SERIES OVERVIEW
We are thrilled to invite you to the Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit “Continuing the Conversation” Webinar Series: Celebrating Success Stories in Outdoor Recreation, 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 (MAP).
This exciting series aims to highlight successful projects, share best practices, and foster collaboration to address challenges in creating, building, and sustaining Montana’s outdoor recreation experiences. Each webinar will build on the 2023 Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit workshops, featuring success stories from Montana communities, interactive discussions, and practical takeaways.
These webinars are designed to be engaging, informative, and accessible, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies. They will be FREE, virtual, and recorded for on-demand viewing so you can participate at your convenience.
Get Grant Ready: A Success Story
Join us as we feature how "Get Grant Ready and Pitchfest" turned a small-town Montana dream into an outdoor recreation success story. Learn how they leveraged the workshop’s process and template to gain crucial community backing and secure funding for their project.
November 14th | 12 PM MST
Unleashing the Power of Data-Driven Storytelling
How can data storytelling make a difference? Join us to hear from data experts and community organizers as they share practical strategies for turning data into engaging stories and why it matters. Learn how to leverage insights to boost support and secure funding to create a lasting impact in your community.
December 12th | 12 PM MST
Indigenous Collaboration in Outdoor Recreation
Gain valuable insights from Indigenous leaders as they discuss the importance of cultural relationships in successful collaborative outdoor recreation projects. Learn firsthand how integrating cultural heritage and traditional knowledge with recreation and conservation efforts can create more inclusive, respectful, and meaningful experiences for all.
January 16th | 12 PM MST
Harmony in the Wild: Strategies for Mitigating Human/Wildlife Conflict
As the boundaries between human activity and wildlife habitats continue to overlap, finding practical and sustainable solutions for mitigating conflicts becomes paramount. Join us to hear from groups leading the charge, sharing effective strategies and solutions for resolving these challenges.
February 20th | 12 PM MST
Episode Sponsor:
Inclusive Recreation: Enhancing Accessibility for All in Your Community
Learn how to make outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive for everyone in your community. Our speakers will share practical strategies that helped them break down barriers and create welcoming spaces for all.
March 13th | 12 PM MST
INVITED SPEAKERS
Get Grant Ready: A Success Story
Kara Maplethorpe, Rural Initiatives Manager, Heart of the Rockies Initiative
Kara is the Rural Initiatives Manager for the Heart of the Rockies Initiative. Kara has worked for over eight years in rural southwest Montana, collaborating with communities on locally-driven projects. Through the Rural Initiatives Program, Kara collaborates with rural Montana and Tribal communities to provide technical assistance to articulate, fund, and implement community-driven projects. She enjoys listening, learning and collaborating with people of various perspectives, as well as finding opportunities to amplify community voices while setting the stage for future generations. When she isn't working, Kara loves adventuring in the outdoors with her dog, or curling up with a good book.
Jackson Lee, Marshall Mountain Park Manager, Missoula County Parks, Trails and Open Lands
COMING SOON!
Unleashing the Power of Data-Driven Storytelling
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
Indigenous Collaboration in Outdoor Recreation
Kqyn Kuka, Tribal Liaison and Diversity Coordinator, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Kqyn Kuka joined Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks as a field game warden in 2007, when only two female wardens served in the department. She has since championed gender equality, inclusion, and diversity, empowering women through conflict resolution and fostering open, inclusive communication. After 12 years, she became the first female sergeant in the department's history. Now, as the Tribal Liaison and Diversity Coordinator, Kqyn, a Blackfeet woman, facilitates relationships between Montana’s sovereign nations and the state. Her work ensures tribal voices are heard alongside state representatives, fostering partnerships in natural resource management and advocating for Montana's diverse populations.
COMING SOON!
Harmony in the Wild: Strategies for Mitigating Human/Wildlife Conflict
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
Inclusive Recreation: Enhancing Accessibility for All in Your Community
Kayla Mosher, Montana Outreach Coordinator, Kaniksu Land Trust
Kayla has a degree in Parks/Tourism/Recreation Management from the University of Montana. She has a long history of working with people with disabilities through Special Olympics, Challenge Aspen, independent living, developmental disability services, and many more volunteer projects. Kayla works for Kaniksu Land Trust, bringing all people together outdoors through conservation and recreation. She lives in Thompson Falls, MT with her husband, 2 kids, 3 dogs, and pack of cats.
Brenden Dalin, Adaptive Rec Specialist, Summit Independent Living
I hold a BS in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Montana. During my studies, I worked with MonTECH's Montana Access to Outdoor Recreation (MATOR) loan program, providing recreational equipment to Montanans with disabilities. I spent 9 years as a Peer Advocate with Summit Independent Living, focusing on peer support, transitional assistance, and outdoor access. My practicum involved designing a universal trail for Five Valleys Land Trust. In 2020, I completed a course in universal trail design and later assisted in managing a trail project near Placid Lake State Park. I secured a grant to extend this trail, which was completed in 2022. I now serve as the Independent Living & Recreation Specialist for Summit Independent Living, collaborating to enhance outdoor access.
