Explore Big Sky - June 29 to July 12, 2023

ANOTHER HIGHWAY FATALITY IN GALLATIN CANYON

LOCAL STUDY FINDS INSIGHTS IN THE TRASH

SOUL SHINE RETURNS FOR 2023

WMPAC INTRODUCES COMEDY WORKSHOP

VOLUNTEER BIG SKY BRIDGES A CRUCIAL GAP

PLUS: EBS SELECTS TOP PHOTO IN RIVER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

June 29-July 12, 2023

Volume 14, Issue No. 13

Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana PUBLISHER

Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR

Jason Bacaj | jason@theoutlawpartners.com

STAFF WRITER

Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com

CREATIVE

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Trista Hillman | trista@theoutlawpartners.com

SALES AND OPERATIONS

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Treston Wold | treston@theoutlawpartners.com

VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com

MEDIA AND EVENTS DIRECTOR

Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTENT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Molly Absolon, Julia Barton, Daniel Bierschwale, Carlee Brown, Bella Butler, Mario Carr, Kate Hammermeister, Marne Hayes, Rachel Hergett, Jordan Lefler, Amanda Loudin, Dave Pecunies, Benjamin Alva Polley, Kene Sperry, Matt Suess, Paul Swenson, Brandon Walker

OPENING SHOT

High elevation snowpack is dwindling—as seen here in Hyalite Canyon south of Bozeman—around southwest Montana despite the steady precipitation and generally cool temperatures that have persisted at lower elevation around southwest Montana in the spring and early summer. Nighttime temperatures stayed above freezing throughout May and June, which led runoff and streamflows to peak early. Beartooth Basin is a popular summer ski training area around 11,000 feet on the Beartooth plateau and had to close several weeks early due to poor conditions.

LOCAL REGIONAL SPORTS OP NEWS A&E BUSINESS OPINION FUN BACK 40 4 22 24 26 29 34 36 47 48

ON THE COVER:

Although summer officially began around noon on Wednesday, June 21, most Big Sky locals would say it began with the kickoff of Music in the Mountains the following evening. Flapjack opened with a strong set in the warm sun, and Midnight North rocked into the cooling summer night. Judging by the size of the crowd filling Len Hill Park, another Big Sky summer has arrived.

EDITORIAL POLICIES

Outlaw Partners, LLC is the sole owner of Explore Big Sky. EBS reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or its editors. EBS will not publish anything discriminatory or in bad taste.

EBS welcomes obituaries written by family members or from funeral homes. To place an obituary, please submit 500 words or less to media@theoutlawpartners.com.

SCAN FOR TOWN CRIER NEWSLETTER. DAILY NEWS, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

10 27 18 21 29

VOLUNTEER BIG SKY BRIDGES A CRUCIAL GAP

Local organizations like Big Sky Thrift, the Gallatin River Task Force and the Big Sky Community Food Bank are supported by individuals who choose to donate their time and the Volunteer Big Sky website helps connect people with those groups. And while volunteerism doesn’t come with a paycheck, local officials argue it pays in community connection and benefits mental health.

LOCAL STUDY FINDS INSIGHTS IN THE TRASH

Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (SNO) spent months digging into more than 7,700 pounds of trash from four demographic categories in Big Sky. One shocking result: nearly one-fourth of all waste sent to landfill is consumable food, and Big Sky’s food waste by weight is 63% higher than the national average. Big Sky SNO completed a report with recommendations to reduce and divert waste from Logan Landfill.

SOUL SHINE RETURNS FOR 2023

Since 2017, Soul Shine has partnered with Music in the Mountains to bring awareness to ALS, a neuromuscular disease that has claimed the lives of two local fathers in just six years. Community support has always carried the event, but this year, Soul Shine organizers are shining a light on Team Gleason, an organization that supports patients and their families.

ANOTHER HIGHWAY FATALITY IN GALLATIN CANYON

Marking the third vehicle death on U.S. Highway 191 since mid-May, a single-vehicle accident occurred between Big Sky and West Yellowstone on Friday, June 23. Afternoon commuters saw various emergency vehicles racing toward the accident, which occurred after 2 p.m. near 320 Guest Ranch.

WMPAC INTRODUCES COMEDY WORKSHOP

New for this summer, Last Best Comedy from Bozeman has teamed up with the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center to bring an improv comedy workshop that is open to the public. Participants will have a chance to learn and practice comedy, eat food prepared by a local awardwinning chef, and attend a comedy show.

PLUS: EBS SELECTS TOP PHOTO IN RIVER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

In the first of four rounds of a photo contest celebrating Montana’s rivers, photographer Jordan Lefler captured a stunning photo of the Jocko River in Arlee, Montana. Lefler’s aerial shot scored a pair of two-day passes to the Wildlands Festival in Big Sky in early August. Lefler added a poetic ode to rivers, calling them “the arteries of the planet, pulsing with the rhythm of life, unceasingly giving, and unconditionally nurturing.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the editor allow EBS readers to express views and share how they would like to effect change. These are not Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, accurate, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters and will not publish individual grievances about specific businesses or letters that are abusive, malicious or potentially libelous. Include: full name, address, phone number and title. Submit to media@outlaw.partners.

#explorebigsky

explorebigsky explorebigsky

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

For the July 13th, 2023 issue: July 5th, 2023

CORRECTIONS

Please report errors to media@outlaw.partners.

OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@theoutlawpartners.com

© 2023 Explore Big Sky unauthorized reproduction prohibited

Incredible opportunity to own a highly private, 11.16 acre lot in Spring Creek Reserve – one of the closest lots to the Spanish Peaks Clubhouse, Montage Hotel and new member clubhouse breaking ground summer 2023. Build a single home or your own family compound of up to four separate buildings (main house + attached apartment, guest house, gear garage, barn, etc.). One of the highest lots in the neighborhood with a large building envelope straddling the ridgeline, the property boasts unobstructed 270 degree views of the Spanish Peaks, down valley, and southern views of the golf course. With a rising elevation on the western edge of the property, the building envelope is uniquely buffered from western winds. Further, the views will be unobstructed with no developments particularly between the lot and views of the Spanish Peaks to the North. The perfect combination of privacy, views and proximity to all Spanish Peaks and the Montage have to offer. Golf membership available with this lot.

Reserve Lot 302 Outlook Trail

SPRING CREEK RESERVE NEIGHBORHOOD SPANISH PEAKS MOUNTAIN CLUB

LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF

NEW NORM: A FIREWORK-FREE INDEPENDENCE DAY CHOCK FULL OF EVENTS

EBS STAFF

For the third year in a row, there won’t be any professional fireworks in Big Sky’s horizon this Fourth of July.

Organizations like the Arts Council of Big Sky have decided to focus time and resources toward events including live music.

“We feel like our job is to put on the event, put on the music and have a great time in the park,” said Brian Hurlbut, executive director of the Arts Council, which organizes Music in the Mountains. “We’re not really in the business of putting on fireworks, I guess, anymore.”

Hurlbut looked into possible fireworks alternatives like coordinated drone shows. But with a price point of more than $75,000, a drone show didn’t seem feasible, especially when they had planned successful and safe Fourth of July events in the past.

The Tiny Band, DJ Jenn N Juice and DJ Take A Chance, will perform at 6 p.m. for the Music in the Mountains’ July Fourth event in Len Hill Park.

FURGESON ARRESTED FOR TOWN CENTER STABBING

EBS STAFF

Deputies responded to a non-life threatening stabbing in Big Sky Town Center on June 22 shortly before 9 p.m., according to a release from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. A 33-year-old woman suffered knife wound to her abdomen and received medical care.

The 26-year-old Samantha Furgeson, who was wanted for questioning, was arrested on June 27 in Big Sky on assault with weapon charges. She appeared in front of a Gallatin County Justice Court judge on June 28, and her bail was set at $75,000.

According to a signed affidavit released by the Sheriff’s Office after the arrest, the stabbing resulted from a dispute over a dog.

Furgeson’s address is listed as “transient” between Big Sky and Bozeman, but she’s listed among the 2015 graduates of Lone Peak High School by Friends of Big Sky Education.

BOZEMAN HEALTH HIRES INTERIM CEO TO PERMANENT ROLE

EBS STAFF

On June 20th, 2023, Bozeman Health announced the appointment of their new CEO, Dr. Kathryn Bertany.

Bertany had been serving as the interim CEO since November 2022 and had previously held the position of president at the Bozeman Deaconess Regional Medical Center and Big Sky Medical Center. Bertany has 20 years of experience in patient care and administrative leadership, along with experience of 30 years practicing medicine.

Bertany’s qualifications were evaluated by board members and other notable global executives, according to a press release from Bozeman Health. The release emphasized that Bertany was unanimously voted for as deserving of the CEO position amongst a pool of other candidates.

Expressing her gratitude, Bertany stated in the press release: “I am incredibly honored to be chosen by the Board of Directors to lead Bozeman Health… I have been continuously inspired by the dedication of each and every employee to care for the patients and families that choose Bozeman Health for their care.”

MONTANA LAWMAKERS NOT INTIMIDATED BY THREATENING LETTERS, WHITE POWDER

DAILY MONTANAN STAFF

Republican leadership in the Montana State House of Representatives said Saturday legislators would not be intimidated by “vague and threatening letters” they received this week with an unknown white powder.

Reps. Rhonda Knudsen, R-Culbertson, and Neil Duram, R-Eureka, both received anonymous letters at their homes with local return addresses but post office markings from Kansas City, according to a news release. It said neither representative has experienced symptoms and other lawmakers have been warned.

Knudsen received the letter Thursday and opened it Friday, and Duram had a similar timeline, said a spokesperson.

The news release said inside the main envelopes were vague and threatening letters accompanied by a smaller envelope containing an unknown white powder. It said both representatives have reported that they feel fine and have not experienced any symptoms of a biological or chemical attack.

Both letters are now in the possession of local law enforcement, the news release said.

MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE MAILS OUT PROPERTY APPRAISAL NOTICES

DAILY MONTANAN STAFF

The Montana Department of Revenue is mailing property classification and appraisal notices to all owners of residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural land properties.

These notices are not tax bills.

They include the department’s determination of market or productivity value and the taxable value for your property that will be used by your county treasurer to determine the property taxes owed for tax year 2023 and 2024.

If property owners disagree with the department’s determination of value for their property, they may submit a “Request for Informal Classification and Appraisal Review” (called Form AB-26) within 30 days of the date on their notice. Owners can electronically submit the form, download it, and find more information on the informal review process at MTRevenue.gov

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE: BIG SKY RESORT AREA DISTRICT ANNOUNCES OPPORTUNITY FUND

Following the creation of an Opportunity Fund by the Big Sky Resort Area District (District) Board in February of 2023, the Board allocated $147,829 to this fund. Beginning July 1, 2023, requests can be made for projects no more than $25,000 that meet the requirements outlined in District procedures. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.

As required by law, an applicant must be a legal entity formed under the laws of the State of Montana. The applicant must be “an entity” that is capable of both “legally and practically” carrying out the purpose of the allocation and located within the Resort Area District. The applicant must be a governmental unit, corporation, or limited partnership with the capability of being legally bound by an agreement. Applications must be completed using the online portal. Applications generally will be reviewed at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting. More information can be found at ResortTax.Org/Funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.

FY24 COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

The Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) recently wrapped up FY24 allocations. The process began in February with the review of government services and interlocal agreements, then moved into committing reserves, and ended with the review and awarding of funding requests by predominantly nonprofit sponsors.

Government Services

Local government entities provide community services such as public safety, transit, water & sewer, which are traditionally funded through property taxes, fees, and assessments.

$21,279,941

A total of was invested in community priorities

Nonprofit Grants

Funds are awarded to programs and projects sponsored by nonprofit organizations that have a positive and measurable impact on community needs.

Opportunity Fund

(New for FY24) Monies are set aside for organizations to take advantage of smaller funding opportunities outside of the annual allocation cycle.

Reserve Allocations

Reserves play an important role in preparing for community emergencies and long-term capital investments.

$12,039,442 $6,722,124 $147,829 $2,370,546

Earlier this month, over the course of three meetings, the BSRAD Board reviewed FY24 funding requests for 52 projects from 20 sponsoring organizations. The projects were broken into six impact areas: Arts & Education, Economic Development, Health & Safety, Housing, Public Works, and Recreation & Conservation.

View award results at: ResortTax.org/Allocations

VOLUNTEER BIG SKY BOLSTERS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

WEBSITE BRIDGES VOLUNTEERS WITH ONE-OFF EVENTS, PROVIDES CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION AND EASY SCHEDULING

BY JACK REANEY

Those who wish to donate their time can explore events and organizations online to find gigs through the Volunteer Big Sky website.

Ciara Wolfe, vice president of philanthropy with the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, provides big-picture oversight of Volunteer Big Sky. She also serves on the Big Sky Resort Area District board, where she recently helped allocate grants and funding to local nonprofits and organizations. Wearing those two hats, Wolfe sees that resort tax funding creates just one mechanism of support for many organizations.

“It’s not just about money, but it’s about engagement as a community,” she told EBS, on the importance of volunteerism.

About a year and a half ago, the YCCF created Volunteer Big Sky to provide an easy way for locals—including part-time residents—to sign up and volunteer. The website lists opportunities and events needing volunteers and serves as a portal for sign-ups. The idea was rooted in a growing opportunity: members of the Yellowstone Club wanted to support the Big Sky community by giving not only their money, but their time.

“It’s really meaningful for them to be out in the community… being able to build those bridges,” Wolfe explained. She added that Big Sky is a second-home community beyond the YC, and that VBS creates a place where parttime residents can sign up for one-off events, or schedule volunteer hours around their time in Big Sky.

