September 25-29, 2012 Missoula, Montana Recreation and Parks

MONTANA AND IDAHO Recreation and Parks Associations 2012 Conference

September 25-29, 2012 Missoula, Montana

AND Hosted by: Outside Montana Recreation & Parks Assn. www.mtrpa.info 406-552-6271 Idaho Recreation & Parks Assn. Active www.irpa-idaho.org Missoula Parks and Recreation Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks University of Montana Our Montana Inc. Destination Missoula Missoula Children and Nature

Program Tracks

Professional Development Track

MHHS Pool Rules & ADA and VGB: Making Sense of the “Alphabet for Compliance” at Your Pools W 10 - 11:15 a.m.

The Power of Partnerships: Milltown State Park/ Blackfoot River Tour W 1:45 - 6 p.m.

Implementing Social Media & Technology in Parks and Recreation TH 10 - 11:15 a.m. Partnerships and Creative Funding TH 2:45 - 4 p.m. Mountain Pine Beetle’s Impact on Maintaining Quality Outdoor Recreation Facilities F 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Park and Trail Design Standards F 10 - 11:15 a.m.

Missoula Parks and Recreation Park Tour F 12:45 - 3:30 p.m. Outside & Active… Vision and Relevance Track Missoula Style Saving Money with Green Practices W 1:45 - 6 p.m. Views and Vistas Close To Identifying, Recognizing and Promoting the Benefits of Parks , Trails and Recreation TH 10 - 11:15 a.m.

Downtown Missoula Navigating the Politic al Scene: How to W ork with Boards and Elec ted Officials TH 1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

How to Plan a “Sunday Streets” Event (Closing Streets to Cars for a Day) TH 2:45 - 4 p.m. Visit Mount Jumbo’s “L” Children and Nature Track trail from the Cherry St. trailhead off of Van Buren, Social Norming: Marketing for Changes in Behavior W 10 - 11:15 a.m. just about a mile northeast Nature Nearby W 1:45 - 6 p.m. of the Holiday Inn. The 1.5 Best Practices: Toolkits for Your Communities TH 10 - 11:15 a.m. mile trail offers views of 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. Moving a Movement: Working Group On The Children & Nature Movement TH the Missoula, the Clark 2:45 - 4 p.m. Fork River and Rattlesnake Healthy Built Communities Wilderness Area. Healthy Built Communities/Trails Tour W 1:45 - 6 p.m. Making the Connection between YOUR Health and the Built Environment TH 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. For a longer walk, drive Multiple Use Trail Systems: Conflict of Cooperation? TH 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. about 2.5 miles north on Complete Neighborhoods and Complete Networks Lead to Healthier Communities TH 2:45 - 4 p.m. Van Buren/Rattlesnake Interactive Mapping Solutions- Increase Your GIS Skills F 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. Dr., turn right on Lincoln Hills Drive, and follow the Trail Safety and Ethics Program F 10 - 11:15 a.m. road to its end at Mount Safe Routes to Schools Projects in Missoula F 12:45 - 3:30 p.m. Jumbo‘s Saddle Road. The The Value of Volunteers trailhead offers a variety of Volunteer Management F 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. hiking or biking options. “Friends of Parks” Groups - Success Through Cooperation and Coordination S 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

National Public Lands Day Field Sessions S 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Waterworks Hill on the Wildlands and Open Spaces North Hills Open Space features great views of the Local Tour of Missoula’s Open Space System W 1:45 - 6 p.m. Missoula valley. From Balancing Recreation Opportunities with Conservation Goals TH 10 - 11:15 a.m. downtown, head north on Best Management Practices for Wildlands TH 1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Madison Street to Duncan Making the Case for Nature Education in a Changing World F 10: - 11:15 a.m. Drive. The trailhead is on Travelers’ Rest State Park: Connecting with “The Place” F 12:45 - 3:30 p.m. the west side of Duncan Drive, just past the I-90 underpass.

Schedule At A Glance Tuesday, September 25

Tuesday, September 25, 2012 MRPA Strategic Planning Meeting 8:30‐11:30 am

Headwaters Meeting Rm., Currents Aquatics Center, McCormick Park. 8:30 -11:30 a.m.: MRPA Strategic Planning Meeting Parks and Recreation Headquarters, McCormick Park Conference Golf Tournament 12‐6 pm 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Golf Tournament, Canyon River Golf Club Canyon River Golf Club, 1268 Bandmann Trail. The 6900-yard par 72 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Outside & Active, McCormick Park course at Canyon River meanders through towering pines and native 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Kick Off Social, Press Box Sports Bar grasslands. Numerous lakes and riparian marshes located throughout the property come into play on seven holes. From the beginning golfer Wednesday, September 26, 2012 to the avid player, the course will be an enjoyable experience for all.

7:00—8:15 a.m.: Check-In & Breakfast, Continental Breakfast, Hall B Outside and Active 3‐5 pm 8:15 - 9:45 a.m.: General Session 1 McCormick Park - Ropes Course, Folf, Biking and Swimming At Cur- 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.:Breakout Session 1 rents Aquatics Center 1:45 - 6:00 p.m.: Educational Tours 1 Dakota Fence & Associated Pool Builders 6:00 -10:00 p.m.: Evening Events, Lubrecht Experimental Forest Kick‐Off Social 6:30‐8:30 pm Thursday, September 27, 2012 Press Box Sports Bar, 835 E. Broadway. Pizza, appetizers.

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast (Continental Breakfast, Hall B) 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.: General Session 2 10:00 -11:15 a.m.: Breakout Session 2 1:15 -2:30 p.m.: Breakout Session 3 2:45 - 4:00 p.m.: Breakout Session 4 4:30 - 9:00 p.m.: Evening Events, Holiday Inn, Riverfront Patio Friday, September 28, 2012

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast, Continental Breakfast, Hall B 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.: Special Breakout Session 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.: Breakout Session 5 10:00 -11:15a.m.: Breakout Session 6 12:45 - 3:30 p.m.: Educational Tours 2 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Evening Events, Kiwanis Park Saturday, September 29, 2012

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast (Buffet Breakfast, Hall B) These great local websites will show you where to go: Destination Missoula Missoula Parks and Recreation 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.: General Session 3 Missoulian Hike Bike Run Guide Make It Missoula 10 - 11:15 a.m.: Breakout Session 7 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 2 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: National Public Land Day Events

