needs of fly fishing outfitters throughout the state and help protect Montana's fish and habitats through its conservation fund. Environmental interests Merton Parks, along with Dan Bailey of Livingston, Montana and Bud Lilly of West Yellowstone, Montana were instrumental in establishing the first Montana chapter--Joe Brooks Chapter—of Trout Unlimited in Livingston. Richard remains an active member of the chapter today and is a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers. Richard Parks has been a long-standing member of the Northern Plains Resource Council, an organization dedicated to the protection of Montana's water quality, family farms and ranches, and it quality of life. He served as the council's Chairman from 1991–93,. In 1983, Parks Fly Shop and Richard Parks became charter members of the Bear Creek Council, an affiliate of the Northern Plains Resource Council in an effort to generate grass-roots support for reform of the General Mining Act of 1872. In May 1990, Richard received the Conservation Activist Award from the Greater Yellowstone Coalition for his work on the New World Gold Mine issue. Further reading See also Angling in Yellowstone National Park Notes Companies based in Montana Buildings and structures in Park County, Montana Fly fishing Tourist attractions in Park County, Montana 1953 establishments in Montana Retail companies established in 1953