The portal does not lock volunteers into commitments for any extended period of time.

Wolfe has received one main piece of feedback from organizations that list their volunteer opportunities: the website is great, but more volunteers are needed.

For example, the volunteer-based Big Sky Thrift store operated through the winter with plenty of volunteers—in all, 58 people have logged at least one shift, about half being Yellowstone Club members. But when spring offseason came, many helping hands left town and the thrift store closed for a few weeks. The shop returned with a limited schedule.

“We’re still so busy,” said Emily Burke, YCCF associate director of programs who runs Big Sky Thrift. “We have more donations than any other time of the year because it’s spring cleanout. But we have to limit our hours because we’re low on volunteers.”

Burke said she plans on giving volunteers a two-week break each May, but she’s not satisfied with the current three-day, 18-hour-per-week schedule. The shop has a sign posted on the door to attract volunteers, and Burke plans to add another 6-hour day starting July 1. That’s still

only Wednesday through Saturday, but Burke noted this is typical for a ski town thrift store.

“We’re hoping to tap into high school kids and anyone else who needs volunteer hours or a resume builder,” Burke said. “I’m happy to sign off on required volunteer hours.”

In her YCCF role, Burke also oversees the Volunteer Big Sky website. She said it’s “getting a face lift” in terms of graphic design, but it’s generally set up for organizations to manage their own page.

“It’s a one-stop shop for all the entities in town,” Burke said. Some of her thrift shop volunteers have discovered other opportunities while signing up for thrift shifts.

Another organization that depends on volunteers is the Gallatin River Task Force.

As the Gallatin River’s impairment designation requires increased water quality monitoring, the task force will continue to water quality testing they’ve been conducting for nearly two decades. Montana Department of Environmental Quality will send staff members to conduct testing as well.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to get on the river and learn about the impairment designation,” said GRTF Conservation Manager Jess Olson. She added that ecological restoration site maintenance is another great volunteer opportunity, and even more flexible.

Locals can pull weeds and help build structures for an hour, which is ideal for those juggling work, family and other hobbies, Olson explained.

“We love our volunteers,” Olson said. “We couldn’t do our work without them. We’re a pretty small staff.”

Big Sky Thrift volunteers in the shop. COURTESY OF EMILY BURKE

Gallatin River Task Force volunteers take water samples. COURTESY OF GRTF

The task force now lists all their volunteer opportunities on VBS. While the website hasn’t necessarily brought more volunteers, Olson said VBS has improved coordination and communication. She still sees volunteers finding opportunities through traditional postings and established channels, but VBS is a new resource that serves as a bridge for more efficient scheduling and contact.

“There’s a ton of opportunity to get people using [VBS] more,” she said. “But it’s a niche that hasn’t been fully figured out yet.”

And the Big Sky Community Food Bank tends to face increased demand in the offseason, as seasonal workers don’t have full paychecks. Sarah Gaither, operations manager for the food bank, relies on VBS for weekly volunteer opportunities, special events and food drives. The organization banks more than 500 volunteer hours per year.

“It’s great because we get a wide variety of people into the food bank who normally wouldn’t be involved in our services,” Gaither wrote to EBS. “We have a GREAT volunteer base who are committed to helping out each and every week, others drop in as their schedules allow. We need all of the above to make our programs work. Volunteer Big Sky has made a huge difference in easily scheduling people to help.”

The case for full-time workers

Wolfe worries that in a small town brimming with so many organizations, many locals think volunteering means serving on a board. But intermittent opportunities can make just as big of a difference, she said, with a much smaller time commitment.

“Volunteering is giving your time, and time is money,” Wolfe added. “A lot of people are not able to give philanthropically. But that time they’re giving is a value add just as much as dollars to these organizations.”

In 2022, volunteers in Montana were estimated to donate $27.87 per hour in unpaid value, according to a report from Independent Sector.

However, in Big Sky, a clear barrier to volunteerism is the fact that many locals work more than 40 hours per week, often holding multiple jobs. Between Big Sky’s high costs of housing, health and wellness, groceries, and other factors of living, some of the local workforce may not feel able to spend time working for free.

Wolfe understands that reality. She counters that while volunteering doesn’t pay wages, it still pays.

“Volunteerism has been found to be one of the strongest indicators of preventing depression,” she said. It’s one of the main factors that create a feeling of connection with one’s community, she added.

Shannon Steele, who heads YCCF’s behavioral health program, provided some evidence to back Wolfe’s mental health argument.

In an email to EBS, Steele cited Victoria, Australia, where 20% of the community volunteers annually, generating $16.4 billion. An associated study showed that volunteers are 42% more likely to rate their overall mood as “very happy.”

Steele also pointed to a longitudinal study of 70,000 people, in which participants answered questions every two years between 1996 and 2014.

“The study found that people who volunteered in the past year: were more satisfied with their lives; rated their overall health as better; and those who volunteered more frequently, experienced greater benefits,” Steele summarized. This was covered by the Washington Post in 2020.

Plus, volunteering is a comfortable and fun way to meet people, especially in a transient community like Big Sky, Wolfe said.

“Volunteering improves access to social and psychological resources through social interactions and a sense of purpose,” Steele added, citing a study by Social Science & Medicine. “As a result, volunteers experience the following mental health benefits: Counters negative moods and feelings of depression and anxiety; Lowers depression levels for those over 65; And prolonged exposure to volunteering benefits all age groups.”

For example, Burke said she’s seen older, non-working adults create strong bonds while volunteering at Big Sky Thrift, and it’s “immensely important” to them.

A remedy for growing pains

Melissa McKeithen has been a Yellowstone Club member and part-time Big Sky resident for more than twenty years. Two years ago, she moved to Big Sky and lives full-time in the meadow. She’s board president of the Arts Council of Big Sky, and as Big Sky Thrift prepared to open, she worked to get the store up and running.

“I just freakin’ love working at the thrift. It’s just the most fun thing,” McKeithen told EBS, adding that some days she just shows up without even signing up on Volunteer Big Sky.

She has been encouraging her fellow Yellowstone Club members to check out VBS.

“I think when you get involved in the community, it’s good for everyone, right?” McKeithen said. “Because it helps disabuse people, sometimes, of some ideas they have about YC members. And it helps YC members understand the community a little better.”

She said there are a lot of tensions in the community, through recent growth and growing pains, and preconceptions people have about each other.

She believes volunteering is a great way to connect diverse groups of people and build more connections, and that volunteerism will increase as more people become aware of the need for volunteers, and the fact that many opportunities don’t require regular commitment.

Burke praised McKeithen and said she’s a great example of someone building the Big Sky community between her various involvements. McKeithen is enthusiastic about the growth of VBS and has ideas. She suggested a weekly email to its user base, listing events that week that need support.

“Anything that gets you to something that you might not otherwise go to… I think it’s super important as Big Sky grows and changes to give people that access,” McKeithen said.

Olson agreed that volunteering encourages personal relationships.

“You see [volunteers] around Big Sky or Bozeman, and you know them because you met them on the river,” she said, her mind on GRTF volunteers.

“At least for me, it makes me feel more engaged in the Big Sky community,” Olson added. “It’s really inspiring, not to be cheesy about it.”

Burke said that if anyone is having a bad day, she recommends they work the cash register at Big Sky Thrift. There, they’ll be showered with “thank you” from shoppers, and it can turn anyone’s day around.

“I think it’s about helping people, and working together,” Burke said.

Big Sky Thrift kept a regular booth at the rousing trivia nights at The Waypoint this winter. COURTESY OF EMILY BURKE

TRASH DATA: BIG SKY SNO COMPLETES WASTE COMPOSITION ASSESSMENT

BY JACK REANEY

Nearly a quarter of Big Sky’s landfill waste is consumable food, troubling for a community that has seen food bank visitation skyrocket.

After months of dirty data collection, Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (SNO) salvaged this startling food-use statistic among other treasures in the trash. The 2023 Big Sky Waste Composition Assessment is perhaps the first of its kind in Montana history. By digging into local garbage from 10 waste-audit samples between August 2022 and March 2023, volunteers sorted more than 7,700 pounds of waste into 30 categories from four demographic sectors.

In Montana, the precedent for similar studies has been to model consumption on national data rather than sampling local garbage.

“Montana towns trend rural and geographically isolated. With no known data from live [waste] audits in Montana, modeling the waste stream based on distant cities doesn’t seem productive,” the report states.

A Big Sky SNO press release adds:

“The ultimate goal of all this ‘scientific dumpster diving’ was to gather baseline data about what is being sent to Logan Landfill in order to establish baseline data and eventually measure progress towards reducing waste, and ultimately, greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in Big Sky’s Climate Action Plan.”

Lizzie Peyton, director of community sustainability with Big Sky SNO, wrote to EBS that solid waste accounted for 3.4% of Big Sky’s carbon emissions in 2018—a small slice, it’s still one of the Targeted Improvement Priorities detailed in the CAP.

“The concept of a ‘recycling economy or circular economy’ helps to explain [how reducing waste can reduce emissions]: when an item is ‘thrown away’ and heads to the landfill, all the energy, resources, and money that went into producing, processing, packaging, and transporting it end their purpose, too,” Peyton wrote.

Aluminum can be recycled using less than 5% of the energy used to make the original product, she

added. A circular economy captures “waste” as a manufacturing resource.

Numbers show room to improve

On food, the study found that Big Sky’s “tremendous” total food waste—including inedible scraps like coffee grounds and fruit rinds—makes up 35.3% of all trash. More than a third of landfill waste could have been diverted to the existing commercial composting system, and Big Sky’s food waste by weight is 63% higher than the national average, according to the report.

The study also found that glass makes up 10.2% of Big Sky’s garbage, more than twice the national average—glass is not recycled in Big

A sample of edible food waste found in Big Sky dumpsters. COURTESY OF BIG SKY SNO

SNO GAINED WASTE AND CARBON EMISSION INSIGHTS THROUGH “DATA-DRIVEN DUMPSTER DIVING” INTO 7,709 POUNDS OF BIG SKY GARBAGE.

Sky due to the high cost of shipping it to Salt Lake City for processing, the release states.

Paper makes up 15.2% of garbage in Big Sky, despite being recyclable. Plastic makes up 12.5% of garbage and the report states that “plastics recycling is limited” at the Bozeman facility which processes Big Sky recycling. That facility, WeRecycleMT currently accepts: Mixed paper, white office paper, cardboard, Kraft paper, no. 1 plastic bottles, no. 2 plastic bottles and jugs, steel cans and aluminum cans.

There is currently one service that collects compost for homes and businesses: YES compost hauls food scraps and commercially compostable food service items (to-go containers, cups, etc.) to its facility in Belgrade.

Peyton wrote to EBS that as food composts, it releases “much less methane” than it would in a landfill.

“Sending uneaten food to the landfill squanders a whole litany of resources—seeds, water, energy, land, fertilizer, labor, financial capital—and generates greenhouse gases at every stage. When food ends up in landfills, it generates methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 (25 times more potent),” Peyton explained.

The four demographic sectors studied were: single-family residences, multi-family residences, commercial institutions and vacation homes. All sectors showed similar results, all of which included wasted food, inedible food scraps and glass among the top five waste categories.

The report estimates that in 2022, Big Sky generated more than 6,515 tons of garbage, 672 tons of recycling and 108 tons of compost—not including construction and demolition waste.

The resulting diversion rate of 10.7% is three times worse than the national average of 32.1%, according to the report.

“This study is a huge accomplishment for the Big Sky community, providing valuable data that will inform future waste management practices,” stated Alexis Alloway, a recycling educator for Republic Services, a Bozeman waste management company. “In addition to using a data-driven approach to waste management and emissions reductions, the WCA can also help estimate environmental and financial impacts of waste, as well as inform future infrastructure decisions.”

Community recommendations

The WCA report outlines recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Big Sky community.

THE BEST MONTANA MADE JERKY & TREATS

The report outlines short-term improvements, including educating the community on waste reduction and recycling; increasing organic composting; developing and funding food rescue systems; and hosting community recycling days for specialty recycling items including glass, yard waste, scrap metals and electronic waste.

In the long term, the report recommends: creating a composting facility in Big Sky; reducing local glass consumption and finding outlets for reuse; examining options for creating a centralized decision-making authority that could create and enforce local ordinances.

“The rapid growth and development of Big Sky creates both challenges and opportunities for local citizens invested in the future of this unique place,” the report states.

The WCA was funded by the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD), the Rieschel Foundation and Moonlight Community Foundation. In addition, essential labor was completed by Big Sky SNO, Republic Services, Gallatin Solid Waste Management District and the Gallatin County Sheriff Work Program.

“We are appreciative of all individuals and businesses that gave us permission to audit their waste, including larger organizations such as the Yellowstone Club, Moonlight Basin, Town Center Owners Association, and various [HOAs],” the report states.

Peyton wrote that as a tourism-based economy, it’s imperative “to educate consumers on how to

Lizzie Peyton of Big Sky SNO dug in to find data specific to Big Sky. COURTESY OF BIG SKY SNO

WATER AND SEWER RATES INCREASE; DISTRICT’S TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP

PUBLIC HEARING ON 15% RATE INCREASE HEARS NO OPPOSITION

BY JACK REANEY

The good news: typical single-family homeowners in Big Sky can expect to pay less for water and sewer in 2024, even with the 15% increase in usage rates.

The caveat: that 15% will impact heavy water users by a larger degree, based on the existing four-tiered system which charges variable rates at certain thresholds of gallon usage.

