We’re excited to be featured as August 5th’s nonprofit for the PaddleHeads Community Tuesday! Purchase tickets to the game at the link below and proceeds will benefit the Montana State Parks Foundation!

But wait, there’s more!

Purchase game tickets at the link provided by JULY 15 and be entered to win our amazing raffle THREE times. Each ticket = three chances to win. See the raffle information below.

🏕️ Camping Package🏕️

Gear up for your next outdoor adventure with this incredible camping bundle, featuring top-quality equipment, experiences, and goodies from REI, Eureka, OnX, and the Montana State Parks Foundation. Total Value: $850+ What’s Included:

• REI Flexlite Camp Chair
• REI Flash 18 Day Pack
• REI Water Bottle
• Eureka Camp Stove
• Eureka Camp Café Set
• 2 MSPF Coffee Cups
• 2 MSPF “Camp Rocks” Cups
• MSPF Hat
• 2 MSPF Water Bottles
• Eureka Copper Canyon Tent
• Camping Reservations at Montana State Parks
• Two Lewis & Clark Caverns Cave Tour Passes
• 1-Year OnX Elite Membership

👟 Trail Running Package 👟

Ready, set, go! This trail runner’s dream package includes gear, race entries, and local goodies to fuel your next outdoor adventure. Total Value: $950+ What’s Included:

• Oboz Footwear Gift Card (redeemable online)
• Bozeman Running Company Gift Card (redeemable online or in person)
• Missoula Runners Edge Gift Card (redeemable online or in person)
• Buff CoolNet UV Headwear (2)
• OnX Hat
• MSPF Hat
• MSPF Water Bottle
• John Colter Pint Glasses (2)
• John Colter Race Registration (2 entries)
• Makoshika Buzzard Days Race Registration (2 entries)
• Lewis & Clark 12K Race Registration
• 1-Year OnX Elite Membership
• Wind Drinkers Annual Membership

🎣 Fly Fishing Package 🎣

Whether you’re new to fly fishing or looking to upgrade your gear, this raffle package has everything you need to get started—plus a guided trip on one of western Montana’s legendary rivers. Total Value: $950+ What’s Included:

• Simms Freestone Waders (winner chooses size and gender)
• Simms Freestone Wading Boots (winner chooses size and gender)
• Orvis Encounter 9ft 5-weight Fly Rod
• Full-Day Guided Fly Fishing Trip on the Bitterroot, Clarks Fork, or Blackfoot with Missoula River Lodge 
• 1-Year OnX Elite Membership
• OnX Hat
• MSPF Hat
• MSPF Water Bottle

We’re excited to participate in 5 regional giving dats events in support of the Park Accessibility Project! Donors in Great Falls, Missoula, Helena, Billings, and Bozeman areas come together on May 1-2nd for 24 hours of giving and supporting local charities. As we launch the statewide Park Accessibility Project Fundraiser, we are excited to participate in these five community fundraising events.

When you donate through any of these giving events, your donation will:

• Support the statewide Park Accessibility Project. 50% of your donation will go towards a fund for all future and current accessibility projects.
• Support local Park Accessibility Projects! We have accessibility projects planned across the state, and when you donate through a local giving event, 50% of your donation will be allocated towards current or future local projects.
  • Great Falls: Future projects at Giant Springs State Park and other Region 4 state parks
  • Missoula: Future projects similar to the adaptive boat launch at Frenchtown Pond and other Region 2 state parks
  • Helena: Current accessible dock and adaptive equipment project at Spring Meadow Lake State Park.
  • Billings: Future accessible dock at Lake Elmo and other Region 5 parks.
  • Bozeman: Future projects at Bannack State Park and other Region 3 parks.

Giving Day Perk: 3 FREE chances to win our Raffle!

Donors supporting MSPF’s Park Accessibility Project through Giving Days events will be automatically entered to win our three raffle packages – Trail Running, Camping, and Fly Fishing. The packages include high end gear and experiences to help you get outdoors!