Wednesday, September 26

7-8:15 a.m., Check-In, Continental Breakfast Outside & Active… Join us for conference check-in and a light breakfast in Hall B. Missoula Style From downtown Missoula, you’re just a few 8:15‐ 9:45 am General Session 1 minutes from a beautiful mountain hike, a gourmet meal, a night on the town or a Welcome To Missoula rockin’ bike ride. Look for Missoula Parks Speaker: Mayor John Engen. John Engen, Missoula’s 50th mayor, was elected and Recreation staffers wearing the City of in 2005 in a race that began with six candidates. He ran unopposed and was re- Missoula logo—we’ll happily direct you to elected on Nov. 3, 2009. Since taking office in 2006, Engen made good on his the best our city has to offer. promise to pass an open space bond for Missoula and worked with Missoula For a quick workout and an incredible view County to help ensure that important lands in and out of the city were pro- of the Missoula valley, climb .75 miles to tected for our generation and those who inherit this special place. Before serv- the “M” on Mount Sentinel. You'll climb a ing as mayor, Engen served a term as a City Council member, was an award- steep, zigzag path with 11 switchbacks and winning writer and editor for the city’s daily newspaper, owned and operated his own small business gain 620 feet in elevation. From the Holi- and volunteered for a variety of Missoula’s nonprofit organizations. day Inn, head east on Front Street, across Madison, to the Van Buren Pedestrian Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Wild Lands bridge, about .4 miles. Cross the footbridge and the Health of Our Society and follow Campus Drive to the east, Track: Vision and Relevance around Washington-Grizzly stadium, to the How do parks, outdoor recreation and wild lands affect public health and well-being? M trailhead. Learning Outcomes

 Parks & outdoor recreation areas and programs positively affect our physical and psychological Relax and Unwind health. At Currents Aquatics Center  Wild land’s greatest value is beyond the dollar sign. Missoula Parks and Recreation cordially  Getting children outside and active relies on public areas and programs. invites you to enjoy Currents Aquatics Cen- Speaker: Rick Potts, Project Leader, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, has served as the ter during conference week—on us! National Park Service’s Chief of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation, Chief of the NPS Wilderness Just a short walk along the Riverfront Trail Stewardship and Recreation Management Division, and NPS National Wilderness Training Program from the Holiday Inn, Currents features a Manager. He has also worked in Resource Management at NPS sites in Hawaii, Alaska, and Virginia. 20-yard lap and leisure pool, resistance current channel, sparkling spa, children’s We Have Wealth, Let’s Keep It water playground, two exciting waterslides Track: Vision and Relevance Montana has a history of transferring its wealth out of state. A 2011 study, commissioned by the Mon- and full-service locker rooms. Take a swim, work out, or warm up in the hot tub—just tana Community Foundation, found that in the next 50 years, $122 billion will transfer from one Mon- show your conference ID at Currents Front tana generation to another. What could we do if just 5 percent of that stayed here, permanently en- Desk for free admission September 25-29. dowed? What would we do with an extra $305 million a year to support charitable work and community development? Learn more about where the transfer will take place first. Understand why there is Currents Aquatics Center is located in a sense of urgency in capturing some of this wealth before it leaves the state permanently. McCormick Park at 600 Cregg Lane. It’s open daily, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 8 Learning Outcomes a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6  Vast sources of funds available. p.m. Sunday. Call 721-PARK for more in-  Trusts through endowments. formation or visit us on the web at  How to justify endowments. www.missoulaparks.org. Speaker: Linda Reed moved to Montana in 1992 to become the president of a Helena bank. She sub- sequently joined the administration of Governor Marc Racicot as his economic development adviser. She worked for U.S. West in its’ Policy and Law division before joining the Foundation as its’ executive officer. Linda has served on many boards of arts and economic development nonprofits. She recently purchased a retail building on Last Chance Gulch (Helena’s main street) and converted the sec- ond-story warehouse to her residence. Yarn, fabric, wool and thread are the tools of her imagination.

Wednesday, September 26

10:00‐ 11:15 am ‐ Break‐out Session 1 Dennis Longknife, Energy Director for the Fort Belknap Indian Commu- nity, developed a Strategic Energy Planning Workgroup to draft a energy plan for his community. He recently completed retrofits by replacing old Health Department Pool Rules, ADA and VGB light fixtures with energy efficient lights, ballasts, and fixtures, into tribal Making sense of the “alphabet for compliance” at your pools program buildings and a Community Solar Project that involved installing Track: Professional Development solar panels in the community. Get to know the new official copy of the Montana State Pool rules, and Social Norming: Marketing For Changes In Behavior understand where to go to be sure your facility meets the national VGB and Track: Children and Nature ADA regulations. This session will take the form of a guided discussion aimed at best under- Learning Outcomes standing and addressing misconceptions about children’s outdoor activity  Become familiar with the finalized version of the new code and the up- levels. In identifying misconceptions, marketing strategies that resonate and dates that were made in the past year. educate will be shared and methods of delivery will be discussed.  Receive information on how to bring your facility into compliance with Learning Outcomes: the new Americans with Disabilities Act alterations and the Virginia  Will understand the need for promoting behavioral change in order to Grahme-Baker Act. reverse a trend.  Learn of the challenges of other pool operators as they work to under-  Will recognize strong campaigns that have worked with kids in the past. stand and meet the new requirements. Speakers: Roundtable Discussion Moderated by Lisa Bickell, Montana Speaker: Paul Reeves, R.S. – DPHHS Pools, Spas, Aquatic Features Pro- Natural History Center Education Director, and Dave McKay, Owner/ gram Manager. Born and raised in Minnesota, Paul began his Environ- Creative Director, Dave McKay Design. mental Heath career there in 1988. In 1992, he began working for the Equipment Demo town of Vail, Colorado as the environmental health specialist. In March, In Bess Reed Park, meet at Holiday Inn southwest corner entrance. Join 2010 he started work with the State of Montana, and in December of that two local equipment dealers, Forest Dean of Midland Implement and Bill year became Swimming Pools Program Manager. In this time, he has done Jones of Triple W Equipment to learn how their equipment can benefit his best to modify the program to both protect public health and make the your city. Each dealer will be demonstrating at least one piece of equip- rules more easily achievable. ment. They will also be on hand after the breakout session to answer questions about their entire line of equipment. See more from these vendors Saving Money with Green Practices during the lunch break at September 27 lunch at Caras Park. Track: Vision and Relevance Local parks managers of the 21st century will need to run facilities in a 11:30—1 p.m., MT and ID RPA Business Luncheons more cost effective way to counter rising operating costs, tighter budgets, and the increased demands of the facilities and services. This session will inform you of ways that park managers have found to decrease energy, 1:45‐6 p.m. ‐ Educational Tours 1 water, fuel, and product use in a way that helps sustain their department and the environment at the same time. Speakers will cover energy audits, Healthy Built Communities/Trails Tour which retro-fits produced the greatest savings (including light systems, Track: Healthy Built Communities irrigation systems, plumbing, and HVAC), forming green teams, and moti- Join Missoula’s Parks and Trails Development Manager Dave Shaw on a 4- vating employees to reduce waste. mile bike tour of the Milwaukee Trail. Borrow a Dasani Blue Bike from Parks and Recreation or ride your own bike. We’ll discuss different styles Learning Outcomes of mid-block crossings, way-finding and traffic signage, and view the new  Learn how parks are reducing their water use and water costs; LED trail lighting installed this summer. We’ll also discuss how the trail  Learn which energy savings upgrades have the quickest payback; was designed to fit into the fabric of a neighborhood and some common public perceptions (positive and negative) regarding the project. Ride the  Learn about employee Green Teams to help reduce waste and increase shuttle to McCormick Park if you didn’t bring your bike. Fall weather in recycling. Missoula can be unpredictable, rain gear is recommended. Speakers: Kelly Williams graduated from MSU in 2003 with a BS in Civil Learning Outcomes: Engineering. He worked at Stahly Engineering in Helena from 2003, where  Understand how different types of trail amenities can be linked to create his main duties included water, wastewater, and storm water system de- a seamless and unified trail experience. Look at different mid-block sign. In 2010, Kelly joined Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Design and crossing designs and their effectiveness. Construction Division, designing, managing, and overseeing construction  Understand the basic principles of way-finding in an urban trail corridor and maintenance projects in our 54 state parks. – how to use signage, materials, plantings and more. (continued)

Wednesday, September 26

 Understand some of the basic challenges of trail right-of-way acquisition Missoula Open Space Tour for urban trails and the importance of neighborhood involvement. Track: Wildlands and Open Space Tour two of Missoula's most beloved Open Space parcels. Waterworks Hill Speaker: As Missoula Parks and Recreation’s Parks and Trails Develop- is located in Missoula's North Hills and provides examples of local partner- ment Manager since 2005, Dave plans and designs Missoula’s new park and ships between private and public entities to balance conservation of unique trail facilities. He has a M.S. in Landscape Architecture from the University native plant communities with recreational use. The Tower St. Conserva- of Washington and has a passion for public spaces, parks and active trans- tion Area, located above the confluence of the Bitterroot and Clark Fork portation. He was lead staff for the design and public process for the Mil- Rivers, is a cottonwood floodplain and a bird watcher's paradise. Trials and waukee Trail – Russell to Reserve project. tribulations of managing a trail system in an active floodplain will be discussed. Come prepared to hike about 3 miles on moderate to flat terrain, 1:45‐6 p.m. ‐ Educational Tours 1 (continued) and bring water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. Learning Outcomes The Power of Partnerships: Milltown State Park and  Identification of local native and non-native flora and fauna. Blackfoot River Tour  Review resource management on grassland and riparian areas. Track: Professional Development  History and future of open space acquisition in the Missoula Valley. Tour new and future-planned river-based recreation facilities at the Mill- town State Park. Now under development, the new state park aims to Speaker: Missoula Parks and Recreation’s Conservations Lands Manager accommodate a wide range of recreational interests, among them floating, Morgan Valliant has a B.S. from UM in biology and a M.S. from WSU in boating, hiking, biking and fishing, as well as to interpret the area’s rich plant community ecology. He has been actively involved with restoration of natural and human heritage. Tour leader Michael Kustudia will offer a brief native plant communities in Western Montana for 13 years. For the past site history and discuss project planning processes, construction challenges, five years he has served as Missoula Parks and Recreation’s Conservation and unique management needs such as liability, partnerships, volunteers, Lands Manager where he is responsible for managing natural and recreational resources across 4000 acres of public open space. maintenance and monitoring.

Learning Outcomes Nature Nearby Tour  Managing partnerships -concrete examples of how many partners Track: Children and Nature worked to bring the State Park to fruition. Fort Missoula Native Plants Garden and Clark Fork School at Tom Green & Pineview Parks. Tour local parks and gardens in order to understand how  Guiding the flow of funding - on the ground examples of creative fund- spaces are designed and managed to promote nature play and unstructured ing sources to accomplish goals. play. Discuss design principles and explain the planning processes, intended Speaker: Michael Kustudia is the manager of Milltown State Park near and actual uses, and outcomes. Missoula. Prior to joining Montana State Parks in 2010, he spent more than Learning Outcomes: a decade in the nonprofit world, worked as a resource management ranger  Understand how to plan and design kid-friendly natural play spaces. with the National Park Service, guided river trips in Grand Teton and Gla-  View the ways that youth choose to utilize particular elements within cier National Parks. spaces.  Identify ways that the spaces can serve public and private youth programming needs. Speaker: Marilyn Marler received her BS in biology from UC Davis, and MS in ecology from UM. Marilyn works as the natural areas specialist for the UM and also serves on the Missoula City Council. She's involved in many Montana conservation groups, including the Montana Native Plant Society and the Montana Natural History Center. 6‐10 p.m. Social and Cookout

Hosted by the University of Montana. Join us for a campfire, live music and dinner at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest—a 28,000 acre outdoor classroom and laboratory located 30 miles northeast of Missoula in the beautiful Big Blackfoot River valley of Western Montana. Transportation provided. Missoula’s Waterworks Hill—photo by Becky Goodrich

Thursday, September 27

10:00‐11:15 am Break‐out Session 2

Implementing Social Media & Technology in Parks and Recreation Track: Professional Development GOT Facebook, Twitter, Google, Bing, apps, hotlinks? Is your Parks and Recreation organization’s message, services and recreation program information effectively finding its way to your community? Are you managing and focusing your organization’s social media messages? Social media is becoming a primary means for receiving and sharing information; organizing activities; and alerting others to action. Panelists will share information