The shifting revenue model for the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District headlined the monthly board meeting on Tuesday morning. The district board unanimously approved its fiscal year 2024 budget, as well as the proposed 15% rate increase for water and sewer use. In that discussion, the board noted that 47% of local ratepayers are registered for WaterSmart online bill pay, a service introduced in 2021 that provides real-time insights on household water use.

According to District General Manager Ron Edwards, Big Sky’s near-50% adoption rate might lead the country, partly because billing is included in the service. Most communities are thrilled with 15% or 20% adoption, he said. Board Chair Brian Wheeler said he’s disappointed—he’d hope to see all of Big Sky making use of a free service to monitor water use.

“It’s a great time—as people see increasing rates—to learn how they can save money on their water usage,” board member Peter Manka told EBS. “WaterSmart, water conservation [programs from the Gallatin River Task Force] and rate increases are all hand-in-hand toward local water conservation.”

“People never really had a tool to know when they’re wasting water… A leaky toilet wastes

1,500 gallons of water a day, conservatively. That’s a lot of water,” Manka added, pointing out that most residents don’t know about leaks until a sharp water bill arrives months later.

A community member at the board meeting shared her similar experience using a smart water monitor from Moen, which detects and stops any spike in water use. It cut off her nephew’s shower after 15 minutes, she said.

“[WaterSmart] empowers people to conserve, or have control over their expenditures,” Manka said.

Any opposed?

A public notice of the rate increase was published in EBS and the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, and mailed to district ratepayers before Tuesday’s public hearing.

BSCWSD Administrative Assistant Marlene Kennedy received no emails or phone calls in objection. Finance Officer Terry Smith received one email expressing concern, but he was able to justify the increase during a phone call to that community member.

Smith told EBS that for those who read the entire public notice, “all they had to do was go look at their tax bill from last year, see how much they paid, see how much they’re not gonna pay this coming year, and that the increase in our rates is [still less than] they paid last year.”

Big Sky taxpayers recently paid off a two-decade general obligation bond, levied in 2002 to pay for the sewage treatment plant which will be replaced soon. With that debt essentially paid, the district will collect $1.1 million less in taxes this year, a roughly four-fold decrease.

The 15% rate hike will add some cost burden based on household water and sewer usage, but it won’t amount to the 27% decrease in district mill rate. Plus, property owners now have more control over what they pay—water-saving measures like WaterSmart can reduce the added fare.

Manka said most folks he spoke with agree: “we should be paying more for water, to promote conservation,” Manka summarized. “People should value their water, there should be a tiered system, and all of this is working the way it should.”

Manka added that many community members were surprised the district was not previously charging for reuse water—with this rate increase, the district is also implementing a minor, uniform charge of $1 per thousand gallons.

That rate is expected to increase in coming years, however.

Board chair Brian Wheeler pointed out that as the district continues to encourage community adoption of reuse water, that water will also replace a primary revenue source. The district must take care to incentivize switching to reuse water while maintaining a revenue stream, Wheeler said.

The new Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility will be more expensive to run and require more staff, Smith explained. Unlike the prior plant’s debt service which was paid by property taxes through a general obligation bond, no such bond will be issued. The incoming plant’s debt will be repaid through usage rates, with continued support from the 1% for infrastructure resort tax.

Smith said the switch from general obligation bonds to revenue bonds was a board decision, and will allow greater flexibility. Property owners should expect further rate increases in years to come.

“By putting the bonds in rates, [costs are] more fairly distributed among the users of the system. Whereby bigger users are going to be paying a little bit more,” Smith told the board.

Case dismissed

Claims against the Big Sky Water and Sewer District—including alleged perjury by GM Ron Edwards during a federal trial in April 2022—were dismissed by a judge in Gallatin County 18th District Court on June 9.

In December 2022, the Cottonwood Environmental Law Center in Bozeman filed a lawsuit against the district and against Edwards.

Cottonwood filed a similar suit in July 2020, which advanced to federal court in 2022 where the jury found BSCWSD not guilty of violating the Clean Water Act. Legal fees cost the district $1.4 million, Edwards told EBS in 2022, and most of that burden fell on local ratepayers.

In this recent case, now dismissed, Cottonwood Law alleged that BSCWSD “is polluting the West Fork and Gallatin River by allowing the WRRF holding ponds to leak into the groundwater. Plaintiffs also allege the District is polluting the river by overirrigating the Meadow Village golf course. Rather than asserting violations of the federal CWA as they did in [the 2020 lawsuit], Plaintiffs now allege that pond leakage and over-irrigation of the golf course violate the [Montana Water Quality Act], the Montana Constitution, and state nuisance law,” according to court documents (page 164).

Cottonwood also filed for a restraining order to halt the district from connecting additional sewer lines, which would have created a moratorium on building and development in Big Sky.

Edwards spoke with EBS in November about Cottonwood’s proposed lawsuit. He dismissed the validity of Cottonwood’s claims, arguing that a federal court had just ruled in favor of

the district on near-identical grounds. He was not concerned about the claims made against the district, the building moratorium or criminal claims against him.

“[Cottonwood] was claiming I lied in front of a federal jury. Basically, I got up there and went through spreadsheets,” Edwards recalled after Tuesday’s board meeting.

After a district court hearing in April, the court granted BSCWSD’s motion to dismiss all claims on June 9.

“Fundamentally, it was the double-jeopardy question that was already in play where [Cottonwood tried] this case in federal court, it goes to trial, there’s a decision. And then [Cottonwood] turns around, and filed basically the same lawsuit in state district court, arguing the same case basically,” Edwards told EBS.

During the board meeting, district attorney Susan Swimley said the data cited by the plaintiffs was obsolete and “there was very little chance the judge was going to issue that preliminary injunction” which would have paused new sewer hookups.

Despite the favorable ruling, the district faces another sunk legal cost which is tied to the 15% increase in water and sewer rates.

“A lot of people think it’s coming out of insurance. It’s not, because of how the cases have been filed,” Edwards said. “It’s come out of district reserves in both [court] cases.”

As Big Sky water and sewer transitions to a new Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, district officials are transitioning the revenue structure to sustain more expensive facilities. PHOTO BY BRANDON WALKER

JOIN US FOR BIG SKY’S

DICK ALLGOOD COMMUNITY

JULY 18 AT 6:00 PM - BIG SKY

EVENTS

$100 | Entry to the event, a 10-round pack of cards, and a dauber.

$50 | Single-game cards will be available throughout the evening for the final game Blackout. 50-50 raffle tickets will be sold throughout the event.

5:30 PM | Check in and pre-ordered 10-round packs pick up.

6:30 PM | Bingo Begins

Round 1: Regular Bingo

Round 2: Letter T

Round 3: Postage Stamp

Round 4: Small Picture Frame

Round 5: Regular Bingo

10-15 minute Intermission

$50 Single-game Cards

Blackout / Coverall

50-50 Raffle

Pull winning ticket

Round 6: Regular Bingo

Round 7: Letter X

Round 8: Left Kite

Round 9: Four Corners

Round 10: 4 Leaf Clover

10-15 minute Intermission

9 PM | Champion’s Showdown

Winners of the previous 10 rounds and the blackout round battle for the Champion title!

ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IS DEEMED RELIABLE BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED AND SHOULD BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED. INFORMATION AND DEPICTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, PRIOR SALES, PRICE CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. NO GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT OR ANY REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED OR DEPICTED HEREIN. THIS MATERIAL SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL IN ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE PRIOR

TION IS REQUIRED OR WHERE SUCH AN OFFER WOULD BE PROHIBITED, AND THIS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH ANOTHER REAL

FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

CONGRATULATIONS TO ARLO HURLBUT FOR GETTING A HOLE IN ONE AT THE BSSEF GOLF TOURNAMENT!

SOUL SHINE 2023 TO PRIORITIZE FUNDRAISING FOR TEAM GLEASON

ANNUAL EVENT REMEMBERS BIG SKY’S MARK ROBIN AND ERIC BERTELSON, BOTH TAKEN BY ALS

BY JACK REANEY

Soul Shine returns on June 29, remembering Big Sky’s own Mark Robin and Eric Bertelson and supporting solutions for those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

Sharing the stage with the second Music in the Mountains concert, presented by the Hungry Moose Market & Deli, Soul Shine returns with a specific goal: to raise significant funds for Team Gleason, a nonprofit that provides technology, equipment and adventures to families struck by this sudden and unpredictable neuromuscular disease. Team Gleason supported both the Robin and Bertelson families after diagnosis.

“We would love to take our fundraising for Team Gleason to another level,” Jackie Robin, Mark’s wife, told EBS.

Mark was a longtime local and co-founder of the Hungry Moose.

A free carnival followed by a concert—Big Sky’s own Dammit Lauren! will open for Joslyn & the Sweet Compression—Soul Shine will raise money through a raffle. Prizes include a hot air balloon ride for four, donated by Big Sky Build— owner John Seelye was a great friend of Mark’s— two separate GoPro cameras with complete accessories donated by the Woodman family, and one free drink per day for a year from BYWOM.

“This year instead of just asking people to make a donation, we wanted to offer the chance to win some great prizes. It’s more fun,” Jackie said. The raffle is new for Soul Shine 2023.

Raffle tickets will be sold in-person at the event, which begins at 6 p.m. with the traditional carnival. This year’s carnival costs have been

covered by Lone Mountain Land Company to help maximize the Soul Shine fundraiser for Team Gleason.

A resilient leader

The nonprofit was created by Steve Gleason, a former New Orleans Saints safety who sprung into fame in 2006 with a punt block which symbolized the resilience and “absolute rebirth” of New Orleans in the opening minutes of the Saints’ return home after Hurricane Katrina.

Diagnosed with ALS in 2011, Gleason’s decadeplus survival shows his own resilience. His organization, Team Gleason, has supported more than 30,000 people living with ALS, leveraging $20 million to provide technology and equipment, care services, and family adventure trips to help those with ALS make the most of it.

At the Moose every day for 25 years, Jackie said everybody knew Mark. He had a very distinct, New Yorker personality, she said. He cared about every customer. Nicknamed “Marky Moose,” he and his family connected with Team Gleason after his diagnosis in 2016.

When Mark lost control of his voice and hands, he used speech technology which he controlled using his eyes, technology that Team Gleason helped the Robins find and fund.

“They help you with technology, they help you with independent living, they help you with planning an adventure,” Jackie said. “They are there for a family when they’re diagnosed… Nobody does for you what Gleason does for you. They get it, and they understand.”

She said Steve Gleason keeps the vibe high as the leader of the organization. His focus is living with ALS, not dying from it.

“The big thing for Gleason is living fully and independently for as long as you can,” Jackie said. “And joyfully.”

Team Gleason’s support isn’t just for the patient, but also for caregivers.

“When ALS hits you, you have to get ramps, [get] a van, [change] the inside of your house, [alter] your shower [alter] your door to get outside, and [move] downstairs to the main level. The number of things you have to do to modify your life… It’s unfathomable,” Jackie said.

The first Soul Shine was hosted in June 2017, and Mark gave a speech using his eye-controlled speech software. He transcribed the speech in a blog post:

“Welcome to Soul Shine. Thank you for being here. I’m so happy that you all could make it, it means so much to me. It is such a beautiful day. I hope everybody is having a good time. I am living every day to the fullest and I hope you are too. That’s why we are here, to help each other, have fun with each other, enjoy each other, to have joy with one another. Life is too short. Let’s party!”

The audience was shouting in support, he recalled, and it was a five-hour party. Mark continued blogging throughout his ailment. It wouldn’t have been possible without specialized communication technology.

“Mark was a writer,” Jackie said. “The blog was very helpful to the community locally, but also our friends and family all over the world.”

Mark passed away in December of that year. Beyond the memories of family and friends, Mark’s legacy survives in the world of Big Sky during Soul Shine, a tradition for which the Robin family is grateful.

Janie Bertelson joins Jackie Robin onstage during Soul Shine 2022. Micah, Howie and Andrew Robin add their support.

PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER

Mark and his three sons at the first Soul Shine. PHOTO BY KENE SPERRY

Two cases too many for a small town

The event got its name from then-7-year-old Maeve McRae, who wrote a card to Marky Moose, which read: “you have Soul Shine. I love you.”

After two Soul Shines celebrating Mark and bringing ALS to the front of local minds, another Big Sky community member was diagnosed. Eric Bertelson, a lifelong athlete and outdoorsman who came to Big Sky in 2017, was diagnosed in May of 2019.

When the Robins learned of Eric’s diagnosis, Jackie put the Bertelson family in touch with Team Gleason.

EBS sat down with Eric’s wife, Janie Bertelson, and her sister Emily Potts. They shared memories of Eric: the father of three boys who put family first, an avid golfer and skier, and a man who kept a positive attitude from diagnosis through the final months of life.

“He was just a happy guy who was up for anything,” Janie said. “And I think the reason Team Gleason was so important is [they] allow people with ALS to keep living their best life despite the diagnosis.”

Janie remembers that within a week of contacting Team Gleason, the organization sent ramps, a collapsible portable power chair, a microphone to record his voice, and shared every contact needed for ALS support and services.

Every case is different. Eric never lost his voice, allowing him to communicate his struggles as he lost mobility. The family decided to get him a feeding tube, which Janie says prolonged his life another year beyond January 2021.

Potts pointed out that in remote communities like Big Sky, the cost and difficulty of living with ALS are much higher. But for Janie and her family, Team Gleason was a sounding board. The organization is based on Gleason’s firsthand experience with a disease that brings far more questions than answers.

“I feel like Team Gleason is huge for that reason too. It helped bring some connectivity,” Potts said.

Janie is especially grateful for the community’s unconditional support to her family that was new to town.

