A diverse group of people and organizations who care about the Crown of the Continent are working with The University of Montana Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy to organize a conference that will celebrate and build upon the region’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage.

The two-day conference – “Remarkable Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the Crown of the Continent” – is open to anyone interested in the past, present and future of the region. It will take place Thursday and Friday, Sept. 23-24, at the Bayshore Inn, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta. Registration costs $75 through Sept. 10 and $100 thereafter.       

The event celebrates the efforts of people and organizations to preserve the culture, heritage, communities and landscape of the region now and for future generations. Participants will assess the challenges and opportunities ahead and build relationships and knowledge to shape the future of the region.

Confirmed keynote speakers are Jack Nisbet, author of “Sources of the River: Tracking David Thompson Across Western North America;” Jonathan B. Tourtellot, director and geotourism editor, National Geographic Traveler; Darrell Kipp, director, Piegan Institute; and Lynn Scarlett, former U.S. deputy secretary of the interior.

The idea of an annual conference focused on the Crown of the Continent emerged at last year’s summer retreat of the “Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent,” a forum for organizations and people who care about the region.

For more information, to register for the conference or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit http://crownroundtable.org/2010conference.html.