Montana Wilderness Association

Since 1958, the spirited people of Montana Wilderness Association have worked tirelessly to protect Montana’s wilderness, wildlife habitat, and traditional recreation opportunities. Our members were instrumental in the passage of the 1964 Federal Wilderness Act and in the designation of every Wilderness area in the state. Our campaigns include the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, Rocky Mountain Front, Scotchman Peaks, along with efforts associated with the Sleeping Giant. Complementing these efforts to gain new protections, our members continue to work daily to ensure state and national agencies appropriately identify and manage all wild lands in Montana. They are experts at Forest and Travel Planning, building relationships, and helping people enjoy traditional recreation opportunities. Montana Wilderness Association is the largest grassroots organization in Montana with 5500 members. MWA thrives because its members participate in all aspects of MWA’s activities by leading Wilderness Walks, communicating their personal experiences and values to government officials regarding Forest Planning, drilling, development, etc., leading wilderness education and safety classes, and participating in the leadership of the organization. Our membership is organized into local Chapters in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena and Kalispell. Our staff works at the local level through Outreach Coordinators in Great Falls and Helena and Wilderness Campaign Directors in Choteau, Missoula, Helena and Kalispell. The main office and other staff are in Helena. A volunteer State Council, elected by the membership, sets strategy and direction for the organization.