As state-level planning escalates in states like Utah, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Alaska, a key source for funding community events has emerged.

On Sunday, April 21, wilderness enthusiasts from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, as well as the Sierra Club's Atlantic Chapter from New York, all gathered in Springfield, Vermont.

ABC Fox News in Montana recently aired coverage highlighting individuals who are involved in 50th planning in Montana including famous horse packer, Robert "Smoke" Elser, member of the Montana Back Country Horsemen and retired outfitter, and Zack Porter of the Montana Wilderness Association.