Community Development & Conservation Education
The Yaak Valley Forest Council develops community growth projects in the Yaak and across Lincoln County through outreach, education, and bold action. We believe in building strong, vibrant, sustainable, and environmentally friendly communities in the Yaak and throughout Lincoln County. We forge lasting partnerships and relationships with Lincoln County’s stakeholders to achieve this.
If you would like to contribute to Community Development in the wild Yaak or have any questions about our work, please contact Ashley South at ashley@yaakvalley.org or 406-295-9736.
Bear Aware and Bear Safe
The Yaak Valley Forest Council has developed a Bear Aware Program to reduce confrontations between bears and humans. Our program offers Yaak community members bear-proof trash cans and electric fences to protect livestock, gardens, feed, and trash. This year we added bear-proof backpacking canisters, bear spray, and bear bells.
Another recent addition to our Bear Aware Program is the promotion of bear-proof coolers by YETI. We have recently partnered with YETI to promote responsible recreation and protection of food from grizzly bears. YETI’s bear-proof coolers provide an opportunity to educate the public about bears and the work of the Yaak Valley Forest Council.
Conservation Education
We are using our social media platforms to launch an outreach education program focused on increasing biodiversity awareness, insight into invasive weeds biology and effective non-toxic methods for weeds eradication, wildlands conservation in the face of climate change, and much, much more.
The Yaak Valley Forest Council also sponsors and participates in annual events such as Water Camp and local harvest festivals, as well as other educational programs designed to inform children and adults about ecology and conservation.
Guided Hikes
During the summer months, we partner with Wild Montana’s Wilderness Walks Program to provide fun and educational hiking opportunities in the Yaak Valley. Our Field Crew Leader carefully chooses hikes that offer great views and examples of the biological diversity found in the wild Yaak. This year, our Field Crew will be leading two hikes. If you would like to participate, please contact us.
Recreational Support
As members of the Troy Recreation Committee, we are working to create recreational opportunities.
Alvord Lake Community Forest
The Yaak Valley Forest Council, in collaboration with other land managers and the Lincoln County community, works to keep the Alvord Lake Forest open to the public for activities like hiking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Alvord Lake Community Forest is a collaborative success story and an example of finding common ground to preserve and manage our forests for future generations.