HORSE AUCTION, TRAIL RACE, TOP CHEF: PBR WEEK ELEVATES IN 14TH YEAR ELEVATES
JUDGE SANCTIONS COTTONWOOD LAW OVER ‘RECKLESS’ LAWSUITS
BSOA HIRES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MICHENER CABIN MOVES TO CRAIL RANCH
NEW FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN BIG SKY
July 24 - August 6, 2025
16 // Issue
Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana
PUBLISHER
Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com
EDITORIAL
VP MEDIA
Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com
STAFF WRITER
Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com
LOCAL JOURNALIST
Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com
DIGITAL MEDIA LEAD
Fischer Genau | fischer@theoutlawpartners.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Carli Johnson | carli@theoutlawpartners.com
CREATIVE
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Griffin House | griffin@theoutlawpartners.com
SALES AND OPERATIONS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Josh Timon | josh@theoutlawpartners.com
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com
VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com
DIRECTOR OF RELATIONSHIPS
Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com
MARKETING MANAGER
Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com
CONTENT MARKETING LEAD
Taylor Owens | taylor.owens@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Ellie Boeschenstein | ellie@theoutlawpartners.com
Taylor Allen, Kaley Burns, Mel Crichton, Rachel Hergett, Henry Higman, Jess Olson, Dave Pecunies, Allie Epstein Poalino, Benjamin Alva Polley, Finley Timon, Laura Wells CONTRIBUTORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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14
HORSE AUCTION, TRAIL RACE, TOP CHEF: PBR WEEK ELEVATES IN 14TH YEAR
Big Sky’s Biggest Week continues to evolve, with new activities and fresh additions to the longstanding staples like the Big Sky PBR. Explore Big Sky covered the community’s first-ever horse auction, the new Running of the Bulls trail race and special catering by Top Chef Season 14 contestants.
JUDGE SANCTIONS COTTONWOOD LAW OVER ‘RECKLESS’ LAWSUITS
On July 10, U.S. District Judge Brian Morris filed a ruling in the latest round of lawsuits from Cottonwood Environmental Law Center against Big Sky’s public water and sewer utility. The ruling favored BSCWSD and denounced Cottonwood’s “baseless” theory alleging fraud by BSCWSD. It also imposed sanctions on Cottonwood.
BSOA HIRES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Holly Coltea is proud to be a BSOA member and looks forward to championing the organization’s mission to preserve, protect and enhance its wide jurisdiction.
MICHENER CABIN MOVES TO CRAIL RANCH
After nearly 30 years on Big Sky School District grounds, the Big Sky Community Organization moved the Michener Cabin in late June to Big Sky’s only heritage site, the Historic Crail Ranch, where it will demonstrate Big Sky’s ranching past.
NEW FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN BIG SKY
In late September, Big Sky will host a new event to celebrate established filmmakers’ work and cultivate the next generation of storytellers under mentorship and Indigenous scholarship programs.
EDITORIAL POLICIES
EDITORIAL POLICY
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.
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.
On July 13, the Gallatin River Task Force welcomed more than 250 supporters to Riverhouse BBQ and Events for its annual Hooked on the Gallatin fundraiser, raising over $300,000 in celebration of 25 years of protecting and restoring the Upper Gallatin River and local water resources. PHOTO BY DAVE PECUNIES
Brady Fielder rode top-tier bulls to win the Big Sky PBR, walking away with a big buckle and a giant check. PHOTO BY HENRY HIGMAN
BRIEFS
NEWS IN BRIEF
LEVINSKI RIDGE FIRE IN BIG SKY CONTAINED
EBS STAFF
On July 18, a spot fire broke out on Levinski Ridge located in the Gallatin Canyon, east of U.S. 191 in Big Sky. The fire was approximately 0.5 acres in size and lightning is the suspected cause.
A Custer Gallatin National Forest firefighting crew of four quickly responded with a Type 3 helicopter, dumping 17 bucket drops with a through the night, and another 14 buckets the following day. According to a social media post, the fire was stabilized and fully contained on July 21 as crews engaged in mop-up operations.
BIG SKY PBR COMMUNITY RALLIES TO SUPPORT INJURED BULL RIDER
EBS STAFF
Big Sky PBR producer Outlaw Partners has launched an online fundraiser powered by nonprofit Western Sports Foundation to support the recovery of bull rider Briggs Madsen, who suffered serious injuries after being bucked from a bull on Thursday, July 17, the first night of the three-day event in Big Sky.
After being carried from the arena on a stretcher and receiving care at the Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center, Madsen was eventually airlifted to Idaho Falls, where he received urgent care for a collapsed lung and a brain bleed. The “sobering moment” served as a reminder of the risks these cowboy athletes take, according to the fundraiser website.
“In bull riding, there’s no safety net, no guaranteed income, no coverage for steep medical bills when competition comes to a halt,” the website states. “These are athletes who push their limits for the love of the sport, and now, they need us.”
Outlaw Partners noted that funds raised will be collected directly by the Western Sports Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting Western athletes through injuries, career development and other challenges of the sport.
“Our bull riders and cowboys are some of the last folks to ask for help when they need it most—but that’s exactly why we’re proud to step in,” said Megan Paulson, cofounder and CMO of Outlaw Partners. “These athletes have families, jobs and real-world responsibilities beyond the arena, and as a community, we’re here to support them however we can.”
Donate here: givebutter.com/bigskyriders
BIG SKY VOLUNTEERS ASSIST IN SEARCH FOR WEST YELLOWSTONE PLANE CRASH
BY FINLEY TIMON
Four Big Sky area volunteers with Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded as mutual aid after a plane crashed south of West Yellowstone on Thursday night, July 17, according to a press release from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash proved fatal for all three victims on board.
The July 21 release stated that West Yellowstone Dispatch received a call at approximately 1:41 p.m. on July 18 regarding a possible plane crash. The U.S. Department of Transportation Aero Division had reported that an aircraft departing the West Yellowstone Airport shortly before midnight on July 17 with three people on board could not be located.
“Utilizing the last location of an occupants’ smart watch, two search planes were sent to search for the missing aircraft,” the release stated. “At 2:13 p.m. the search planes confirmed the plane had been located and crashed in dense timber just south of the town of West Yellowstone near South Plateau Rd.”
Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue deployed “heli” and “comms” teams from West Yellowstone and Big Sky.
SAR members located the downed airplane and confirmed all three occupants were deceased. The victims were identified in the press release as Tennessee residents Rodney Conover, 60 and Madison Conover, 23, and Utah resident Kurt Enoch Robey, 55. Their remains were transported by helicopter and turned over to the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Having multiple SAR teams available to respond can make all the difference in remote areas like Montana’s Northern Rockies, explained Big Sky GCSSAR volunteer Andy Dreisbach in a phone call with Explore Big Sky.
“We’re a very rural area so it’s paramount for the success of us to be able to rely on each other when we need,” he said. “I just think that it speaks to the training and availability of the personnel that whatever gets thrown at us we will react to it.”
Sheriff Dan Springer extended condolences to the families and thanked agencies involved, including the Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, U.S. Forest Service, FAA and NTSB.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CALL FOR FY26 RESORT TAX FUNDING APPLICATIONS FOR CAPITAL REQUESTS
The Big Sky Resort Area District is accepting applications from government entities, nonprofit, and other non-government entities for capital requests for the FY26 capital funding cycle (11/1/2510/31/26) beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025. 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 government, nonprofit, or non-government entity with the capability of being legally bound by an agreement.
Applications and supporting documents must be completed using the online portal and must be submitted by Friday, August 15, to be considered for funding. More information can be found at resorttax. org/funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.to be considered for funding. More information can be found at resorttax. org/funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.
CALL FOR FY26 RESORT TAX FUNDING APPLICATIONS FOR NONPROFIT AND NONGOVERNMENT ENTITIES
The Big Sky Resort Area District is accepting applications from nonprofit and other non-government entities for the FY26 nonprofit funding cycle (7/1/25-10/31/26) beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for administrative and programming requests. 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 nonprofit or non-government entity with the capability of being legally bound by an agreement.
Applications and supporting documents must be completed using the online portal and must be submitted by Friday, August 15, to be considered for funding. More information can be found at resorttax. org/funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.
BUILDER'S DREAM - SOLID AS A ROCK!
Rare opportunity in the coveted Porcupine Park neighborhood. This is truly a builder’s dream—move-in ready for family living and an amazing legacy investment potential in Big Sky. This handcrafted custom home boasts sweeping views of the Spanish Peaks to the North, panoramic views of the Porcupine Range out the front door to the East, and rolling hills of forestry land to the South looking towards West Yellowstone. Includes a massive workshop and an income-generating ADU Geocode: 06-0339-17-2-20-85-000
Main House: Custom-built 5 bed / 3 bath home with 4,000 sq ft total—2,000 sq ft finished upstairs and 2,000 sq ft downstairs (2 beds / 1 bath "completed" down, but not trimmed out). Attached 900 sq ft framed-out garage with oversized doors. A 400 sq ft custom porch with elk antler railing faces East toward the Gallatin River and Buffalo Horn fire lookout.
Workshop: Heated 33x41 ft shop with two oversized doors. Two additional open bays on each side (12 ft wide x 41 ft). Upstairs features a 1 bed / 1 bath apartment (~800 sq ft) with steady rental income.
Land & Location: Situated on 3.97 acres of prime real estate with unmatched views. Just behind Ophir/Lone Peak schools. Annual HOA dues are low and cover plowing and insurance. Horse corrals permitted—room for them in front or behind the home. Maintained trails, natural landscaping, septic and well.
Offered at $2.7M
CLASSIFIED
NOW HIRING: WATER & SEWER OPERATOR
Big Sky County Water & Sewer District 363 is seeking a fulltime Collection & Distribution Operator to join our team. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the community’s water distribution and sewer collection systems.
Position Highlights:
• Full-time, non-exempt position with excellent benefits & competitive pay
• Work includes operation, inspection, repair, and maintenance of pipelines, pumps, valves, and related infrastructure
• Use of SCADA and GIS systems, heavy equipment, and tools
• Participation in emergency on-call rotation required
• May need to work extended shifts due to emergencies that could include holidays and weekends
Ideal Candidate:
• 1–5 years of experience in water/sewer utility operations or related trades, no experience, no problem we will train the right person.
• Valid Montana driver’s license
• Certifications in water distribution/treatment or wastewater preferred—or ability to obtain within 2 years
• Strong safety awareness, communication skills, and teamwork
• Work involves physical labor in outdoor and confined space environments, often in extreme weather.
• Join a skilled, supportive team working to ensure safe and reliable water and sewer service for our community.
To learn more, visit: bigskywatersewer.com.
Questions or to apply? Email: office@wsd363.com
JANET CHEYNE CRONIN
FEB. 7, 1936 – JULY 10, 2025
Janet Cronin passed away on July 10 at home with her family beside her in Bozeman, after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Paul F. Cronin; children Elizabeth A. (Cece) Cronin and Paul A. (Packy) Cronin (Melissa Ball); grandchildren Frances A. Cronin, Garrett W. Cronin and Nanya E. Cronin; and sister Mabel Cheyne.
Janet was born Feb. 7, 1936 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Helen (Dallmeyer) and Charles Cheyne. She attended public schools including Stern School, a four-room elementary school. She graduated Pro Merito from Pittsfield High School and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she met and dated Paul Cronin. They were married in Pittsfield on March 17, 1956 (St. Patrick’s Day), as Paul had joined the Navy for a four-year tour and received orders to report to a ship stationed at Pearl Harbor in the Territory of Hawaii. While there, Janet earned her BA from the University of Hawaii.