She’s excited for Soul Shine 2023 “as a way to promote fundraising for Team Gleason, but also to thank the community for everything they’ve done for the Robin family, for my family. For such a small town, such a small community to have been hit with this horrific disease twice in a short period of time is somewhat unique. And this town rose to the occasion. It means a lot, and the community should be proud,” Janie said.

Five months after Eric’s passing, Janie attended Soul Shine 2022. She said it was difficult, but everyone she saw was amazing and the event created a rare opportunity to educate people— community members, summer visitors, friends, concert lovers—about ALS, which she feels is a misunderstood disease.

At Soul Shine, Mark and Eric are remembered for their great attitudes, Janie said. Like Steve Gleason, they focused on living. Janie said Gleason’s organization is amazing.

“That’s what they focus on. They’re not trying to cure you. They know the end is in sight. And they help you make the most of it,” Janie said.

“Live while you can. And make the most of it.”

Eric Bertelson and his three sons. COURTESY OF JANIE BERTELSON

Supporters at Soul Shine 2022. PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER

The Bertelsons also invested in an all-terrain vehicle to help Eric get around Big Sky. COURTESY OF JANIE BERTELSON

This plaque beside “The Sanctuary” in Fire Pit Park shows the first blog post Mark wrote after his diagnosis.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

BSCO WELCOMES NEW DONOR ENGAGEMENT LEADER

SCOTT PANKRATZ BRINGS

EXPERIENCE

LEADING A MISSOULA-BASED NONPROFIT WITH INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

BY JACK REANEY

In late 1994, a former California ski patroller joined the Big Sky Ski Patrol. It was the final winter before the Lone Peak Tram would take Big Sky to new heights.

“I interviewed for a job at McDonalds, in Bozeman right beside the highway,” Scott Pankratz recalled. “I got the job. But luckily, the job was to work on ski patrol here in Big Sky.”

He laughs. That joke has been a go-to as he introduces himself around Big Sky since returning in 2023.

Pankratz says he loved Big Sky during that short stint on patrol. He made great friends and connected with the landscape. He’s been visiting from Missoula almost every year since, enjoying summer and winter in Big Sky with his family.

Now he’s the director of donor engagement with Big Sky Community Organization, fundraising and finding the resources needed to run the philanthropic-based organization.

“[BSCO] doesn’t depend entirely on philanthropy, but philanthropy is a required part of the funding mechanism for everything that BSCO does,” he explained. Other funding comes through earned revenue from BASE passholders and fee-based services, and resort tax grants.

Pankratz says he returned to Big Sky for the place, his job’s purpose, and the people—both the “incredibly motivated, smart, leading-with-theheart people” at BSCO and the greater community.

“It’s a basic human need that we all have a sense of identity and belonging,” Pankratz said. “In a place like Big Sky, that can be pretty tough to find.”

He’s proud that BSCO is “so influential in bringing people together” and that he’ll now play a part in expanding the organization’s influence.

For 15 years, Pankratz founded and ran an organization called Ecology Project International. The Missoula nonprofit organized field programs— conservation service work and research—for high school and college students, international in reach but working as close as Yellowstone.

While visiting Big Sky in August 2022, he met BSCO CEO Whitney Montgomery at a gathering. They bonded over similar experiences: Montgomery previously worked with Outward Bound, and Pankratz had worked with NOLS— organizations with a friendly rivalry, Pankratz noted with a grin.

They broke the ice with playful jabs, and Pankratz recognized their common background: “outdoor education, providing experiences for people in places that can change how they see themselves in relation to the world,” he said.

The two stayed in touch. This past winter, Montgomery offered a tour of BASE.

“After spending time with him in the work environment, [BSCO] was something I really felt like I could add value to, and really interested me,” Pankratz said. He began with BSCO on March 30.

Pankratz believes the mental and emotional benefits of sharing experiences outdoors go well beyond the physical benefits.

“They build community, they bring us together,” he said. “And they make us feel better. I think that integrated sense of how this organization operates in the community for me, is very powerful and important.”

For Pankratz, skiing is a huge draw to the outdoors. Hiking and mountain biking too, and as a former river guide, floating. He’s run The Rut three times, including one go at the 50K.

“Probably won’t do the 50 again, especially with a full-time job and two kids,” he said.

Just in time to celebrate

On July 7, BSCO will host its annual Parks, Trails and Recreation Gala at BASE. This year, the event celebrates the organization’s 25th anniversary in Big Sky.

The ticketed event will include live music, dinner, and silent and live auctions. The gala is BSCO’s main fundraising event every year. Pankratz said it’s a summer kickoff, a chance to connect and get an update on the organization and raise some money. This year, they’re expecting 300 people.

“We really would love to have the community come out, participate, celebrate with us,” Pankratz said.

Montgomery told EBS, “BSCO is at another great inflection point, where we’re planning our next big strategic initiatives which will require our team to grow so we can initiate more fundraising.”

He’s excited for the first public announcement of BSCO’s three-year strategic plan, which will be unveiled at the gala.

Pankratz said the 25-year celebration will “[look] at where we started, where we are with BASE, and [look] out at the future—parks, trails and recreation.”

Montgomery recalled BSCO’s community forums in October, three well-attended sessions allowing community members to voice their priorities. Although a community pool caught headlines, popular opinion also supported the expansion and protection of trails and park space, and upgrades to athletic fields at Big Sky Community Park, Montgomery summarized.

“We listened to what they said,” Montgomery said. “And we have set our strategic plan around delivering on those community projects.”

Pankratz said listening to the community, understanding their priorities and adjusting is another big part of BSCO’s work.

“We’re really excited about the projects we’ll announce at the gala next week,” Montgomery said.

Pankratz and his wife, Julie Osborn, at the Grand Canyon. COURTESY OF SCOTT PANKRATZ

Scott Pankratz worked as a patroller in Big Sky long before coming to work with BSCO. COURTESY OF SCOTT PANKRATZ

ANOTHER VEHICLE FATALITY IN GALLATIN CANYON

EBS STAFF

Emergency vehicles raced south on U.S. Highway 191 on the afternoon of June 23, as first responders approached the Gallatin Canyon’s third fatal scene in less than two months.

At 2:40 p.m., a press release from Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office warned of a multivehicle accident south of Big Sky at mile marker 37 near Walton Mine Road.

In a second release Saturday morning, Sheriff Dan Springer reported it was just a singlevehicle accident, but the crash resulted in one death and another serious injury.

“The driver, 65-year-old Warren C. Johnson of Punta Gorda, Florida, was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center and later flown to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Billings,” the release states.

“The female passenger, a 61-year-old Anne E. Johnson also Punta Gorda, Florida, was pronounced deceased on scene.”

The crash and resulting fatality remain under investigation.

“Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Johnson family during this time,” the release adds.

This event marks the third fatality between Gallatin Gateway and West Yellowstone since mid-May.

On May 16, a multi-vehicle accident at the mouth of the canyon resulted in one death,

and a motorcyclist crashed on May 20 in the Gallatin Canyon resulting in another fatality. More coverage on the growing danger of driving the highway through Gallatin Canyon is forthcoming as EBS continues to report on the matter.

At First Security Bank, Totally Free Checking really is FREE! Free of minimum balances and hidden weekly, monthly, or annual fees. We also have three great interest-bearing accounts to fit your every need.

The accident occurred south of Big Sky. GOOGLE MAPS SCREENSHOT

REGIONAL EXPERTS SEARCH FOR ANSWERS AS TROUT POPULATION DECLINES IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA

BY JOHN HOOKS MONTANA PUBLIC RADIO

Recent surveys have found the lowest trout populations on record in some of southwest Montana’s most iconic rivers, but the exact causes of the decline remain a mystery. The state, outfitters and conservation advocates agree there’s a problem but don’t agree on what should be done.

Early on a recent Saturday morning, when most people are sleeping in, Brian Wheeler gets up, cleans his kitchen counter, and lays out a series of calibration liquids for water quality monitoring equipment.

“Yeah I had to learn online, you know, watching YouTube videos that the company produces, here’s how you calibrate for each of these probes,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler is the executive director of the Big Hole River Foundation, which does research and advocates for water quality in the region.

Wheeler is gathering data on nutrient pollution, trying to solve a mystery: something in the water is killing fish in the Big Hole and throughout the Jefferson Basin.

“Yeah number one priority is: get good data. Everything kind of hinges on that,” Wheeler said.

The Big Hole River is one of the most iconic blue-ribbon trout fisheries anywhere in the world.

But trout populations in the region have declined over the last decade, often attributed to hotter water temperatures, lower stream flows and increased pressure from anglers. Surveys conducted by state biologists this spring found the lowest numbers since records began in 1969.

In recent years guides have been encountering fish full of open lesions and fungal infections.

“I have a video of Brian Wheeler netting a fish, could not see out of its left eye and was missing a chunk of its gill plate. I mean it looked like something out of The Last of Us,” Wade Fellin said.

Fellin has worked with Wheeler and the water quality advisory group Upper Missouri Waterkeepers. Fellin also runs the Big Hole Lodge, a fly fishing retreat on a tributary of the Big Hole.

While no one knows exactly what parasite, pathogen, or other x-factor is directly killing the fish, the combination of stressors affecting the river can easily overpower fish’s limited immune response, and make them incredibly vulnerable to infection.

Wheeler, Fellin and other outfitters and river guides have been sounding the alarm about the fishery crisis for years, demanding an urgent, multi-level government response.

“It’s not the current governor’s problem as much as it wasn’t the last governor’s problem per se. It’s been a lack of prioritization and leadership at that level all the way along,” Fellin said.

Advocates have called on Gov. Greg Gianforte every year since 2021 to create a task force to find solutions to the threats facing trout in southwest Montana.

Brian Wheeler says that would help organize the multiple state and federal agencies that collect data and oversee different parts of the watershed.

“A task force like this would give you a place to essentially share all that we’re working on, figure out how it applies specifically to fisheries’ health, and then make decisions from there,” Wheeler said.

This week, Gianforte sent a letter, in response to the latest call for action, saying he shares concerns about fish in the Jefferson Basin and has directed state wildlife officials to begin new efforts to study the issue.

In his letter, the governor says that testing of trout has shown no unusual diseases and there are many questions still unanswered.

Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Department Director Dustin Temple committed the department to an all hands on deck response at an FWP Commission meeting in early June.

“All of the resources available to the department are available to the Fisheries Division as they tell us what they need,” Temple said.

FWP is working on new research plans to implement next spring.

But Fellin and others are not satisfied with thepace of the state’s response and say it lacks details.

Gianforte has so far refused to address the task force idea and, this week, the advocates took matters into their own hands, launching a privately funded effort called “Save Wild Trout.”

Fellin says the group will gather experts to study southwest Montana’s trout population crash, identify causes, and propose solutions.

That will include work done by Brian Wheeler, who is the only person collecting data on the possible impacts of nutrient pollution on the Big Hole River.

Wheeler spends hours driving in his truck to different parts of the river to collect readings and samples.

“Try and get a spot with good mixing you know, so you’re not like in a back eddy or water that’s still,” Wheeler said.

While state and independent researchers search for answers, Montana is on the cusp of another potentially hot, dry summer.

“Let’s be honest. It’s June we’re getting piles of rain right now, the river’s full, it’s not even hot yet. You think it’s stressful now, wait until we get to August,” Wheeler said.

A brown trout with a fungal infection found in October 2022 on the Big Hole. COURTESY OF WADE FELLIN

Wade Fellin, left, and his dad Craig, at the Big Hole Lodge. Craig started the lodge in 1984 and Wade took over the operation after college. PHOTO BY JOHN HOOKS

SPORTS

ACE IN THE MEADOW LINKS

LOCAL 16-YEAR-OLD SINKS A HOLE-IN-ONE AT BSSEF TOURNAMENT

BY JACK REANEY

Rain chilled Arlo Hurlbut as his foursome pulled up to the 17th hole at the Big Sky Golf Course on June 24.

Eyeing the par three of about 140 yards, he reached first for his pitching wedge but thought better of it. Nine iron.

“I kind of just got up there and hit it,” Hurlbut told EBS. He teed off first, and according to the “best ball” rules in play at the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation’s annual Swing into Summer tournament, his foursome teammates didn’t bother.

“I thought it was over the green honestly,” Hurlbut said. “It landed in the front, pin was in the front, and it rolled in… We just got in the carts and drove to the green.”

Hurlbut, 16 years old and a BSSEF freeride skier, has been playing some golf since he was little. He’s found a hobby in the game in the past three years. A rising junior at Discovery Academy, he might join the Lone Peak High School team next spring.

After striking a hole-in-one to help his team combine for an overall score of 64, Hurlbut might be hearing from the coach.

“Oh yeah, I think he should definitely play on the golf team next year,” said Tom Conway, golf pro at the Big Sky Golf Course who remembers giving a few lessons to a young Hurlbut.

“That golf team over the years has varied in size,” Conway added. “Right now it’s starting to pick back up and more kids are playing on the team which is great. I think anybody who doesn’t already play a spring sport should be playing some golf for sure.”

Hurlbut and Conway talked in the pro shop after Saturday’s round before Hurlbut escaped—it was the largest BSSEF tournament ever and Hurlbut didn’t want to stay for the awards.

“He kind of got a little scared when he came in at the end, because everyone was going to be attacking him [with praise], so he left a little early,” Conway said.

He added that Hurlbut’s hole-in-one means John Seelye of Big Sky Build will donate $5,000 to BSSEF—an annual promotion that rarely comes into play.

The 17th hole is rated the second-hardest par three, and it’s the signature hole on the course.

“Medium distance, framed by pine trees and the river. Prettiest hole on the course,” Conway explained.

When Hurlbut’s dimpled ball dropped into the cup, his friends’ parents had just finished on 17. They doubled back to confirm the ace as Hurlbut and his friends Garin Staudt, Tate Bulis and Mac Bertelson approached the green.

