Commission News

Governor Judy Martz recently announced the re-appointment of Jack Lepley and Darrel Martin to new three-year terms on the state Commission. Kathy Doeden from Miles City elected to not seek re-appointment to allow her more time to travel with her recently retired husband. A special thanks to Kathy for all of her hard work over the past number of months! An appointment to fill this vacancy is anticipated soon; if interested in being considered please forward a letter and resume to the Governor’s Office.

Upcoming Meetings

MT L & C Bicentennial Commission:
- Feb. 10, 2004, Interpretive Center, Great Falls

RBC/Tribal Representatives Meeting:
- Feb. 9, 2004, Interpretive Center, Great Falls

Commissionıs Education Cmte. Meeting:
- Feb. 9, 2004, Interpretive Center, Great Falls

COTA Meeting:
- Jan. 18, 2004, St. Louis, MO

"Many Cultures-One Land"

With this theme as the key focus, Montana’s 5th Annual Lewis & Clark Conference was successfully held in Lewistown on October 2-3, 2003. New to this year’s conference was an exciting new partnership with the Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance (MTTA). The conference featured an MTTA-sponsored traditional Indian meal at noon on Thursday, and an MTTA/Lewis & Clark Honor Guard encampment at Symms Park that same afternoon. The conference continued on Friday with a breakfast presentation by Amy Mossett, a native Mandan-Hidatsa and nationally recognized authority on the life of Sacagawea. Friday morning offerings included breakout sessions on Public Safety, Event Planning, Working with Volunteers and Marketing & Publicity. The concluding luncheon on Friday featured special recognitions for volunteers identified by their respective regional commissions, a keynote address by the state Commission Chair Hal Stearns, and a rousing performance of Manifest Scrutiny. Planning is already underway for a sixth annual gathering of Lewis & Clark planners in 2004.

Host Sites for Corps of Discovery II Announced

The National Park Service recently announced that eighteen Montana communities and Tribes were selected to host the Corps of Discovery II. (Slight modification of dates may occur as the NPS strives to match Corps II set-up and travel time with community events.)

2004 Challenge Cost Share Grants Program Announced

The National Park Service recently announced the availability of the 2004 CCS grant application and guidelines on-line at www.nps.gov/lecl/. The program makes available matching funds to non-federal organizations for projects that provide new or enhanced opportunities for protection, interpretation, or recreation at sites or segments of the Trail. The deadline for submitting applications is January 15, 2004.

Grant Programs for 2004 Announced

The state Commission is pleased to announce the project grant program for 2004. Applications are now on-line or contact the Commission office to receive a hard copy. The submittal deadline is Friday, December 19, 2003. Grant award recipients and the amount of funds to be granted will be announced during the state Commission’s February 10th meeting at the Interpretive Center in Great Falls.

Getting Connected to Lewis & Clark

Two very recent developments will significantly facilitate the delivery of pertinent Lewis & Clark information to Montana teachers, and others interested in learning more about the Lewis & Clark Expedition and Bicentennial Commemoration:

• Through a partnership comprised of The Watercourse at Montana State University, and Qwest, the Lewis & Clark Educator’s Resource Guide has been updated, expanded and reprinted. Approximately 700 of these new guides will be sent free of charge to school and public libraries throughout Montana this November. Others interested in purchasing a copy of this revised guide ($10/each) may do so by completing an order form on the state Commission’s website. The new guide can also be viewed on-line at this same address. Thanks to The Watercourse and Qwest for a great resource guide!
• The Montana Office of Public Instruction very recently launched a new Lewis & Clark page on their web site. This new informational connection will allow for an effective, on-going flow of Lewis & Clark information to teachers throughout the state.

Travel Planning Made Easier

Travel Montana recently launched a new “Corridor Breakout” feature on their Lewis & Clark web site. Visitors to that frequently accessed site can now more readily access location-specific information on Lewis & Clark-related activities, events and attractions.

*****
Montana Lewis & Clark Bicentennial
P O Box 201203
Helena, MT 59620-1203
406-443-2109 ph.
406-444-2686 fax
www.montanalewisandclark.org

Lewis & Clark Legacy Campaign Leaders

The following businesses and individuals have stepped forward early to make leading gifts to Montana’s Lewis & Clark Legacy (fundraising) Campaign. Thank you! Businesses and individuals interested in giving a year-end contribution can contact the state Commission office, or contact the Legacy Campaign office directly at: 406-457-9080.

• First Interstate Bank and Foundation - $500,000
• PPL Montana - $100,000
• MDU Resources Foundation - $50,000
• E.H. Oftedahl & Sons, Inc. - $25,000
• ExxonMobil - $25,000
• Mary Lou Cook - $25,000

Senate Legacy Project “Proceeding On”

To ensure that a meaningful statewide legacy is forthcoming from Montana’s Bicentennial, the Montana Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission and the Montana Historical Society supported the efforts of Senator Duane Grimes in successfully passing legislation in 2003 for the creation of a large bronze art piece to hang in the Montana Senate Chambers. An Advisory Committee is now working to select an artist who captures a unique and lasting perspective of Lewis & Clark in Montana. From the nineteen artists who answered the ‘call for proposals’, six finalists were recently chosen. A late January, 2004 date has been set for the finalists to submit their clay or wax models. Once an artist is selected, maquettes of the final art piece will be offered for sale to finance the larger image. A mid-summer, 2005 date has been projected for the completion and dedication of the final legacy art piece.

Do You Need a Permit?

Businesses, organizations, school groups, commercial tour operators or film makers who visit or use public lands administered by the USDA Forest Service for organized, and/or for commercial purposes MAY need to obtain a special use permit. Inquiries should be directed to the nearest National Forest Service office, or contact the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center at 4201 Giant Springs Road, P.O. Box 1806, Great Falls, MT 59403, (406) 727-8733, or (406) 453-6170, or visit www.fs.fed.us/rl/lewisclark/lcic.htm.