Following the completion of Paul’s tour of duty, Janet and Paul moved to Boston where Paul entered law school. During this time, Janet taught early elementary school in the Boston school district. Upon Paul’s graduation from law school in 1962, Janet and Paul returned to
Hawaii and started their family. They would live in Hawaii for the next 53 years: it is difficult to adequately describe how wonderful those years were.
For many years the family lived steps away from Kailua Beach. Janet often spoke about how the kids rarely wore shoes until they were in the first grade. During those years Janet earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii.
One sunny day at the beach, a neighbor, upon hearing the family’s plan to visit a dude ranch in Wyoming, suggested the family also visit her friends who owned the 320 Dude Ranch in the Gallatin Canyon in Montana. So they did. Janet and the family fell in love with the Canyon. Soon after they purchased property there, built a cabin off Beaver Creek Road, bought and ran the Mountain Lodge, and continued on to many other real estate
ventures. They spent many happy times at the cabin.
As she had done in Hawaii, Janet formed many friendships in Montana. She loved hiking and became an avid student of flowers, geological formations and wildlife. In 1989, she published a book still treasured today: Exploring Canyon Trails, Twelve Hikes in the Gallatin Canyon. Also, during this time Janet became fast friends with Dorothy Michener Vick, a long-time Canyon resident. Both had a strong interest in the history of the area. As a result, in 1992, they co-authored an extensive and well-received history entitled Montana's Gallatin Canyon, a Gem in the Treasure State.
Janet adopted and often repeated the slogan, “See the world before you leave it.” She and Paul traveled extensively around the world. A voracious reader her entire life, she studied every place she visited. If she heard friends were traveling to a particular location, she often had a book recommendation at her fingertips— fiction or nonfiction—which she’d send to them ahead of their travels.
Because of Janet’s deteriorating health, Janet and Paul moved to Montana full-time 10 years ago. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend and will be sorely missed.
If you choose to make a donation to a cancer research center of your choosing, Janet would be pleased.
A group celebrates their winning bid during the Calcutta auction.
With the retirement of rodeo clown Flint Rasmussen, a new entertainer brought his fresh style to the Big Sky PBR: Danger Dave.
Cord McCoy and his daughter, Tulsa, after Big Sky Community Day mutton bustin’ competition.
Bull rider Daniel Keeping following an 8-second ride on night three of Big Sky PBR.
Photos by Taylor Allen, Laura Wells, Henry Higman, Jack Reaney and Fischer Genau
11 x Ev ent of t he Yea r
BIG SKY'S BIGGEST WEEK
Luke Vidor wins the championship round at the Dick Allgood Community BINGO Night.
two of Big Sky PBR colored the arena in blue
Chancey Williams roped bulls on Saturday evening, before preparing for his afterparty
FIRST-TIMERS CHEER ON PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING IN BIG SKY
BY JEN CLANCEY
Editor’s note: Big Sky PBR is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky.
BIG SKY—It may not be their first rodeo, but it sure was their first Big Sky PBR. As fans strolled into the general admission and VIP areas for the third and final night of Big Sky PBR, some were excited to see the sport in the intimate, mountainsurrounded Big Sky Events Arena for the first time.
The annual event is an opportunity for people to not only watch cowboys hold on to worldrenowned bucking bulls for a difficult eight seconds, it’s also a way to celebrate life events. One crew from Oregon traveled to the Big Sky PBR to celebrate their mom’s 60th birthday and were hard to miss—three of the men in their group wore matching shirts with a print of a cowboy on a bucking horse.
While her husband Matt gathered the trio for a photo, Lydia Shepard-Kiser described what it’s like to see PBR up close.
“This feels like a small town rodeo, and yet it’s PBR, so it’s a little bit of a juxtaposition,” ShepardKiser said. She’d been to a PBR event before, but sat in the nosebleeds of the indoor Moda Center in Portland. This time around, she and her family would get to see the competition with a more “local vibe.”
As clouds passed over Lone Mountain, ShepardKiser noted the surroundings. “I mean, just the setting … it’s ridiculous. It’s unreal, you know?”
Two friends seated at the bleachers facing the bull chutes were also at Big Sky PBR for the first time. From Florida, Jessinda Carwile and Ella Shannon have been friends for four years and go to high school together.
They spent the weekend outdoors and going to lakes, with Carwile showing Shannon the sights during her first visit to the state.
“I love the scenery here,” Shannon said. “It’s beautiful.”
The girls weren’t sure exactly what to expect out of the event—but they were eager to see some bull riding.
“We’re just excited,” Carwile said.
A bit closer to home, the Hawthorne family from Bozeman enjoyed the first half of the event and grabbed some snacks before heading out to the bleachers for the remainder of the bull rides, where EBS found them. The parents, Jim and Andrea Hawthorne, have lived in Bozeman for around 30 years and had been to rodeos in Livingston and Big Timber before. They said the energy of the crowd and the people on the dirt—from riders to wranglers—was thrilling.
“We love the announcers, the rodeo hosts, everybody handles it really well,” Jim said. Andrea agreed.
“I love just the whole spirit, atmosphere of it,” Andrea said.
As the night came to a close, one rider soared above the rest, ending with a 349-point aggregate score across all three nights. Brady Fielder of Australia took first place ahead of Alan de Souza of Brazil with 341 total points and Daniel Keeping of the U.S. with 339.50.
As soon as bull riding concluded, Chancey Williams—who also helped wrangle bulls on the dirt Saturday—switched reins for a guitar to close Big Sky’s 14th PBR weekend.
Kyle Shepard-Kiser (far left), Matt Shepard Koningsoi and Mike Shepard wore matching shirts to Big Sky PBR on July 19. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
Jessinda Carwile and Ella Shannon on July 19. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
Robby Hawthorne (far left) and his parents Andrea and Jim. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
BIGGEST WEEK
BIG SKY HOSTS FIRST-EVER HORSE AUCTION
BY JACK REANEY AND JEN CLANCEY
Editor’s note: Big Sky’s Biggest Week is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky. Last names and hometowns of buyers were excluded from the story by request of Premier Horse Sales.
BIG SKY—Horse enthusiasts and Big Sky locals met 45 specially selected steeds in Big Sky Town Center last week ahead of a July 12 auction. Premier Horse Sales, a horse auction company, brought horses from all over the country to southwest Montana for its first sale in the Big Sky region as part of Big Sky’s Biggest Week programming.
Colby and Codi Gines, owners of Premier Horse Sales, are from Powell, Wyoming and appreciated holding a sale so close to home—usually they travel to Florida, Texas and California to put on the event. They were also glad to not have to turn any horses away in their competitive selection process this year, which requires a nomination and live sifting process for well-trained horses and owners.
“All the horses that are in the sale tomorrow have earned the right to be there,” Colby said in an interview with EBS ahead of the auction. Tests include catching the loose horse and saddling and bridling, all fundamentals that show that a horse can be ridden and trusted to fulfill their auction price.
Visitors in Town Center may have noticed signs of the upcoming horse sale, as horses from Ohio trotted along Aspen Leaf Drive with Buckeye flags. Horses also toured the Big Sky Farmers Market, where shoppers could pet and take photos with horses and ponies.
Sale previews outside of the Big Sky Events Arena also welcomed visitors, whether they were potential buyers or curious passersby to meet, ride and pet horses. Colby noted that the previews were a heartwarming opportunity to expose folks to the large animals.
“I’ve met a couple of families that just brought their kids down to look at the horses,” Colby said. “For some of these people that live in Big Sky, this is a really neat thing for them to come see because they don’t get to see this stuff every day apparently, and you watch the kids get to pet these horses and the expressions on their faces.”
The preview events all led up to a sunny auction day which began at noon, streaming online to a national horse-buying audience. While Colby and Codi noted that horse prices have ranged from $10,000 to $280,000 in the past, they said they couldn’t predict which horses would be the most popular and which would cause a high bidding battle.
“I could guess, but it won’t even be close to right. It always is different than what I think,” Colby said. “Even after doing auctions for all these years.”
Early on in the auction, lot four sold for $62,000. The buyer, Cyndy of South Carolina, was emotional after securing the high bid—but still focused, with two more horses on her mind.
“We really wanted to come on a vacation, and we found out about this great event,” Cyndy told EBS. It was her first time in Montana, and her first time attending a Premier Horse Sale.
“Selection of horses here are beyond—they’re fabulous. Couldn’t be more happy, satisfied, it’s a great little event,” Cyndy said. She owns a small ranch, and looked to build her herd. She was “thrilled” and “overwhelmed” to get one of her preferred horses while staying in her price range. Chex the horse has a golden brown coat and white mane and is characterized as calm and gentle even with loud noises.
“From the get-go, I had a connection… He’s real sound, he’s a nice size, healthy and young, not a lot of vices, and just fit the bill,” Cyndy said.
A dozen lots later, a couple who found out about the sale by chance made their own high bid.
Scouting horses for a ranch, Tory and Halie of Utah stopped in Big Sky for a few days—their firstever visit—to celebrate their 24th anniversary. By chance, they saw an advertisement for the sale and decided to show up.
“We’ve been to a lot of horse sales, but this is our first Premier Horse Sale,” Tory said. “We’re always in the market for a good horse.”
About an hour in, they snagged Lot 19 for $75,000, and plan to use it for ranch work. They said they’re looking for temperament, athleticism and ability to get the job done. Silver Gunn, also known as T Bone to his original owner, is from Ohio and is known for his friendly, loving and flexible nature. According to the owner’s description, T Bone is great for riding, reining, and ranch needs.
“Hopefully, he’s the whole package. We’ll see when we get him to the ranch,” Tory said.
He joked that it’s his first time buying a horse in flip flops, as a multi-day trip to Big Sky turned into a surprising investment opportunity.
“I see it as a gift to himself,” Halie said. “He deserved a good horse today.”
“Everybody always steals my good horses,” Tory joked, before returning his focus to the horses on display.
Throughout the event, sellers tested their horses as the bids trickled in, showcasing agility and speed, grace, and trying every trick to spook them— whipping, bouncing exercise balls off their legs, firing pistol blanks—as the crowd reacted live.
Announcers would promote the products during the live showcase, with encouragements like, “You can’t ask for any better,” and “If you’ve got the means, why don’t you go ahead and buy this horse,” and “Don’t miss on this one.”
For the Gines, the horse sale was not only an opportunity to celebrate high quality horses and owners, but also a way to meet and serve a new community.
“It’s so beautiful up here and man, people gotta be lucky to be able to live up here and live life ’cause it’s gorgeous up here. We’re just glad to be part of it,” Colby said.
As new owners made plans to transport their horses to their new homes, the Big Sky community geared up for a week full of events leading up to the first night of Big Sky PBR on Thursday, July 17 in the same arena.
After this young cowboy’s stunt, lot 23 earned a bidding war as the going price neared $130,000.
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
An auction clerk scans the crowd at Big Sky's firstever live horse auction. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
RUNNING OF THE BULLS TRAIL RACE DEBUTS IN BIG SKY
NEW RACE LAUNCHES AHEAD OF BIG SKY PBR AS PART OF BIG SKY’S BIGGEST WEEK
BY CARLI JOHNSON
Editor’s note: Big Sky’s Biggest Week is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky.
BIG SKY—Runners gathered early Sunday morning, July 13, at the Big Sky Events Arena for the inaugural Running of the Bulls trail race. Hosted by Outlaw Partners, the event was part of Big Sky’s Biggest Week, a series of events culminating with Big Sky PBR on July 17, 18 and 19. Proceeds from the race benefited the Big Sky Community Organization and their trail building efforts across Big Sky, including the ones featured in the footrace.
While no bulls partook in the actual race, PBR stars Outlaw and Midnight Rock were present at the startline.
