Ryan Busse

Ryan Busse, Vice Chairperson, has been involved with Montana Conservation Voters for the past three years and is one of the founding members of the Flathead Chapter that began during that same time period. Since that time he has served as a State Board Representative as well as a former Vice Chair. He credits his wife, and fellow member Sara, for encouraging his involvement in non-profit organizations. Sara’s work as the Development Director for the Flathead Land Trust served as a motivating factor for Ryan to become more involved within local non-profit organizations.

Currently, Ryan works out of Kalispell for Kimber Manufacturing, an arms manufacturer, which focuses mainly on high end hunting rifles and personal arms. Being an avid sportsman has also contributed to Ryan’s conservation ethic; along with his job that has introduced him to various conservation groups nationwide. These factors, combined with his childhood years growing up on a ranch in western Kansas have contributed to his diverse ethic and interests in protecting land within Montana. He has also been actively involved with Montana Wilderness Association and Trout Unlimited since his move to Montana in 1995.

Shortly after his move to Montana, Ryan began to explore his surroundings and was particularly inspired by his travels around the Rocky Mountain Front. He became concerned about the possibility of oil exploration in that specific region and became more involved with regional conservation issues. This issue brought him, and several other folks from the Rocky Mountain region to Washington, D.C. in 2003/2004 to lobby on behalf of fellow Montanans who wished to preserve this landscape. What he is most proud of is the fact that his diligent work, along with other individuals, surrounding this issue inspired the press in Washington, D.C. to take note of what was and remains at stake. This started the ball rolling toward national attention around the Rocky Mountain Front and the potential of losing the integrity and beauty of the area.

We appreciate Ryan’s hard work campaigning for the places we wish to preserve and his continued participation with MCV’s Flathead Chapter!

12/2005