Destination Stewardship Plan Best Practices

Let's Take Care Of This Place
Best Practices

Missoula, Montana, is more than a place—it is a way of life. With wilderness to explore, stories rooted in the landscape, and a culture of cool, it’s no wonder that so many people fall in love with this place. In order to safeguard the “soul” in Missoula, we all must do our part to keep it vibrant, welcoming and weird for this and future generations. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, you have a role to play. Let’s take care of this place—together.

Let’s Protect Our Flow

Keep our rivers clean, safe and sacred.

Let’s take care of this place by enjoying our rivers with intentionality and care—pack it in, pack it out and stick to designated access points. Whether you're floating, fishing, surfing or SUP-ing, show respect by leaving our waters better than you found them.

Let’s Own Our Footprint

Every step leaves a mark. Make yours a good one.

Let’s take care of this place by staying on trails, cleaning up after our pets, giving wildlife space, following all posted regulations and taking nothing but memories with you. On the roads and on the trail, to minimize your trace is to honor this place. The lands around Missoula are shared treasure—do your part so they stay welcoming and pristine for generations to come.

Let’s Choose Local

People are the soul of this place. Let’s lift them up.

Let’s take care of this place by supporting the makers, creators and local business owners that call Missoula home. Actions speak louder than words, so let your dollars do the talking—shop small, eat local and show your appreciation. Supporting local bolsters the quirk and spirit that makes Missoula, well, Missoula.

Let’s Lead with Kindness

Missoula is good to us. Let’s be good back.

Let’s take care of this place by being good to one another—on the trail, on the roads, at the market or in line for a pint. Whether you’ve spent your lifetime here or are just passing through, smile, say hello, give back and remember that our stories are all connected.

Let’s Know the Whole Story

The land remembers, and the story is still being written.

Let’s take care of this place by learning its full story—the histories, heritage and continued legacy of the Séliš (Salish), Ksanka (Kootenai) and Ql̓ispé (Upper Pend d' Oreille/Kalispel) people are the foundation of this place, and their voices remain central to Missoula today. Understand that this is a sacred place and be respectful and curious–not only about the legacies of the past, but about the people and the stories that continue to shape Montana’s present and future.

Let’s Embrace Everyone

We all have a role to play in this place. We are all connected.

Let’s take care of this place by creating a community where everyone feels welcome. From accessible trails and inclusive events to creating a culture that honors all voices and identities, there is room for all walks, rolls and rides in Missoula.

So, What's Destination Stewardship?

Destination stewardship means working together to protect what makes Missoula special, so everyone—residents and visitors alike—can enjoy it now and for generations to come.

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A sunset stroll along the Riverfront Trail is never a bad idea!

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