Montana Conservation Council

The Montana Conservation Council formed in 1948 to educate Montanans about the wise use of their natural resources by bringing together public and private agencies with citizens to "harmonize and integrate" interest in resource management. The group was originally organized as a region-wide group known as the Northwest Conservation League. Kenneth Davis, Dean of Forestry at Montana State University (The University of Montana), became the first Council president. In 1951, the Council formed a board of directors that directed the Council's affairs throughout its existence. The membership was made up of middle-class men and women concerned about dwindling resources.

The organization focused on soils, forests, wildlife, reclamation efforts, the work of women (including garden clubs and women's clubs), range management, and conservation education. One of the Council's programs, beginning in 1949, was its annual Conservation Caravan, in which members and interested citizens traveled by chartered bus around Montana observing good and bad resource management techniques. The final caravan took place in 1958.

The Council helped bring about change in conservation methods and attitudes through political and educational means. Members of the Council were directly involved in the legislative process and one board member, WintonWeydemeyer, served in the Montana Legislature. Through these and other means, the Concil was a strong and influential voice in Montana's conservation movement. The group disbanded in the early 1970s.

From the guide to the Montana Conservation Council Records, 1939-1975, (University of Montana--Missoula Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives and Special Collections)