Wild Rockies Field Institute

Cycle the Rockies: Energy and Climate Change in Montana

Dates: May 17-June 12, 2012

Cost: $3595 (Compare Costs Here)

Course listing:

EVST 311: Field Studies of Climate Change in Montana (3 credits)

RSCN 321: Field Studies of Energy Systems in Montana (3 credits)

Apply Here!

GENERAL COURSE PLAN:

Students on this course will explore Montana by bicycle while studying the ecological, social, and economic issues associated with energy production and use. We will traverse rolling plains and beautiful mountains, enjoying the changing landscapes and meeting with people deeply involved in energy and climate issues. Traveling by bicycle will give us a unique perspective and an appropriate pace for examining the past, present and future of energy and climate change in the West.

Montana offers prime examples of current energy production facilities, from traditional fossil fuel energy sites to exciting alternative technologies for producing power. Our route begins in eastern Montana at oil refineries and a coal-fired power plant in the industrial core of Billings. Then we will pedal north and west through grasslands and island mountain ranges on the central plains, visiting energy-efficient buildings and production sites for biofuels, and wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric power along the way.

After meetings with energy and climate policy experts at the state capitol in Helena, we will turn north along the impressive Rocky Mountain Front to Glacier National Park. We’ll cycle over the Continental Divide, spending time with climate scientists and park managers in Glacier before ending in Whitefish with a public presentation.

Among the things we will do along the way:

  • Visit facilities using or producing biodiesel, wind energy, solar power, geothermal heating, and biofuels. 
  • Examine fossil fuel technologies and impacts at coalfields, power plants, and oil refineries.
  • Tour a hydroelectric dam.
  • Visit ranchers, land managers, and farmers who are facing the impacts of climate change along with various opportunities for energy production.
  • Meet local and state officials working on state energy and climate policy.
  • Explore "green" energy-efficient buildings in Billings and Central Montana.
  • Talk with Glacier National Park scientists about the regional impacts of global warming.
  • Read and discuss a wide selection of current articles on energy issues and climate change.
  • Complete academic assignments designed to integrate our experiences and learning.
  • Present experiences and learning in open forums using electronic media and public presentations.
  • Become competent bicycle travelers.

Our choices of energy sources and consumption are some of the most critical decisions we will make as a society over the coming decades. Montana has abundant quantities of coal, natural gas, and other hydrocarbon resources, which have the potential to accelerate global warming if developed. At the same time, Montana, with vast agricultural plains and abundant wind, sun, and geothermal resources, is well positioned to produce clean, renewable energy. At course end, students will be armed with the knowledge and experience needed to play a positive role in shaping our energy system and future climate for the state, and the Rocky Mountain region. 

ENROLLMENT & DEADLINE:

The number of students will be limited to ten (10). Our courses are multidisciplinary and our students come from all majors. There are no academic prerequisites for any of our courses. The best background is a sense of curiosity, a willingness to take responsibility for your academic growth, and a love of adventure. Participants should be in good physical condition, have at least some cycling experience, and be prepared for a strenuous course involving long riding days, frequent meetings, and rigorous course work.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2012

WRFI reviews applications and accepts students on a rolling admission basis. We are currently accepting applications for the 2012 course. We will consider accepting applicants after the application deadline if there is still room on the course. The first payment of 25% of tuition will be due three weeks after acceptance.

Apply Here!

COST:

$3595 per student includes tuition, dinner food, on-course transportation from Missoula, MT and return, and group camping and cooking gear. Touring bicycles, panniers, bike repair supplies, and lunch and breakfast food must be supplied by students. Required course readings will need to be downloaded, printed out, and brought on the course (approx. $40). An additional $270 filing fee is required to receive academic credit for the course from the University of Montana.

INSTRUCTORS:

Noah Pollock, John Todd and Jennifer Potratz

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Click Here For The Cycle the Rockies Blog Site

Follow along and get to know the students as they interact with some of the key people involved in energy production and climate change in Montana! you can read the weekly updates that are being posted by students and instructors, and see stunning photos of touring Montana by bike.

You can also learn about this course by reading an article that ran in the Billings Gazette. Click here for that story. Check out the 2011 course blog.

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at j. gap