Human participants competed in three different distances: a 21K, 11K or a 5K relay. The 21K began at 7 a.m. with a horseback rider leading the first half mile. That route wound through town and along the Ousel Falls Trail, extending up through
Fish Camp in the Yellowstone Club Area before returning to town. The 11K course veered directly from the arena into the Uplands and Hummocks trails, which also served as the loop for the 5K relay. Relay teams consisted of three runners of all age groups, each completing one 5K segment.
Awards for top finishers included custom belt buckles, an Osprey backpack, Riverhouse BBQ and Events gift cards and tickets to Big Sky PBR.
The race was directed by Liz Peabody, local runner and organizer of Big Sky Run Club, who partnered with Outlaw Partners after years of wanting to produce a local, family friendly race.
“I’ve always been a racer, not a race director,” Peabody told EBS, the sounds of finish line cheers still audible from behind her during the interview. “I wanted to create more opportunities for people because when I moved here, there weren’t many races like this. This is a dream come true.”
Peabody said the intention is for the race to become a recurring event.
“The plan is that this race will always be here,” she said.
The race attracted visitors as well as Big Sky locals. Among the former was a couple from upstate New York, currently on a cross-country road trip. They’ve been making it a point to join group runs in each town they visit and after discovering Running of the Bulls only a few days prior, they didn’t hesitate to sign up.
“I thought the course was awesome,” said Ben Dlugosh, one of the visiting pair of New Yorkers. “I loved the approach and then the climb was amazing. The finish down the main street in town was so fun.”
Feedback from runners was largely positive. “The course was really fun, lots of great volunteers and good energy,” said another athlete, Jen Maixner, who finished second in the women’s 11K.
“The turnout is great, the stoke is high, and everyone is smiling and cheering,” Peabody said on race day. “I definitely feel the Big Sky love.”
Runners take off at the start of the 21K. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
First place 21k finisher Jack Reaney finishing strong. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
Third place finisher for the 21k happily collects her medal after crossing the finish line.
PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS
PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS
REGEN MARKET
CHANCE FARMS
ALMALTHIA DAIRY
GALLATIN VALLEY BOTANICALS
NORTH BRIDGER BISON
WICKINS RANCH
PEELERS SEAFOOD US FOODS
HIGHLAND HARMONY FARM
BOREALIS PROPANE
SINCLAIR BAKERY
MOUNTAIN PROVISIONS RENTBIZ
REPUBLIC SERVICES
US MOBILE KITCHENS
GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT
BIG SKY SEARCH AND RESCUE
WILSON
MONTANA LINEN COMPANY 406 RECYCLING
BIG TOYS/CRUISE AMERICA
BIG SKY FIRE DEPARTMENT
BIG SKY RESORT
BIG SKY SNO
BOZEMAN TROPHY
ECO MONTANA
ERIKA & CO.
GALLATIN COUNTY ROAD & BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
GALLATIN EVEN RENTAL
JERECO STUDIOS
JOURNEY RENT-A-CAR
JUSTUS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
SCS WRAPS
SPIFFY BIFFY
THE WRAP AGENCY
YES COMPOST
FERNANDO RODREGUIEZ (UPS)
MAID IN BIG SKY
COUNTRY MARKET
PINKY G'S PIZZERIA
BAJA FISH TACOS
CC GOURMET
RANCHO PICANTE
DOUBLE T BBQ
REGEN MEATS
BIG SKY SCOOPS
PROVECHO
UGLY ONION
MIS' SIPPIS COWBOY
DUNCAN VEZAIN
406 CIRQUE
SCISSORBILLS SALOON
MOONLIGHT PRODUCTIONS
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‘BASELESS FRAUD THEORY’: JUDGE RULES AGAINST COTTONWOOD LAW IN BIG SKY WATER LAWSUIT
DESPITE COTTONWOOD’S ‘RECKLESS MISSTATEMENTS AND DISREGARD OF FACTS,’ BIG SKY’S WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT BURNS $3M IN FIVE-YEAR LEGAL DEFENSE
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—In a legal saga stretching back to July 2020, the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District has prevailed once more—this time earning $7,500 in legal recourse and a filing restriction against Cottonwood Environmental Law Center, whose series of failed lawsuits have cost Big Sky’s public water utility roughly $3 million in legal fees in the past five years.
Cottonwood’s allegations of fraud by BSCWSD “fall short,” according to a July 10 ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris. The lawsuit alleged that BSCWSD had falsified data since the first trial filed July 2020, when Cottonwood first initiated a Clean Water Act lawsuit for alleged discharge of treated wastewater into Gallatin River tributaries— the April 2022 ruling favored BSCWSD. Cottonwood subsequently challenged the ruling in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2023, again without success.
“Cottonwood persists in pushing a baseless fraud theory that has been debunked multiple times three years after trial,” Judge Morris’s ruling stated. “Cottonwood simply changes its theory when the facts fail to support the previous theory.”
In an email to EBS, Cottonwood Executive Director John Meyer stated that the court failed to discuss facts regarding EPA’s rejection of BSCWSD data. Meyer noted Cottonwood will be appealing the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
BSCWSD board chair Brian Wheeler provided a written statement to EBS after the July 10 ruling.
“BSCWSD is glad that the judge recognized that Cottonwood and Mr. Meyer’s claim against the district is based on ‘reckless misstatements and disregard of facts.’ And we are happy that the judge made Cottonwood pay back some of costs that Big Sky Water and Sewer District rate payers incurred defending Cottonwood’s ‘baseless fraud theory.’ It is unfortunate that our ratepayers can’t recover more of the costs that Cottonwood’s baseless lawsuits have caused,” Wheeler stated.
Before the ruling, Wheeler discussed the financial impact of Cottonwood lawsuits at the district’s May 20 board meeting.
“It’s about $3 million in legal fees from one entity, that are paid by [BSCWSD] ratepayers,” Wheeler said. “… Do the math for 4,000 accounts. Think of that impact in this community—the things that could have been done. The water tank that could have been built. And it’s not like Big Sky water and sewer district is losing every one of these lawsuits.”
Finance Officer Terry Smith added that before its legal war with Cottonwood, BSCWSD used to budget up to $25,000 per year to handle legal fees for regular dealings such as annexations. Now, the
district is budgeting $200,000 or more per year to fight, and win, fruitless lawsuits with legal fees that aren’t covered by insurance.
“This is one of the things that woke me up last night,” Smith said on May 20. “… We’ve supplemented the cost of our legal fees by digging into our reserves.”
Smith explained the district is projecting a $1.9 million operating loss—due to various factors including Big Sky’s expensive new treatment facility—for fiscal year 2026, even with higher customer rates set to balance the budget. Smith said $1.9 million is a $600,000 improvement over last year’s operating loss—hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual legal fees don’t help.
Sanctions imposed on Cottonwood
Judge Morris ruled that BSCWSD “did not falsify data” and reinforced previous rulings.
He described the situation bluntly when considering BSCWSD’s two-fold request for courtordered sanctions: first, for Cottonwood to pay attorneys’ fees; second, to place a filing restriction on Cottonwood related to this litigation.
Morris noted a court must find “bad faith” or “reckless conduct” to impose such sanctions.
“Cottonwood’s reckless misstatements and disregard of facts, combined with the relentless pursuit of an alleged theory of fraud that has been rebutted multiple times, warrant sanctions,”
Morris’s ruling stated, awarding $7,500 in legal fees and an order barring Cottonwood from filing any further motions in this case against BSCWSD and its employees.
Cottonwood’s argument cited massive gaps in BSCWSD data to prove water was disappearing from Big Sky’s holding ponds by way of illegal discharge. However, those gaps were directly accounted for in a dataset that Cottonwood failed to factor: treated wastewater that was pumped from storage ponds to the Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks Mountain Club outside of irrigation season—in 2020, irrigation spanned May 4 to Oct. 12.
Live cross-examination of Cottonwood’s expert source included admission of “a mistake” by failing to account for those non-irrigation months, which were discovered in a separate tab on the district’s spreadsheets, according to the ruling. Cottonwood then contended the separate tab was hidden intentionally.
“Cottonwood’s expert conceded that Cottonwood’s failure to include export data for irrigation from the holding pond to the golf courses at Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks resulted in errors in Cottonwood’s water budget,” the ruling stated. “… This testimony refutes Cottonwood’s theory of fraud.”
Cottonwood also mistakenly provided nearduplicates of one of its spreadsheets for evidence, intending instead to show two contrasting spreadsheets to support its claims.
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
“Your Honor, there is one issue. We had filed two exhibits and they are nearly identical,” said Cottonwood Executive Director John Meyer during the June 9 hearing, requesting to add a third and supposedly “real” spreadsheet into examination.
BSCWSD legal counsel objected on the grounds that BSCWSD had not had the opportunity to review it for accuracy and completion, given the document was not listed on Cottonwood’s trial exhibit list. Morris upheld the objection.
The additional spreadsheet was later deemed incomplete—a few months older, from February 2021, with some 2020 water export data yet to be included as part of BSCWSD’s periodic updates.
Justifying the court’s decision to restrict filings, Morris summarized Cottonwood’s five-year effort.
“Cottonwood remains unwilling to accept the judgment,” the ruling stated. “Cottonwood freely tried this case to a jury. The jury returned a defense verdict. Cottonwood pushed its false evidence theory in moving for a new trial. The court denied that motion. Cottonwood appealed to the Ninth Circuit on grounds unrelated to its false evidence theory. Cottonwood’s appeal was denied. Cottonwood pursued collateral attacks on the court’s judgment in Montana state district court and with DEQ and the EPA based on the same false evidence theory. Cottonwood’s attacks failed… Repose is this issue’s destiny.”
In a separate, ongoing Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act lawsuit, Cottonwood alleges corruption by CrossHarbor Capital Partners, Lone Mountain Land Company, Yellowstone Club,
Spanish Peaks and BSCWSD, and five associated individuals.
“Basically they’ve created a scheme—a racket—to dispose of treated sewage unlawfully so that they can continue to develop unnecessary multi-milliondollar vacation houses,” John Meyer said in a video posted to social media on May 8. “… We have alleged they are lying to the jury, they are lying to the court, they’ve lied to the EPA, the Montana DEQ. The whole thing is an f’ing charade.”
Judge Morris’s ruling criticized the merit of the RICO lawsuit.
“Cottonwood also seeks to push this baseless theory through a civil RICO action related to this litigation. It appears that the same theory of fraud supporting this motion underpins Cottonwood’s civil RICO action,” Morris’s ruling stated.
The RICO suit remains unresolved. Meyer stated via email that Big Sky residents who pay utilities to BSCWSD have signed up to be plaintiffs.
District GM Johnny O’Connor shared a written statement to EBS celebrating the July 10 outcome and sanctions.
“We are pleased that the court has imposed sanctions, including restitution of attorney’s fees and restrictions on future filings,” O’Connor stated. “These measures send a clear message that misuse of the judicial system will not be tolerated.”
O’Connor added that the millions of dollars in legal fees spent defending against Cottonwood lawsuits are “significant” and “unfortunate,” but that
the district will continue to focus on serving the community and maintaining the integrity of its operations.
‘Do a little homework on excel’
After the June 9 hearing, an anonymous caller left a voicemail with the court’s chambers encouraging the court to “do a little homework on Excel.”
The comment referred to the tab of data that was hidden on Microsoft Excel, containing nonirrigation season data. Cottonwood claimed the tab was hidden intentionally, but the court found those allegations “unpersuasive.”
In the conclusion of Morris’s ruling, he encouraged citizens to observe and engage with the court’s docket, matching the open and transparent setting of legal proceedings.
“Anonymous voicemails do not constitute open and transparent communication,” the ruling stated. “The court also has done its homework on Excel in this case.”
According to Cottonwood’s mission statement posted on its website, the law firm is “a group of free-thinking rabble rousers dedicated to protecting the people, forests, water, and wildlife of the American West, and having fun doing it.”
