About Us

The Mountain Geography Specialty Group (MGSG) is a sub-division of the American Association of Geographers (AAG). The purpose of the MGSG is to foster communication, promote basic and applied research, enhance education, and encourage service related to mountain peoples, mountain environments, and their interactions.

Mountain peoples and mountain environments have long been of interest to geography and geographers. Indeed, mountain environments are most "sensitive" to natural or human-induced environmental change, a characteristic that calls for the attention of geographers uniquely trained in identifying linkages between earth systems and social science. As geography becomes increasingly technical and specialized, we believe the time is ripe to bring together all those who are interested in and who study mountain related issues. This specialty group brings physical and human geographers together, something we believe is (i) critical to the future of the AAG, (ii) lacking in other specialty groups, and (iii) necessary to effectively communicate the challenges facing mountainous places and peoples. Within our membership, we recognize and include academics as well as non-academics. Amongst geographers, we provide a forum for mutual support and for the exchange of ideas, experiences and information. This allows participants to explore mountain issues on all spatial scales, from local to global. And, we believe such professional interaction promotes policies and actions for responsible and sustainable use of mountain environments.

Within our membership, we include many mountain enthusiasts of diverse professional affiliation. We provide a forum amongst geographers for mutual support and for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and information, allowing participants to explore mountain issues on spatial scales from local to global.

We believe that professional interaction promotes knowledge, policies, and actions that promote responsible and sustainable use of mountain environments.

Membership

Any member of the AAG can become a member of the MGSG upon selection of the specialty group interest box on the AAG annual dues form and payment of specialty group dues. There are two classes of membership, regular and student. Both classes of members can vote at the specialty group meeting. Dues are $10.00 for regular members and $3.00 for students.