The Elkhorn Working Group (EWG), an officially-sanctioned citizen advisory committee dedicated to the management of the Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area south of Helena, is seeking new members from surrounding communities.
The organization, established in 2002, was originally started to advise the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Parks, the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to develop collaborative management strategies. Over time, the EWG’s role has expanded to address issues such as the reintroduction of westslope cutthroat trout, non-native plant incursions, road management and resource impacts in the Elkhorn Mountains.
EWG members consist of ranchers, recreationists, educators, local government officials and other users of the Elkhorns. New members are needed to replace retiring members and to ensure representation from the communities and interests with stakes in the Elkhorns.
Candidates from agricultural and recreation interests from the east (Townsend, Winston,) south (Whitehall) and west (Boulder) sides of the mountain range are particularly encouraged to apply. Prospective members should have interest and/or working experience in a collaborative setting, addressing livestock, outdoor recreation or other Elkhorns uses. Members are volunteers who meet every other month at different locations in the area, review potential and ongoing projects and provide community links.
Those interested in membership should contact EWG Chair Joe Cohenour at elkhornworkinggroup@gmail.com to receive a copy of the organizational charter and an application form. Recruitment for new members will continue through June.Â