Hurlbut picked up the wooden stick indicating “closest to the pin” and placed it in the hole. For shooting closest to the 17th pin, he won a sweatshirt and a thermos.

His friends told him to keep the ball, perhaps to frame it and cherish the moment forever.

“On the next hole, I accidentally shanked it into the woods,” Hurlbut said. “I tried looking for it, but it was gone.”

He doesn’t remember the ball he was playing. But he’s only 16—there’s plenty of time to strike another golden eagle.

“My grandpa got one when he was 65,” Hurlbut said, when asked to share advice for the many lifelong golfers that haven’t had his luck.

“I guess you just gotta keep playin’.”

Sharpshooter Arlo Hurlbut (third from left) and his friends celebrate magic during the BSSEF tournament on June 24.

PHOTO BY DAVE PECUNIES

OP NEWS

WILDLANDS FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO SHARE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AND FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

that goal and other vital efforts. The festival will also benefit the Gallatin River Task Force, a local Big Sky organization leading unparalleled efforts for one of southwest Montana’s most treasured resources.

Along with funds raised for both organizations, the weekend’s events will also help raise awareness about the importance of keeping America’s rivers healthy and vibrant and bring more attention to current policies that protect rivers in Montana and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about river conservation efforts such as Sen. Jon Tester’s Montana Headwaters Legacy Act that would protect 385 miles of rivers in the CusterGallatin and Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forests. This act involves federal legislation that would double the number of protected river miles in Montana and is the most ambitious river protection bill in the state’s history.

“Healthy and vibrant rivers are an imperative part of life, and currently of the utmost importance in our country,” said Eric Ladd, Founder and Chairman of Outlaw Partners. “The goal of Wildlands Festival has always been to give back while creating an event celebrating wild and scenic spaces. To be able to bring globally recognized musicians, activists, artists, and fundraisers together for three days celebrating and supporting river conservation is truly a dream come true.”

Currently on a world tour, Foo Fighters have won 15 GRAMMYs, including a recordsetting five Best Rock Album awards, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Paul McCartney in 2021. With 11,166foot Lone Mountain as the backdrop for the intimate Wildlands Festival performance, music history will be made in the 5,000-person outdoor arena.

BIG SKY — Outlaw Partners is pleased to share continued efforts enhancing this year’s Wildlands Festival, the largest multi-day fundraising event to benefit river conservation paired with world-class music. Happening Aug. 4-6 in Big Sky, Friday night’s kickoff event ‘Hooked on the Gallatin’ will feature a fundraiser dinner with actor Tom Skerritt, a speaker panel featuring Skerritt and representatives from festival beneficiaries, a live and silent auction, and a comedy show with Orlando Leyba and Forrest Shaw.

Followed by two nights of music with headlining bands, Lord Huron on Saturday, Aug. 5 and Foo Fighters on Sunday, Aug. 6, the weekend’s fundraising efforts will benefit both American Rivers and the Gallatin River Task Force.

Auction items, which continue to be generously donated by sponsors and companies passionate about the cause, will be open for bidding mid-July and highlight items such as a Foo Fighters limited edition Stern pinball machine, a guitar and memorabilia, Peak Ski package, Aire whitewater tandem kayak, Stone Glacier hunting kit, VOORMI clothing, SIMMS package and much more.

Mizu, a leader in premium sustainable drinkware and water bottle products, has additionally committed a portion of their 1% for the Planet donation to Wildlands Festival charities.

Earlier this year, American Rivers announced the goal of protecting one million miles of rivers by 2030. Funds raised at the Wildlands Festival will help the organization work toward

Lord Huron’s retro influences and theatrical performances, which combine western, folk rock, americana and pop melodies, will be an exciting act to cap off the second night of the three-day festival. The alternative rock of The Breeders, James McMurtry’s guitar licks, Taipei Houston and Regina Ferguson will also enhance the weekend’s lineup.

“Preserving rivers has been a lifelong passion for me,” said Skerritt. “I’m honored to partner with Wildlands Festival and Outlaw Partners to have a voice and create an impact of care, concern and change for our rivers through music.”

For more information on Wildlands Festival, to purchase tickets, or for donations and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.wildlandsfestival.com

OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

EBS PHOTO CONTEST WRAPS UP FIRST OF FOUR ROUNDS

First place: Jordan Lefler

Jordan Lefler submitted this photo of the Jocko River taken outside Arlee in northwest Montana. Along with the submission, Lefler wrote: Rivers, to me, are the arteries of the planet, pulsing with the rhythm of life, unceasingly giving, and unconditionally nurturing. They are the intricate tapestry upon which the world weaves its flora and fauna, their waters serving as the essential elixir of existence. But their relevance extends beyond the realm of sustenance, permeating into the sphere of recreation, where I have spent countless hours fishing and immersing myself in their mesmerizing fluidity. Rivers, too, are my sanctuary, a place where the lens of my camera can capture nature’s unsullied splendor, reflecting not only the natural world’s magnificence but the profundity of my innermost sentiments. Above all, they soothe my soul, teaching me the art of resilience and adaptability, reminding me of the continuity of life amid its ebbs and flows.

The remaining three prize periods run from June 23 to July 6, July 7 to July 20 and from July 21 to Aug. 2.

Anyone interested in submitting to the contest can visit https://www.explorebigsky.com/wildlands-photo-contest/49429 and follow the link to the contest submission form.

The Jocko River winds through Arlee, Montana, north of Missoula. PHOTO BY JORDAN LEFLER

A&E ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SKY BELLY LAUGHS WMPAC TO HOST IMPROV COMEDY TAKEOVER

BY MARIO CARR EBS CONTRIBUTOR

The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center has been hosting comedy acts “since [its] inception” according to John Zirkle, WMPAC’s executive director. However, never before has the community had the opportunity to get involved in, learn, and participate in the artform itself.

Bozeman’s own Last Best Comedy (LBC) has teamed up with WMPAC to bring an improv comedy workshop that is open to the public.

“It’s open to everybody,” Zirkle emphasized. “You don’t have to particularly be a funny person to benefit from it.”

He explained that it’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to laugh and learn to make others laugh as well by “telling jokes and bringing joy to the space.” As WMPAC’s director, Zirkle told EBS that comedy is a special artform that really engages the audience, and “there’s nothing better than hearing a room full of belly laughs.”

For three Tuesdays in a row, beginning on July 11, WMPAC will host an improv comedy workshop starting at 5:30 p.m.,

with dinner provided by Big Sky’s own award-winning chef Lindsie Feldner an hour later and drinks from a cash bar provided by BYWOM, followed up finally with a different comedy act each night starting at 7 p.m. The workshops will be capped at 12 people per night, but the following acts will be open to all that are able to get tickets. More information and tickets will be available at warrenmillerpac.org.

These workshops are open to people of all ages, but the following comedy acts will be suitable for ages 15 and up. The comedy performances will include a Montana-born celebrity-magician that goes by Handsome Jack on the July 11, three stand-up acts from the Treasure State Comics on the July 18, and more stand-up from part-time Livingston resident and renowned comedian Rich Hall on July 25.

“All of these faces are gonna be new to Big Sky,” Zirkle said with glee.“Comedy is always great at WMPAC. I wish we could do more, you know we usually only have one big comedy event a year so I am excited we get to have a few more options for people to come out and laugh.”

Local and regional partners are important to WMPAC, especially in the summer and

bringing Last Best Comedy to Big Sky provides a lighter side to the many projects that are “symbolic of our efforts to engage more of our regional arts community,” Zirkle mentioned.

Zirkle said that “Last Best Comedy has been doing really great work for the last few years,” while explaining the origins of this comedy take over. During a comedy show at the WMPAC in January of this year, LBC and WMPAC decided that they wanted to work together to create even more opportunities to get the spotlight on local comedy moving forward.

Zirkle and WMPAC want to make sure that they’re “owned by everybody in the community” because they’re one of the only dedicated performing arts spaces in the town. And Zirkle especially loves comedy and believes that in general it is an artform that “is a little bit more accessible than some other forms and it seems to bring out a more diverse cross section from the whole community, and I love that.”

Audience members can pay $25 for the workshop and dinner, $25 for dinner and the performance, or $40 for the complete evening of the workshop, dinner, and show.

The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. PHOTO BY JULIA BARTON

MADELINE HAWTHORNE: A JOURNEY OF AUTHENTICITY, RESILIENCE AND MONTANA PRIDE

BY GABRIELLA DICENZO

Outlaw Partners produces Big Sky PBR and is the publisher of Explore Big Sky.

Step into the world of Madeline Hawthorne: a talented artist whose musical journey has been shaped by her love for Montana and the power of introspection. As she takes the stage at Big Sky PBR’s Thursday night after party on July 20, she invites the audience to embark on a journey filled with rock and roll, dance music and tender ballads. With her roots firmly planted in Montana’s rich musical tapestry, Hawthorne’s performance promises to be an authentic experience made to leave a lasting impression.

Hawthorne’s journey as an artist traces back to her formative years; she discovered her passion for music at a young age. She grew up in New England into a musical family— her mother was a classical performer for many years and had attended the New England Conservatory of Music. At 16, she was gifted her first guitar, igniting a creative spark that would fuel her artistic endeavors. Influenced by iconic artists such as Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hawthorne moved to Montana at 18 years old, ready to display her passion to the world.

The core of Hawthorne’s artistry lies in capturing the essence of life’s moments. Her lyrics often reflect her personal experiences

“A lot of it is just in the moment,” Hawthorne said. “Once I take the time to open my notebook and start writing, I think about what’s happened to me recently or in the world around me.”

Her latest album, Boots, written during the pandemic, dives into self-reflection, regrets and the process of self-affirmation. She describes how her songs serve as a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties of life through songwriting.

Hawthorne’s excitement for PBR is palpable, considering this event as a milestone in her musical journey. Having played in Big Sky as a solo artist prior, Hawthorne is eager to present her performance with her band this year, bringing an energetic blend of rock, dance, and poignant ballads to the audience.

“Every performance, I try to give it everything I’ve got, so I hope people dance, laugh, smile, cry and just walk away feeling good. That’s our job,” said Hawthorne. Performing at PBR aligns perfectly with

Hawthorne’s artistic vision and goals. Her music carries messages of resilience, self-belief and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. As a young woman in the music industry, Hawthorne embraces the challenges that she has faced, transforming them into empowering messages of hope.

Having spent a significant portion of her career in Bozeman, Montana, Hawthorne draws inspiration from the local community and the unique landscape that surrounds her. Her songwriting is shaped by the challenges and triumphs of being a musician in Montana, a place where breaking into the national music scene can be demanding.

My hope is to always stay here, call Montana my home and show folks you can make it as a Montana artist,” Hawthorne said.

Despite challenges and hurdles, Hawthorne remains dedicated to showcasing the talent and resilience of Montana artists, encouraging others to pursue their dreams.

“I try to make my music less about pointing fingers and more about being an uplifting message of believing in yourself even if it feels like all of the odds are stacked against you,” Hawthorne said. “If you don't have all the answers, or if you don't have a roadmap–still follow your dreams, chase your passion and give it everything you’ve got.”

Madeline Hawthorne plays at Wildlands Festival in summer of 2022 in Big Sky. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR

Thursday, June 29 - Wednesday, July 12

If your next event falls between June 1 -13, please submit it to

THURSDAY JUNE 29

Kids Movie Series: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

The Waypoint, 3 p.m.

Al ANON Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 4 p.m.

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 7 p.m.

Live Music: Savvy

Tips Up, 9:45 p.m.

FRIDAY JUNE 30

Karaoke

The Waypoint, 9 p.m.

DJ Spearance Tips Up, 9:45 p.m.

SATURDAY JULY 1

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 7:30 am

All American Cocktails & Brews

Alpenglow, 11 a.m.

Live Music

Backcast Bar & Grill, 1 p.m.

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 5 p.m.

Live Music: The Dead and Down

The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 2

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

All Saints Big Sky Service

Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Live Music

Backcast Bar & Grill, 1 p.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Service

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

4th of July Service led by Minister Brian Daum

The Soldiers Chapel, 11 a.m.

MONDAY JULY 3

All American Cocktails & Brews

Alpenglow, 11 a.m.

NA Meeting

Big Sky Medical Center, Community Room, 6:30 p.m.

Monday Night Competitive

Video Games

The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

Trivia

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY JULY 4

All American Cocktails & Brews

Alpenglow, 11 a.m.

Fourth of July BBQ Backcast Lawn, 12 p.m.

Wine & Dine Tuesday Rainbow Ranch Lodge, 5 p.m.

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 5:30 p.m.

Music in the Mountains: The Tiny Band Len Hill Park, 6 p.m.

July Fourth 5K Town Center, 9 a.m.

Resort Activities

Big Sky Resort, 12 p.m.

WEDNESDAY JULY 5

St. Joseph Mass Big Sky Chapel, 12 p.m.

AA Meeting

Big Sky Medical Center, 12 p.m.

Life Drawing BASE, 3:30 p.m.

July Fourth Pool Party Huntley Lodge, 4 p.m.

The 15th Annual Big Sky Farmers Market Town Center, 5 p.m.

Community Art Class: Full Moon Pottery

BASE, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY JULY 6

Al- ANON Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 4 p.m.

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY JULY 7

2023 BSCO Parks & Trails

Gala

Big Sky Community

Organization, 5:30 p.m.

Taylor Swift Night

The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY JULY 8

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 7:30 a.m.

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 5 p.m.

Taylor Swift Night

The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 9

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

All Saints Big Sky Service

Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Service

The Soldiers Chapel, 11 a.m.