In the eyes of Chief Judge Brian Morris and the District of Montana within the U.S. District Court, Cottonwood will need to try a new angle if it wishes to continue rousing rabble with Big Sky’s water and sewer district.
BIG SKY MEDICAL CENTER MAKES LIST OF AT-RISK RURAL HOSPITALS, HEALTH SYSTEM ASSURES CONTINUED CARE
BOZEMAN HEALTH WILL MAINTAIN AND EXPAND BIG SKY SERVICES; PROJECTS BSMC WILL BE SELF-SUFFICIENT BEGINNING THIS YEAR
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—In June, the Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center appeared on a 338-piece list of at-risk rural hospitals that could be impacted by cuts to Medicaid and Medicare in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” In a statement to EBS, Bozeman Health, the nonprofit health system that operates the medical center in Big Sky Town Center, assured a commitment to serve patients regardless of insurance status, and to providing quality care.
The hospital is not alone in the state—let alone the country—of faciliaties potentially facing service and financial concerns. Seven other hospitals in Montana were listed as at-risk before the U.S. House voted in favor of Medicaid cuts via the OBBB on July 3. The list identified hospitals that either treated a high percentage of Medicaid patients, or operated with negative margins for three consecutive years—the report included Big Sky Medical Center in the latter.
“The operations at Big Sky Medical Center, since its opening in December 2015, have often required financial subsidy by the Bozeman Health system,” Bozeman Health representative Erin Schaible wrote in a statement to EBS regarding the report by the University of North Carolina’s Shep Center. “Over the years, the need for financial support from the system has slowly diminished as the volume of services provided has increased. We anticipate that Big Sky Medical Center will be financially selfsufficient beginning in 2025.
“Regardless, Bozeman Health remains fully committed to maintaining and expanding the
services offered at Big Sky Medical Center to meet the needs of the growing Big Sky community.” Bozeman Health CEO Dr. Kathryn Bertany stated that Montana may not feel the restrictions in the short term.
“While the proposed national Medicaid cuts are concerning, Montana is fortunately positioned better than many other states,” Bertany stated in an email to EBS. In a July 1 press release from the Montana Hospital Association, President and CEO Ed Buttrey noted that Montana’s lower Medicaid tax rates make the impact of the change less than other rural states.
“Our state leaders have designed a Medicaid program that operates within our means and well below various thresholds previously set by the federal government to contain spending,” Buttrey stated in the release.
Medical leaders remain concerned, despite the relatively small impact to Montana’s health care system.
“We are relieved that new restrictions on how states finance their Medicaid programs will not impact Montana Medicaid today, but we remain concerned that the measures passed by the Senate today could have serious consequences for our state long-term,” Buttrey stated.
The bill, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, will require Medicaid expansion enrollees to pay a copay of up to $35 if they exceed 100% of the federal poverty level, with the change going into effect by October 2028. The 2027
Montana Legislature will need to address the copay agreement, which Montana currently prohibits.
Outside of Medicaid coverage, Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits are expected to end at the close of 2025 due to the bill. According to KFF, a health policy and news organization, approximately 77,000 Montanans are enrolled in the ACA healthcare marketplace. When a person doesn’t have employersponsored health insurance and doesn’t qualify for Medicaid, they are able to purchase insurance through the ACA. But advanced premium tax credits for ACA are slated to be terminated by the end of 2025 in the OBBB, and would increase outof-pocket costs of healthcare.
“The elimination of these tax credits will increase the cost of marketplace insurance for those who rely on it for their health care coverage; many may not be able to afford the difference and be forced to lose their insurance,” Bertany stated.
MHA’s Buttrey noted that Medicaid cuts will impact the state’s Medicaid program, its patients and its beneficiaries in Montana’s “extremely rural health care system.” Bertany noted that Bozeman Health and the Big Sky Medical Center will continue to provide quality healthcare in the region.
“At Bozeman Health, including Big Sky Medical Center, we remain fully committed to serving the health care needs of both residents and visitors in the communities we serve regardless of their insurance benefits,” Bertany stated.
The Big Sky Medical Center opened in 2015. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
HOLLY COLTEA HIRED TO LEAD BSOA IN ‘NEW ERA’
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—After a 14-year tenure as executive director of the Big Sky Owners Association, Suzan Scott retired on June 30. Scott’s successor, Holly Coltea, took over on July 7.
A two-year resident of Big Sky who dove into the community through a volunteer role as president of the Big Sky School District PTO, Coltea is proud to be a BSOA member and looks forward to championing the organization’s mission to preserve, protect and enhance its 8,000 acres of land and 2,400 properties sprawled across various pockets of Big Sky.
Coltea’s first week was intense, as she began learning the ins and outs of the large, complex organization. In addition to her background in leadership, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships, she emphasized her excitement to represent Big Sky’s largest organized body of community members.
“It’s been a lot, but it has been extremely stimulating, and the staff here has been incredibly welcoming,” Coltea told EBS in an interview at the end of her first week.
She added her “utmost gratitude” for Scott’s long tenure, which began in 2012. “She paved the way for us to be here right now … I have tremendous gratitude for my predecessors—and it’s 2025, you know? It’s a whole new chapter.”
BSOA is excited to welcome the public to its annual meeting on Aug. 29, which will provide an opportunity to get to know Coltea and her vision for the organization.
BSOA board chair Maggie Good said Coltea was a clear choice among the list of job candidates.
“Holly has an incredible amount of energy and she’s very positive,” Good told EBS in a phone call. “She’s hardworking, and I just am absolutely shocked that we were able to get someone as talented as Holly to replace Suzan in such a short time.”
Good thought it would be a difficult transition between Scott and Coltea, but was pleased by how smoothly it has gone.
“[Suzan] accomplished an awful lot, and really helped set the tone for how the board works, and how the organization runs,” Good said. She said that Coltea will bring new energy to the BSOA board, staff and community.
“Everybody’s kind of pumped,” Good said.
BSOA hears constituents ‘loud and clear’
With a relatively fresh staff, the organization sees an opportunity to enter “a new era,” according to Coltea and Amy Gitchell, hired in late November 2024 as communications and events manager.
With new leadership, Coltea envisions BSOA being intentional and open to change—the 52-year-old organization won’t do things the same way just for the sake of tradition.
“The energy feels very positive, forward thinking, and our staff is hungry for what is to come,” Coltea said.
Gitchell said the BSOA heard its constituents “loud and clear” on the recent annual survey. “The board and the organization is committed to making sure that we’re able to execute on what they need,” she said.
One such need is communication: members want to understand BSOA activities, projects and benefits, Gitchell said.
Coltea is proud that the small staff—three fulltime, and two part-time employees—are all passionate Big Sky residents, and she wants to enhance the organization’s human touch and outreach efforts.
“It is critically important that we have a human face and personality to the Big Sky Owners Association,” Coltea said. “… I want to bring it back to the old-school ways, because I think that’s what people are craving. It’s following the temperature of the community.”
Beyond just BSOA members, Coltea will work to enhance BSOA’s marketing to help tell its full story to the community. One goal is to make BSOA a more prominent player among Big Sky’s leading organizations, such as the Big Sky Community Organization, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, Big Sky Resort Area District and the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District.
On her third day, July 9, she attended the monthly Resort Tax board meeting—not for any BSOA agenda item, just a desire to track local happenings and engage with fellow leaders.
“Because if I stay in my office with my door closed, I’m not doing my job,” Coltea said. “My job is to be a face for these 2,400 properties and these 8,000 acres that we’re managing.”
Other priorities from the survey, according to Good, include traffic and pedestrian safety, environmental stewardship and quality of life. She said Coltea and Gitchell bring strong experience and skillsets to tackle those problems.
“We have a direction from our members right now through our survey,” Good said. “… I think Holly is great for that, she has a great energy for meeting with people and working with people.”
In the near term, Coltea will focus on refining BSOA’s budget and continuing efforts to finish the second phase of the Huntley-Kern Pond project. Once complete, the project will offer a centralized, public swimming and waterfront area for public use. Fundraising remains a key focus after completion of the first phase.
The pond project is an example of the enhancement work that drew Coltea to her new desk.
“Chet Huntley was the initial founder of the Big Sky Owners Association and his dream was to preserve and protect this land,” Coltea said—the organization is proud to be Big Sky’s original governance organization. “And the rest of the world has discovered Big Sky… Now we are at this crossroads of preserving and protecting, and also enhancing.”
Coltea (right) joins the BSOA team, left to right: Kyle Pomerenke, Lisa Chase and Amy Gitchell. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Experience: 20 years.
Favorite River: Madison.
Favorite Species: Close tie between Brown Trout and Brooke Trout. I love both because they are aggressive, fight hard, and are gorgeous.
Largest catch on the Fly: 35 inch Northern Pike on the fly a couple summers ago!
Largest trout on the fly was a 25 inch rainbow on a dry fly.
Importance of Clean. Drain. Dry.: Professionals and non-profits work exceedingly hard to maintain the health of every water system in the state of Montana. We can undo all that in one careless instant. By cleaning our boats, waders, boots, and gear, we can prevent the spread of invasive species from one body of water to another. We have to do our part, particularly with so many more people coming to enjoy our rivers.
Like many people, they were sick of living with bad water. But, they never expected how much money they could
LONE PEAK STUDENTS SHINE AT BOYS, GIRLS STATE EVENT
AMERICAN LEGION POST #99 FUNDS ANNUAL TRIP
BY JACK REANEY
HELENA—From June 8 to 14, five students from Lone Peak High School traveled to Carroll College in Helena to learn about civic engagement at the annual Boys and Girls State program.
The program is hosted by the Montana American Legion, and Big Sky’s Post #99 of the American Legion pays the full tuition for Big Sky’s annual entrants. Students learn about the functions of government, importance of democracy and public service, and have the opportunity to run for local and state positions in a mock government scenario.
Lone Peak teacher and legion member Tony Coppola selects rising seniors each year who demonstrate interest in political science and history. This year’s participants were Brady Johnson and Oliver McGuire for Boys State, and Harper Morris, Elise Daugherty and Taran Gilbert for Girls State.
“It’s a good opportunity for them to learn leadership skills, collaboration skills, working in a group... I think it’s an important opportunity for them to create bonds with kids outside of the Big Sky area, but also to learn how our government works,” Coppola told EBS in a phone call. He noted it’s an “awesome” chance to meet government officials such as senators and the Montana secretary of state, and that it’s essential for kids to learn how government works in today’s complicated political landscape.
Jack Hudspeth, captain of Big Sky’s Post #99, said the group is proud to continue their tradition of sponsoring the Big Sky participants—the five students’ combined tuition cost $1,500 this year. He said formal civics education has changed over the years, and the program might be the best opportunity for students to understand the functions of government.
“There are some kids that may end up eventually getting into our government, and this gives them a head start,” Hudspeth told EBS in a phone call. “We think that it’s good for the United States of America... That’s our purpose in life, to ensure that our government remains, and our systems of government.”
Students reflect on personal growth
Big Sky students had a strong showing, being elected to positions including Montana Supreme Court and Montana Senate minority leader. Elise Daugherty was elected as mayor of fictional Agate City, and as a supreme court justice. The experience taught her that she has potential to work in politics, with newly discovered confidence after she took a chance and stepped into a leadership role.
“Before Girls State, I didn’t think I could work well with people or lead large groups,” Daugherty wrote in an email to EBS. “... I was hesitant about running for mayor at first, but my peers encouraged me, and I ended up winning by a landslide. After the votes were announced, I understood what I was capable of and adopted a version of myself that I rarely show around my peers. I was able to take charge, make important decisions quickly, and advise others on serious matters.”
Her newfound traits enabled her appointment to the Montana Supreme Court. Her experience illuminated the dark side of political power, citing “slight corruption” at Girls State including plagiarized bills, rumors of rigged elections, and “sordid attempts to tear down political opponents.”
