Rivers Rundown Speaker Series: River History Presentation
Flathead Rivers Alliance presents 2026 Rivers Rundown Speaker Series! Learn from regional experts about what makes our Wild and Scenic Rivers outstanding and remarkable.
This session dives into the history of the North Fork Flathead River drainage, highlighting both the people and pivotal moments that have shaped its protection.
Join Flathead Rivers Alliance Board Member Jedd Sankar-Gorton for a swashbuckling tale of the fight against coal mining in the North Fork basin, alongside members of the North Fork Preservation Association who will share insights into their ongoing work and the broader history of the watershed.
Whether you're a river enthusiast, community member, or aspiring volunteer, this event is for you.
Speakers
Jedd Sankar-Gorton
Jedd is a lover of the wild rivers and river valleys of northwest Montana. Whether car camping along the North Fork or hiking in to float the Middle Fork around Schafer Meadows, he can’t get enough of the living waters of the Flathead river system. Jedd has worked for Montana Conservation Corps and, now, Whitefish Legacy Partners for the past 10+ years and is dedicated to the local conservation and outdoor recreation community. Jedd ascended to peak-nerdiness when he wrote a master’s thesis at the University of Montana on the fight over coal mining in the North Fork river basin. Requests to recount stories about the 1988 International Joint Commission referral process on the North Fork are much appreciated.
The mission of the North Fork Preservation Association is to champion the exceptional biodiversity and wildness of the North Fork of the Flathead River watershed in Northwest Montana. Local residents founded the North Fork Preservation Association (NFPA) in 1982 in response to proposals to pave the road and develop a coal mine upstream in Canada — changes that would have forever altered the natural landscape of the valley. The Association also works with the community to develop land-use planning and an education program that demonstrates how human and natural communities can successfully coexist.
Event Details
Date: April 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Location: Jersey Boys Pizzeria
Website: www.jerseyboyswhitefish.com
Cost: Free and open to the public
What You Will Learn
The history of conservation efforts in the North Fork Flathead River basin
The story behind the fight against coal mining in the region
The role of local organizations like the North Fork Preservation Association
Why this river system is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River
Who Should Attend
Community members interested in local history
River recreationists and conservation supporters
Current and prospective River Ambassadors
Anyone who loves the Flathead’s rivers
Host Venue
Special thanks to Jersey Boys Pizza for hosting this event.
Come learn, connect, and be inspired by the rich history of the Flathead’s rivers. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of storytelling, community, and conservation.
River Ambassador Training Credit
This presentation qualifies as River Ambassador training for the 2026 season. Fulfills the History ORV Module and attendance can be credited toward volunteer training requirements. If you are considering becoming a Flathead Rivers Alliance River Ambassador, this is a great opportunity to get started while connecting with the community.