All Levels Pottery 5-week Session begins

BASE, 2 p.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Service

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

MONDAY JULY 10

Wildflower Festival

Crail Gardens at Historic Crail Ranch, 9 a.m.

All Levels Pottery Session

BASE, 6 p.m.

NA Meeting

Big Sky Medical Center, 6:30 p.m.

by June 21.

Monday Night Competitive Video Games

The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

Trivia

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY JULY 11

CAAMP Concert Event

Big Sky Events Arena, 5 p.m.

Wine & Dine Tuesday Rainbow Ranch Lodge, 5 p.m.

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday Night Dancing in the Plaza

Big Sky Town Center, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY JULY 12

Big Sky Resort Area District Board Meeting

Big Sky Area Resort District, 9 a.m.

St. Joseph Mass Big Sky Chapel, 12 p.m.

The 15th Annual Big Sky Farmers Market Town Center, 5 p.m.

Community Art Class: Compassionate Critters BASE, 6 p.m.

Trivia Night

The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

FEATURED EVENT: Fiday July 7

2023 BSCO Parks & Trails Gala

Big Sky Community Organization, 5:30 p.m.

VIEWS OF SPANISH PEAKS | VACANT LAND | $1,700,000 DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

RD, UNIT

SHOSHONE HOTEL CONDO

1,312± SF | 2 BD + 3 BA | $1,199,000

KATHY SIMKINS 406.599.6718 DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

60

RESORT ROAD, UNIT

SUMMIT HOTEL CONDO

855± SF | 1 BD + 2 BA | $750,000

KATIE MORRISON 406.570.0096

TBD BEAVER CREEK WEST GALLATIN CANYON 20± ACRES | FORESTED LAND | $1,500,000

DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

2575

BEAR ROAD, UNIT #154 GLACIER CONDO

1,356± SF | 2 BD + 2.5 BA | $855,000

KATIE MORRISON 406.570.0096

21 SITTING BULL ROAD, UNIT #1260

MOUNTAIN VILLAGE HILL CONDO 440± SF | COMPLETE INTERIOR REBUILD | $689,000 DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

CURLEY

BIG SKY

#10511

40 BIG SKY RESORT

#1991E

BY MIRA BRODY

BUSINESS

MAKING IT IN BIG SKY: BIG SKY DISCOVERY ACADEMY

BIG SKY—As he walks the halls of Big Sky Discovery Academy, Head of Schools Scott Poloff greets each passing student by name. He knows every single one, what grade they’re in and what class they’re headed to. Although unassuming from the outside, nestled in the heart of Big Sky in Town Center adjacent to other anchors of the community—Len Hill Park, The Hungry Moose—the insides of the school are full of mindful activity. And mindfulness is a quality that Poloff has tried to lead the school with since he came on two years ago.

Poloff expects 80 kids to enroll next year, an increase from the current 58, and 16 teachers. The addition of a new early childhood learning classroom will fill a need, he says, that is felt across the state. He says while traditional schools are a bit archaic in their structure, Discovery hopes to stray from that, allowing students flexibility to learn on their own timeline and setting. Each child is registered with the state and county as home schooled, and attends Discovery on a quarter system, meaning they can choose which nine or 18-week schedule they prefer, in order to work that around a job, trade school, travel or competitive skiing like many students in Big Sky.

“If you research Montessori education,” explains Poloff, “you see that a big part of Montessori is the responsibility piece. Those kids have a two-hour work cycle in the morning, they choose what they want to work on, when, so they have to get everything done by Friday, but they choose when they want to do so.”

Poloff is confident the framework for education is evolving for the better, an example he hopes to take with the kids of Big Sky.

… a big part of Montessori is the responsibility piece. Those kids have a two-hour work cycle in the morning, they choose what they want to work on, when, so they have to get everything done by Friday, but they choose when they want to do so.

“It's very non-traditional,” he said.

And it has been since its founding. Karen and Scott Maybee created Big Sky Discovery Academy in 2014 after they moved here from the Buffalo, New York area, eager to create something different—their own vision of what

education could look like. Today, it serves children grades three through 12. Poloff came on two years ago with 20 years of education behind him. Originally from Pennsylvania, he came directly to Montana from teaching in Dubai. Background, he says, is important for building a teaching framework—Poloff tries to keep a diverse staff so that the students, who are also usually moving here from other states, can relate to them.

“I feel like for us, we need to have a staff that kind of matches that type of diversity,” Poloff said. “So when I look at my current staff, we have two that were born and raised in Montana. My art teacher is from California. My science teacher is from Chicago. My high school English teacher is from Colorado. My math teacher is from Texas. I'm from Pennsylvania. And I think what it does is it really allows our staff to kind of connect with our families.”

Another unique aspect of Discovery is that it is a nonprofit. It relies on the support of the community, on local community organizations as well as raising about $300,000 per year in fundraising and donations. Through this support, tuition assistance and scholarships are made available to families—education at his school, says Poloff, should be as attainable as possible to the community. It’s all about providing options.

“I look at it like this—if you get up in the morning with your family and want to ski, you have different options: downhill, crosscountry,” Poloff explains. “If you get up in the morning and you want to go eat, you've got different options. I feel like education should be the same thing. What fits the needs of our family because if the family's happy, most likely kids are happy. And if kids are happy, they're going to succeed in school.”

Scott Poloff has been Head of Schools for two years. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY DISCOVERY ACADEMY

–Scott Poloff, Head of Schools, Big sky Discovery Academy

OPINION

ALA CARTE FEELING (TARTAR) SAUCY

BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST

I was on the road to Seattle this week, a long Interstate 90 drive I’ve taken countless times. Not far past the strip malls and shops peddling big rigs and RVs that line the interstate between Coeur D’Alene and Spokane, the landscape gives way to eastern Washington’s seemingly endless farmlands.

Maybe I’m a creature of habit, as it has become somewhat of a tradition for a pit stop in a little town called Ritzville. I know next to nothing about Ritzville, other than that it is home to a Zip’s Drive-In, an eastern Washington staple opened by Robert “Zip” Zuber in Kennewick in 1953, and a couple of decent gas station convenience stores.

Why do I love Zip’s? Because I know the superior dipping sauce when it comes to French fries (or crinkle fries in the case of the regional chain), is tartar sauce. While most greasy burger joints offer ketchup and possibly mustard on their condiment counter, Zip’s has both fry sauce and tartar sauce to fulfill my dipping dreams.

The cashier was chatty while I was contemplating what best to be a vessel for my future sauces. I appreciated her anecdote. Sometimes people ask what makes Zip’s special, expecting to be pointed toward a burger or another drive-in staple. “But it’s the tartar sauce,” she said. “That’s what we’re known for.” And then, bless her, she gave me a bunch to go.

Tartar sauce originated in France. It may not be one of the mother sauces as defined by chef August Escoffier, but to me, it’s the mother of all sauces for dipping French fries. The acidic pickle and smooth mayo come together to enhance the flavor of potatoes. Try it, especially if you love pickles.

We tend to pronounce “tartar sauce” akin to “cream of tartar,” the stabilizing baking cabinet staple that contains tartaric acid, a byproduct of the grape fermentation process in winemaking. However, if words retained their history in pronunciation, we would say it more like “steak tartare,” the raw minced beef dish. The sauce we know as tartar is often “tartare” in European countries, retaining its roots as a sauce that is put on steak tartare.

Except today, we don’t use the sauce in the same way. Tartar sauce is generally relegated to shrimp baskets and fish and chips. It’s overshadowed by the punchier cocktail sauce. It’s forgotten.

I don’t think I’m the only one pushing for its return to glory. A national tartar sauce day was created in 2017, celebrated on the Friday after the beginning of Lent, a season when many Christians forgo meat for seafood. And what is great on seafood? Tartar sauce.

“Zartar sauce is a sauce for the people because it’s so easy to make,” writes Luke Field on Sporked. com, a food ranking website that is an offshoot of YouTube series Good Mythical Morning. “At its core, tartar sauce is made out of mayonnaise mixed with pickle relish. All recipes and versions of tartar sauce are simple variations on the same theme.

Here’s mine:

I start with mayo, but instead of relish, chop dill pickles and onions to add to the mix. This can be a fine or chunky dice, depending on your personal sauce preference. Salt and pepper to taste. And finally, to give it that tang, add a small splash of apple cider vinegar and a bit of pickle juice to really amp up the pickle flavor.

Rachel Hergett is a foodie and cook from Montana. She is arts editor emeritus at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and has written for publications such as Food Network Magazine and Montana Quarterly. Rachel is also the host of the Magic Monday Show on KGLT-FM and teaches at Montana State University.

Typically the entree and side are the main features of restaurants. At Zip’s, however, the those are merely vehicles for the regional chain’s fine sauces. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

Zip’s Drive-In is an eastern Washington staple and regular stop for Montanans making the westward trek to Seattle. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

Broker, Private Office Advisor 406-539-8553

Be a river hero.

Since 1973, American Rivers has been the leading conservation organization working to protect and restore our nation’s rivers and streams.

Today, our rivers face more threats than ever due to harmful development and climate change. That’s why we’ve committed to protecting 1 million river miles by 2030. We’re getting started by working to pass the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act to permanently protect 20 of our state’s most cherished rivers, including the Gallatin and Madison.

Help us protect the rivers you love.

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD

UPPER CLARK FORK FISHERY IS IN PERIL AS IT SEES DRASTIC DECLINE IN BROWN TROUT NUMBERS

BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeing a significant decline and loss in recruitment in brown trout fish populations along the Upper Clark Fork between Warm Springs and Deer Lodge, a trend that began in 2015.

From the 1970s through 2014, it was common to have estimates of 1,000 to 2,000 and even more brown trout per mile in this section of the river. But, starting in 2015-2017, it started declining to historic lows of 100-200 per mile. The numbers stabilized for a few years. This year, it was down to 25 brown trout per mile.

“We don’t know the cause of the decline,” Region 2 FWP Fisheries Biologist Caleb Uerling said. “But there are lots of variables impacting brown trout. The floodplain has outstanding contamination that interacts with the river at high flows and rain events.”

The Clark Fork is Montana’s largest river by length and volume. It is considered the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin and gets its namesake from the Lewis and Clark expedition. In the 1880s, Montana had a copper mining boom lasting over a century, with most mining and smelting operations occurring upstream in Butte and Anaconda. The processes involved in mining and smelting created significant amounts of toxic waste. In 1908, a massive flood washed millions of tons of contaminated sediments into the Upper Clark Fork and its surrounding floodplain for a 120-mile stretch of river. Nearly every year, the snowmelt and spring rains wash more toxic deposits downstream. This sediment is high in heavy metals like arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc, which, in high doses, kills vegetation, and fish die. Acute and chronic effects like long-term exposure to heavy metals can cause chronic conditions killing trout.

“An acute event causes contaminated sediments to flow into the river from a rain event, in high enough concentrations that kills fish within a couple 100 meters of the point source run-off.”

In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated the Upper Clark Fork from Warm Springs to Milltown Dam, east of Missoula, a Superfund Site. In the spring of 2013, remediation work began eliminating toxic sediments from the soils in the floodplain, restoring and stabilizing the eroded riverbanks. Teams of workers also making efforts to revegetate riparian areas throughout the floodplain, trying to return to its pristine nature. According to Montana Natural Resource Damage Program, the remediation work is scheduled to be completed in 2038.

“Remediation and restoration can impact things in the short-term, but, in the long-term, those actions are intended to improve the fishery and conditions for the fish,” said Uerling.

It was hot in the summer of 2019, and river flows were low; then, a significant rain event caused contaminants to run into the river, and many dead fish were found nearby.

“We don’t know 100% sure what killed them, but it seemed to be a direct correlation,” said Uerling.

Each April, FWP biologists like Uerling electroshock stretches of river to count trout within those sections. The Upper Clark Fork is a cold-water brown trout fishery, although many tributaries have other trout species. To effectively sample a fish in the river, the fish must be 7 inches or longer, which is a 2 to 3-year-old in the Clark Fork. They need to get fish to the 7 inches mark, which is also when they become catchable to anglers.

“The issue is somewhere between the fish being spawned and making it to 7 inches,” said Uerling.

There are many life stages for brown trout within that period, including months in the gravel as eggs, spending a month as alevins, and years as juvenile fry and parr until they hit that 7-inch period and then continue maturing in length and girth.

Other variables besides toxic sediments that can affect brown trout recruitment include warmer temperatures, poor habitat quality, high erosion rates, fungus outbreaks, algal blooms, parasites, diseases, proliferative kidney disease, and fire retardants. A recent article in High Country News shows fire retardant is 85% water, 10% ammonium phosphate, and a small amount of thickeners which suffocates fish if dropped in rivers. Retardant doesn’t seem to be the case here in the Clark Fork, but it does have detrimental effects on fisheries.

“There may be a disease that we don’t know how to look for or don’t have the tools to identify,” said Uerling.

FWP is working hard to narrow in on the exact life stage that fish must graduate from to continue their life cycle and increase recruitment throughout this once blue-ribbon brown trout stream.

“FWP is narrowing their focus on the individual issue affecting particular life stages for those brown trout, the geographical location, and narrow it down to a manageable project of what can be done,” said Uerling.

FWP remains hopeful.

Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller with stories published in Outside, Adventure Journal, Popular Science, Field & Stream, Esquire, Sierra, Audubon, Earth Island Journal, Modern Huntsman and other publications at his website www.benjaminpolley.com/stories. He holds a master’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana.