“Although it was a mock government system, real issues did arise occasionally, and I am proud to say they were handled swiftly and effectively,” Daugherty wrote. “I’m truly happy to now know that if I take risks, the reward is within my reach if I work hard enough.”
Brady Johnson was proud to represent Big Sky and LPHS, thanking Coppola and former teacher Jeremy Harder, and Big Sky’s American Legion members for supporting his trip.
In an email, Johnson reflected on the unexpected friendships he made.
“After the first couple hours we were all having a great time and this showed me that the people of Montana can come together for the greater good,” Johnson wrote. “I met people that will be friends forever and I hope to continue cherishing those relationships.”
Appointed as a supreme court justice, Johnson also credited the program for providing leadership experience to prepare participants for the future. “Going to Boys State helped me see that the state is very diverse in cultures and political views. It also allowed for me to get a much better understanding of how our Montana state government works. This is essential for the younger generation to acknowledge and understand the inner working of our state government,” he wrote.
Taran Gilbert served as clerk of the court and walked away understanding the value of surrounding oneself with more knowledgeable people.
“My other takeaway is that there is no harm in putting yourself out there and being wrong. You will never learn if you don’t ever make mistakes or try,” Gilbert wrote in an email.
Gilbert learned just how many people are involved in day-to-day government operations. “Everything makes a little bit more sense when you realize that the governor has people who then have more people under them. You start to see how things are able to change so quickly and why some other things take so long,” she wrote.
Oliver McGuire served as Montana Senate minority leader. Entering with a limited understanding of state politics, he gained an appreciation for “the diverse array of opinions and values that the youth in Montana hold as well as the ability to hold structured debate rather than arguments about any differences,” McGuire wrote.
He was also surprised by the number of people in government, even at the state level.
Finally, Harper Morris ran for Chief Justice, a process requiring a nerve-wracking speech to the entire group. While she didn’t get the position, she found the experience rewarding.
She had two takeaways: first, that anyone can make a difference in society if they commit their determination to putting themselves, their ideas and their perspective; second, the value of doing things that make you uncomfortable.
“I know that’s very cliché but its so true,” Morris wrote in an email. “I’m not a very good public speaker but it was such a good experience for me to get up in front of everyone and speak for five minutes.”
She learned about the judicial system, and how Montana state politics function over a span of 10 years, condensed into a week.
“And we not only got to see and learn about how the system worked but actually be put in to the positions that make it work,” Morris wrote. “... Overall, I’m so grateful for our local American Legion, Post 99, and to Mr. Coppola for the opportunity. Not only did I make some amazing connections with kids from across the state, I enjoyed the deep dive into how government is supposed to work—with listening, compromise and consideration.”
Big Sky student Oliver McGuire. COURTESY OF JOSIE JOHNSON
Nestled in the heart of Big Sky, Montana, Gallatin Foothills Phase 2 offers a rare opportunity to own a homesite that combines natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and convenient access to local amenities. With spacious lots ranging from 1 to ± 2 acres and over ± 75 acres of open space, this neighborhood is designed to provide privacy, stunning mountain views, and a connection to the outdoors.
Residents will enjoy a professionally built trail system by Terraflow, sledding hills, open space for XC skiing, and access to public lands for activities like snowmobiling, ATV riding, and hiking. The Gallatin River is just 5 minutes away, while Big Sky Town Center and Big Sky Resort are a 10 and 15-minute drive, respectively, creating the ultimate home base for your year-round recreation.
Terraflow Mountain Bike Trail
MICHENER CABIN MOVED TO HISTORIC CRAIL RANCH
AFTER YEARS OF COMMUNITY EFFORT, BIG SKY’S HISTORIC MICHENER CABIN
IS PRESERVED
BY CARLI JOHNSON
BIG SKY—After nearly three decades of preservation efforts, Big Sky’s historic Michener cabin has arrived at its new home at the Historic Crail Ranch. The move, completed on June 19, marks the culmination of years of work by community members, Big Sky Community Organization and local historians.
The cabin, originally built in 1913 by the Michener family, was once part of a dude ranch near the current Conoco gas station at the corner of U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail). It has since served multiple purposes and stood in multiple locations, each move supported by residents intent on preserving Big Sky’s early homesteading legacy.
“Moving this cabin was a huge community effort,” Madeleine Feher, CEO of BSCO, said in an interview. “Joan Traylor is really the primary community member behind it.”
From homestead to classroom
In 1997, the cabin was scheduled for demolition. Joan Traylor, then a teacher at Ophir Elementary School, stepped in to preserve the structure. She arranged for the cabin to be relocated to the school’s campus, where it could be used as an educational tool.
“I wanted students to feel a sense of what the place was like before they were here,” Traylor told EBS. “There was a gap I wanted to fill.”
She had noticed a lack of students’ knowledge about Big Sky’s history. To support her vision, Traylor developed a “Sense of Place” curriculum that used the cabin to teach students about the history of settlement in the Gallatin Basin and the role of early ranching families like the Micheners.
The movement of the cabin wasn’t without complications. During transport in 1997, the cabin partially collapsed on U.S. 191. Local resident Stacy Ossorio, who lived nearby, brought over timber from her own home construction to help rebuild the damaged structure.
“As they’re moving it from the Michener ranch, it just falls apart. The back just falls off,” Feher
recalled. “This was another reason why we wanted to bring professional historical cabin movers.”
And that they did—this time around, BSCO worked with a group called the Historic Crail Ranch Conservators and community stakeholders to plan a careful and safe relocation. Unlike in 1997, this move was managed by professional historic cabin movers with more than 40 years of experience handling fragile structures.
In the nearly three decades after relocating to the Big Sky School District, the cabin’s educational use faded. Traylor, along with other community members and a group called the Historic Crail Ranch Conservators, advocated for its relocation to Crail Ranch. As the only heritage site in the community, they felt it’s a natural fit for the structure.
“It wasn’t until BSCO got on board that it really started happening,” Traylor said. “Madeleine and the whole team have been incredible in getting this done.”
The cabin is now in place at Crail Ranch and will open to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 27 once interior installations are complete. Inside, the cabin will feature historical artifacts that provide context to the family’s history.
“I think the community is so fortunate that so many people got on board to save one more piece of history,” Traylor said.
New programs at Crail Ranch
In addition to the cabin relocation, BSCO and its partners have launched several new initiatives at Crail Ranch aimed at expanding its educational value and community use.
A new firewise demonstration garden is being installed through a partnership with local nonprofit Grow Wild. The garden will be placed around the Michener cabin and serve as an example of fireadapted landscaping. It will show how the use of rocks and native plants can help create defensible space for homes susceptible to wildfires.
“When you build it and show people that native plants can be beautiful, easy and waterwise, they adopted it,” said Jen Mohler, executive director of Grow Wild.
Crail Ranch coordinator Holly Studt has also increased activities and tours at the site, also reviving community gatherings such as monthly potlucks and the return of Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club bake sales.
“This is our first year really trying to create more awareness of the ranch,” Studt told EBS. “It’s amazing to me how many people have lived here for 10 or 15 years and never been here before.”
The community gardens on the property have received updates, now featuring above-ground beds to help extend the growing season. There is no charge to rent a bed for the summer, and in exchange, BSCO asks gardeners to help maintain the grounds and look after the bed reserved for the community food bank.
Studt and her fellow Historic Crail Ranch Conservators admire the ranch.
“I think the connection to Big Sky’s history, the families who settled here and understanding how resilient people had to be then to make it here helps give people inspiration to be resilient and make it here today,” Studt said.
The Michener cabin will be open to the public following the ribbon cutting. BSCO plans to add signage and educational materials to continue supporting school visits and historical programming.
For Traylor, seeing the cabin at Crail Ranch marks a new beginning of history and education.
“It has its new home, it has a new future, it has a new life. That’s the way I’m looking at it,” she said.
The Michener Cabin at its new location at the Historic Crail Ranch. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
Dorothy Michener and Joe Vick with the Smiths and Emmet Crail. Dorothy was the youngest of the six Michener children. PHOTO COURTESY OF BSCO
AUG. 4
EBS STAFF
BIG SKY—On Monday, Aug. 4, Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new, expanded facility in Westfork Meadows.
Community members and their pets are invited to attend the 5 p.m. ceremony, according to a press release. The facility will be located on Snowy Mountain Circle behind Caliber Coffee, and will include upgraded medical resources, increased kennels for hospitalization and overnight care, grooming, training and a dedicated animal shelter. The building will also provide housing for local workers and a second veterinarian to increase the hours of operation and sustain the community’s growth.
“This is more than just a building project—it’s a community effort to ensure that pets in our area have access to the urgent care they need, when they need it,” Dr. Stephanie “Syd” Desmarais stated in the release. “We’re so grateful to the over 100 individuals and organizations who have contributed through donations or equity support to make this vision a reality.”
Construction is expected to begin immediately with completion anticipated in 18 months.
The celebration will include refreshments for people and pets, and brief remarks from Dr. Desmarais and key community partners.
Community members interested in donating can do so through Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends (RUFF), a separate nonprofit associated more closely with the animal shelter side of the project.
Live Your Montana Dream
Rendering shows the planned Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital, set to open in winter 2026-27. COURTESY OF LPVH
IT’S TIME TO PROTECT
THE ELK AND DEER HERDS OF GALLATIN GATEWAY AND BIG SKY
3,562
Deer and Elk were killed by vehicles in Gallatin County since 2008.
PRIORITIZE WILDLIFE CROSSING SOLUTIONS. SUPPORT AND DONATE TODAY.
A&E
NEW FILM FEST TO LAUNCH IN BIG SKY IN SEPTEMBER
LONE PEAK FILM FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE INSPIRING STORIES, MONTANA CULTURE, MENTORSHIP; GRANTS TO FUND INDIGENOUS FILMMAKERS
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—In late September, Big Sky will host a new event to celebrate established filmmakers’ work and cultivate the next generation of storytellers under mentorship and Indigenous scholarship programs.
From Sept. 19 to 21, the Lone Peak Film Festival will take place in Town Center at The Waypoint, The Wilson Hotel and the Arts Council of Big Sky’s new space. The festival plans to present eight screenings with six feature films and 10 to 12 short films, all spanning four categories to reflect Montana’s cultural landscape: rural or small-town stories; stories of the great outdoors; Indigenous stories; and human perseverance and achievement.
The feature films will be selected by scouting other film festivals and contacting regional and national networks—there will be no open submissions, according to festival plans.
“We’ve envisioned not your average mountain film festival, but a film festival that connects us with this land that we are all here for; that connects us with local filmmakers and indigenous stories; and inspiring stories of human resilience that can be a counter to what we’re seeing in the world and the news today,” founding board member Laynee Jones explained in a July 9 presentation to the Resort Tax board.
The nonprofit Lone Peak Film Institute, founded in December 2023 to oversee the film fest, requested $24,550 from the Resort Tax microgrant program. The board voted unanimously to approve the one-off microgrant on July 9.
Festival Director Daniel Glick described a commitment to bringing at least one filmmaker from each selected film to experience the new Big Sky event. Organizers estimate that up to 18 filmmakers will have their travel to the festival entirely covered with partial funding from Resort Tax, “to interact with the community, learn from the people here, offer educational opportunities for youth here if they want to come learn from the filmmakers,” he explained.
A Bozeman-based award-winning filmmaker, Glick said most film festivals require entrants to pay their way to festivals, which is often not sustainable for artists.
The Lone Peak Film Festival will also offer a mentorship program for young, Montana-based Indigenous filmmakers to help with project and career development. The program aims to introduce Indigenous recipients to established filmmakers and support their films to be featured in the Lone Peak Film Festival in years to follow.
