Outdoor news
Glacier National Park Conservancy retail store
Glacier National Park Conservancy opened their retail sales outlet on the U.S. 2 strip in Columbia Falls on Nov. 1 with plans for special shopping opportunities in November and December. The store will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Purchases will help fund projects in Glacier Park. For more information, visit online at http://glacierconservancy.org.
Bird watching
Flathead Audubon will host a search for migratory birds in the Flathead Valley on Sunday morning, Nov. 10. The route will depend on weather and recent bird sightings. Meet trip leaders Leslie Kehoe and Bob Lee at 8 a.m. at the Somers Park ‘n’ Ride at U.S. 93 and Highway 82. To register, call 837-4467 after 5 p.m. as space is limited.
Park talk on carnivores
Wildlife biologist and author Cristina Eisenberg will present a free talk on “Saving All the Pieces: Large Carnivores in the Crown of the Continent and Beyond” at Montana House, in Apgar Village, in Glacier National Park, on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 4 p.m. Eisenberg holds a doctorate in forestry and wildlife and teaches ecological restoration and natural resources policy. Her presentation will be based on her forthcoming book, “The Carnivore Way: Conserving and Coexisting with America’s Carnivores” and her scientific research. Seating is limited so reservations are needed by calling 406-888-5393.
Flathead Lake license plates
A specialty license plate program has raised more than $118,000 to support the University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station and its Flathead Lake Monitoring Program. The funds were collected over the past six years from Montanans who pay a small donation with their annual vehicle registration. The specialty plate features a depiction of Flathead Lake. About $50,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor as part of a Lake Monitoring Challenge Grant — for each dollar raised up to $1 million, the donor will contribute an equal amount. Additional funds collected via license plate fees and other donations from the community during the next year will also be matched. For more information, visit online at www2.umt.edu/flbs/Community/KeepItBlue.aspx.
Wolf ruling comments
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking comments on proposed amendments to rules that would allow landowners or their agents, without a hunting license, to take a wolf that is a potential threat to human safety, livestock or pets. The proposed amendments would provide a means to carry out a new state law while ensuring the lawful take and reporting is formally defined and authorized. A public hearing on the proposed amendments will take place at FWP’s Region 1 office, 490 North Meridian Road, in Kalispell, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. Copies of the draft rule and comment forms are available online at www.fwp.mt.gov. Click “Public Notices.” Public comment will be accepted through Dec. 20. A final rule will considered for approval by the commission in spring 2014. For more information, call 406-444-2612, or visit online at www.fwp.mt.gov.
Glacier Park entrance fee waived
Entrance fees to Glacier National Park will be waived on Veterans Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, Nov. 10-12, in honor of those who serve and have served in the U.S. military. The National Park Service will offer a free annual pass to active duty military members and their dependents at 400 national parks and other federal recreation sites across the U.S.
Bob Marshall fundraiser
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation will host its seventh annual Voices of the Wilderness art exhibit and silent auction at the Alpine Ballroom, 333 Main Street, in Kalispell, on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. with an art exhibit, silent auction and fundraiser highlighting participants in the Artist-Wilderness-Connections program. Tickets are $15 available online at www.bmwf.org/events.html or at the door.
Whitefish Mountain Films
Bluebird Guides and Outside Media will host Whitefish Mountain Films at the Kalispell Eagles Club in Kalispell on Friday, Nov. 8, with doors opening at 6 p.m., films starting at 7 p.m. and an after-party and concert at the Eagles Club, and at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on Saturday, Nov. 9, with doors opening at 5 p.m., films starting at 6 p.m. and an after-party at the Great Northern Bar. Tickets are $12 per night or $20 for both nights available online at www.whitefishmountainfilms.com or at Outside Media in Columbia Falls. The event is a nonprofit fundraiser for Whitefish Legacy Partners and Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol.