Colorful artwork and creative slogans illustrate the importance of wildfire prevention in the 2022 Keep Montana Green art contest.

"We had some fantastic entries that demonstrate just how creative and artistic Montana youth are, especially as it relates to depicting wildfire prevention,'" said Clive Rooney, Area Manager of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Northeastern Land Office in Lewistown, Mont.

The northeastern Montana regional contest received 292 entries from 15 teachers in 13 schools across our region of 13 counties in central and northeastern Montana. The Keep Montana Green Association has sponsored 61 art contests since 1961 with the mission of creating a lasting interest in preventing human-caused wildland fires.

"The artwork reminds the public to be careful with fire and fire-causing hazards while enjoying the state's forests, campgrounds and rangelands, as well as in everyday life," said Rooney. "If these prevention efforts help eliminate just one human-caused fire then they are well worth it, saving our state's forests, rangelands, homes and money."

Each year, the Montana DNRC and Keep Montana Green Association ask Kindergarten through 12th grade students to participate in the art contest. This year's theme, "Do Your Part," and the Keep Montana Green organization, provide educators with a curriculum for teaching students about fire safety, prevention and conservation.

The art entries are judged regionally where first, second, third and honorable mention placings are decided. Then, those entries are sent to Missoula to be judged with five other regions' winners. The state winners receive ribbons, cash prizes and statewide recognition.

"Our area schools in central and northeastern Montana have had a strong showing in the state contest for the past several years," said Rooney. "We wish to praise the students for their awesome artwork and creativity, as well as their teachers for taking the time to incorporate the Keep Montana Green Art Contest into their daily lessons."

Twenty-four of the 292 entries submitted to the Northeastern Land Office will be considered for prizes at the state level. State winners will be announced in April.

"This art contest is a great way to engage students on the topic of preventing human-caused wildfires," said Julia Berkey, Keep Montana Green executive director. "We at the Keep Montana Green Association love that it reminds students of their role in preventing wildfires, while also allowing them to have fun and get creative."

The 2022 northeastern Montana regional winners include:

Intermediate Division, Grades 4-6:

First Place – Johnnie Schultz, sixth grade, Mrs. Marti Schultz, Home School in Grass Range;

Third Place – Mason Schultz, fourth grade, Mrs. Marti Schultz, Home School in Grass Range;

Headquartered in Missoula, the Keep Montana Green Association sponsors the annual art contest in cooperation with Montana DNRC.