Ralph Saunders

Ralph received a degree in agriculture, which included courses in geology, soils, and aerial photographic interpretation. He is currently retired from HKM/DOWL Engineering as an aerial photo interpreter and expert witness, but still continues to produce maps for his own company, Rocky Mountain Surveys. He and his wife, Marlene, are still involved in the shooting sports after 50+ years at the Yellowstone Rifle Club, coaching juniors. He has been active in historical studies, has written books, and conducted tours on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. While working for HKM, he worked on a number of areas of significant historical importance. That background assuredly helped him expand his knowledge and interest in history. To Ralph, the location where it happened is a valuable element of history. The actual location of the Bozeman Trail in Montana is his latest mapping endeavor. Ralph was awarded the Meritorious Achievement Award with the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation in 2012, the Eugene L. Carroll Historic Preservation Award in 2016, and the Montana Historical Society Heritage Keeper Award in 2024.