Ron MacDonald Riverfront Trail, Missoula on how social media has affected the way their agency does business; what steps were taken to add social media to their agency’s communications plan; how to monitor and message using social media and apps; and provide 7-8 a.m. - Continental Breakfast an introduction to the technical resources needed to get your agency into Join us for a light breakfast in Hall B. social media. 8:30‐9:45 am ‐ General Session 2 Learning Outcomes  Impact of social media – real stories by real people.  Implementing social media – administrative issues for Facebook friends, Making the Connection Twitter, etc. Between YOUR Health and the Built  Messaging – the who, what, where and when, to consider for your so- Environment cial media communications plan. Track: Healthy Built Environment  Linking resources and avoiding potential pit falls – where to find techni- Given the incredible need to inform and engage cal help and apps. stakeholders in the transportation debate, the pub- Speakers: Thurston Elfstrom, Senior Interactive Designer, Montana Of- lic health and active living community is poised to fice of Tourism, Montana Department of Commerce. Thurston and the e- communicate effectively the need for transporta- marketing team develop engaging websites and mobile applications as well tion opportunities that promote physical activity. The presentation will as utilize social media to disseminate Montana travel information while address the importance of safe and affordable transportation options, such continuing to reinforce and articulate the Montana brand through its online as walking and biking infrastructure, trails and public transportation, and marketing efforts. what these mean for health outcomes in our communities. Michael Whitaker, City of Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Learning Outcomes: Director, has worked in the parks and recreation field for over 25 years.  Identify an appropriate transportation issue in their community and find He received a Masters of Public Administration from Wright State Univer- academic evidence and health-related case studies about the issue. sity in 2006 and a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education and  Frame messages to collaboratively work with other stakeholders to find Recreation from Wright State University in 1989. a solution.  Inform and engage community members, practitioners, coalitions, and opinion-leaders on successes and challenges. Speaker: Eloisa Raynault, Transportation, Health and Equity Program Manager, American Public Health Association. In her role as Program Man- ager, Ms. Raynault examines and tracks the impacts of transportation systems and policies on health and equity and shares resources on these topics with APHA’s 50,000 plus members and affiliates. She serves as co-chair of the Transportation Research Board Health and Transportation Subcommit- tee. Ms. Raynault earned her master’s degree in natural resources with a focus on sustainable transportation from Virginia Tech, and her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the George Washington University. Currents Aquatics Center - photo by Jason Pignanelli

Thursday, September 27

10‐11:15 a.m. Break‐out Session 2 (continued) forest management and natural resource consulting. Julia earned her BA from the University of Missouri and MEM/MF from Duke University. Identifying, Recognizing and Promoting Bob Danley is the Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Lee Metcalf Na- tional Wildlife Refuge outside of Missoula, MT where he has worked since The Benefits of Parks, Trails and Recreation 2004. Bob manages the Refuge visitor services program where he works to Track: Vision and Relevance be a catalyst for folks to engage wildlife on every level in ethical and com- How do parks and trails serve to create a healthy tax base, sustain property patible ways. Prior to working at the Lee Metcalf NWR, Bob worked as a values and continue to be a dynamic economic engine in your commu- biological technician at Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge in N. Dakota. nity—even during an economic downturn? We all recognize that parks and trails fill a community need for public outdoor recreation and they promote Morgan Valliant, Conservation Lands Mgr., Missoula Parks & Recreation the health and wellness of our population. This session will help you iden- Best Practices: Toolkits For Your Communities tify the process and provide the necessary information needed to promote Track: Children and Nature the value of parks and trails in your community. We will discuss some of Learn how to use your community’s resources to create an effective and the work that foundations, The Urban Land Institute, The Trust for Public Lands and partnerships have done during this economic downturn that add productive children and nature network. Representatives from two suc- to the awareness and value of our park systems. cessful and growing networks will provide tips on how to start or grow your community network with the goal of connecting children and families Learning Outcomes to nature nearby. Share challenges, learn about strategies to overcome  Parks & Trails Go Beyond The Expected Values Of A Community. those challenges, and network with others who have similar goals.  Making Your Parks & Trails An Economic Engine To Your Community. Learning Outcomes  Acquiring The Necessary ‘Tools’ To Identify, Promote & Sustain The Value Of Your Parks & Trails System.  Understand national strategies for initiating Children & Nature move- ments. Speaker: Doug Eastwood has been the Parks Director for the City of  Learn to action plan based on unique attributes of our Intermountain Coeur d’Alene for the past 30 years. He has acquired land and developed states. 25 of the city’s 30 parks. Doug was the co-founder of the North Idaho Cen- tennial Trail Foundation. He promoted and established the Panhandle Parks  Work within regional groups to assess possibilities for planning at the Foundation which, since 2005, has received and/or transferred over community level $3,000,000 in parkland for the City of Coeur d’Alene. Doug is current Speakers: Amy Stahl, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator, President of the Idaho Recreation and Parks Association. Boise Parks and Recreation; Ian Foster, Instructor, Missoula Outdoor Balancing Recreation With Conservation Goals Learning Adventures. Track: Wildlands and Open Space 11:30—1 p.m., Conference Lunch at Caras Park Visitation at parks and on public lands is increasing, and while recreation has wonderful benefits, it also can cause impacts to wildlife, vegetation, soils, and overall conservation goals for land management. This panel ses- 1:15‐2:30 p.m. ‐ Break‐out Session 3 sion will discuss the growing challenges and demands related to recreating on public lands, and provide ideas and tips on finding that critical balance Navigating the Political Scene: How to Work with between recreation opportunities and conservation goals with program- matic examples, research, and ethics. Boards and Elected Officials Track: Vision and Relevance Learning Outcomes Working with boards, councils and elected officials can challenge the  Engage in a discussion on the growing recreation demands placed on our best of us. With each new election or appointment you can be faced parks and public lands and learn from the speakers and attendees how with a new political environment to work through. Your success is land and recreation managers are working to balance recreation de- tied directly with your ability to communicate with your local deci- mands with conservation goals. sion maker. This session will cover the Five Golden Rules in dealing  Apply current research and data to improve recreation management. with elected officials, roles and responsibilities of a board, ways to  Develop an understanding of recreation ethics and responsible behavior get more out of a board and the art of educating a board. that leads to increased stewardship and conservation of resources. Learning Outcomes Speakers: Julia Kertz Grant is the City of Boise Foothills and Open Space The Five Golden Rules in dealing with elected officials. Manager. Her background is a combination legislative policy, industrial Roles and responsibilities of a board.

Thursday, September 27

Ways to get more out of a board and the art of educating a board. Speaker: David C. Fair is the Director of Parks and Recreation for Post Falls, Idaho. Dave has been a director in Washington State at both the city and county levels. He has served as the Pacific North- west Regional chair for NRPA, and is the Past President of IRPA and was a past Treasurer of WRPA. 1:15‐2:30 p.m. ‐ Break‐out Session 3 (continued)

