, Michael Schaack, John Schaub, Joyce Scheytt, Zetha Schwitters, Michael & Constance Seidman, Stephen Sentz, Linda & Gene Shikany, Sandy & Keith Shores, Karen Skari, Darlene & Arlo Skinner, Corby Smith, Farwell & Linda McMullen Smith, Franklin & Irmeli Smith, Roger & Elisabeth Smith, Thompson Speckart, Stephen & Patricia Forsberg Speyer, Tim Stauffenberg, Ron Stephens, Ralph & Betsy Stites, Jonathon & Jessica Stites, Robert Swanson, Nancy & Tim Swant, Gary & Laura Lee Sylling, Rose Szenter, Linn & Val Taft, Alex Tannehill, Bruce & Gail Cleveland Taubert, Lou Taylor, Don Taylor, Elaine & David Scrimm
Tennefoss, Lynn & Johnnie Moore Tischendorf, Jay & Jacqueline Mallet Tooley, Charles & Joan Torrence, David & Ruth Towe, Ruth & Tom Trotter, Punkey Urbonas, Wayne Vincent, Robert J. Walker, Scott Watson, Vicki Weber, Carol Weeden, Norman & Catherine Weisenbach, Jacquinot & Bob Wiens, Gary Wiggins, Kendra Williams, Burton Williams, Judy & Jerry Wilson, Douglas Winestine, Zachary & Joanne Pawlowski Yelinek, Michael Zackheim, Hugh & Karen Zuuring, Hans & Barbara Many thanks to more than 500 additional supporters who gave gifts under $100 in the past year! We try our best to track giving of all donors, but please let us know if there are inaccuracies. Please note this list does not include tour fees or festival registration fees.
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incere thanks to these star volunteers whose tasks ranged from attending a lobby day at the capitol, leading tours, interning, volunteering at the Audubon Center or serving on the Advisory Council, and assisting with daily tasks in the Helena office. Thanks also to everyone who contacted legislators during the session. Your efforts make a huge difference in our important work! David Asay Candi Beaudry Eryn Braida Jeremy Brooks Jim Brown Cindy Butler John Carlson Sarah Chatwood Mattie Clark Jeanette & Tom Davis Shari & Bob Dayton Les Denny Audra Diemer Krissy Ferriter Lauren Ficek
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Spring 2013
Caroline Freistadt Steve Gniadek Megan Gollahon Neal Gunnels Billie Hicks Wyatt Iverson Mary Johnson Gary and Julie Kirchmar Jack and Brenda Kirkley Jeff Kitchens Jane & Boris Krizek Bert Lindler Sam Luethold Jennifer & Tom Lyman Cat Lynch
Robert Mackin Kyle Martens Karen Marts Aaron and Becca Mathias Sheila McKay Mara Menahan Ali Meyer George & Bernie Mowat Jake Raths Patrick Record Don Roberts Susan Russell Norm Schoenthal Renee Seacor Donald Seibert
Gabby Sheneman Harold Silkwood Ron Smith Paige Spalding John Spencer Colby and Wyatt Stearns Precious Stearns Justin Stockfish Suzanne Thweatt Bo Walker Chrissy Webb Roger Willams Don Wirth
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e want to thank the following organizations, corporations and businesses, foundations, and agencies for their support and partnership over the past year! Their contributions make our work possible! A special thanks to the Audubon chapters for their generosity in support of all Montana Audubon programs! (See list of chapters on page 2.)