The festival will also include a mentorship program to connect a handful of top-tier filmmakers with selected artists, attendees and local school-aged kids. Mentors’ airfares will be funded by the Resort Tax microgrant.
The inaugural festival is expected to cost $155,000. Before the July 9 approval of nearly $25,000 from Resort Tax, the Lone Peak Film Institute secured $87,500 from contributors including A&E Networks—parent company of various television networks—as well as “strong regional support” from Montana Department of Commerce, Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Moonlight Community Foundation, Northwestern Energy,
Langlas Construction, American Bank and Karst Stage.
“This is a big project, and… I’ve supported it from the beginning, and it’s great to see we’re kind of coming in strong,” said BSRAD board member John Zirkle, highlighting the impressive support from A&E Networks.
Jones said festival success will be measured by “butts in seats” and engaged audiences. Glick added the organization envisions careful, sustainable growth.
“We’ll get feedback from the community, too,” Glick said, adding that the festival is being designed with local residents in mind, but also with the goal of attracting visitors to Big Sky. “That’s really important to us. That’s been important from the beginning, that this is something the community wants.”
With respect to community members who may not want another crowd-rearing event, Jones said the vision is for “vibrancy without a lot of noise and traffic.”
Two months ahead of its debut festival, the Lone Peak Film Institute includes a five-member advisory board, an eight-member board of directors and three staff positions.
“The Lone Peak Film Festival will be a community-strengthening and family-friendly event that we hope will become a joyful, annual mainstay in the tapestry of Big Sky life,” the microgrant application stated. “Montana-based and Indigenous stories, in particular, can cultivate a sense of belonging and strengthen cultural fabric.”
The Waypoint will be one of three venues to host films in the inaugural Lone Peak Film Festival in September 2025. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Festival Director Daniel Glick has directed and produced more than two dozen films, earning an Emmy Award plus two Emmy nominations.
COURTESY OF DANIEL GLICK
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
MINDFULNESS SITTING GROUP
TUESDAY, JULY 29
WELLNESS IN ACTION | 5:30 P.M.
On July 29, community members can attend Wellness in Action’s mindfulness sitting group from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Participants will engage in mindfulness practices and meditation through guided sessions. People new to meditation and mindfulness are welcome, as well as more experienced participants.
Do You or Someone You Know Need Help Getting Sober?
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
ENVIRONMENT
DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: PRESERVING MONTANA AND HOPE FOR THE WORLD HOW
BACTERIA CAN HELP DEAL WITH PLASTIC LITTERING THE PLANET
BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST
As one of America’s greatest writers, John Steinbeck famously expressed his love for Montana in his book “Travels with Charley.” He wrote, “I’m in love with Montana. For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana, it is love.” He elaborated further, stating, “It seems to me that Montana is a great splash of grandeur. The scale is huge but not overpowering.”
I loathe seeing plastic and other trash lining our roads, sidewalks, yards, creeks, rivers, lakes and open spaces in this beautiful state that Steinbeck cherished. Montana, the Treasure State, holds a special place in my heart. Its beauty should not be taken for granted, abused, or treated as a trash can or an ashtray.
There are distinct eras that mark geological history, such as the early formation of the Earth during the Precambrian Period; the Paleozoic Era, which featured the early biodiversity of life, including plants and animals; the Mesozoic Era, known for the rise and reign of dinosaurs; and the Cenozoic Era, marked by the emergence of mammals and the evolution of modern flora and fauna.
Narrowing it down to various human historical eras, we see the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages of prehistory; the Ancient Era, when great human civilizations rose and fell; the Post-Classical Era, following the fall of the Roman Empire; and the
Modern Era, which encompasses the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars and the Digital Revolution.
We are now in what many refer to as the Anthropocene, an era marked by the profound impact of human activity on the planet’s systems. This era is marked by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, habitat destruction, species extinction, and the proliferation of human-made materials, including buildings, roads and plastics, which have now surpassed the total biomass on Earth.
What is impressive about these historical human eras is that they are primarily characterized by
ingenuity, invention, creativity and discovery—the same traits that can help solve the problem of our oceans, rivers, creeks, lakes, open spaces and even landfills being filled with plastic bottles or other waste.
In 2016, scientists discovered Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium found in plastic bottle recycling plants in Japan, which can break down polyethylene terephthalate, a common type of plastic. This bacterium uses a two-enzyme system to convert the plastic into smaller molecules it can use for energy.
The discovery of Ideonella sakaiensis is significant because it demonstrates the potential for using bacteria to help break down humans’ immense plastic waste. Other bacteria from the Comamonadaceae family have also been found to degrade plastic, further expanding the potential for biological solutions to pollution.
With the help of this bacterium, we can preserve some of the natural beauty that Steinbeck experienced during his travels through Montana 65 years ago. Scientists are actively exploring safe applications for this bacterium, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing its efficiency. Recent advancements have investigated its ability to ferment PET into useful compounds, its potential in saltwater environments, and its metabolic pathways, according to sources like Microbe Notes and Wikipedia.
Long live the Treasure State!
Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller. His words have been published in Rolling Stone, Esquire, Field & Stream, The Guardian, Men’s Journal, Outside, Popular Science, Sierra, and other publications, and can be seen on his website.
A paint bucket rests on the verge of the Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn wilderness study area off U.S. Highway 191 in Big Sky. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
ENVIRONMENT
EVERY DROP COUNTS: A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE TURF CONVERSION
BY JESS OLSON GUEST COLUMNIST
Once a symbol of landscape perfection, the traditional green lawn is increasingly being viewed through a new lens of sustainability and efficiency. Turfgrass or turf, also known as sod, is a nonnative species that, while popular, is water-intensive, often requires harsh fertilizers, does not support native pollinators and has shallow roots that do not create healthy soils.
Demanding vast amounts of water, chemicals and time, these water-hungry and once foundational elements of a landscape are giving way to a more responsible and rewarding approach to our outdoor spaces: turf conversion. This isn’t just about removing grass; it’s about reimagining your outdoor space into a vibrant, eco-friendly, and often lowermaintenance haven that’s more suitable for our southwest Montana environment and climate.
Ready to trade in your mower? Through a new program that will prioritize functional, eco-friendly, water-wise, and fire-wise lawns, the Gallatin River Task Force is ready to jump in and help you with your very own landscape transformation. Here’s a streamlined, four step process to introduce turf conversion to your own outdoor spaces.
Create healthy soils, the foundation of your new landscape
Think of your soil as the bedrock of your new landscape. Just like a building needs a strong foundation, your new plants will need rich, living soil to thrive. Before you begin planting, focus on preparing the ground. There are several methods to transform your sod into more sustainable turf, and one of the easiest, eco-conscious methods is through sheet mulching. This process is generally the most environmentally friendly, and involves composting the existing lawn, rather than removing and disposing of it.
By tossing layers of local and organic compost, mulch, and topsoil—the turf is buried, create a new layer of nutrient rich soil ready to take on new native plants. This suppresses weeds, enriches the soil, and provides a fertile base for new plantings. It’s highly effective, beneficial for soil health, and will prepare your landscape for spring plantings.
Design your preferred landscape with function
With a healthy canvas of soil, it’s time to envision your outdoor space. This step blends aesthetic desires with practical considerations; it’s where the fun and creativity comes into play. Your vision should help shape your design choices based on what you are aiming for: maximum water savings, reduced maintenance, increased biodiversity, a vibrant edible garden, or a beautiful outdoor living area? The landscape is your oyster.
It’s also important to assess your site, and understand the microclimates that exist with respect to sunlight exposure, and seasonal influences like water and snowpack. Which areas are shady, and which areas may see more foot and animal traffic?
Choosing the right plants is also key for the longterm success of your new landscape. Prioritizing native plants will set your new space up for success, and adhering to local climate conditions, soil types and rainfall patterns will create the perfect sustainable new outdoor space.
Incorporating permeable hardscape features is also an option for pathways, patios, or seating areas. Create diversity through raised garden beds, rock gardens, or decorative elements that enhance usability and appeal while reducing the need for thirsty turf or non-native plants.
Bring your vision to life
Now comes the exciting part: putting your plan into action. Establishing your layout will get you started, but planting and defining other elements of your new landscape are elemental to its ongoing sustainability. Consider who will do the work to put your final vision into action. Are you a DIY-er, or do you prefer a landscaper or property manager
to help? In partnership with Alpenscapes, the task force has helped create a plethora of resources that can be helpful in this step, connecting you with the best local sources to transform your new space.
Choosing a new, more efficient irrigation system, if needed, is also paramount. Make sure all weather sensors are programmed correctly for the most efficient system possible, and have a professional install it for you to guarantee that you are using your irrigation properly for your newly converted space. Since water efficiency is the name of the game, consider a well-designed drip system, or use mulch in your new planted areas to help deliver and keep moisture where it needs to be for your plant’s health.
Maintain and nurture your new landscape
While turf conversion significantly reduces overall maintenance of an outdoor space, your new landscape isn’t entirely “set it and forget it.” Initial care and ongoing maintenance will ensure its longevity and beauty. Your landscape is a living system, so paying attention to how your plants are growing—noting signs of stress, other excesses of their new environment or invasive species—will help keep your outdoors beautiful and sustainable for many years.
By following these steps, you can successfully transform your water-reliant lawn into a vibrant, sustainable, and lower-demand landscape that enhances your home’s beauty, supports local ecology, keeps our community safe, and aligns with a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Embrace the change, and enjoy the countless benefits of a converted outdoor space.
The Task Force is here to help you through each step of this landscaping process. Head online to learn more and sign up for GRTF’s turf conversion service or contact jessica@gallatinrivertaskforce.org to for more information on how to get started.
Jess Olson is the Conservation Manager at the Gallatin River Task Force. She manages the Task Force’s Water Conservation Program and holds a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper certification to help you with your water-wise projects.
A beautiful example of native plants and water-wise practices in action at Crail Gardens. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALPENSCAPES
ENVIRONMENT
WILDFIRE WIRE: EVERBRIDGE AND HOW EVACUATION ‘DEPENDS’
BY MEL CRICHTON EBS COLUMNIST
In late June, about 90 residents convened at Warren Miller Performing Arts Center to hear about surviving wildfire as part of a very low key “wildfire week” in Big Sky. Some words and phrases stuck in my mind.
First, “Everbridge” is the one word everyone should have heard. Patrick Lonergan of Gallatin County Emergency Management said it first. In the YouTube recording of the 102-minute presentation, you’ll hear it repeatedly. Everbridge is the county’s emergency notification program that manages alerts to registered users.
If you don’t sign up for Everbridge, you’ll still get a push notification if your phone is near the active fire area. It’s very broad coverage, and you may not be in danger, but it works even if the cell system is jammed up. Like an Amber Alert, you must have alerts enabled on your phone.
It’s even better to sign up for the county notification system through Everbridge. Alerts will be sent to your phone based on physical addresses you care about. It’s more specific and tailored to you, and you get the messages wherever you are, even out of state.
Big Sky visitors can sign up using a special QR link on the Big Sky Wildfire Hub, or by texting “BIGSKY” to 888777—this short-term signup expires after 30 days.
Then, download the Everbridge mobile app. Be sure to sign up for other types of Everbridge alerts beside fires—weather disasters, earthquakes, even floods.
Another app, WatchDuty, will show you where fires are, but don’t count on it for evacuation help.
‘It depends’
According to Gallatin County Sheriff’s Sergeant Dan Haydon, our evacuation plan is always the same: “it depends.”
It depends on weather, terrain and fuels—factors that affect predicted fire behavior. You may be told to evacuate. You may be told to shelter in place if evacuation is dangerous. You may be told that the fire won’t affect you but be alert.