An angler releases a brown trout. ADOBE STOCK

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

LUCKY US

BY PAUL SWENSON EBS COLUMNIST

Here we are at the end of June and I must say that I feel lucky. I have heard a lot of people commenting on how cold and wet this month has been, but that is more the norm than the exception for this month. Having killing frosts and snow up until the summer solstice reminds me of my dad’s advice, “Don’t plant your garden until the second week of June.” Of course, I didn’t heed his advice and have been covering my garden and moving my potted plants into the garage every night for the last two weeks.

So why do I feel lucky? Just look to the north in Canada and their already historic wildfire season. This wet spring has been great for all the plants in our region, which in turn helps stave off wildfires and feed our wildlife. Plus all this water will keep our rivers in shape for the rest of the fishing and recreational season.

In this article I would like to continue informing you about our regional flora. We are heading into July which is the peak of wildflower season and one can find a plethora of blooms on any hike you take. There are a lot of large, obvious flowers, but these two are quite interesting: Monument Plants and Arrowleaf Balsamroot.

The monument plant, Frasera speciosa, stands above the rest of the plants on a hillside or meadow. It was first thought to be a biennial plant, meaning growing just leaves the first year, then producing flowers and seeds the second, then dying. Then it was reclassified in the mid-1970s as a monocarpic plant which means it grows over many years, sometimes up to 80 years, blooms once, then dies. The average age for a flowering monument plant is 30 years old. So when you see them out and about, respect the fact that they may be older than you!

Arrowleaf balsamroot gets its name from some obvious traits. Its leaves are arrow shaped, and the resin in the root smells like a balsam pine. I will take this one at face value since I have never smelled a balsam pine. Another interesting fact about the root system is that its taproot can be up to 10 feet deep and surrounded by bark. You never really think about bark growing underground. Just beneath the surface the roots can be as big around as your arm thus will survive wildfires.

This plant is an important food for deer, bighorn sheep and elk, and has been used as a food source by humans. It is a member of the sunflower family and its seeds were an import source of fats and protein for indigenous peoples. They were eaten raw, ground into flour, used for cooking oil, or mixed with other foods. For balsamroots to produce seeds, they must be at least 3-5 years old, and will produce seeds up to 30 years of age.

Now for some more luck. It is the time of the year for small flowers that carry a big impact; Forgetme-nots, Phlox, and Prairie Smoke. These are, in order, my wife’s and mom’s favorite, the best smelling, and my dad’s favorite. My father always called prairie smoke a “Phyllis Diller” flower for how the seeds look after they bloom. If you’re not a “boomer” you might have to look up who she is to get it.

When you are out hiking, the forget-me-nots are usually a blue flower, sometimes growing 2 feet tall, but the flower itself is only a centimeter across. It does come in several color variations with pink being the second most prevalent. There are over 500 species around the world, and it is the state flower of Alaska. In other areas of the world, it represents those who fell in WWI in Newfoundland, an international symbol for missing children, and as a symbol to raise awareness about memory loss by the Alzheimer’s Society. It also has special significance for my family since it is also considered a birth flower for the month of September. Two of my three children were born during this month.

When you find phlox, which grows in large bunches close to the ground, bend down to smell them. They are sweet and perfumy, my favorite and sometimes can catch their fragrance on the breeze. But if you bend down to smell them be careful and watch for bees!

Lastly, if you did look up Phyllis Diller, I hope you appreciate my dad’s humor when you find prairie smoke going to seed.

Hope to see you out there getting close to nature. I hope you all feel lucky that you get to spend time in this amazing place with nature on full display.

Paul Swenson has been living in and around the Big Sky area since 1966. He is a retired science teacher, fishing guide, Yellowstone guide and naturalist. Also an artist and photographer, Swenson focuses on the intricacies found in nature.

Forget-me-not, Phlox, and Prairie Smoke in seed. PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON

A natural bouquet of arrowleaf balsamroot along Taylor Fork. PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON

A monocarpic monument flower that could be upwards of 80 years old when it produces flowers the first and only time in its lifespan. PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON

MEADOWS DR, BIG SKY

This Firelight Chalet End Loft condo features a functional, open floor plan that is ideal for any buyer. Original owner and very lightly used, fireplace has never had a fire. Being sold furnished and turnkey, located just down the road from Big Sky’s popular and growing Town Center. $1,149,000 #367306

RON

406-580-3363

YELLOWTAIL ROAD, BIG SKY

Featuring great curb appeal, mature landscaping and unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. The Dennis Stoner built signature floor plan has main floor Master Suite and living areas, a river rock fireplace and guest quarters upstairs. A spacious outdoor living area with a wrap around deck is great for entertaining and includes a new hot tub. $1,985,000 #376312

KIRK DIGE 406-580-5475

Meet Our Team

Our

have

members

“SAV

Ryan Coombs Service Operations Director

Photo by Audrey Hall

THE BIG SKY WAY IT

WASN’T RAINING

WHEN

NOAH BUILT THE ARK

BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST

A little over a year ago, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem experienced a natural disaster coined as “a thousand-year event.”

It’s not the first time our region has experienced disasters on a significant scale. The 1959 earthquake forming Quake Lake and 1988 Yellowstone National Park fires were notable acts of God. Not to mention, the COVID-19 pandemic is a fairly fresh wound our region is still recovering from. I don’t know about you, but it sure felt like it rained for 40 days and nights this spring. Thankfully, we didn’t see another epic flood. But the steady rain, melting snow and the one-year anniversary of the Yellowstone River flood makes it timely to discuss some critical factors in mitigating the impacts of disasters. After all, it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.

It takes a village

Last year Gallatin and Madison counties signed an agreement to consolidate emergency management services in Big Sky. The agreement established a single agency responsible for Big Sky to create more efficiencies and consistency without worrying about the county boundary. Similar arrangements are also in place for law enforcement, coroner, search and rescue, and 911 dispatch. What this means is that during a large-scale incident in Big Sky, response coordination and recovery activities will not be split between the counties. Gallatin County Emergency Management will play a key role should disaster strike and they will certainly do it through coordinated effort with local agencies.

In times of immediate local response, we are in good hands through the support of Big Sky Fire Department (BSFD) and locally dedicated deputies with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies would work in coordination with Gallatin County Emergency Management to keep Big Sky safe. A recent agreement between Gallatin and Madison counties and BSRAD funded an additional two sheriffs, bringing law enforcement services to 24-hour coverage—a huge win for Big Sky. Additionally, through the leadership of BSFD, the Fire Adapted Big Sky Wildfire HUB and accompanied Big Sky Wildfire Action Guide were launched as preparation resources for the community of Big Sky.

What can I do?

Following the direction of BSFD, the best time to plan for an emergency is long before disaster strikes. Four key steps are outlined in the guide for how you, as a resident of Big Sky, can do your part. The first step is to receive emergency alerts. To receive alerts while you are in Big Sky, sign up for free notifications, provided by the Gallatin County Community Notification System powered by Everbridge. Secondly, make a family emergency plan with accessible emergency numbers, designated meet-up locations, and an identified escape route. The third step is to inventory your home. Lastly, pack a to-go bag. Store enough supplies for yourself, your family, and your pets to last at least three days. Keep the supplies somewhere handy.

On the prevention front, we should all give our homes the best chance for survival. “Own your zone” and prioritize exterior home protection by designing and implementing

defensible space and maintaining appropriate landscaping. Last but not least, prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, stay alert, and follow emergency orders.

Plan and prepare for the worst

One lesson our community learned from the pandemic was the need to financially prepare for emergencies. Many thought a flood, earthquake, or fire would surely be the “Big One” in Big Sky. However, the onset of COVID-19 was the eye-opening experience exemplifying the need to “plan for a rainy day.” Despite limited funds on hand, our community forged funding partnerships through Big Sky Relief. The effort demonstrated the true power of how a partnership-driven community can work together and overcome hard times. The lesson moving forward uncovered the need to ensure that our community has financial viability should the “Big One” hit. Since that time, BSRAD funded “Emergency Reserves” have now been established should another event happen at this scale.

Much like Noah, who planned for the “act of God” before it happened, we can all do our part to ensure that when it rains – we are prepared for the emergency.

Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.

The Yellowstone River flood in June 2022 washed away a building that served as employee housing outside Gardiner and Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance. COURTESY OF GINA RIQUIER

HEALTH BUZZ

HOW HOLISTIC WOMEN’S HEALTH IS HELPING WOMEN TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH

BY DR. KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST

Extensive research has shown that women’s health concerns, particularly the ones related to feminine health or related to prevention, are discredited or not properly addressed in the healthcare system. Unfortunately, women are not always given this individual attention by conventional medicine, leaving them feeling unheard and without viable treatment options, even though they have their own unique set of healthcare needs compared to men. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s health including physical, mental, and emotional factors. One major way that holistic medicine is offering more options for women is the goal of finding and treating the root cause contributing to their health concerns in order to alleviate symptoms, rather than utilizing medication or surgery as the primary way to treat symptoms.

A holistic approach to women’s health can include a variety of therapies.

Some of the most effective include:

Acupuncture

While acupuncture is known for the treatment of pain, it is also used to improve depression, anxiety, infertility, pregnancy and postpartum care, peri- and menopausal symptoms, and menstrual difficulties. Many recipients with no major health concerns also use acupuncture to enhance wellness and prevent illness.

Advanced lab testing

Many patients are told that their labs are "within normal range," yet they still experience symptoms. Every patient has their own unique biochemistry, genetics, and health condition, which often means a broader spectrum of testing can prove beneficial. Specialty labs serve to narrow down where therapy must be applied to bring back balance to your health.

Bioidentical hormones

Holistic women’s health care often addresses restoring balance to the reproductive hormones, in the context

of the whole person. This can also include support for the thyroid and adrenal glands. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves using chemically and structurally compounded hormones as close to human hormones as possible.

The holistic practice of women’s health care is the treatment of women through all phases of their lives. Things like nutrient deficiencies, a lack of sleep and high amounts of emotional stress can all disturb hormonal balance and raise inflammation. Consult your holistic health care team and get back in balance.

Dr. Kaley Burns is the founder, owner and naturopathic doctor at Big Sky Natural Health. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey. Dr. Burns has advanced training application of regenerative and intravenous injection therapy. She also serves as the vice president and CE liaison of the Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

EVERY DROP COUNTS RESTORATION ALONG THE UPPER GALLATIN FOR THE HEALTH OF THE RIVER

BY MARNE HAYES EBS COLUMNIST

As constant as the Gallatin River’s current are the ways in which we seek to access and enjoy all the experiences the river offers. The best spots are often secret ones; where you find the best fishing, the most serene riverside stroll, or the easiest launch spot for a float or a taste of whitewater. Over time, however, accessing these places can wreak havoc on the river. These are the places and the spaces that become a priority for restoration project sites for the Gallatin River Task Force.

How we (literally) get to the Gallatin impacts the health and sustainability of riparian areas, streamside habitat, vegetation, and the river in general. Well-worn, and sometimes rogue, access points are prevalent within publicly accessible forest lands along the Gallatin, creating the need for a host of restoration options. At its most basic level, river restoration is defined as “the process of managing rivers to reinstate natural processes to restore biodiversity, providing benefits to both people and wildlife.”

Long-term restoration planning for the Gallatin is vital to its future, and partnerships to implement them are critical. When completed, these prioritized projects will help improve and preserve the river’s most popular access points and adjacent lands. With the help of the U.S. Forest Service, the Gallatin River Restoration Strategy identified a total of 91 sites with a total cost to restore at over $3.5 million. According to U.S. Forest Service representative and project partner Kathryn

Barker, “Working collaboratively with groups like the Gallatin River Task Force helps us establish sustainable river access points that maintain the availability of recreation, and also reduce the negative effects of dispersed use on the watershed.”

Improving river habitat is part of a balanced strategy to protect the Gallatin. Projects like the one completed by the Task Force at Upper Deer Creek restored 1,044 feet of streamside vegetation known as the riparian buffer. Additional improvements at the site included two designated parking areas, a handicap accessible trail, a fishing platform, a concrete boat launch, and kayak launch. The project provided necessary infrastructure improvements, addressing the proliferation of visitor-created roads and trails and heavy use at non-designated access points. Upgraded infrastructure now directs river users to appropriate access points, eliminating rogue access and providing the necessary means to reduce and mitigate potential conflicts and resource damage.

Growing recreation pressure on the Upper Gallatin River is a significant contributor to threats against river health. Through partnerships like the one with the Forest Service, the Task Force has developed an ambitious plan that includes additional improvements to public access sites along the river. Next on the list of significant priority areas for restoration is the Porcupine/Beaver Creek area, which when completed will be the third large-scale restoration project undertaken by the Task Force. It was selected as a priority site due to the broad range and volume of recreation use and includes the confluence of Beaver Creek, the Gallatin, and the Porcupine trailhead.

Restoration projects are intended to restore degraded streambeds, riparian and wetland

conditions, improve fish passage and prevent vehicle and sediment pollutants from entering the river. Secondary to that is the goal of improving recreational access, and reducing conflicts between the variety of river users that regularly visit the Gallatin. To accomplish this, the restoration work will include elements like stream channel restoration and floodplain reconnection, best practices for managing stormwater, and enhancing riparian buffer areas, along with trail improvements, designated river access and improved or new parking areas.

Rogue access disrupts the plant life habitat along the river, causing undue degradation that can be reduced with strategic project elements. We know that plant roots act like glue, holding streambanks together, reducing erosion, and filtering pollutants. Streamside vegetation provides food, cover, and cool water for fish and insects. Increased use over time degrades these essential elements, and strategic, well-planned restoration projects restore the health of these areas. The end goal is to keep access open and protect critical pieces of a healthy river. By reducing unmanaged recreation, and providing sustainable river access points along the Gallatin, we can reduce the deterioration, and create a more sustainable pattern for both the ongoing use, and healthy habitat.