Moving a Movement: Working Group On The Children & Nature Movement Track: Children and Nature This working group will share and discuss new approaches and next steps in Clark Fork Natural Park, Missoula’s Riverfront the children and nature movement within our region. Topics explored will include: measuring outcomes, social marketing for change, locally driven Jed Little earned a B. A. from Stanford in American Studies and an M.A. programming, and state wide efforts with the Montana Children and Na- from the University of Montana in Geography. He has extensive experience ture Initiative. Participants will have an opportunity to develop practical mapping wildland fires, field cartography, and GIS analysis. For the past 10 and exciting action plans to connect children with the outdoors in their years he has been working for the Missoula County Weed District mapping communities. Continues through Break-Out Session 4, 2:45-4 p.m. weeds, organizing volunteer mapping projects and developing vegetation Learning Outcomes management plans.  Discuss successes of programs and what metrics can be used to compile Multiple Use Trail Systems: meaningful statewide data on kids’ time spend outdoors. Conflict or Cooperation?  Identify ways to engage children and families through informal, commu- Track: Healthy Built Communities nity-based programs. Explore the value of multiple-use trail systems, when they are appropri-  Explore social marketing and public education and discuss how these ate and when they are not. We will discuss options for multiple-use trails efforts can advance the children and nature movement. including design and public education examples that work and why they are successful. Moderated by Ken Soderberg, Interpretive and Volunteer Program Spe- cialist, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks; Lisa Bickell, Montana Natural Learning Outcomes History Center Education Director; Ian Foster, Instructor, Missoula Out- Learn the value of multiple-use trail systems. door Learning Adventures. Learn about successful examples. Learn why they are successful and how to improve multiple-use trails in Best Management Practices for Wildlands your area. Track: Wildlands and Open Space Managing public wildlands and natural areas can be challenging. Developing Speakers: Russ Ehnes is the Executive Director of the National Off- successful land management prescriptions to protect and enhance native Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. Russ was a founding member of habitats involves researching new tools, past experiences and outside input. the Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association and the Great Falls Trail This session will provide examples of land management techniques and Bike Riders Association. Russ has been an active participant in several tools which have been used to manage public lands in western Montana. U.S. Forest Service Travel Planning and Forest Plan Revision processes in Learning Outcomes Montana and in state and federal legislative efforts regarding OHV rec-  Review the benefits and impacts of using domestic sheep to control nox- reation for over twenty years. ious weeds in an effort to restore native plant communities (new re- Jocelyn Dodge graduated from UM in 1982, in Recreation Management. search from Missoula's sheep grazing program.) She has been the Recreation Forester in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Na-  Learn how to use GIS to develop holistic vegetation management strate- tional Forest since 1990. She works to maintain and develop recreation gies, prioritize management actions and estimate management costs. opportunities for diverse recreation opportunities that includes motor- Speakers: Morgan Valliant, Missoula Conservation Lands Manager. ized/non-motorized trails; developed sites, special event permitting, outfitter and guides; and education.

Thursday, September 27

2:45‐4 p.m. ‐ Break‐out Session 4

Partnerships and Creative Funding Track: Professional Development Is your organization facing budget cuts and trying to doing more with less? Are your community’s expectations exceeding your department’s capacity? How do you keep up and meet citizen needs in a down economy? Help may be as close as a local service club, special interest group, or another government agency. In other words: partnerships. Join us in a fast-paced panel discussion of the opportunities, challenges, pitfalls and successes associated with partnerships with parks and recreation agencies.

Learning Outcomes  Partnership Funding, Leveraging, Grants, Fund raising, Volunteers, Donors, Political capital, etc.  Forming Friends Groups to Assist - Setting expectations, standards, and Caras Park on Missoula’s Riverfront. Photo courtesy of Missoula Downtown Association outcomes. A contract agreement sets ground rules of the partnership marriage. How to Plan a “Sunday Streets” Event  Care and Feeding instructions for your leadership committee: meet Track: Vision and Relevance often, action & funding plans, commitment to maintain and support, do Come learn about this exciting new event called “Sunday Streets” or the heavy lifting. “Open Streets” that involves closing downtown streets for a Sunday in Speakers: Michael Whitaker, City of Billings Parks, Recreation and Public order to allow families with young children, seniors and everyone in Lands Director, has worked in the parks and recreation field for over 25 between enjoy complete access to the streets for walking, biking, roller years. He received a Masters of Public Administration from Wright State skating, skate boarding, hula-hooping, and many other fun non- University in 2006 and a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education motorized activities. and Recreation from Wright State University in 1989. Learning Outcomes Donna Gaukler has been Director of Missoula Parks and Recreation since Learn how a Municipal Agency can Partner with an outside entity to 2002, and was Recreation Director in Missoula from 1991-2002. She is an put on an event. adjunct instructor in PTRM at University of Montana. Prior to moving to Learn how liability is shared for a joint event. Missoula, she worked in the Fargo, ND and Mandan, ND Parks and Rec- Learn how to share resources with an event to make it a win-win both reation systems. Donna's degree is in Parks and Recreation Administration, financially and program wise. with an emphasis in business and municipal services, from NDSU. Learn what a government agency can bring to the event without cost- John O’ Connor is the practice administrator for a 6-provider urology ing additional funds. group in Missoula. He has volunteered his time to support Missoula parks Speakers: Mike Aho is the Recreation Manager for the City of Spo- since 2006, first as a private citizen working on park development, then as kane Parks and Recreation Department, and he has worked as a Rec- a Missoula Parks Board member, and finally working as part of a private reation Leader, Supervisor and Manager. He has directed a wide variety non-profit venture furthering the Missoula Parks & Recreation mission. of special events throughout his career including Spokane River Run, Friends of Missoula Parks conducts fundraising and grant activity to support Spokane Bridge Walk, Dwight Dash, Sekani Trail Run, Sekani Adven- the priorities of the Parks & Recreation department in Missoula and the ture Days, Swan Lake Bike Fest, and Summer Parkways. surrounding area. Arnold Olsen, Montana Natural History Center Executive Director, has a Ben Weiss is the interim Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Manager for the PhD in wildlife biology from Colorado State University and has extensive City of Missoula Public Works Department and has worked for the past experience in natural and cultural resource management and administra- two years as the Program Specialist for Missoula In Motion, where tion. Past positions have included Director of the Montana Historical Soci- he planned and coordinated several major events including Pedal Fest ety and various leadership positions for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks– and Sunday Streets Missoula. Ben has a master's degree in Geography in wildlife management, parks and recreation, and land and facility manage- with an emphasis on non-motorized transportation planning from the ment. University of Montana.

