Each spring, the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host its “annual meeting,” dubbed State of the Scotchmans. This year’s version will be Thursday, June 2, at the Forrest Bird Charter Middle School beginning at 6 p.m. The yearly affair is a chance for FSPW staff to give an update on the Scotchman Peaks wilderness proposal — which has made some exciting progress in the past year —including legislative progress, stewardship projects, education and outreach over the past year. In addition to the short update, complimentary appetizers from the charter school catering department will be served and Eichardt’s will provide a no-host bar. It’s also a good chance to meet with new FSPW staff, including Britta Mireley, assistant program coordinator; Lindsay Ashton, backcountry ranger intern; and Jay Sicilia, mountain goat education coordinator.

The keynote speaker for the State of the Scotchmans program this year is Bruce Smith, a leading authorities on mountain goats and author of “Life On The Rocks”, a new book on the subject. Bruce is a 30-year veteran wildlife manager and scientist of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He now writes full-time about wildlife conservation and resource sustainability. Considering the goat-related trail closure on Scotchman Peak in 2015 and the mountain goat education program FSPW is launching this hike season, this will be a timely presentation of great interest.

State of the Scotchmans is an opportunity to recognize some of the volunteers who make FSPW work, including the revelation of who will be the 2016 “Old Goat of the Year.” “This honor might have a dubious name,” says FSPW program Coordinator Sandy Compton, “but it’s reserved for men and women who have given greatly of themselves to support the Scotchman Peaks cause. The Old Goat award always goes to a stellar volunteer.”

Information: online, www.scotchmanpeaks.org/event/annual-state-of-the-scotchmans-meeting; or email, info@scotchmanpeaks.org