The preservation benefits to the Gallatin as a result of these projects are invaluable, and implementation of recreation and ecological restoration projects ultimately depends equally on commitment, resources, and funding from local, state, public and private partners. It’s an investment we can all get behind.

Marne Hayes is the communications manager for the Gallatin River Task Force.

The Gallatin River Task Force improved the Upper Deer Creek trailhead to include two designated parking areas that include erosion control features, a vegetated buffer between the lot and the river and boulders to prevent driving along the river’s edge. COURTESY OF THE GRTF

SLOANE STREET

LISA NIK LAUREN K.

ZY

25,000± acre ranch near Big Sandy, MT. 18,124± acres deeded and over 8,000± acres BLM and State lease the ranch is a 650 cow calf pair and had 5,000± tillable acres plus a 30+ year outfitting history for trophy mule deer and big horn sheep hunts. $17,450,000 | #368590

Incredible views of Lone Peak, Mountain Village and Andesite. This home has been partially renovated and would be perfect for a new owner to complete the renovation to their own specifications. Ski accessable with local knowledge. $2,770,000 | #377658

WRITERS ON THE RANGE BACKCOUNTRY HEROES ALWAYS TRY TO BRING US BACK

BY MOLLY ABSOLON WRITERS ON THE RANGE

When I was leading groups into the Wyoming wilderness in the 1990s, once we left a trailhead we were on our own.

If somebody got hurt, we could walk or carry the injured person out or send runners to the road to call for support. In the case of a life- or limb-threatening emergency, we could use a transponder to try to send a coded message to a passing aircraft, pleading for help.

Things have definitely changed.

“People expect to be rescued,” said Tod Schimelfenig, who has been on the search and rescue team for Fremont County, Wyo., since the 1970s. “Maybe it’s that a whole generation has grown up with instant communication, and that drives what they do when they go into the wilderness.”

What they do, according to Schimelfenig, is go farther and attempt more difficult objectives, which means demands on search and rescue teams have increased sharply over the last decade.

The United States has a patchwork of search and rescue organizations charged with responding to backcountry emergencies. Who comes to your aid depends on where you are and what land management agency is responsible. Most have volunteer teams that report to a local law enforcement officer, although some national parks, like Yosemite or Grand Teton, have paid crews on call.

In the 1930s, The Mountaineers, a Seattlebased climbing group, came up with what they called the Ten Essentials to help prepare people for outdoor emergencies. The checklist became ubiquitous. But it’s longer now, says Maura Longden, a member of the Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue, who trains teams across the country.

In addition to practical things like water, food, a map and layers of clothing, the essentials list now includes cellphones, personal locating beacons and GPS devices. Communication is critical.

Carol Viau, who’s been with Teton County, Wyoming, Search and Rescue for 23 years, says that many people choose climbing routes, ski descents and remote peaks just by surfing the Internet.

This past winter Viau helped rescue a skier who’d been injured in a fall while deep in the Tetons —a place he’d chosen online. He used his phone to call for assistance, and Teton County’s SAR team brought him out.

Jim Webster has been involved in search and rescue since the 1970s and leads the Grand County, Utah, SAR team. He says today’s outdoor recreationalists aren’t as self-sufficient as they used to be.

This spring, Webster’s team helped rescue a canyoneer who realized — midway down a rappel into a slot canyon — that her rope failed to reach the ground. She hung suspended in the air until rescuers were able to find her and haul her back out of the canyon.

Another spring rescue involved a solo boater who decided he wanted out from descending a flood-stage river. He couldn’t — or wouldn’t — go farther. Webster said he called for help and a rescue boat went to his aid.

Both of those calls had happy endings. But Webster’s team has experienced the opposite, including recovering the body of a BASE jumper last fall.

Webster says his team of 30 to 35 people responds to around 120 calls per year, an average of two a week. But teams often get two or three calls in a single day. Most teams are made up of volunteers, though in the case of Grand County, volunteers get paid when they’re on a call. Many have to take time off from work to respond.

This past winter in Wyoming, Viau says she was called out every day for a week — usually just as she was getting off her job as a guide at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. That stretched her eight-hour days into 12-plus-hour days. She’s so busy, she says, she doesn’t think she should own a dog.

It’s undeniable that the volunteer search and rescue system is feeling the strain. Last October, Christopher Boyer, executive director of the National Search and Rescue Association, told the PBS NewsHour the current system was “broke.”

What’s the solution? In Colorado, you can buy an inexpensive SAR card that reimburses a county for the cost of your rescue. Or what about diverting some tax revenue to equip and pay teams?

For now, these unsung heroes keep bringing a victim back alive. They do it even when the desperate caller has gone somewhere they probably shouldn’t have — somewhere they couldn’t leave without help.

Molly Absolon is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. She writes in Idaho.

A search and rescue team member preforms a high angle rescue as they evacuate an injured climber from a rock pinnacle. ADOBE STOCK

D I D YO U K N OW?

- Bobcats are elusive and nocturnal, so they are rarely spotted by humans. Although they are seldom seen, they roam throughout much of North America.

- Fierce hunters, bobcats can kill prey much bigger than themselves, but usually eat rabbits, birds, mice, squirrels and other smaller game.

- In some areas, bobcats are still trapped for their soft, spotted fur North American populations are believed to be quite large, with perhaps as many as one million cats in the United States alone. They face habitat destruction from agricultural and industrial development as well urban sprawl. The ever-expanding human population further limits their ranges.

R es p ect. P rot ect. C h er is h.

Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub!

Bear cubs attend their own type of school: They are expected to follow their mother and learn how to find food or hunt.

Bobcat // Lynx rufus

BACK 40

FIRE SEASON:

BY AMANDA LOUDIN

Editor’s note: This story originally published in the summer 2021 issue of Mountain Outlaw

Schelly Olson understands well the danger of wildfires to people, public lands and private property. As assistant chief for the Grand Fire Protection District No. 1 in Granby, Colorado, Olson also volunteers as chair for Grand County’s wildfire council. She spent much of her 2020 summer helping disseminate information and educate the public on these topics, not only in Colorado, but in other parts of the West as well.

It was some sort of cruel plot twist, then, that in October, Olson lost her home to the East Troublesome Fire. “We had done a good deal of mitigation, clearing dead and downed trees in the area,” she says. “We had a marshy wetland nearby and a lot of open space and green grass.”

The Olsons also lived in a home built with fire prevention in mind: the right materials, the right landscaping and the right ignition zone, referring to the 200 feet surrounding a home that can make a property vulnerable to fire. In spite of it all, the Olson home was one of 300 destroyed in Grand Lake by the fire that burned through more than 200,000 acres. “The winds were coming in at over 100 miles per hour,” says Olson.

While Olson heard repeatedly that the East Troublesome Fire was unprecedented—and it was in terms of size—she also knew that wildfires in the West are getting bigger, longer and more dangerous. As more people move into the wildland-urban interface—where the forests meet communities—lives and properties are more vulnerable than ever. To stand a fighting chance, an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed, say experts like Olson. “Partnerships and collaboration are key to all of this,” she says. “We need to use every tool in our toolbox.”

Kimiko Barrett, wildfire research and policy lead at Headwaters Economics, in Bozeman, Montana, agrees. “For so long, all of our fire mitigation efforts were focused on wild lands,” she says. “But the last few years have shown us that we cannot rely only on forest management. We now need to look actively at the neighborhood and community level.”

How we got here

To understand how to get out of a dangerous place, it’s important to first recognize how you arrived there. One piece of the puzzle is the historical approach to wildfire management, says Max Rebholz, wildfire preparedness coordinator with Missoula County in western Montana. “We have a long history of fire suppression dating

For Explore Big Sky, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Here, we highlight stories from our flagship sister publication Mountain Outlaw magazine.

Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”

THE WILDLAND-URBAN COLLISION BIGGER, LONGER AND MORE DEVASTATING THAN EVER, WILDFIRES ARE LEAVING CHARRED COMMUNITIES IN THEIR WAKE. MITIGATION WILL TAKE A COMMUNITY EFFORT.

The ignition zone divides into three radiuses: The immediate zone of 5 feet around your house; the intermediate zone of 5 to 30 feet; and the extended zone of 30 to 100 feet. GRAPHIC COURTESY OF HEADWATERS

Schelly Olson’s home pre-East Troublesome Fire in Grand Lake, Colorado. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHELLY OLSON

Schelly Olson’s home post-East Troublesome Fire in Grand Lake, Colorado. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHELLY OLSON

back to the Great Burn of 1910,” he explains. “That shaped fire policy all the way into the early 2000s.”

The result of this approach, says Rebholz, is the growth of more trees, thicker stands of trees and more undesirable species. “In western Montana, we have a lot more Douglas fir than we used to,” he says. “This is a species that is vulnerable to insects and disease, and therefore dies off and becomes more of a fire hazard.”

Add in climate change to the mix—longer summers, shorter springs, decreased snowpack and overall precipitation—and you have another part of the recipe.

The final contributing factor completes the deadly cocktail: ever-encroaching building practices, whereby neighborhood and community lines move closer to wild lands. In Montana alone, for instance, the number of homes in moderate- and high-wildfire risk areas has nearly doubled since 1990. This is where coordinated efforts stand to make the biggest impact on fire reduction. But in the West, where rugged individualism has long ruled the day, this can often be the toughest issue to tackle.

All hands on deck

Ali Ulwelling, forestry assistance and fire information specialist at Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, based in Kalispell, Montana, says that she spends time learning from other communities that have suffered devastation from wildfires. From there, she sets out to educate.

“California is different from Montana, and even northwest Montana is different from Bozeman,” Ulwelling says. “It’s important to understand the conditions and then set the context.”

There is longstanding research, however, that crosses geography lines when it comes to mitigating fire risk at the property level. “It starts by making your home resistant to ignition,” Ulwelling explains. “The roof, gutters, siding, eaves, the size of your vents and metal screening covering them are all a big deal.”

Ninety percent of the time, ember showers that fly well ahead of advancing fires are what ultimately burn down structures, according to a 2019 Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety study. Keeping embers from touching ignitable materials is key, says Rebholz, who recommends metal screening with holes as small as one-sixteenth of an inch, rather than onetwenty-fifth of an inch. “The screens should cover any areas of spacing between the home and a deck or porch, or the spacing between the porch and the ground,” he says. “You don’t want the embers to have enough heat content in them to ignite whatever is on the other side of the screen.”

Deck materials matter, too, and should be a composite rather than wood, but one critical component of fire safety on property is the home ignition zone, a concept developed in the late 1990s by retired U.S. Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen. The zones break out into three radiuses: The immediate zone of 5 feet around your house; the intermediate zone of 5 to 30 feet; and the extended zone of 30 to 100 feet. “Many people focus on the home and immediate zone but overlook the importance of the outer two zones,” Rebholz says.

Although Olson had checked all of the above boxes, the East Troublesome Fire was proof positive that protecting property and mitigating wildfire spread goes beyond these measures and into the community. “In my role, I get a lot of calls from people saying, ‘I’ve done everything to protect my property, but my neighbor hasn’t,’” Olson says. “They want to know if there’s anything we can do about that. Unless there are regulations and codes to follow, our hands are tied.”

This is where the battle often lies: Finding a way to get everyone to work together, from clearing lands to supporting elected officials and policies that lead to stricter rules on building.

Ulwelling supports the idea that, as a community, groups ensure they coordinate. “On a small scale, this can look like getting together with neighbors to clear dead trees and then burn the piles,” she says. “On a broader scale, it means having a community mindset for fire adaptation. Work

within the community and understand that the dream five acres you just purchased comes with responsibility.”

There’s also the role of insurance companies, which some fire prevention specialists would like to see take a bigger role in education and policy setting.

Education can be essential in getting communities up to speed and supportive of such efforts. In Montana, for instance, there are plenty of resources for informing communities, from the state and federal DNRs to Headwaters to websites like Fire Safe Montana and the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise. All, however, require leading individual homeowners to water.

“There’s definitely an element of social science involved,” says Ulwelling. “How do you motivate people to engage and work together?”

Barrett says that Headwaters approaches a variety of communities with its resources and is sometimes turned away. “Montana still has a nonregulatory climate in many places. If a community doesn’t want us, we don’t bother them,” she says. “But there are other communities that want the information and realize that as we grow, so do our fire risks.”

As Olson reflects on the traumatic loss of her home and so many others, she has one major thought: “We can’t give up hope. I don’t want people to have the attitude that losing their homes is inevitable. My goal is to build a fireadapted community.”

This, says Barrett, should be everyone’s end goal, and one she views as ultimately achievable. “When you look at history, many cities burned down before thinking deliberately about fire and adapting,” she says. “If we can apply the same attitudes and principles to the urban/wild interface, we can do it again.”

Amanda Loudin is an award-winning freelance writer who frequently covers health, science and the outdoors for publications like the Washington Post, Outside and REI’s Co-op Journal.

The Bridger Foothills Fire in Bozeman, Montana, burned more than 8,000 acres and destroyed 68 structures in September 2020. PHOTO BY MATT SUESS

Listed by Ethan

Wildlands is located in Bozeman’s vibrant Northeast neighborhood and consists of 12 high-end residences only four blocks from downtown and 10 minutes from Yellowstone International Airport.

With a mix of Scandinavian-modern architecture and industrial elements, the finishes at Wildlands are the highest of quality, including Poliform cabinetry, 11-foot ceilings, wide plank American white oak floors, 8-foot window bays and an outdoor deck. With a private rooftop deck boasting breathtaking views, Wildlands offers an unmatched living experience in Bozeman, MT.

PEAK SKIS SHOWROOM