Foundations Brainerd Foundation Bullitt Foundation Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation Cadeau Foundation Captain Planet Foundation Charlotte Martin Foundation Cinnabar Foundation DavidF.&SaraK.WestonFund Donald and Carol Roberts Foundation Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation Harry L. Willett Foundation High Stakes Foundation Izard Family Charitable Trust Kendeda Fund L.E.A.W. Family Foundation Margaret V. Ping Foundation Mary Alice Fortin Foundation for Youth Enrichment My Good Fund Trust Whitmire Foundation Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation
Corporate/Business Donations & Grants Absaroka River Adventure Allegra Print & Imaging Arrow Solutions Group, Inc. Audubon Wildlife Fund of MT Base Camp Bikenet Birds & Beasleys Cabela’s Children’s Clinic, P.C. CHS Refinery, Pipelines & Terminals
Cloud Peak Energy Resources Copper Colander Custom Rod and Flies Dairy Queen-Billings Energy Laboratories, Inc. ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Company Fact and Fiction Family of Fabric Fast Jet Distribution, LLC First Interstate BancSystem Foundation Food Services of America General Mills Foundation Good Earth Market Hanson Chemical, Inc. Intermountain Distributing Co. Intermountain Food Brokerage Johnny Carino’s Juliano’s Kenco Security & Technology Mackenzie River Pizza McCall Development, Inc. Meadow Gold Montana Cycling and Ski Montana’s Rib and Chop House Mosaic Threads NaturEner USA, LLC Ninkasi Brewing Company NorthWestern Energy Oasis Health Spa Party Time Plus Patagonia Outlet Dillon Pepsi The Planet 106.7 FM Prudential Foundation RKD Marketing LLC Royal Bank of Canada Saturn Resource Management Scheel’s
Seafoods of the World Spoke Shop Stonefly Studio Sunburst Consulting, Inc. Sunshine Sports Toyota–Audubon TogetherGreen Partnership Valley Bank of Helena Venture Theatre Walkers Grill Walmart-West Weschenfelder Feedlot, Inc. Western Awards & Engraving Wild Birds Unlimited Yellowstone Cellars & Winery
Agency Partners Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center Big Horn County Library City of Billings Parks & Recreation City of Lewistown Bozeman Public Library Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation Flathead Conservation District Montana Association of Conservation Districts MT Dept. of Admin, Labor & Industry MT Dept. of Environmental Quality MT Dept. of Natural Resources & Conservation MT Dept. of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Northern Great Plains Joint Venture U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Lewistown
U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Montana State Office U.S. Bureau of Reclamation U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Forest Service, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest U.S. Forest Service, Gallatin National Forest U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service
Friendship House of Christian Service Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming HawkWatch International Huntley Project Cub Scout Pack 77 Interfaith Hospitality Network of Yellowstone County Kid Country Child Development Center Kid Kollege Preschool Day Care Mile High United Way Organizations and Educational Institutions Mission Ridge Montana Beef Council Absaroka-Beartooth Montana Loon Society Wilderness Foundation Montana Wilderness Ahead of the Curve Child Association Development Center Montana State University American Prairie Reserve National Audubon Society Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pryor Public School Yellowstone County Billings High School District #2 Raptor View Research Institute Billings Unitarian Universalist Red Lodge Clay Center Fellowship Rimrock Opera Blue Creek Elementary Seeley Lake Organization of School District #3 Teachers Boy Scouts Pack #81 Shepherd Elementary School Broadwater School PTA Sunshine Academy Building Blocks Early Wildlife Society, Montana Learning Center Chapter CanyonCreekSchoolDistrict#4 WJH Bird Resources Chefs and Cooks of Montana Wyola Elementary School Education Foundation District Billings Public Schools Yellowstone Art Museum Elysian School District #23 Yellowstone Boys and Girls Fleming Scout Troop Ranch Foys to Blacktail Trails Yellowstone River Parks Lewistown Friends of the Association Trail
Few tributes are as lasting as a gift that helps preserve Montana’s birds and their habitats. We owe a special thanks to those of you who have recently made a gift in memory of: Al Bishop, Sue Clark, Anne Cowan, Helen Downing, George Engler, Arlene Hilden, Ron Hoffman, Thomas Hurtle, Elizabeth Johnston, Carol Kinney, Don Marble, Dr. Robert McGuire, Mary Munsell, Lisa Pena, Rick Pope, Jean Smith, Suzann Stickney, and Gordon Weber.
You can ensure an abundant future for Montana’s birds and wildlife. Please remember Montana Audubon in your estate plans.