Thursday, September 27

Building Healthy Communities by Design—Complete 4:30‐6 p.m. ‐ The Pool Company Social Streets Lead to Healthier Communities in MT & ID Track: Healthy Built Communities Bess Reed Park, between Holiday Inn and Riverfront Trail. For UM Come learn about the elements of Complete Neighborhoods. The term alumni, all conference delegates and guests. Complete Streets means much more than the physical changes to a community’s streets. Complete Streets changes how transportation planning, de- 6‐9 p.m. Awards Dinner and Silent Auction sign, maintenance, and funding decisions are made. To help communities better understand the concept of Complete Streets and the tools needed to Holiday Inn Rooms B & C create safer, healthier and more accessible communities, we have created a toolkit and compiled “success stories” from both Montana and Idaho. This Reflections session will cover the basic elements of complete neighborhoods, complete Dr. Joel Meier will share his some of his experiences in the field of outdoor streets and greenway networks, and leave you with resources and contact leadership development in higher education and will talk about the values information to learn more. of being “Outside and Active.” Learning Outcomes What A Park Manager Can Learn From Dr. Seuss...  Understand the elements of healthy community design, the concepts of and by the way, what does a Tyrannosaurus Rex have to do with park management? Complete Neighborhoods and Complete Streets, and how they are lead- Dr. Steve McCool will discuss his experience in the field of park and pro- ing to healthier communities in Montana and Idaho. tected area management using Dr. Seuss's unique and popular philosophy  Learn how to use Montana’s Complete Streets Toolkit. to identify key milestones in the life of one professional who has been lucky  Learn how Idaho’s greenways are connecting communities. enough to work with some of the most talented people in the world and in some of the most spectacular places on the planet. Given time, he will also Speakers: Cathy Costakis is the Active Living Coordinator for the Mon- explain how the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus Rex is critical to understanding tana Nutrition and Physical Activity program. She is responsible for building partnerships statewide to implement evidence-based strategies that the park management challenges of the 21st century. address environmental and policy approaches to promoting and supporting Speakers: Dr. Joel Meier is Professor physical activity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Univer- Emeritus at The University of Montana as sity of Illinois and a master’s degree in health promotion from MSU- well as Indiana University. He is the former Bozeman. Chair of the Department of Recreation, Deanna Smith is Project Coordinator for Idaho Smart Growth, a statewide Park and Tourism Studies at Indiana Univer- non-profit organization whose mission is to create great places to live sity. He served at IU from 1994 through through sensible growth. She earned her B.A. from Evergreen State Col- 2007. Prior to coming to IU, he served as lege with an emphasis on planning and community development, a certifi- Associate Dean of the School of Forestry at cate for Complete Streets Training from Portland State University’s Insti- The University of Montana. Joel received tute for Pedestrian and Bicycle Innovation and also is a certified Charrette his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Facilitator. University of Nebraska, and his doctorate in recreation and park admini- Joe Gilpin is a Principal at Alta Planning + Design in Bozeman and is one of stration from Indiana University. Alta’s experts in non-motorized facility design. Joe currently manages Alta Dr. Steve McCool is Professor Emeritus, projects in the Rocky Mountain States including Utah, Colorado, Montana, Wildland Recreation Management, Depart- Wyoming, Idaho and Alaska. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cal ment of Society and Conservation. He Poly State University, and an M.S. in Transportation Planning, Oxford joined the faculty of the School of Forestry Brookes University, Oxford, UK. Joe managed the development of the in 1977, after serving on the faculty of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide and has been actively involved in University of Wisconsin—River Falls and the creation of design standards for many cities within the United States. Utah State University. From 1987 to 1993 Moving a Movement: Working Group On The he served as the first Director of the Univer- Children & Nature Movement sity of Montana Institute for Tourism and Track: Children and Nature Recreation Research. From 1995 to 1999 he also served as the Coordinator Share and discuss new approaches and next steps in the children and nature of the Recreation Management Program at the University of Montana. movement within our region. Continued from Session 3.

Friday, September 28

7-8 a.m. - Continental Breakfast Interactive Mapping Solutions Join us for a light breakfast in Hall B. Increase your GIS Skills Track: Healthy Built Communities 7:30‐8:30 a.m. ‐ Special Session Discussion and demonstration of interactive on-line mapping applications supporting access to view trails, trailheads, and related recreational areas, MT/ID RPA Leadership Meeting including the beta version of a pilot project in Montana and the Idaho state- This will be an opportunity for the officers and leadership of the two State wide trail mapping application. The Helena Area Trails Mapping applica- Associations to discuss shared goals and co-hosting the annual conference. tion focuses on maintained non-motorized trails within 30-40 miles of He- lena. This pilot project will hopefully lead to a statewide interactive map 8:30‐9:45 a.m. ‐ Break‐out Session 5 that allows the end user to access a user-friendly mapping service providing information on local and regional recreation-based activities. The Idaho Mountain Pine Beetle’s Impact on Maintaining Quality statewide application provides a one-stop shop for both non-motorized and motorized trail maps. Trail users can now go online and browse the entire Outdoor Recreation Facilities state of Idaho, select an area, print a map at home, or export to popular Track: Professional Development third-party mapping programs. Mountain Pine Beetle is affecting management and maintenance of urban Learning Outcomes parks, state parks and federally managed campgrounds throughout the in-  Awareness of new technology – way to reach users. termountain west. Concerns about liability, loss of resources, closing facili-  ties and managing damaged forests are spreading beyond the Forest Service Benefits of public / private partnership. campground into state and municipal parks as well as open space trailheads  Benefits of public data sharing to meet one goal. and urban forests. Our panel will discuss the Mountain Pine Beetle’s im- Speakers: Eric Spangenber joined the Lewis & Clark County/City of pact on the inter-mountain West, management strategies and their pros Helena as a GIS Database Analyst in May 2005. In April 2006 he became and cons, and why your agency should have a plan in place to monitor and the GIS Coordinator. He manages and supervises the GIS program, coordi- manage Mountain Pine Beetle in your community. nating the development, implementation, maintenance, support, and use of spatial information throughout the city and county enterprise. Eric holds a Learning Outcomes B.S. in Urban Forestry/Resource Management from the University of Wis-  Understand factors affecting lifecycle, extent and spread of MPB. consin-Stevens Point and a M.S. in Landscape Architecture from Ball State.  Learn about Risk Management, Monitoring and Prevention and Best management practices for recreation facilities. Jeff Cook has been with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) for over 20 years. In 2002, Jeff joined the Comprehensive Planning  Discuss public perception/participation and regulatory issues. Section. Jeff designed the following GIS Related Projects: IDPR's Statewide  Learn about the impacts native insects can have on unbalanced forest Outdoor Recreation Facility Inventory GIS database; IDPR's Deeded and ecosystems, an hear firsthand accounts of forest management practices Leased Lands GIS database; and he created the first GIS database for IDPR adjacent to an urban area. grant programs. Jeff is a graduate from the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources with a B.S. in Wildland Recreation Management. Speakers: Mike Garvey has 25 years of field experience by observing, planting and caring for trees in the challenging environment of Montana’s Fast & Furious: Introduction to Professional Volunteer northern plains. He has used this experience as the basis for his arboricul- Management tural consulting practice, which specializes in: Forensic investigations, tree Track: The Value of Volunteers disorder diagnostics, hazard tree assessments, tree appraisals & inventories, This fast-paced session will introduce proven techniques to help you find, expert witness testimony, and plant health care management programs. He recruit, match and keep volunteers. Topics include assessing your current has been hired as a consulting arborist for a variety of projects & cases in program, targeted recruitment, marketing, job descriptions, volunteer Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. management systems and dealing with difficult volunteers. Brad Langsather, City of Helena Natural Resource Coordinator. BS in En- Learning Outcomes vironmental Biology, Fort Lewis College. USFS Forestry Technician, 5  Gain tools necessary to conduct a self assessment of your volunteer years; private industry forester, 16 years; City of Helena, 4 years. program. Jon Thompson, Superintendant of Parks, Billings Parks & Recreation  Improve your ability to target your volunteer recruitment efforts. Morgan Valliant, Conservation Lands Mgr., Missoula Parks & Recreation  Understand the importance of developing volunteer position descriptions.

