Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation

What Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation does

Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 and headquartered in Red Lodge, Montana. Its mission is the stewardship of the nearly one-million-acre Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, located north of Yellowstone National Park. The foundation does not own the land it manages; it operates as a supporting partner to the U.S. Forest Service's Custer Gallatin National Forest, supplementing federal capacity with private funding, volunteer labor, and program delivery.

ABWF's core programs are field-based and operationally simple. Trail Stewardship Projects deliver trail maintenance, construction, and capital improvements (including the Rimrock Lake bridge replacement completed in October 2025). The Trailhead Ambassador Program places trained volunteers at trailheads to educate visitors on Leave No Trace principles. Solitude Monitoring is a citizen-science initiative collecting backcountry-use and solitude data. Trailhead Inventory catalogues infrastructure and conditions. The Women in Wilderness program, launched in 2025 with Sibanye-Stillwater and Beartooth Backcountry Horsemen, adds a focused audience-segment and corporate-partnership dimension. Delivery is carried out by a small permanent team of approximately 8-10 staff, supplemented by seasonal crew, interns, and a volunteer base of over 1,341 individuals who have contributed 57,783+ cumulative hours since 2012.

Revenue is diversified across individual donations processed through QGIV, sustaining memberships, the Montana DMV specialty license plate program, merchandise sales, event fundraising (notably the Banff Mountain Film Festival), community giving days, and institutional grants (including strategic-planning support from the Kendeda Foundation). The organization holds the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency (2024) and operates under a Five Year Strategic Plan adopted in 2022. In 2025, ABWF expanded its programming footprint in response to U.S. Forest Service staff reductions, and in 2026 it has scheduled over 25 projects, described as the largest slate in the foundation's history.

Name

Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation

Legal name

Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation

Website

https://abwilderness.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation is a Red Lodge, Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports stewardship of the nearly one-million-acre Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness north of Yellowstone through volunteer trail maintenance, trailhead education, citizen-science solitude monitoring, and partnership programs with the U.S. Forest Service.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wilderness Conservation Stewardship

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biodiversity Conservation & Habitat Banking (AFAMAMAC), Wildlife & Animal Care Volunteering (EDAIAGAE)

Keywords

• Wilderness stewardship services
• Trail maintenance programs
• Volunteer conservation projects
• Citizen science monitoring
• Nonprofit land conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Red Lodge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting wilderness stewardship work. Donations are collected via the QGIV platform and support trail maintenance, education programs, and operational costs.
2. Sustaining Membership: Recurring monthly or annual donations from dedicated supporters providing consistent operational support for tools, projects, and programs.
3. Montana License Plate Program: Montana residents can purchase specialty license plates featuring Parks Reese artwork, with proceeds directly supporting ABWF. Plates available at county DMV offices.
4. ABWF Online Store: E-commerce sales of merchandise including the 'Voices of Yellowstone's Capstone' book, Parks Reece prints, and sample license plates.
5. Event Fundraising: Revenue from Banff Film Festival screenings and other fundraising events where proceeds support ABWF programs. Tickets sold at venues and online.
6. Community Giving Events: Participation in Give Big Gallatin Valley and Yellowstone Valley Gives - annual giving day events that mobilize community philanthropy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports stewardship of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness through volunteer-driven trail maintenance projects, citizen science solitude monitoring trips, wilderness education programs (Trail Ambassadors, Women in Wilderness), and a Montana specialty license plate program. The organization bridges gaps in U.S. Forest Service capacity and funds its work primarily through individual donations, sustaining memberships, merchandise sales, and community giving events.

