Our Mission: Support the Health and Strength of the Professional Outdoor Guiding Community. Currently supporting the guides of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

Some Facts about Idaho and Montana Guides:

  • There are approx. 2500 professional guides in Idaho and also in Montana. Each holds a license issued by their respective state.

  • Outdoor recreation is the second most important economic sector in both states.

  • Over 65% of Idaho is Public Land. Over 30% of Montana is Public Land. Over 55% of Wyoming is public land.

  • Idaho has approximately 107,651 miles of river, of which 891 miles are designated as wild & scenic. Montana has approximately 169,829 miles of river, of which 388 miles are designated as wild & scenic. Wyoming has approximately 108,767 miles of river, of which 408 miles are designated as wild & scenic.

  • Guides often work for weeks and months as hosts and interpreters of remote and beautiful places. They also act as first responders, camp hosts, chefs, porters, storytellers, mentors, and more.

  • Healthy guides = healthy places, healthy outfitting businesses, and healthy guest experiences.

The Redside Foundation supports and strengthens the professional outdoor guiding community. We support guides through education, training, and support services, including removing the barriers to access to mental and physical healthcare and substance abuse counseling for guides in need. Montana and Wyoming’s guiding community has access to our Guide Helpline, Financial Hotline, Community Building, Academic Scholarships, and Professional Grants.

Over the past few years, the Redside Foundation has:

  • Provided over 150 training grants to professional courses such as AMGA, wilderness medicine, and swiftwater rescue courses.

  • Awarded 36 $1000 educational scholarships to guides attending either the University of Idaho (Telly Evans Memorial Scholarship) or any accredited school or university within the US (Idaho Guide Scholarship).

  • Maintained the Guide Helpline - a free & confidential mental health helpline.

  • Provided confidential, cost-free access to mental healthcare for over 300 guides-in-need.

  • Introduced a Financial Health Helpline connecting guides with a Financial Planner.

  • Issued vouchers to help pay for physical health care.

  • Provided Community Resilience Model trainings for guides.

  • Sponsored an annual health fair covering blood work, skin cancer checks, informational sessions, and more.

  • Launched chapters in Montana and Wyoming.

 
 
 
Video produced by Asa Menlove