Click the icons below to visit the regional Giving Day websites!

Double your donation for the Park Accessibility Project!

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all donations made between April 28 and July 15 up to $30,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact and helping make Montana’s state parks more accessible for everyone. This special match was inspired by one donor’s deep love for Yellow Bay State Park:

“ Yellow Bay ranks in my top three all-time favorite places in the world. For the past 36 years, I’ve never missed a summertime swim there. I hope that by making it ADA accessible, I’ll be able to jump in the lake every year for the rest of my life. Please join me in making this a reality.”  

– Anonymous Donor

Their gift is will help launch accessibility improvements at Yellow Bay, and they hope others will be inspired to give back to the parks they cherish most. Please consider making a donation to help us secure this incredible match. Follow the link below!

Donate & Support Montana State Parks

Thanks to your voices and advocacy, Senate Bill 307 has been tabled , a huge win for Montana’s State Parks, trails, and wildlife programs!

In 2021, Montanans chose to dedicate a portion of recreational marijuana tax revenue to support our public lands. That funding helps maintain parks, improve trails, expand accessibility, and support wildlife.

SB 307 would have eliminated that funding, cutting an estimated $12 million from parks and trails and over $20 million from Habitat Montana. But you spoke up, and legislators listened.

Now, we need to keep that momentum going.
The job isn’t finished.

📣 Ask your legislators to support HB 932 and SB 537 — two strong bills that protect this critical funding and ensure Montana’s great outdoors stay open, accessible, and cared for.

Let’s keep showing up for the places we love.

Learn about HB 932

Learn about SB 537

Take Action to Protect State Parks: We must act now to protect the funding that keeps our parks open and accessible. Here’s how.

Fine Tune your Message: Short and to-the-point messages are the most effective. Here is an example. “Dear (name), I support HB 932 and SB 537 and funding support for Montana State Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. These funds are essential for maintaining our parks and ensuring future generations can enjoy Montana’s great outdoors. Please vote YES on HB 932 and SB 537.”

Find your Legislator: Not sure who your local Senator and House Representatives are? Visit https://www.legmt.gov/districts/ and select your area on the map to find your local legislator.

Contact information: Find your Legislator’s contact information here: https://www.legmt.gov/legislators/

By Phone: Calling your Legislators is easy, just call the Session Information Desk and leave a message: (406) 444-4800 (Available Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 5 PM, Sat 8 AM – Adjournment) Your message will be delivered to your lawmakers!

By mail: Mail your Legislator at:

Senator (NAME)	Representative (NAME)
Montana Senate	Montana House of Representatives
P.O. Box 200500	P.O. Box 200400
Helena, MT 59620-0500	Helena, MT 59620-0400

Streamline your communications with your Montana Legislators. Register for public participation at https://participate.legmt.gov/ for more ways to get involved.

Make a donation today to support our advocacy efforts and keep our parks funded, accessible, and thriving! https://montanastateparksfoundation.org/donations/givewp-donation-form-2/

Montana’s State Parks rely on this funding to serve millions of visitors each year. Help us protect our parks. Take action today!

Capture the beauty of Montana’s state parks and have your photography featured in our upcoming calendar! We’re looking for stunning, high-resolution images that showcase the unique landscapes, wildlife, and experiences of our beloved parks.

Submission Guidelines:

• Originality: Photos must be your own work, taken at a Montana State Park.
• Resolution: Images should be high resolution (minimum 300 DPI) and suitable for print.
• Content: Highlight the natural beauty, recreational activities, or iconic features of Montana’s state parks.

How to Enter:

• Submit your photos by September 30th, 2025.
• Include your name, contact information, and the name of the state park where each photo was taken.
• Submit here!

Prizes:

Winning photos will be featured in the Montana State Parks Foundation Calendar. Additionally, the 12 winning photographers will be featured on across our digital platforms, with full credit to the photographers. Winners will receive a copy of the calendar and Montana State Parks Foundation water bottle and hat.

