Who Should Attend:

Utility environmental professionals (new and experienced); government agency staff; vendors; and anyone tasked with or interested in environmental issues, regulatory compliance, or mitigation in the environmental arena of electric utilities.

Related Events:  

Environmental Task Force Meeting, Sept. 15, 2026
HAZWOPER 8-Hour First Responder Awareness, Operations, and Refresher Training for Utility Personnel, Sept. 16, 2026
SPCC: Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Training, Sept. 17, 2026

Overview:

NWPPA invites you to a free engaging field experience Sept. 14 in Missoula, Montana, ahead of the Environmental Task Force Meeting. 

The afternoon will begin at Missoula Electric Cooperative with a presentation on the cooperative's wildfire mitigation plan. Participants will then travel to nearby field locations to observe mitigation efforts and discuss how wildfire risk is addressed across utility operations. 

The field portion will include discussion of vegetation management practices, mitigation efforts related to utility facilities and equipment, wildfire risk considerations, and safety implications in a utility setting. Participants will have the opportunity to view real-world examples in the field an exchange perspectives with utility staff and fellow attendees. This field experience offers environmental professionals a practical opportunity to explore issues at the intersection of utility operations, vegetation management, wildfire mitigation, and environmental compliance.

Limited transportation may be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring a vehicle if possible, to support transportation needs during the field portion of the program.

Schedule:  

1:00-2:00 p.m. Missoula Electric Cooperative Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Mick Aho, Missoula Electric Cooperative

2:00-4:30 p.m. Field Tour of Vegetation Management Sites
Visit mitigated and non-mitigated areas and discuss wildfire risk, operational considerations, environmental impacts, and safety.

4:30-5:00 p.m. Questions, Discussions, and Wrap-Up

Location:

Missoula Electric Cooperative 
1700 W Broadway
Missoula, MT 59808

Hotel:

Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown
200 S. Pattee St.
Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 721-8550

Room rate: $219
Contact Holiday Inn Reservations at 406-721-8550 and ask for the NWPPA discount to receive the group rate. Ask for the NWPPA discount to receive the group rate.

Alaska Airlines Discount Code: We are excited to partner with Alaska Airlines to offer a discount on your travel to this event when you book through www.alaskaair.com. Please contact Melissa at melissa@nwppa.org to receive the exclusive code.

Fees:

There is no fee for this field trip.