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also see Swainson’s Hawks, Prairie Falcons, Golden Kevin Rim Important Bird Area, Northcentral Montana, July 19–21, 2013 Eagles, American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern
Harriers, and more. The area is known for its prominent evin Rim Important Bird Area (IBA) is known sandstone cliffs and outcrops associated with steep, to have many nesting raptors. Join us for a eroded hillsides. weekend of exploring the rims, where young raptors This trip will focus on viewing raptors, but we should be still in or near their nests. We will also visit will also bird in the pothole wetlands west of the IBA, the adjacent wind farm that became operational in where we should uncover several varieties of ducks, as December 2012. well as waders and marsh birds. In addition, we’ll look
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for prairie and sagebrush species.
Your guides will include Montana Audubon Executive Director Steve Hoffman, who is an expert on raptor identification, and Program Director Janet Ellis, who spent much time in the last year working to keep wind turbines as far as possible from raptor nests. The cost is $485/person, which includes double occupancy lodging (single supplement $100), meals, and transportation from Great Falls. A $150/person deposit reserves your place. Ferruginous Hawk nest. Photo by Kristi DuBois.
Kevin Rim IBA has the highest density of Ferruginous Hawks nesting in Montana. We should
All tours are first come, first served. For more information, visit mtaudubon.org/birdwatching/ tours.html. For reservations: call Montana Audubon 406-443-3949 or email norane@mtaudubon.org.
Our remaining efforts were spent on other environmental protection issues, including clean water, renewable energy, and our constitutional right to a ‘clean and healthful environment.’ In this category most bills that weakened environmental regulations were defeated or neutralized; bills that increased environmental protections were also defeated. That said, several bills reached the Governor’s desk—and we are hoping they get vetoed. “This legislature was an incredible amount of work,” noted Ellis. “And I know our work made a difference—maintaining the status quo is a significant victory.”
Montana Audubon’s lobbying team, Janet Ellis and Justin Sakalis. MA photo.
To learn more about Audubon’s work at the 2013 Legislature, including specifics about legislation, visit our website or contact Janet Ellis at jellis@mtaudubon.org or (406) 443-3949.
How Did Your Legislators Vote? Our voting record is available through our office or website: mtaudubon.org.
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B
o Walker, a senior at Rocky Mountain College, is in his third year of assisting teacher-naturalists at the Audubon Center. Bo began as a paid Campus Corps member in 2010, assisting with school field trips, after-school programs, in-school classes, and a family wilderness survival program. These days, he is still helping out—as a volunteer. Bo said, “I really enjoy spending time with the kids and encouraging younger generations to get outside and learn to value nature. Aside from all the fun I have, I think it’s important to volunteer. It’s always a good thing to give back to the community that gives so much to us.” Bo is studying environmental science and environmental policy management at Rocky. His education has included conducting fish surveys and amphibian research in the Beartooth Mountains, and visiting Churchill, Manitoba, to study arctic ecology and polar bears. He is looking forward to a July trip to Tanzania to study African conservation and ecology. Bo’s favorite activities at the Center are leading bird hikes and helping kids learn to canoe and catch turtles. He said, “Spending time at the Audubon Center is enjoyable and meaningful. I like learning from the Center staff. Everyone is friendly, and willing to help me learn. My time at the ACEC has shown me the importance of teaching in my life. I plan
to attend graduate school while serving in the Peace Corps. Eventually, I would like to wind up in education. Kids are fun to work with and I think that creating a strong conservation ethic and love of the natural world starts at an early age. I’d like to be a part of that process in the future.”
A Plateful of Birds Have you noticed the growing number of eye-catching Bird Habitat license plates? Sporting several favorite Montana bird species— American Avocet, Ruddy Duck, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and a trio of Black-billed Magpies—the attractive design is becoming more popular each year. Purchasing this license plate means you are directly supporting our work to ensure long-term protection for critical wildlife habitat. Make a meaningful impact for the birds of Montana by choosing the Bird Habitat license plate. The initial cost is $35, with an annual renewal rate of $20. It is the easiest way to advertise your passion for birds and their habitats. For more details, visit www.mtaudubon.org/support/store.html#plate.
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ndy Roberts is one of two new “at-large” Montana Audubon board members. Andy hails from England; he retired two years ago from a successful career in corporate finance with a multinational consumer products company. Since permanently relocating in 2011 to Big Sky, Montana, Andy has become quite an avid birder, exclaiming, “Birds are the most accessible wildlife out there!”
forward to achieve its vision and goals. Andy truly appreciates Montana’s diverse and abundant wildlife and wild areas. He currently serves most capably on the board’s Finance Committee.
Looking for Treasures for Public Policy!
Changing of the Guard:
Andy joined us last summer on the Madison Valley Important Bird Area, where he was thrilled to hold one of five captive-reared Trumpeter Swan cygnets being released into the newly restored O’Dell Creek wetlands.
Andy is particularly fond of raptors—this became obvious last fall when he joined Steve on a vigorous trek to the crest of the Bridger Mountains to witness Shortly after Andy met the autumn procession of eagles and hawks. It was an Montana Audubon’s Steve awesome day, with 83 migrant raptors tallied! Hoffman, he expressed a In addition to birding, Andy enjoys fly-fishing, strong desire to become “more than a passive supporter” of Montana Audubon skiing, traveling, and playing the guitar. He shares by serving actively on the board of directors. Andy’s his passion for conservation and the outdoors with his leadership experience and background in project wife, Karen, two children, and four grandkids. management will certainly help move the organization Welcome to the Montana Audubon family, Andy!
Art, pottery, bird feeders and houses, and homemade cookies, preserves, and more—be creative!— are all needed for the Silent Auction at Montana Audubon’s Bird Festival, June 7–9, in Lewistown. New items preferred. This year’s Silent Auction will benefit our public policy program. Simply deliver your item(s) to a Montana Audubon office, or bring it with you to the Bird Festival. Thanks for your generous contributions!
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Incoming & Outgoing Board Members
Welcome incoming Montana Audubon Board members! Sumner Sharpe (Last Chance Audubon chapter delegate), returning board member Nora Gray (Upper Missouri Breaks chapter delegate), and at-large board members Heidi Youmans and Andy Roberts (see “Board Spotlight,” above). Outgoing board members include: Coburn Currier (Last Chance Audubon alternate) and Wayne “Wano” Urbonas (Sacajawea Audubon delegate). We will miss each of you—your dedicated service to Montana Audubon and its important mission is greatly valued and appreciated!
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oing out birding this summer? Remember how fun it is to tell someone what you saw? You can help all birds in a very simple way: share your Montana sightings. Your report helps contribute to our understanding of where birds live, and how their distribution and populations change. There are various methods; simply choose the one you find most effective and convenient (eBird or Tracker/Montana Bird Distribution), and voilá, your findings are shared.
NPS photo.
This summer’s primary volunteer field project involves looking for Black Swifts nesting behind waterfalls in western Montana. Hop on our website (www.mtaudubon.org/birds/citizen.html#blsw) to find more information on this project (mileage reimbursement available), as well as additional citizen science programs we love to support.
Reward That Hard Work: Call for Nominations Please nominate a deserving individual for Montana Audubon’s annual awards, to be presented at our June 7–9 Bird Festival in Lewistown. Lifetime Achievement Award – for work in a local Audubon Chapter and/or for Montana Audubon. Educator of the Year – for exceptional skills teaching about wildlife and habitat conservation. Conservationist of the Year – for significantly contributing to wildlife conservation in Montana. Citizen Scientist of the Year – for meaningfully expanding our knowledge through bird observations. Special Achievement Award – for extraordinary commitment on a special project or activity. Nominations must be received by May 22, 2013 (by email, mail, or fax). For more information and nomination forms, visit mtaudubon.org/about/ awards.html. Questions? Contact Janet Ellis (406443-3949 or jellis@mtaudubon.org). Last year Bob Lopp (left) received Montana Audubon’s Lifetime Achievement Award. MA photo.
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