2026 Mini College Session Descriptions and Schedule  

Morning Sessions (9:30 to 10:30 am & 10:50 to 11:50 am)  

 

Conservation Easements                                                                                                                                                          

Derek Goble, Conservation Project Manager of Five Valleys Land Trust  

This course will cover the fundamentals of conservation easements, how they can be applied to forested properties, and the financial and tax incentives associated with them. We'll explore available funding mechanisms, examine the current landscape of conservation easements in Western Montana, and discuss the historical context behind their creation. Additionally, we'll guide you through the process, timelines, and long-term stewardship of private land under conservation easement. 

 

Invasive Weed & Plant Management                                                                                                                              

Bryce Christiaens & Steffany Rogge, Missoula County Weed District  

Gain a better understanding of why invasive weeds become established and persist by learning about ecological-based invasive plant management. The Missoula County Weed District will guide participants through establishing goals for their property while considering existing vegetation, land use, and resource availability. Invasive plant management is not all-encompassing and can differ from site to site; participants are encouraged to share their successes, trials, and even disappointments during this program and learn through others’ experiences.  

 

Understanding and Managing Forest Bats                                                                                                                     

Leah Rensel, PhD Candidate, Wildlife Biology Department, The University of Montana   

Bats are important ecosystem drivers for any forested ecosystem, but the best practices for management and mitigation are difficult to find.  We will cover bat diversity, ecosystem roles, and general guidelines for mitigating, co-existing, and managing for bats in forested landscapes. 

 

Estate Planning: Legacy and Next Generation                                                                                                                 

Dr. Marsha A. Goetting, Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist, Montana State University – Bozeman 

Families and Legacies, Challenging Decisions. Do you know that the decisions you have already made about titling your property influence who receives it upon your death?  Do you know what decisions Montana has made for you that determine who receives your property if you pass away without an estate plan? Many people don’t know about decisions you have already made, and decisions Montana has made that determine who receives your property after you die. They think a will controls everything.  “Not so," says Marsha Goetting, Montana State University Extension Family Economics Specialist. She will outline decisions you should be aware of so you can be assured the person you want to receive your real and personal property receives it instead of letting the Montana legislature decide for you. 

The Montana Legislature has made available tools that allow you to avoid probate on most of your assets. Probate can be avoided probate with payable on death designations (PODs), transfer on death registrations (TODs), a transfer on death deed (TODD) for real property, and a beneficiary designation for your vehicles and vessels. Marsha will explore the income tax impact when gifting or leaving assets as an inheritance.  She will also reveal how a Montana Medical Care Savings account can be a living legacy as well as a death legacy for your beneficiaries. 

 

Promoting Pollinators on your Property                                                                                                                       

Abiya (Abi) Saeed, Extension Horticulture Specialist, Montana State University – Bozeman 

Montana is home to countless pollinators, ranging from birds and bees to butterflies, beetles, flies, and more! Montana’s multitude of native pollinators can be found throughout our diverse ecosystems and landscapes, ranging from forests to fields, and agricultural to urban landscapes. These important pollinators provide essential ecosystem services to agriculture, home gardens, and support native plant biodiversity. Habitat loss is one of the leading issues impacting pollinators, and creating pollinator-friendly landscapes is a critical component of conserving these important organisms. This presentation will be focused on learning about the diversity of Montana’s native pollinators, understanding their habitat needs, and how you can promote them on your property. 

Lunch Break 12:00 to 1:10 pm  

 Lunch Speaker  - Owls in your backyardDenver Holt, Founder and President of the Owl Research Institute 

https://www.owlresearchinstitute.org 

Afternoon Sessions (1:30 to 2:30 pm & 2:50 to 3:50 pm)  

 

Only offered from 1:30 to 2:30 pm 

What you need to know about forest property taxes and taxable income                                                             

Walter J. Kero, Kero Byington & Associates, CPA’s 

Everything you need to know about taxes regarding your forested land:  How to declare timber income, property tax value, land-use changes, and deductions.  With more than 30 years experience as a CPA, Walt is great for answering any questions you may have about your property and income taxes. 

 

Only offered from 2:50 to 3:50 pm 

Montana Legislative Issues Forest Landowners Should Know About                                                                   

Montana Forest Owners Association Board of Directors                                                                                                Update of current legislative issues forest landowners should be aware of.  Q and A for the basic laws, taxes, legislative initiatives, and rules that affect forest landowners across the state of Montana, and issues that landowners should be aware of that currently affect their property rights, and what might change in the future. 

 

Insect and Disease Update 2026-2027                                                                                                                                   

Amy Gannon, Forest Pest Management Program Manager; Jake Chadwell, Forest Pest                                        Management Specialist; Rose Picklo, Forest Pest Technician. Montana DNRC Forestry Division   

The Montana DNRC monitors and troubleshoots tree pests across the state. Amy will provide an update about what different pests are on the increase or decrease, how to identify their damage and management strategies for dealing with them. Feel free to bring samples along for her to diagnose if you have something impacting your trees. 

 

Climate and Water Monitoring for Montana                                                                                                                         

Dr. Kelsey Jencso, Montana State Climatologist, Dr. Zachary Hoylman, Assistant State Climatologist, and Dr. Kyle Bocinsky, Director of Climate Extension, Montana Climate Office 

Join the Montana Climate Office for a mini workshop highlighting key tools for monitoring climate and water resources in Montana. Throughout the workshop, participants will explore several practical tools, including the Montana Mesonet dashboard, drought monitoring for the Columbia and Upper Missouri River basins, and updated climate projections in the Montana Climate Assessment. These tools are specifically designed to collect and analyze data related to climate patterns, precipitation, snowpack dynamics, and hydrological changes across different regions of Montana. Attendees will gain insights into how these tools generate valuable data, aiding stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding water resource management, drought preparedness, agriculture, and ecological conservation in Montana. 

 

Landowner Cost-share and Grant Opportunities                                                                                                                 

Jason Glen, NRCS Montana, Missoula Area Forester 

The session will give an overview of funding available through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, participation requirements, covered activities, and the process from start to payment. 

 

Montana Wood Market Prices, Trends, and Future                                                                                                     

Todd A. Morgan, CF, Director, Forest Industry Research, Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana 

The session will outline Montana’s forest products industry, look at trends in local log prices & national lumber prices, and provide insights on issues affecting timber owners and the industry. Logging and log hauling costs as well as milling capacity and utilization will be discussed, and time will be allotted for questions and answers. 

 

 

 

Updated 1/6/2026