Montana State Parks Foundation Photo Contest – Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility: The contest is open to all photographers, both amateur and professional, who are 18 years or older. Contestants under 18 must have parental consent to have their photos published. Consent may be provided after winners are announced.
2. Photo Requirements:
   • Photos MUST be original, taken by the entrant.
   • Digital editing is acceptable but photos should represent the natural and cultural beauty of the park. 
   • Images should be taken at a Montana State Park. Yellowstone and Glacier are not state parks!
   • Photos must be high-resolution (minimum 300 DPI) and suitable for print.
   • Generally speaking PNG, PDF, JPEG or other common photo file types are accepted. 
3. Submission:
   • All entries must be submitted through the official contest portal by September 30, 2025.
   • Each participant may submit up to 5 photos, but each submission must be completed individually.
4. Judging:
   • Photos will be judged based on creativity, composition, relevance to Montana’s state parks, and overall quality.
   • The Montana State Parks Foundation reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not meet the required standards.
5. Prizes:
   • Winning photos will be featured in the 2026 Montana State Parks Foundation calendar.
   • Winners will receive a calendar, water bottle, hat and a feature in our digital marketing.
6. Rights & Usage:
   • By submitting your photo, you grant the Montana State Parks Foundation the right to use your image in promotional materials, including but not limited to the annual calendar, website, and social media, with full credit given to the photographer.
7. Notification:
   • Winners will be notified via email by October 31st, 2025.
   • Winning photos may be shared on the Montana State Parks Foundation’s social media channels.
8. Liability:
   • The Montana State Parks Foundation is not responsible for lost, late, or incomplete submissions.
   • Participants must submit original photos and ensure they have the legal right to submit their images.
9. Contest Modifications:
   • The Montana State Parks Foundation reserves the right to modify or cancel the contest at any time. Any changes will be communicated to participants.
10. Acceptance of Terms: By entering the contest, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

The Montana State Parks Foundation offers a variety of ways to make a difference, whether you’re volunteering from home or directly in your community.

Remote Volunteer Opportunities:

• Research: Help us gather information on state parks, outdoor recreation trends, and funding opportunities.
• Writing: Share your love for Montana’s parks by creating engaging articles, park profiles, or blog posts to inspire others.
• Fundraising Support: Assist with donor outreach, grant writing, or organizing virtual fundraising campaigns.
• Photography: Contribute your talent by capturing stunning photos of Montana’s parks or wildlife to help showcase their beauty in our outreach materials.

On-Site Volunteering:

For those near a Montana state park, there are opportunities to support your local park with activities such as:

• Trail maintenance
• Park cleanups
• Event assistance
• Photography: Document park events, volunteer efforts, or breathtaking scenery to promote awareness and engagement. Check out our first annual photo contest here!

Whether you’re passionate about storytelling, conservation, or hands-on work in the great outdoors, your time and skills can help us preserve and enhance Montana’s state parks for everyone to enjoy.

Interested in volunteering? Email [email protected] and let us know all about you!

Board of Directors

The Montana State Parks Foundation Board of Directors is made up of dedicated individuals from across the state, bringing together diverse regional perspectives, professional expertise, and personal passions.

Our board members share one common trait: a deep love for Montana’s state parks and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or new to the idea of board service, we welcome enthusiastic individuals who are committed to protecting and enhancing our state parks for generations to come.

Commitment
Quarterly Board Meetings: Four meetings annually, with opportunities to connect virtually or in person.
Committee Participation: Join committees focused on specific areas like projects, accessibility, communications, and fundraising.
Volunteer Engagement: Get hands-on by participating in events and volunteer opportunities at our state parks.
If you’re ready to make a difference and support Montana’s incredible state parks, we’d love to hear from you!

