In this episode, I interview Bill Cunningham, a longtime Montana wilderness advocate with a deep and rich history from the 1970s to the present. Bill discusses the intricate legislative battles that framed the preservation of Montana's wilderness, including the Montana Wilderness Study Area Act, protecting the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Complex, the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Bill and his work with influential figures such as Lee Metcalf. We discuss the controversial issues around collaboration in conservation efforts, explaining the nuances of the Gallatin Range controversy as one example, and the need for unwavering advocacy. Moving to his personal adventures, Bill shares stories of expeditions in Alaska’s remote wilderness. Our discussion concludes with a poignant reflection on the spiritual and ecological necessity of preserving public wildlands for future generations.

https://mtconservationelders.org/

02:46 Exploring the Oregon Coast

05:39 Challenges and Opportunities in Wilderness Conservation

09:37 Personal Wilderness Experiences

14:43 The Magruder Corridor Controversy

19:47 The Wilderness Act and Its Legacy

22:16 Wilderness Guiding and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex

24:02 Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Bill

30:46 Challenges in Modern Wilderness Conservation

34:30 Historical Wilderness Legislation and Collaboration

52:12 Montana's Political Landscape and Wilderness Legislation

53:36 The Legacy of Lee Metcalf

55:54 Challenges in Wilderness Advocacy

56:41 The Rise of Motorized Recreation

01:01:20 Compromises in Conservation Efforts

01:02:55 The Role of Conservation Organizations

01:06:00 The Importance of Grassroots Advocacy

01:19:56 Collaboration and Its Pitfalls

01:38:52 The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Campaign

01:47:15 Adventures in Alaska

01:52:16 Reflections on a Life Dedicated to Wilderness

01:54:34 The Importance of Public Lands

02:01:33 Bob Marshall's Legacy