Friday, September 28

 Gain techniques for managing volunteers. working for FWP-Kalispell and in 1988, he moved to the City of Kalispell Parks & Recreation Department. Mike has a total of 37 years of profes- Speakers: Ken Soderberg is the Interpretive Services, Volunteer and sional experience in the field of Parks & Recreation. AmeriCorps Program Manager for Montana State Parks. The state park system welcomes the service of 1,300 volunteers each year that give Dave Shaw, Parks & Trails Design Development Manager, Missoula Parks 30,000 hours of their time and talent to help the park system run smoothly. & Recreation. Dave’s main role for the department is the planning and design of new park and trail facilities. He has a Graduate degree in Land- Vicky Bostick has been a Volunteer Coordinator with Missoula Aging Ser- scape Architecture and has a passion for public spaces, parks and active vices for 15 years. During this time 1,876 new volunteers have been re- transportation. cruited giving 1,764,384 hours to Missoula County partnering agencies. Currently she focuses on volunteer recruitment and partnering agency site Making the Case for Nature Education In A Changing development. World 10‐11:15 a.m. Break‐Out Session 6 Track: Wildlands and Open Space This session will lay out the case for nature interpretation and education in a changing world, through discussions on contemporary research of out- Trail Safety and Ethics Program door benefits, innovative new media programming, and active interpreta- Track: Healthy Built Communities tion and education. This session will introduce you to a variety of safety and ethics and educa- Learning Outcomes tional programs related to off-highway vehicle recreation and other out-  door pursuits. It will cover a range of programs from local educational Emphasize importance of outdoor experiences and interpretive pro- efforts to address single issues to large scale national education campaigns. gramming through data and research that can be used as effective tools when communicating the importance of parks and recreation. Learning Outcomes  Participants will have a better understanding of how social media and  Learn about the variety of safety and ethics education programs available new technology is used to reach new stewards and audiences to connect and how you can use them. and reconnect them to special places.  Learn how you can develop specialized educational efforts to address  Explore methods to develop active and nature-based interpretive pro- specific problems. gramming through an educational field tour. Speaker: Russ Ehnes, Executive Director of the National Off-Highway Speakers: Katie Lindsay is an AmeriCorps member with Montana Fish, Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC.) Wildlife and Parks working to strengthen their interpretive and education Park & Trail Design Standards program, improve the volunteer program, and help connect state parks to communities. Katie graduated from the University of Illinois in 2011 with Track: Professional Development degrees in Environmental Studies. She is currently conducting research on Effective design standards for new park and trail projects go above and Environmental Psychology to help articulate the connections between state beyond what is outlined and required by the Montana Public Works Stan- parks and the health benefits of being outdoors. dard Specifications (MPWSS) and bring clarity, quality and consistency to park and trail development projects. Join Mike and Dave as they present David Restivo, Visual Information Specialist, Glacier National Park. Dan information and examples from Kalispell and Missoula on their success and was awarded the National Freeman Tilden Award for excellence in Inter- plans for the development of these important standards. pretation in 2007 for creating a series of innovative interpretive exhibits for the park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. David, who also has done work details Learning Outcomes at Yosemite National Park and other national parks throughout the country,  Understand the need for design standards specific to park and trail de- helps turn traditional informational panels into interpretive moments, pro- velopment – See what is beyond MPWSS. viding opportunities for visitors to form their own intellectual and emo-  Explore innovative park and trail design standards employed by Kalispell tional connections to the park. and Missoula.  Understand the process of getting park and trail design standards How to Cultivate And Utilize Advocacy Groups adopted by local governments and which documents have proven suc- Track: The Value of Volunteers cessful for requiring adherence. Chas will describe issues facing parks and recreation programs nationwide and the importance of a strong unified voice. Speakers: Mike Baker, Director of Parks & Recreation, City of Kalispell. Mike graduated from MSU in Recreation Area Design & Management then Learning Outcomes went to work for FWP and Montana State Parks. In 1976 Mike began  What are the national and regional issues facing parks and recreation? (continued)

Friday, September 28

 The importance of advocates and volunteers in addressing issues. active interpretation and place-based education programs. About Travelers’  How you can become involved to ensure a bright future for parks and Rest State Park: Nestled between open meadows and the babbling waters recreation. of Lolo Creek, Travelers' Rest State Park offers visitors a place to rest and relax while providing a variety of opportunities to learn about Lewis and Speaker: Chas is the Administrator of the State Parks Division of Montana Clark, Native American, and Pioneer history. Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and is a Committee Chair of the National Associa- tion of State Park Directors. Learning Outcomes  The history of Travelers' Rest, which extends back more than 10,000 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch & SCORP Workshop years. Join Montana State Parks to learn about the Montana Statewide Compre-  That nature/outdoor education and history education in Montana (and hensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP sets priorities for most of the West) have a symbiotic relationship. granting Land and Water Conservation Funds to local communities and  There is no substitute for being at "the place" - whether that be children projects for the next five years. This workshop will provide an brief over- or adults. In order for the public to truly care about something, they view to SCORP, introduce the overarching planning goals and process, and need to be able to see, touch and sense it. provide opportunity for input on this important statewide plan to address Speakers: Steve Archibald, Education & Outreach Specialist, Arthur park and recreation challenges, demands, and priorities. Hosted by Maren Carhart National Wilderness Training Center, has been a classroom Murphy, Parks & Recreation Planner, Montana State Parks. teacher, place-based outdoor educator, and workshop facilitator for over 12:45‐3:30 p.m. ‐ Educational Tours 2 20 years. He taught a wide range of grades in a variety of locations, including a cultural immersion program at Travelers’ Rest State Park in 2011. Steve currently operates an educational consulting business and leads Safe Routes to Schools Projects in Missoula teacher workshops on the topic of place-based education and writes place- Track: Healthy Built Communities based and natural history curriculum for various government and non- Take an educational tour of Safe Routes to Schools projects in Missoula profit organizations. which increase connectivity and open access for all. Loren Flynn began managing Travelers’ Rest State Park before it was open Learning Outcomes to the public. For the past 15 years, he has worked on recreational manage-  Increase understanding of the federal SRTS program. ment projects, with an emphasis on place-based interpretation and interac-  Increase understanding of improved pedestrian/bicycle treatments and tive education. identify barriers to biking/walking. Martha Lindsey is the Program Director for Travelers Rest Preservation &  Increase understanding of land planning and built environment and the Heritage Association (TRPHA), the non-profit partner of Travelers’ Rest benefits of biking/walking (health, environmental, social, etc.) State Park. Martha received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Florida in 2003 and Master of Arts in Museology from the Speakers: As the Montana Safe Routes to School coordinator, Mr. University of Washington in 2006. She has been working the field of infor- Lonsdale works with communities across Montana in developing and mal and placed-based history education for over 7 years. implementing Safe Routes to School programs. Taylor is responsible for: helping communities to gather a SRTS task force, identifying barri- Missoula’s Park System: Behind The Scenes ers to biking and walking, supporting the community in developing a Track: Professional Development funding application, and then supporting the community in implement- Join professional maintenance and management employees from Missoula ing the non-infrastructure portion of the program. Parks and Recreation on a behind-the-scenes tour of some of Missoula best Danielle Scharf, PE, PTOE, LEED AP, is an Associate and Senior successes and greatest challenges. Attendees will learn about some of the Transportation Engineer for Sanderson Stewart Company. She holds a operating procedures used in the field as Missoula, like other communities, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Montana strives to provide the best services possible in the most efficient and effec- State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of tive way, while trying to meet numerous, and sometimes conflicting, de- Montana. Danielle is also a registered Professional Traffic Operations mands. We will visit recreation and aquatic facilities, the urban forest, and Engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional. neighborhood and community parks. There will be plenty of opportunity for networking and questions among the attendees. Travelers’ Rest State Park Speakers: Park Maintenance Manager Bob Worthen, City Forester Greg Track: Wildlands and Open Space Howe. The Travelers’ Rest State Park tour will focus on an open field discussion with park staff, a special guest, and conference attendees. The discussion 4‐7 p.m. Mt. Fish, Wildlife & Parks Social and tour will explore the unique array of natural and cultural resources at Travelers’ Rest State Park and how the resources have been integrated into Kiwanis Park on the Riverfront, dinner included.

Saturday, September 29

8-8:30 a.m. - Buffet Breakfast 10:30 a.m. ‐ 1:30 p.m. Join us for a buffet breakfast in Hall B. National Public Lands Day Events 8:30‐9:45 am General Session 3 This year marks the 19th annual National Public Lands Day, an event that Park and Recreation Friends Groups - brings together thousands of volunteers from coast to coast to improve and restore the lands and facilities that Americans use for recreation, education, Success Through exercise and just plain enjoyment. Last year more than 170,000 Americans Cooperation and Coordination participated at more than 2,000 sites in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico Track: The Value of Volunteers and Washington, DC. Examples of friends group successes in commu- Conference attendees are invited to join Missoula Parks and Recreation for nity, state and federal programs. either of these projects: Learning Outcomes Fort Missoula Regional Park Project  Successful programs in other communities and Celebration with volunteers, CCC alumni, dignitaries. The volunteer pro- states. ject will include final touch up trail work and assembly, sealcoat, and instal-  How to obtain cooperation within friends group and with managing lation of CCC-style tables. agencies.  Finance capabilities and mistakes to avoid. Milltown State Park Meet at Milltown State Park Bluff Overlook on Deer Creek Road and enjoy Speaker: Johnny Finch. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Johnny earned a a day of developing and restoring one of our newest State Parks. We will Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of North Alabama and be replanting an old social trail, removing litter and weeds, working on a Master’s degree in Government Administration from George Washington fences and watering plants. University. Johnny retired in January, 1998 as the Assistant Comptroller General of the United States.

Johnny and his wife Jo now reside at Lake Anna, Virginia. He has become A Special Invitation From active in community service there and has been appointed to various county Missoula City-County Health Department and and tri-county boards, committees, and commissions. In addition to his local community service, he has also been active at the State level including Let’s Move Missoula serving as a member of the Governor’s Outdoor Resources and Tourism Summit To Prevent Childhood Obesity Advisory Panel, the Governor-Elect’s Natural Resources Policy Transition Coming Together to Move Your Community Forward Committee, the Governor’s Natural Resources Partnership, and the Gov- ernor’s Natural Resources Summit. He is also a member of the Advisory Solutions for Families, Schools and Communities Committee for the Virginia Outdoors Plan, a founding member of the Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 9 a.m. “VIRGINIAforever ” Board of Directors, and President of the Virginia As- University of Montana Campus, Missoula sociation for Parks. We hope you can join us to explore the many factors of childhood obesity and how, as parents, school personnel and community members, we can 10‐11:15 a.m. Break‐out Session 7 address them. We have assembled experts from around the country who will lead the discussion and help develop new strategies for improving our Successful Friends Group Operations and Objectives children's health. Track: The Value of Volunteers From healthier day cares to safe and accessible trails and parks; from Learning Outcomes: improved nutrition at home and in schools to the effects of physical activity and school performance; from school gardens to more active families --  Volunteer or paid staff, level of involvement: hands-on or administrative every possible solution will be on the table. or both The cost of the summit is $30 for professionals and FREE to parents. Lunch  How to attract people to a friends group and snacks will be provided. For more information about the Summit  Importance of a broad base of skills among board members please contact Mary McCourt, Missoula City-County Health Department, Speaker: Johnny Finch, bio above. 406-258-3895 or at [email protected], or visit www.missoulaparks.org.

Welcome To Missoula!

Outside and Active...Missoula Style Mount Jumbo North Loop Start at the north end of Lincoln Hills Drive at the Mount Jumbo trailhead. Hike past the main gate to the trail split. To the right is the Saddle Trail. Bear left and continue up the trail through the pines and across the grassy hillside. The trail rounds a corner and heads up into the cool and shady forest of Mount Jumbo’s north side.

At about 2.5 miles, the trail meets the Sheep Mountain/ Woods Gulch trail. Bear right (south) to stay on the North Loop trail. Continue for about one mile as the trail loops back around to the Saddle Road. Bear right at the Saddle Road.

Mileage: 3.8 miles Level: Moderate

View of UM Golf Course from Mount Sentinel

Currents Aquatics Center - photo by Jason Pignanelli