Take the Board Membership Survey Here

State Park Accessibility Committee

Embracing the principle of “nothing about us without us”, the Montana State Parks Foundation invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, who are passionate about adaptive recreation, to apply to become members of our Accessibility Advisory Committee. The committee aims to gain insights from the adaptive recreation community in Montana, helping to steer our accessibility improvement projects in the right direction. If you are involved in adaptive sports or have an interest in making the outdoors accessible to individuals with varying physical abilities, this volunteering role could be perfect for you. 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet quarterly via zoom and will offer optional in-person volunteer opportunities, including site visits to your local State Parks. 

Take the Accessibility Committee Survey Here

Wildlife and Habitat

• Critical Habitat: The proposed park would protect 109 acres for over 60 species, including elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and antelope.

History, Culture, and Education

• Cultural Significance:
  • A historic hub for Indigenous tribes, including the Lakota, Blackfeet, Atsina (Gros Ventre), and River Crow, the site served as a seasonal campground, burial ground, and location for peace councils. These councils established hunting boundaries and fostered agreements between tribes.
• Historical Importance:
  • 1805: Lewis and Clark camped near the Judith River, named after Clark’s future wife. 1855: The first documented dinosaur fossils in North America were collected here. Late 1800s: The site holds a rich ranching and military history, including Camp Cooke, Montana’s first permanent military post.
• Educational Potential: Opportunities for field trips and hands-on learning about Montana’s Indigenous, historic, and environmental heritage.

Outdoor Recreation

• Fishing and Boating: Access to the Judith and Missouri Rivers, home to sturgeon, walleye, and paddlefish, will attract anglers and boaters.
• Public Access: Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities, fostering connections to Montana’s ecosystems.

Economic Impact

• Outdoor recreation generated $2.9 billion in Montana’s economy in 2022, supporting 29,000 jobs. Anglers contribute $750 million annually—20% of Montana’s tourism revenue. Visitors support local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and outfitters.

What’s Next

• Dec 14, 2024: Public comments for the Environmental Assessment due.
• December TBD 2024: Parks and Recreation Board decides on accepting the land. If approved, the land is donated to the state for park development; otherwise, it reverts to American Prairie.
• Future Planning: Upon approval, public scoping will guide park design and amenities.

Get Involved: Participate in the public comment process and help shape the future of Judith Landing State Park! 🌟

View Environmental Assessment on FWP website

Read Environmental Assessment

Deadline: Comments must be received by 12/14/2024 at 5:00pm

Email comments to: [email protected]

Mail comments to: 

MT FWP 

Attn: Judith Landing State Park EA

4600 Giant Springs Road

Great Falls, MT 59405

Internship description: The intern will be responsible for developing social media content for the Montana State Parks Foundation. Primarily focusing on written content, the intern will develop short narratives about MSPF projects, park events, State Park Steward profiles, and positive and engaging stories from our state parks.

Internship terms:

• Must be currently enrolled in any college in Montana (open to all majors)
• Volunteer position
• Minimum one semester commitment with the opportunity to extend internship
• No more than 10 hours per month
• Monthly meet up with MSPF Executive Director – in person, phone or zoom  
• Weekly email correspondence with ED
• Intern is responsible for developing a minimum of 4 social media posts per month

Intern Skills and Requirements:

• Strong research and writing skills
• An eye for design 
• Ability to appeal to diverse followers and readers while promoting the MSPF mission
• Passion for storytelling, the outdoors, Montana history and recreation
• Familiarity with social media (instagram and facebook) trends, topics, etc
• Proficient standard computer skills and access to a reliable computer and internet
• “Remote” internship, no travel required

Internship Structure:

The intern will receive a list of content suggestions at the beginning of each month. Working with the Montana State Parks Foundation staff, the intern selects themes to focus on in their content development. The intern may use the MSPF photo bank, logos, and our Canva account in addition to their own technological resources to develop designs for social media posts. Each month, the intern will submit a minimum of 4 social media posts for review. The ED will provide feedback for minor edits and post approved social media posts.

The internship will begin at the beginning of the semester and conclude at the end of the semester, before finals. The intern is responsible for providing their semester schedule at the beginning of the internship.

How to Apply:

Please email a Letter of Interest and Current Resume to Megan Buecking at [email protected]