Events
Coalition members support efforts to preserve and protect the clean water that is critical to Montana’s tastiest brewed beverages.
Members and MEIC work together to:
Raise awareness about dangers posed to our waterways through social media and events.
Educate beer lovers across the state about the connection between clean water and great craft beer, as well as the importance of protecting Montana’s precious water sources.
Encourage community involvement in clean water protection and advocacy through pint nights, brews for a cause, and other financial and in-kind contributions.
Use our collective voice to persuade citizen leaders and policy makers to remember that all Montanans deserve and value clean water.
Upcoming Events:
November 21, 2024, 6:00 pm at Meadowlark Brewing in Billings
On November 21, Meadowlark Brewing will host a forum with Meadowlark owner Travis Peterson, Our Montana Field Program Director Mike Penfold, Yellowstone River Parks Association (YRPA) Executive Director Carolyn Sevier, and MEIC Sustainable Communities Planning Advocate Laura Collins to speak about brewing, the importance of clean water, and policies and practices that help protect this precious resource.
We’ll have time for your questions, whether it’s about Meadowlark’s brewing processes, what makes the water around Billings unique, and how policies made at the state level can impact what you’re drinking.
About Meadowlark Brewing:
Meadowlark’s creation came about like any other American dream, it was just that, a dream. Our founder, Travis, an avid craft beer “researcher,” moved home to Sidney, Montana in 2010 to help with the other family business Sidney Red-E-Mix, which is when the real encouragement from his parents came into play. Sidney, a small town in Eastern Montana was ready for some locally made beer. As with the rest of the country, Sidneyites, Sidneyers, the people of Sidney, were becoming more aware of and thirsty for craft beer. Travis and family saw this new “thirst” very inline with their new goals and dreams, and so the journey began.
https://www.meadowlarkbrewing.com/
About Our Montana:
Our Montana is committed to protecting and celebrating the natural splendor and rich history of Montana's rivers, parks, and historic landmarks.
About Yellowstone River Parks Association (YRPA):
YRPA is a volunteer-driven organization helping to build parks and trails along the Yellowstone River Greenway in Billings, Montana. The Yellowstone is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states and a treasure for the community of Billings. A group of Billings residents founded Yellowstone River Parks Association in 1991, and both through ownership and by partnering with public land agencies we help to manage more than 2,000 acres of green space that is open to the public.
About MEIC:
MEIC was founded in 1973 by Montanans concerned with protecting and restoring Montana’s natural environment. Thousands of Montanans support MEIC as members, both financially and with their activism. To protect and restore the land, air, water, and life-sustaining climate of Montana, MEIC advocates, educates, and empowers people in service of a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations.
Past Events:
October 2, 2024, 7:00 pm at Red Lodge Ales Brewing Co. in Red Lodge
On October 2, Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company will host a forum with owner Sam Hoffmann, Clarks Fork Yellowstone Partnership Watershed Coordinator Brooke Million, and MEIC deputy director Derf Johnson to speak about brewing, the importance of clean water, and policies and practices that help protect this precious resource.
We’ll have time for your questions, whether it’s about Red Lodge Ales’ brewing processes, what makes the water around Red Lodge unique, and how policies made at the state level can impact what you’re drinking.
About Red Lodge Ales:
Red Lodge, Montana has a long history with beer. Before the times of Prohibition, Red Lodge Brewing Company made great local beer. Many years later, Sam Hoffmann started Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company in downtown Red Lodge. By using soft, glacial water, heated by a solar thermal array, adding Montana grown and malted barley and naturally cooled by cold Beartooth Mountain air, Red Lodge Ales produces quality beer for today’s discerning beer lovers. https://www.redlodgeales.com/
Clarks Fork Yellowstone Partnership:
created from the dinner table discussion of two good friends who love the Clarks Fork River and the way of life in the valley. The idea quickly grew with the support of local recreationists, conservation agencies and the agricultural community. We were awarded 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation in June 2022, and came to encompass both the Clarks Fork River drainage and the Rock Creek drainage later that summer. Although we are in the beginning stages of our development, historically watershed organizations have flourished in Montana for more than 25 years. In many areas across the state, these organizations have facilitated groundbreaking conservation strategies, and helped to build trust and discover shared values within diverse communities. The geographical area of the Clarks Fork River watershed is large, and encompasses a diverse group of stakeholders. As a non regulatory, community-driven organization, we promote communication and partnership across that stakeholder base to help promote and preserve stream ecology. https://cfypwatershed.org/
About MEIC:
MEIC was founded in 1973 by Montanans concerned with protecting and restoring Montana’s natural environment. Thousands of Montanans support MEIC as members, both financially and with their activism. To protect and restore the land, air, water, and life-sustaining climate of Montana, MEIC advocates, educates, and empowers people in service of a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. https://meic.org
On Tuesday, September 3 at 6 pm, Neptune’s Brewery will host a forum in Livingston featuring Neptune’s owner Jon Berens, Wendy Weaver of Montana Freshwater Partners, Eric Larson of Montana SNOTEL (Snow Telemetry), and Derf Johnson of MEIC to speak about brewing, the importance of clean water, and policies that help protect this precious resource.