Jack Creek Road is one option for evacuation, but not always. Same goes for Ousel Falls Road and U.S. Highway 191. But even U.S. 191 can’t handle all the traffic that could come out of Big Sky. Consider hunkering down at one of Big Sky’s registered refuge points (page 8). And yes, pets are allowed at the parking lot refuges. You may be there for hours, so take your go kit with water and food. If you evacuate by car, drive sanely and use your head.
If traffic is slow, don’t abandon your car, Haydon explained. That causes more problems, and you’ll lose vital protection from flying embers.
How will you know to leave? Likely you’ll get a phone notification, but if a uniformed officer bangs on your door, get moving. You may have only minutes, so be prepared.
Smoke-wise communities
Project manager Liz Davy of Greater Yellowstone Fire Action Network emphasized the need to be smoke aware. You can access local air quality data at AirNow.gov.
There are a half dozen air monitors in the Big Sky area—pay attention to air quality hazard levels. You definitely don’t want to be biking or golfing on purple-code days.
Fire Adapted Big Sky’s Neighborhood Ambassadors can demonstrate commercial and home-made air filtration units for staying safe on heavy smoke days, as they did during the June event.
‘That better not happen’
At a recent farmers market, one of our Neighbor Ambassadors asked a woman if her family was prepared for wildfire in Big Sky.
She walked away saying, “That better not happen.” Really? Like it’s in our control—let’s hope there are few people with that mindset in Big Sky. Big Sky Fire Department Wildland Fire Chief Jon Trapp encouraged the audience to sign up for home risk assessments on the Big Sky Wildfire Hub and to prepare homesites for potential fire. Grant funding is available to help with mitigation costs through the fire department.
Fires are happening in more places, more often, so be prepared to evacuate and have your go-kit ready, as you may not have much advance warning. The best overview of information is the Big Sky Wildfire Action Guide, available as a handout or online at the Big Sky Wildfire Hub. It shows primary evacuation routes and refuge sites, and the basics of home and evacuation preparation. You can also request a homesite assessment on the hub’s website and sign up for Everbridge notifications.
These are just the highlights of the 102 minutes. These officials are dedicated to their work and want all of us to be safe when a wildfire comes. I strongly urge every Big Sky resident and owner to take less than two hours to watch the presentation, because it could save your life.
As the experts told us, “Your survival is up to you.”
Mel Crichton acts as neighborhood ambassador coordinator for Fire Adapted Big Sky. He may be reached at kj9c@comcast.net.
Local experts on fire and public safety discussed fire preparation in a June 23 event. PHOTO BY MEL CRICHTON
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- There are 208 mountain goats in and adjacent to Yellowstone
- Mature male (billy) weighs 300 or more pounds; female (nanny) weighs 150 pounds.
- Both sexes have horns; females curve less and are thinner and sometimes longer than males.
Competition with high densities of mountain goats could also negatively affect bighorn sheep, whose range overlaps that of mountain goats.
DINING
A LA CARTE: BIG SKY PBR—HERE FOR THE FOOD
BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST
I’m a “Top Chef” fan. Each season, the show puts a whole bunch of chefs in a pressure cooker, asking them to create flawless dishes with very little time, often unfamiliar ingredients and unusual constraints. Some fumble, sure, that’s part of the reason watching is so entertaining. But most chefs rise to the challenge and produce mouthwatering food. It’s a testament to their skill and the level it takes to be a part of that cast.
Watching the show makes you wish you were invited to the table, to sit with the judges or attend one of the events catered by the cast. Last weekend’s Big Sky PBR gave me a taste of that dream, when chefs from Season 14 joined Mountain Provisions’ Chef Emily Hahn in Montana to cater to VIP guests. This time, though some are cooking with new ingredients, they have had ample time to conceptualize their dishes.
I headed to the Big Sky rodeo grounds on Saturday, July 19, intent on rustling up some grub. Yes, I mostly came for the food. I was happy I got a headup to arrive early. The VIP tent was already packed by 5:45 p.m., 15 minutes after the gates opened. But there was more than enough for everyone.
I made my way toward the chefs’ stations, lined up on one side of the tent backing into an open air kitchen setup. First in the row was Chef Sheldon Simeon, author of “Cook Real Hawai’i” and “Ohana Style: Food from Hawai’i, for Your Family,” due out in 2026.
Simeon’s “Spur and Smoke Lamb Noodles” was a bowl of udon in a spiced broth that reminded me of a pho—especially when topped with a heart portion of herbs, greens, onions and crispy garlic, and invited to add chili oil and Sriracha. This bowl, however, hit more umami than acid. I loved the way the Regen Market lamb—smoked whole and shredded—seemed to melt into the spiced broth. The flavor was impeccable. However, I had also started to melt. The heat of the day may have been more inclined to a cold noodle dish.
Next up was Hahn’s “Lil’ Lasso Corndog.” I was worried I wouldn’t get a taste, that it would be in Friday night’s offerings. With this caliber of food, wanting to try everything on offer is only more reason to make a weekend of the PBR.
I laughed later when a friend told me he had been “catfished” by a corn dog, expecting meat inside. But even if the date wasn’t what was expected, it was enjoyed. I knew what was coming. Hahn’s corndog featured the expected crispy batter, but it enrobed a smoked carrot. I didn’t miss the meat. The carrot lent the right amount of bite, like a cased sausage or hot dog would. Then it added something different. Sweet notes were highlighted by the salt of the batter and variety of accoutrements—a stone fruit honey mustard, smoked Amaltheia goat cheese and corn nut crumble for crunch.
“Chef Em corn dogs rock!” my editor texts, and I agree wholeheartedly.
Michelin starred chef Gerald Sombright’s offering was a “Walking Bison Taco” modeled off walking tacos with taco ingredients layered over a Frito base in a chip bag. Sombright’s version featured crispy pasta chips topped with a bolognese made from North Bridger Bison’s ground bison, topped with provolone and parmesan cheese, basil and smoked butter. It was another flavor bomb.
Ahead of me in line, someone tried to grab a “Cowpoke Smoke Stack” off Chef Jamie Lynch’s station before it was complete.
“You want the sauce,” he said.
The stack consisted of meatloaf, topped with “Chef Jamie’s Awesome Sauce” and a cornbread crunch, served with a side of slaw with vegetables from Chance Farm.
“What, you want me to give you the recipe?” he asks with a smile when I inquire about the sauce. While Lynch didn’t cough up the recipe, I do learn that his Awesome Sauce is a New England-style barbecue. It’s ketchup-based and a little tangy, he tells me. It’s surely an awesome complement and the dish as a whole is a star. I love the silkiness he managed from the meatloaf, and how the stack’s components play together.
Last up is chef Silvia Barban, who creates modern Italian dishes “with a retro heart” at restaurants LaRina Brooklyn and Briscola Trattoria. I’m captivated by her dish. Simply named “Fregola and Burrata,” the dish held unexpected complexity. I feel the heart.
Fregola, I learn, is a semolina pasta rolled into small irregular spheres and toasted. Barban’s was coated in a purée of red bell peppers roasted for most of the day. That care with the ingredient came through, giving it the depth needed to pair with a bold floral lavender oil. The dish was served with burrata melted into the warm pasta, creating a gooey center—a nice textural contrast to the slight bite of the pasta. On top, basil, flowers and greens from Amaltheia Farm added a bit of lightness and crunch.
The combination is mesmerizing, and I find myself going back for another portion and another before the evening is through. I know this is to my own peril: I am intolerant of bell peppers. But the dish is worth a little pain. Ah, the things we do for love.
These chefs really have nothing to prove at this point. They have each grown since their time on “Top Chef” and I’m grateful they were able to come together to share their talents with the Big Sky community.
When I spoke to Chef Em before the event, she expressed hope that this was only the beginning of a partnership with the Big Sky PBR. So when can I get tickets for next year? I would eat that meal again and again.
Oh, and did I mention there was some bull riding?
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.
Chef Emily Hahn served her “Lil’ Lasso Corndog” at the Big Sky PBR. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT
What does Natural Retreats offer homeowners? Guests who appreciate beautiful homes in transcendent destinations. These are discerning luxury travelers who recognize your property for the special place that it is—a cherished retreat where memories are made, a home to return to year after year.
Natural Retreats isn’t just about building loyalty to our brand. It’s about building loyalty to your property
Whether you’re looking to maximize revenue from season to season or elevate the level of maintenance and care your home receives in our challenging alpine environment—we are here for you.
Let’s Do This Together.
Contact Tim Drain, Regional Manager of Business Development, or scan this QR code to learn more about our full suite of rental management services and to receive a courtesy rental revenue projection.
Local Office Address: 11 Lone Peak Dr #207, Big Sky, MT 59716
BUSINESS
LMNT ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR ‘SALT HOUSE’ STOREFRONT IN TOWN CENTER
BY FINLEY TIMON EDITORIAL INTERN
BIG SKY—Electrolyte drink manufacturer
LMNT will open its first-ever physical storefront in spring 2026, renovating a commercial space Big Sky’s Town Center, according to project materials shared with Explore Big Sky. The brand, known for its popular electrolyte drink mix, plans to create a space focused on wellness, education and community connection.
LMNT intends for the new location, called the “Salt House,” to serve as a “trailhead, retreat and gathering space,” offering hydration, quiet work zones and interactive exhibits under one roof. The retail space will be located on Lone Peak Drive beside The Rocks Tasting Room.
According to a press release, the Salt House will feature a self-serve “salt bar” featuring LMNT products, a library-style workspace with phone booths and communal tables and an ADAaccessible educational exhibit exploring the history and science of salt. The space will be designed using natural materials and Montana-inspired finishes intended to reflect the surrounding landscape.
CEO James Murphy stated in a press release that the company’s connection to the region played a major role in selecting Big Sky as the flagship location.
“Big Sky already has the highest per-capita LMNT usage in the country,” Murphy stated. “We’ve long felt connected to this place—now we’re planting roots here in a new way.”
The project is being managed by Brown Bear Partners, a real estate investment and consulting firm with offices in Montana and Ohio. Ross
Brunello, principal of Brown Bear Partners said the brand’s deep involvement in Big Sky made the location an obvious choice.
“The company [LMNT] already has several holdings in and around Town Center,” Brunello told Explore Big Sky on a phone call. “They host employees, investors and partners here and they’re doing a big activation during PBR week. There were a lot of reasons why Big Sky made sense.”
Brunello added that the broader region is becoming a strategic base for LMNT, with the company establishing corporate roots in Bozeman as well.
The Salt House is being designed by Lake Flato Architects and is scheduled to open in 2026. According to LMNT’s project overview, the space is intended to “sample the brand in a meaningful way,” while encouraging wellness-driven conversation and offering a place to relax, recover and connect.
Future home of Drink LMNT's Salt House. PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
BY FINLEY TIMON EDITORIAL INTERN
Christy Sports opened its first Big Sky location in Mountain Village at Big Sky Resort in 2021. In 2022, it added a second store in Big Sky Town Center after purchasing Grizzly Outfitters. Their experienced staff provides seasonal gear, rentals and other adventure gear services. In this Making it in Big Sky, Christy Sports’ Rachel Fuhrman shares more about the business and its role in the community.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: How long has Christy Sports been part of the Big Sky community?
Rachel Fuhrman: We became part of the Big Sky story in 2021 when we opened our Mountain Village location and partnered with Lone Mountain Sports, a trusted shop serving skiers since 1973. In 2022, we expanded again by acquiring Grizzly Outfitters, now rebranded as Christy Sports Big Sky Town Center. Together, these shops reflect a shared mission: offer worldclass service, preserve a deep connection to the community, and help more people step outside with confidence.
EBS: What kind of gear and services do you offer? How does it differ between winter and summer?
R.F.: At both Mountain Village and Town Center, we offer gear, rentals and service that evolve with
the seasons. In winter, you’ll find top-tier skis, snowboards, boots, outerwear and accessories, plus expert tuning, repairs and our Boot Fit Guarantee. In summer, the Town Center shop shifts to hiking and biking with trail-ready gear, rentals and apparel. Whether it’s powder season or peak trail time, our goal is the same: help you make the most of your time outside.
