Montana Geohazards Workshop 2026

October 20-21, 2026 (Agenda)

Montana State University, Norm Asbjornson Hall, Room 201 (Inspiration Hall), Bozeman, MT (Directions)


  • Information
  • Workshop Day 1
  • Workshop Day 2

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) is organizing the 2026 Montana Geohazards Workshop held at Montana State University, Norm Asbjornson Hall, Room 201 (Inspiration Hall), Bozeman, MT.

Background:

Held annually since 2022, the Montana Geohazards Workshop brings together federal, state, and local partners. Attendees discuss Montana’s earthquake risk, research, and mitigation.

Objectives:

In 2026, the Geohazards Workshop will gain insights from attendees to advance Montana’s earthquake resilience. Participants will discuss how research and collaboration can better inform mitigation planning to take action to reduce risk.

Workshop Day 1–Agency Updates, Mitigation Planning, and MEWG Strategic Plan

Schedule subject to change

Tuesday, October 20 (2026): 8:00 a.m.–Noon, 1–5:00 p.m.

Time Presenter/Facilitator Topic

8:00 a.m. Check-in and coffee

8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Welcoming remarks, overview of MEWG, and introductions

9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Michael Stickney (MBMG)/Moss Earthquake history in Montana/Living with seismic hazards
9:30 a.m.–12:00 a.m. Various Updates from agencies across Montana (including discussion of priorities)
MBMG Geohazards Program
DOT
DRNC
DEQ
DES
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Gavillot/Castro/Sanford/Amalesh Introduction to earthquake hazards and risk in Bozeman area and beyond
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Lang/Long/FEMA Hazards mitigation planning best practices/success stories
3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Sara Chason QuakeSmart
FLASH—Prelude to Bozeman QuakeSmart Workshop
3:30 p.m.–3:45 p.m. Break
3:45 p.m.–4:45 p.m. Gavillot/Willingham/Elliott QuakeSmart
Review of the MEWG progress update and priorities
4:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Day 1 Wrap-Up
TBA Evening social activity

Workshop Day 2–Geohazards in Montana

Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Table Top exercise/Vision for Disaster Resilience in Montana

Time Presenter/Facilitator Topic

8:00 a.m. Check-in and coffee

8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Various Earthquake scenario exercise—Part 1: Earthquake damage and immediate response
MBMG Facilitator Discussion
10:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Various Earthquake Scenario exercise—Part 2: Short- to Long-term recovery/vision for disaster resilience
MBMG Facilitator Discussion
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Various Earthquake Scenario exercise—Part 2: Short- to Long-term recovery/vision for disaster resilience
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Half-day field trip