FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2025

MCV Hosts Annual Member Celebration with Betsy Gaines Quammen, state legislators, and local elected leaders

(HELENA, Mont.) — Nearly 200 people gathered at the Montana Conservation Voters’ Annual Member Celebration in Helena on February 28. Betsy Gaines Quammen — Bozeman local and author of American Zion and True West — joined state legislators, local elected officials and conservation partners from across the state at the event to support MCV’s mission to protect Montana’s clear air and water and public lands.

“We need to do everything we can to keep our public lands protected for generations to come,” said Quammen. “We need to do everything we can to keep our public lands protected for generations to come.”

MCV Board Chair Sally Ericsson also addressed some of the threats to Montana’s public lands, waters, air and democracy. 

“We’re thrilled to bring together conservation supporters from across Montana to unite around our shared commitment to protecting the state’s natural beauty,” said Ericsson. “The strong turnout for MCV highlights the collective dedication to preserving Montana’s identity as the Big Sky State, and we’re deeply grateful for the continued support.”

The Annual Member Celebration takes place every spring in the state’s capital, and this year’s event featured dozens of sponsors at all levels. 

“2025 is a pivotal year for Montana, with state and federal policy threatening our outdoor way of life,” said Whitney Tawney, Executive Director of MCV. “Now more than ever, we must stand up and hold our elected leaders accountable to protecting our public lands, clean air, clean water and democracy for generations to come. The work we do together will help shape the future of Montana and it’s up to us to keep it as  the Last Best Place.”