About Neptune's Brewery:
Neptune’s Brewery is a quaint, sea-themed oasis in the small mountain town of Livingston, Montana. We serve a variety of brewed-on-site, hand crafted beers for our community and our visitors. Neptune’s Brewery is named after the Roman God of the sea. The God’s name comes from several words combined to connote the marriage of heaven and earth. In modern times, this might be interpreted as meaning of the best of both worlds. Our motto is Drink Like God, means drink the best! Gods, although sometimes viewed as angry and vengeful, are also looked upon as strong leaders and caretakers of their people. We prefer to emulate the community caretaker qualities of the Roman deity. We strive to be viewed by our employees as a great place to work as well as being a community gathering center, where we support and enhance our local culture. https://www.neptunesbrewing.com/
About Montana Freshwater Partners:
Montana Freshwater Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Livingston, MT, that works to preserve and restore streams and wetlands throughout the state of Montana. We do this through our innovative programs including our Channel Migration Easement Program, Yellowstone River Stewardship Campaign and our In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program. We also offer technical services to partners and landowners including watershed planning, regulatory expertise, wetland delineations, stream assessments and more.
https://freshwaterpartners.org/
About Montana SNOwpack TELemetry (SNOTEL) Network:
The NRCS Montana Snow Survey Program offers mountain snowpack and precipitation data through manual snowpack measurements (Snow Courses) and the SNOwpack TELemetry (SNOTEL) network to predict snowmelt-driven runoff in the spring and summer. Individuals, organizations, as well as state and federal agencies rely on this information to make decisions related to agricultural production, fish and wildlife management, municipal and industrial water supply, urban development, flood control, recreation, power generation, and water quality management. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/montana/snow-survey
About MEIC:
MEIC was founded in 1973 by Montanans concerned with protecting and restoring Montana’s natural environment. Thousands of Montanans support MEIC as members, both financially and with their activism. To protect and restore the land, air, water, and life-sustaining climate of Montana, MEIC advocates, educates, and empowers people in service of a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. https://meic.org
August 6, 2024, 6:00 pm at Imagine Nation in Missoula
Montana’s clear, clean water is essential for fishing, swimming… and drinking! On Aug. 6, Imagine Nation will host a forum in Missoula featuring Imagine Nation’s head brewer Sean Nevins, Bill Pfeiffer of Montana Trout Unlimited, and Derf Johnson of MEIC to speak about brewing, the importance of clean water, and policies that help protect this precious resource.
We’ll have time for your questions, whether it’s about Imagine Nation’s brewing process, what makes the waters near Missoula special, or how policies made at the state level can impact what you’re drinking.
About Imagine Nation:
Imagine Nation Brewing is a community-oriented and community-based Missoula microbrewery grounded in the world’s great brewing traditions. Through expansive beers, a celebratory atmosphere, a beer garden, and workshops we address the critical challenges of our time. The purpose of the brewery is to support people in their own transformation so they are better prepared to authentically connect and transform the world around them.
About Montana Trout Unlimited:
Montana Trout Unlimited conserves, protects and restores Montana’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Our work includes advocating for clean water, robust stream flows, healthy habitat, and naturally functioning watersheds and floodplains; promoting fishery management that preserves and improves populations of wild fish, with a priority on native species, such as cutthroat trout, bull trout and grayling; working with agencies and landowners to conduct projects across the state that restore water quality, streamflows, healthy riparian habitats and natural stream function; defending the rights of anglers to access Montana’s streams and rivers for fishing and other recreational purposes; and educating the public about the importance of clean water and healthy wild fisheries.
