Voices of Wilderness celebration Nov. 2

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is hosting its 12th annual Voices of the Wilderness celebration and fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 2 at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake at 6 p.m.

This year, the keynote speakers will be United States Forest Service employees discussing winter travel and conducting snow surveys in the Wilderness during the winter months.

Michael Reavis is the assistant packer for Spotted Bear Ranger District, an avid backcountry skier and talented photographer. Reavis will share slides of some of his images of winter travel over the years. He will discuss the different landscapes, and some of the safety precautions needed while traveling during the extreme winter months.

Jim Flint is the acting Fire Management Officer for Spotted Bear Ranger District. He has been participating in forest service snow surveys for over a decade, and will discuss the findings over the years and the historic snow survey data, as well as some historic perspectives of winter use and recreation in the Wilderness.

Musical guests Moonshine Mountain Band will entertain with their unique combination of American, folk and country music throughout the evening.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at http://www.bmwf.org/events or at the door. Space is limited, so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and to bring cash for the bar and for raffle tickets.

Auction items and raffle prizes include artwork, photography, pottery, leatherwork, outdoor gear, handmade jewelry, craft beverages and more. There will also be a raffle with several great prizes given away throughout the evening. Proceeds from this event help the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation keep trails open in the Bob and helps to strengthen the next generation of stewards by getting adult and youth into the wilderness.

Key financial donors making this event possible include Whitefish Credit Union, Park Side Credit Union, The Base Camp, Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Mindful Design, Sweetgrass Psychological Services, River Design Group, Freedom Bank, Educad Jones - Joel Pemberton, First Interstate Bank, Sportsman Ski Haus. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is a nonprofit wilderness stewardship and conservation organization working in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Learn more online at www.bmwf.org.