EBS: How does your rental program work, and what makes it stand out from other options in town?
R.F.: We’ve built our rental program around one thing: making your experience as smooth as possible. Reserve online and pick up gear after 12 p.m. the day before. You can swap or adjust equipment at no extra cost thanks to our Perfect Fit Guarantee. Want to try before you buy? Our Test Ski and Snowboard Program lets you demo performance gear, with up to two days’ rental credited toward purchase. Kids 12 and under rent free with a four-day adult package, because family days on the mountain are better when they’re affordable, too.
EBS: What kind of experience or knowledge do your team members bring to the table?
R.F.: Our team is made up of local experts, many who were part of Lone Mountain Sports and Grizzly Outfitters before joining Christy Sports. They bring decades of experience and a shared love for the mountain lifestyle. Whether it’s matching you with the right boot or fine-tuning skis for a powder day, they combine technical know-how with a humble, welcoming approach. Because great gear is only as good as the people who help you use it.
EBS: How does Christy Sports engage with the Big Sky community?
R.F.: We’re proud to build on the legacy of shops that have long served Big Sky locals and visitors. That means supporting community-driven causes and showing up for the people, places and passions that make this place so special. Many of our staff call Big Sky home—they’re not just selling gear, they’re living the lifestyle and giving back to the community that fuels it.
EBS: How would you describe the ski and outdoor culture in Big Sky, and how does the store reflect that?
R.F.: Big Sky has a bold outdoor culture, defined by 5,800 acres of terrain, stunning Lone Peak views and a spirit that says, “let’s go.” From deep powder runs to bluebird bike rides, it’s a place where adventure never clocks out. At Christy Sports, we match that energy with high-performance gear, expert service and approachable staff who know the mountain—and how to make the most of it.
EBS: What are your goals for the future?
R.F.: We’re focused on deepening our roots in Big Sky while evolving how we serve outdoor enthusiasts. That means expanding digital tools like our online rental platform, investing in our expert team, and continuing to support community partnerships. Whether someone’s visiting for the first time or lives here year-round, we want to be the place they trust to get outside, and stay out longer. Because outside is better.
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
HEALTH
LIVE BETTER: OVERCOME TIGHTNESS AND STIFFNESS IN YOUR MUSCLES AND JOINTS
BY ALLIE EPSTEIN POALINO EBS COLUMNIST
Tired of feeling stiff in your muscles or joints? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s part of your daily routine, happens after a tough workout, or shows up after a big day adventuring outside. As physical therapists, we hear these questions all the time:
“Why am I so stiff in one spot but not another?”
“What is causing my joints or muscles to feel so tight and stuck?”
Let’s pull back the curtain on what’s really going on in your body. Is it your muscles? Your joints? Or both? Most importantly, how can you fix it? Joint stiffness can result from a few different processes in the body. “Joints” are the points where two or more bones meet, and they allow movement. When a joint is stiff, it’s often because it isn’t moving as it should. If a joint isn’t moving properly, either too much or not enough, it can lead to increased friction between the bones and surrounding tissues, creating irritation and inflammation that shouldn’t otherwise be there. The excessive build up from this process creates pain and a sensation of stiffness.
Muscle tightness can also cause someone to feel stiff in certain areas of the body. Muscles are responsible for making joints in our body move, and they do so by contracting—getting shorter— and relaxing—getting longer.
When a muscle is working hard or even being overused, it develops small micro-tears which results in cascading a healing and rebuilding process to start. This can lead to muscle fibers tightening and an overall feeling of rigidity in that area as the muscle undergoes its own recovery process, which can span anywhere from 48-72 hours in duration. This is the process that happens after pushing your body hard in a workout or after a big hike.
Muscle “trigger points” or “knots” can also contribute to a sensation of excessive tightness and pain. Trigger points often develop when one muscle is overused to compensate for another that isn’t activating properly, leading to imbalances and localized tension within the muscle. A common offender is the “Upper Trapezius” muscle between the neck and shoulder, usually substituting for a weak upper back or shoulder muscles.
On the contrary, when a muscle is underused due to a lack of movement, it tends to remain at the same resting length for extended periods. Think about your upper back muscles during long stretches of poor posture at your desk. Over time, this static positioning can lead to reduced flexibility and a sensation of “stiffness”, as the muscle becomes less adaptable to changes in length or movement.
So, what do I do now?
Now that we have a firm grasp on the concepts that drive joint stiffness and muscle tightness, what can we do about it?
Below are some of our expert tips on how to be proactive to prevent stiffness as well as what to do each morning and night to keep your body healthy.
1. Hydrate: Staying properly hydrated throughout the day and week helps keep your joints lubricated and your connective tissues elastic, reduces inflammation, and optimizes your circulation. How much water should you drink? Use this simple equation: the minimum number of ounces of water you need to consume per day is equal to half of your body weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, you need to be consuming at least 75 ounces of water each day, which is about two 40oz Stanley’s total.
Also, factor in electrolytes. It isn’t just about getting in your daily number of ounces of water in a day, you need to also be adding in at least 1 packet of electrolytes to 30-40 oz of water per day to be sure your body absorbing the right amount of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are all key players in reducing joint and muscle stiffness and tightness.
2. Pack in the protein: Focus on prioritizing protein packed meals and snacks first like beef jerky, cheese and yogurt throughout the day, and balance with nutrient rich foods like fruits and vegetables, followed by a sprinkle of your complex carbs such as whole grain granola bars, nuts, and trail mixes. These foods will fuel your body and help keep your joints and muscles performing free of excess inflammation.
3. Dedicate four minutes each day to stretching: As physical therapists, it is no secret that we are huge fans of movement and lots of it. With this, we understand how busy your day can get.
Below is a four-minute daily stretching routine that we swear by. Try to complete these stretches each morning and you will feel like a whole new person.
Half kneeling overhead reaches: Start in half kneeling, placing your back knee on a pillow or thin cushion, and lunge forward with both hands reaching up overhead. Do this 10 times in a row, dynamically, one set on each side.
Seated 90/90/90 spinal twist: Sit on the floor in 90/90/90 and gently twist your upper back to the right and to the left. Do this 10 times each way, and then switch your lead leg, and repeat on the other side.
Arm and neck circles: Stand up and do 10 arm circles as big as you can on each arm, followed by 10 neck rolls each way.
Forward fold and reaches: Put your feet together and perform a forward fold reaching your hands towards your shins working them as close to the floor as you can get. Keep your back flat, hinging from the waist. Hold this for a few seconds, and then slowly begin to heel-toe your feet wider so that you can now reach your hands to the floor. Hold this stretch, perhaps even walking your hands slightly to the left and slightly to the right to deepen the stretch on the backside of your legs, working up to a 45-second hold.
If you are staying properly hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and have already tried a total body stretching routine but are still dealing with prolonged stiffness and tightness, it might be time for a more personalized approach. Your body has its own unique anatomy, movement patterns, and preferences. What works for one person might not work for another, this is where we step in to guide you by giving you the right recipe that your body needs to stop stiffness in its tracks and drive results fast.
By coming to physical therapy, we will give you our undivided attention and a hands on approach to determine how your body moves, identify areas of your body that are compensating or underperforming and create a plan to resolve stiffness. This plan can include a combination of stretching, manual interventions like joint mobilization and soft tissue work, modalities such as dry needling or cupping to address those extra stubborn areas, as well as strengthening to rebalance your body and maintain results over time.
You don’t have to suffer and figure it out alone, let’s get you moving and feeling better! If you have any questions or wish to learn more, speak to an expert at our Big Sky + Performance or Bozeman + Performance locations today.
Allie Epstein Poalino is a passionate and dedicated Physical Therapist at Lone Peak PT and has proudly served the Big Sky community for the past decade. Our entire team has advanced training and high-level expertise in biomechanics, movement analysis, and performance testing, and provides an unparalleled physical therapy and sports rehabilitation experience. At Lone Peak PT, we are passionate about helping our patients recover faster and empowering them to excel in their rehabilitation journey and confidently return to doing what they love.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LONE PEAK PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERFORMANCE
HEALTH BUZZ: THE HIDDEN KEY TO HOLISTIC HEALTH IN MOUNTAIN LIVING
WHY METABOLIC HEALTH MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
BY KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST
Living in the mountains offers many natural advantages—clean air, slower rhythms and a deep connection to the outdoors. But even in this ideal setting, one essential pillar of wellbeing often goes overlooked: metabolic health.
While many associate metabolism with weight, it’s actually a much broader system that governs how our bodies create and use energy. It impacts blood sugar regulation, hormone balance, inflammation, mood and long-term resilience. In short, your metabolic health is a foundation for your overall vitality—especially in the unique demands of mountain living, where altitude, dryness and physical activity all influence health on a deeper level.
Metabolic dysfunction is a quiet crisis. Across the country—and increasingly in active, healthconscious communities—conditions like type two diabetes, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances are rising. What’s more, these issues often develop silently. Many people who appear outwardly fit can still be metabolically unhealthy.
Metabolic dysfunction is linked to a wide range of issues: low energy and fatigue; brain fog, mood swings, and anxiety; hormonal imbalances including PCOS and thyroid issues; chronic inflammation and pain; sleep disturbances and slower recovery from stress or physical activity. These are not just physical symptoms—they’re signals of imbalance across body systems.
A holistic, mountain-based approach to metabolic health
Living in the mountains allows us to be in closer touch with our bodies and the natural world— making it the perfect environment to take a holistic approach to metabolic wellness. Here’s how to integrate modern science with time-tested healing practices.
First, prioritize nutrition that grounds and sustains. Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods that support blood sugar balance and long-term energy. Examples include local, seasonal vegetables rich in fiber; clean proteins from plan or animal sources; healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados and oils; and complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, lentils or ancient grains.
Also, avoid ultra-processed foods and refined sugars, which spike blood sugar and lead to energy crashes.
Second, consider acupuncture for internal balance. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and support organ function— including the pancreas, liver, and adrenal glands, all of which play central roles in metabolic regulation. It can also calm stress and improve digestion, both key components of healthy metabolism.
Third, implement bodywork to support circulation and detoxification. Therapeutic bodywork—such as massage, craniosacral therapy or myofascial release—improves lymphatic flow, reduces cortisol levels, and helps release stored tension. This allows the body to function more efficiently and can enhance insulin sensitivity, especially when combined with regular movement.
Fourth, try IV therapy for cellular health. At higher altitudes or during seasonal transitions, the body may need extra support. IV nutrient therapy can
deliver targeted vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly to the bloodstream—supporting mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation and replenishing deficiencies that may be impacting metabolism.
Fifth, add movement in nature. Daily movement— especially hiking, walking or skiing—stimulates glucose uptake in muscles and improves insulin sensitivity. Even gentle, consistent movement like yoga or breath-based exercise can have a profound impact on metabolic health, especially when practiced outdoors in natural light.
Finally, focus on deep rest and sleep hygiene. Altitude, blue light exposure and stress can all impact sleep quality. Establish a calming evening ritual: herbal tea, screen-free time, light stretching and a cool, dark room. Consistent, quality sleep is one of the most effective—and underappreciated— metabolic tools.
Here’s why this matters in holistic mountain living. When we think of holistic health, we often think of alignment—of systems working together in harmony. Metabolic health is a central thread in that tapestry. It doesn’t just prevent disease; it enhances your energy, your mental clarity, your emotional resilience, and your ability to thrive in the environment you’ve chosen to call home. Metabolic health is not just a medical concept—it’s a holistic foundation. And here in the mountains, we have both the space and the wisdom to approach it with care.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
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Big Sky
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