About MEIC:
MEIC was founded in 1973 by Montanans concerned with protecting and restoring Montana’s natural environment. Thousands of Montanans support MEIC as members, both financially and with their activism. To protect and restore the land, air, water, and life-sustaining climate of Montana, MEIC advocates, educates, and empowers people in service of a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations.
March 13, 2024, 5:30 pm at Brothers Tapworks in Helena
Montana’s clear, clean water is essential for fishing, swimming… and drinking!
On March 13, Brothers Tapworks will host a forum in Helena with Blackfoot River Brewing’s brewers Tim Chisman and Chris Cote, Montana Watershed Coordination Council Executive Director Amy Seaman, and MEIC Deputy Director Derf Johnson to speak about brewing, the importance of clean water, and policies and practices that help protect this precious resource.
We’ll have time for your questions, whether it’s about Blackfoot’s brewing processes, what makes the water around Helena unique, and how policies made at the state level can impact what you’re drinking.
About Brothers Tapworks:
The Confluence at Brothers Tapworks is owned by brothers Bill and Steve Bullock located on Helena’s historic Walking Mall. Featuring over 40 handles of unique beers, wines, seltzers and ciders.
About Blackfoot River Brewing:
Blackfoot River Brewing is a craft brewery located in Downtown Helena adjacent to the trail system.
About Montana Watershed Coordination Council:
MWCC has been cultivating broad-based support for community-driven approaches to managing complex land and water issues for over 20 years. We are the statewide organization representing each of more than 60 local watershed conservation organizations.
Nov. 15, 2023, 5:00 pm at Thirsty Street Brewing in Billings
Montana’s clear, clean water is essential for fishing, swimming… and drinking! On Nov. 15, Thirsty Street Brewing will host a forum featuring Thirsty Street’s head brewer Shea Dawson, Wendy Weaver of Montana Freshwater Partners, and MEIC to speak about brewing, the importance of clean water, and policies that help protect this precious resource.
We’ll have time for your questions, whether it’s about Thirsty Street’s brewing process, what makes the Yellowstone River special, or how policies made at the state level can impact what you’re drinking.
About Thirsty Street Brewing:
Located in downtown Billings, we are a family-friendly microbrewery with hand-crafted beer on tap, wine, cider, seltzer, and non-alcoholic options, live music and events, and loads of fun for all!
About Montana Freshwater Partners:
Montana Freshwater Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Livingston, MT, that works to preserve and restore streams and wetlands throughout the state of Montana. We do this through our innovative programs including our Channel Migration Easement Program, Yellowstone River Stewardship Campaign and our In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program. We also offer technical services to partners and landowners including watershed planning, regulatory expertise, wetland delineations, stream assessments and more.
Nov. 10, 2022, 6:00 pm at Imagine Nation in Missoula
Montana’s clear, clean water is essential for fishing, swimming… and drinking! On Nov. 10, Imagine Nation will host a forum in Missoula featuring Imagine Nation’s head brewer Sean Nevins, Andrew Gorder of Clark Fork Coalition, and Derf Johnson of MEIC to speak about brewing, the importance of clean water, and policies that help protect this precious resource.
We’ll have time for your questions, whether it’s about Imagine Nation’s brewing process, what makes the Clark Fork River special, or how policies made at the state level can impact what you’re drinking.
Join us for one of our first River Runs Brew It events!
Read the event recap here.
About Imagine Nation:
Imagine Nation Brewing is a community-orientated and community-based Missoula microbrewery grounded in the world’s great brewing traditions. Through expansive beers, a celebratory atmosphere, a beer garden, and workshops we address the critical challenges of our time. The purpose of the brewery is to support people in their own transformation so they are better prepared to authentically connect and transform the world around them.
About Clark Fork Coalition:
Since 1985 the Clark Fork Coalition has worked to help heal and protect the vital waters of the Clark Fork basin. We organize and educate community members to learn about and care for the river, helping to make our waterways clean, healthy, and whole again. Our work is conducted by a staff of 14 people based in Missoula, Montana, with a satellite office at the CFC-managed working ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley. Our board of directors supplies guidance, governance, and oversight, with membership support delivered by citizens from across the 14-million acre Clark Fork basin. We build diverse partnerships using a science-based, community-focused approach.
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”
— Norman MacLean