Product overview

The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation offers a suite of volunteer-based stewardship programs centered on trail maintenance, citizen science, and wilderness education. Core offerings include Trail Stewardship Projects (multi-day backcountry volunteer adventures), Stewardship Tours/Solitude Monitoring (citizen science data collection), Trailhead Ambassador Program (visitor education), Trailhead Inventory (wilderness portal cataloging), and Women in Wilderness workshops. The organization also operates a merchandise store featuring the Voices of Yellowstone's Capstone atlas and Parks Reece art prints, plus a Montana specialty license plate program for donors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Trail Stewardship Projects Multi-day and single-day backcountry volunteer trail maintenance adventures where participants learn traditional trail-building skills and work alongside U.S. Forest Service crews to clear, repair, and restore trails in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Targeted at wilderness enthusiasts, hikers, and organized volunteer groups.
• Solitude Monitoring Stewardship Tours (Citizen Science) Backpacking-based citizen science program where volunteers collect data on wilderness solitude and visitor encounters across designated monitoring routes, supporting USFS annual wilderness assessments. Open to wilderness enthusiasts who can commit to 3-4 day backpacking trips.
• Trailhead Ambassador Program Seasonal volunteer program placing trained ambassadors at wilderness trailheads to educate visitors about wilderness ethics, rules, and proper backcountry behavior. Targeted at recreators and newcomers entering the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
• Trailhead Inventory (Wilderness Portals Catalog) Citizen science initiative cataloging every trailhead accessing the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, collecting data on amenities, signage, parking capacity, and distance to wilderness boundaries to support land management.
• Women in Wilderness Workshop Annual wilderness education workshop providing women-identifying participants with backcountry skills, stewardship experience, and connection to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Launched as a new partnership with Sibanye-Stillwater and the Beartooth Backcountry Horsemen in 2025.
• Voices of Yellowstone's Capstone (Hardcover Atlas) Comprehensive hardcover atlas containing essays, history, and photography documenting the greater Yellowstone region and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, sold for $60. Targeted at wilderness enthusiasts, donors, and book buyers.
• Voices of Yellowstone's Capstone (Softcover Atlas) Softcover edition of the comprehensive atlas documenting the greater Yellowstone region and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, sold for $45. Targeted at wilderness enthusiasts, donors, and book buyers.
• Parks Reece Framed Print Signed framed art print by Livingston artist Parks Reece depicting iconic Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness artwork, sold for $300. Targeted at art collectors and wilderness supporters.
• Montana Specialty License Plate Program Specialty Montana DMV license plate featuring Parks Reece artwork, with proceeds directly supporting ABWF wilderness stewardship. Distributed through Montana county motor vehicle offices during vehicle registration/renewal.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $2 million in stewardship value delivered since 2008
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• U.S. Forest Service (USFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary strategic partner for all stewardship activities. ABWF operates under Forest Service volunteer agreements to conduct trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and solitude monitoring. The partnership has become especially critical following USFS budget cuts and staff layoffs, with ABWF stepping up to fill capacity gaps.
• Beartooth TrailscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization that ABWF collaborates with on National Trails Day and other trail-focused initiatives in the Beartooth region.
• Park County Environmental Council (PCEC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration partner for the Livingston Peak Weed Pull multi-year weed treatment project, working together on invasive species management.
• Livingston Bike Club (LBC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for Livingston Peak Weed Pull events, with the club arranging shuttles for mountain bikers.
• East Rosebud Lake AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in East Rosebud Trail Weed Pull projects, collaborating with USFS Range Tech on cheatgrass and invasive species treatment.
• Back Country Horsemen of the BeartoothsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquestrian packing organization that assists with logistical support for volunteer trail projects, providing stock packing services.
• Eagle Mount BillingsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisability services organization partnering with ABWF for annual Adventure Day providing wilderness skills, stewardship, and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Schreiner UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity from Texas that brought an organized volunteer group for week-long trail stewardship in the Stillwater Drainage, demonstrating corporate/university volunteer engagement.
• Sibanye-StillwaterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMining company partner for Women in Wilderness partnership program, providing support for solitude-monitoring backpacking adventures.
• The Base CampcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBillings-based outdoor retailer and event venue that hosts Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour as a fundraiser for ABWF, Billings Trailnet, and Wild Montana.
• Billings TrailnetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal trail organization co-beneficiary of Banff Film Festival fundraising events.
• Wild MontanaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStatewide conservation organization co-beneficiary of Banff Film Festival fundraising events.
• The Lark HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBozeman boutique hotel providing donor incentive (one-night stay giveaway) for Give Big Gallatin Valley fundraising campaign.
• The WrenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMissoula boutique hotel providing donor incentive (one-night stay giveaway) for Give Big Gallatin Valley fundraising campaign.
• REI BillingsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor retailer hosting ABWF table during 2025 Anniversary Sale to promote volunteer opportunities and programs.
• ZooMontanaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBillings zoo hosting Party for the Planet Earth Day celebration where ABWF staffs an exhibit promoting volunteer opportunities.
• Dan Bailey's (Livingston)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal outdoor gear retailer in Livingston recommended as trusted partner for trip planning and conditions information.
• Sylvan Peak Mountain Shoppe (Red Lodge)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal outdoor retailer in Red Lodge recommended as trusted partner for trip planning, with ABWF hosting photo exhibits at their location.
• Museum of the BeartoothsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMuseum in Columbus, MT providing research assistance and collaboration on historical trail documentation.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Friends of the Inyo: A California-based nonprofit "Friends of" group that supports stewardship of the Inyo National Forest's wilderness areas through volunteer trail work, citizen science, and education. Structurally and operationally analogous to ABWF as a small-staff nonprofit stewarding a specific National Forest wilderness.
• Friends of the Eagles Nest Wilderness: A Colorado nonprofit stewarding the Eagles Nest Wilderness through trail work, volunteer projects, and education. Directly comparable as a small-staff "Friends of" group supporting trail maintenance and wilderness education on federal land.
• Pacific Crest Trail Association: A long-standing nonprofit dedicated to protecting and maintaining the Pacific Crest Trail through volunteer trail crews, education, and federal-land advocacy. Directly comparable mission around volunteer-powered trail stewardship on federal lands.
• Wilderness Workshop: A Colorado nonprofit focused on wilderness conservation, advocacy, and stewardship in the Rocky Mountain West. Closely comparable to ABWF as a regional wilderness advocacy and stewardship organization with volunteer programs and federal-land policy engagement.
• Friends of Nevada Wilderness: A Nevada nonprofit devoted to preserving and restoring Nevada's wilderness through volunteer stewardship, trail maintenance, and public-lands advocacy. Closely analogous model of volunteer-driven stewardship filling USFS/BLM capacity gaps in a specific geography.

Others

• The Trust for Public Land: A national land-conservation nonprofit that works on public-lands acquisition and protection. Comparable in its mission to safeguard public lands but operates via acquisition/advocacy rather than volunteer stewardship projects.
• Leave No Trace: A national nonprofit focused on outdoor ethics education and training, including the Trail Ambassadors-style work ABWF does at trailheads. Adjacent rather than directly competing; partner or programmatic cousin in wilderness education.

Broad incumbents

• National Park Trust: A national nonprofit focused on completing land acquisition for national parks and supporting park stewardship. Broader scope than ABWF but aligned in mission of preserving federal public lands through philanthropy and partnerships.
• Appalachian Mountain Club: A large, established outdoor recreation and conservation nonprofit operating across the Northeast with trail stewardship, hut systems, and education. Comparable program mix but at significantly larger scale and broader geographic scope.

Regional players

• Wild Montana: A statewide Montana conservation and wilderness-protection nonprofit that engages in advocacy, organizing, and stewardship. Comparable mission around protecting Montana wildlands, and already a partner of ABWF on Banff Film Festival fundraising.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AbsarokaBeartoothWilderness
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness-foundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation