Issuu

Sept. 17 - Sept. 30, 2026 Volume 17 // Issue 20

THE RUT RETURNS, JORTS AND ALL BOZEMAN POLICE RESPOND TO HEIGHTENED BEAR ACTIVITY BIG SKY'S FIRST CAR WASH

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP RECORDS FIRST ALBUM SAVING MONTANA'S YAAK VALLEY THROUGH MUSIC LONGTIME YELLOWSTONE GUIDES REFLECT ON CHANGE

OPENING SHOT

September 17 - September 30, 2026 Volume 17 // Issue 20 Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL VP MEDIA Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com

While the official calendar start to fall isn’t until Sept. 22, many in southwest Montana woke up to powder-covered mountains on Monday, Sept. 14. Lone Mountain received a dusting of snow, and Bridger Bowl shared a lift chair covered in snow. It’ll be some time before chairlifts run in late November and December, but winter fans can enjoy the views of mountaintops until then. PHOTO BY ANNIE O’NEILL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STAFF WRITER Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com LOCAL JOURNALIST Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com DIGITAL MEDIA LEAD Fischer Genau | fischer@theoutlawpartners.com STAFF WRITER Carli Johnson | carli@theoutlawpartners.com EDITORIAL INTERN Annie O'Neill | annie@theoutlawpartners.com

CREATIVE GRAPHIC DESIGNER Luke Breum | luke@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 DIRECTOR 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

CONTRIBUTORS RA Beattie, Daniel Bierschwale, Mel Crichton, Rachel Hergett, Jim Klug, Jessica Olson, Benjamin Alva Polley, Brant Wiehardt

4 BRIEFS 8 6 OBITUARY 7 LETTERS 8 BIG SKY 13 13 BOZEMAN 14 REGIONAL 14 18 OP NEWS 21 ENVIRONMENT 30 A&E 24 37 BUSINESS 43 FUN 30 ON THE COVER: Explore Big Sky Staff Writer Carli Johnson camped out alongside Lone Mountain’s running trails during the Rut Mountain Runs in mid-September. She captured the energy of cheering fans, friends and family, as well as the runners waving and smiling on their ascent on Sunday morning. Rut runners come from all over the U.S. to race, but the event still has a strong attachment to Big Sky and Bozeman communities. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON

THE RUT RETURNS, JORTS AND ALL The Rut Mountain Runs returned to Big Sky on Sept. 11-13, bringing runners on 11K, 21K, 28K and 50K races, as well as a VK that starts at Big Sky Resort base area and ends at the peak of Lone Mountain. This year, EBS took a closer look at the costume culture around the race. BOZEMAN POLICE RESPOND TO BEAR ACTIVITY Bozeman police logged 27 bear calls between Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, according to Lt. Quinn Ellingson. It’s a sure sign of fall, as bears follow creek corridors into residential neighborhoods drawn by trash and other attractants. LONGTIME YELLOWSTONE GUIDES REFLECT ON CHANGE Jim Holstein has guided Yellowstone for 35 years; Randy Hall found his way there after the Coast Guard and a catering job he hated. Both talk about what's shifted— from yearly wildfires to traffic and crowds, and what keeps them coming back. SAVING MONTANA'S YAAK VALLEY THROUGH MUSIC In the northwest corner of Montana’s Yaak Valley thrives an oldgrowth forest that is known as the most stable ecosystem in the northern Rockies. Ahead of the Black Ram Guitar Festival, Yaak Valley advocate Rick Bass spoke with Explore Big Sky about what “refuge” means in a warming world, and why he thinks protecting a Montana forest could be a model for the planet. CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP RECORDS FIRST ALBUM For more than a decade, the music of Big Sky Christian Fellowship has been heard primarily on Sunday morning services. Now, five original songs written for the fellowship’s congregation are available beyond Big Sky Chapel, thanks to a yearlong effort by three worship team members. BIG SKY'S FIRST CARWASH First Tracks Tires, the four-year-old automotive shop in Big Sky has added a new service to its lineup: a water-recycling hand car wash, the first of its kind locally. Co-owners Tanner Dunlap and Chris Phillip officially opened the wash to the public on Aug. 3.

EDITORIAL POLICIES

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EDITORIAL POLICY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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.

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.

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.

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE For the October 1st issue: September 23th, 2026 CORRECTIONS Please report errors to media@outlaw.partners. OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@theoutlawpartners.com ©2026 Explore Big Sky unauthorized reproduction prohibited

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Explore Big Sky

4 September 17 - September 30, 2026

BRIEFS

NEWS IN BRIEF CITY OF BOZEMAN LAUNCHES BOZEMAN CIVIC ACADEMY

BUMBLEWOOD THICKET FAIRY VILLAGE RETURNS TO BOZEMAN SEPT. 10-27

EBS STAFF

The City of Bozeman is starting a Civic Academy and is encouraging all residents to apply and learn more about how their local government works. The seven-session course will run on Wednesday afternoons between Oct. 14 and Dec. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. and will cover how the city provides services like public safety, infrastructure, parks and trails, library and planning. The annual session will accept up to 30 participants and will culminate in a graduation on Dec. 9.

Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village, a self-guided art installation featuring 21 fairy homes built by local artists, returns to Glen Lake Rotary Park in Bozeman Sept. 10-27. Now in its seventh year, the free, family-friendly event is produced by Random Acts of Silliness in partnership with Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the City of Bozeman, and organizers anticipate more than 24,000 visitors this year.

“We’re not the first to come up with this idea, but we’ve seen it be successful in many other cities like ours,” communications and engagement manager Takami Clark stated in a Sept. 8 press release. “Civic academies allow residents to look under the hood of local government. They’ll get in-depth information that they might not get otherwise, and it’ll help them connect at a deeper level with local decision-making.”

“The fairies have been incredibly busy preparing for an anticipated 24,000+ visitors, and we’re doing our best to keep up,” said Emily Zlotnicka, Random Acts of Silliness’ executive enchantment director in a Sept. 3 press release. “These three weeks plant a seed of magic and inspiration that grows throughout the year, gets folks of all ages outside and on our trails.”

Bozeman Civic Academy covers the entire range of city services. The interactive program includes field trips to city facilities, presentations from officials and activities that give participants first-hand experience of how the city works.

The village is open during regular park hours, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with fairy homes lit nightly until 9 p.m. New this year are a Meet the Makers event on Sept. 21, where visitors can talk with the artists behind the installations, and a downloadable audio tour detailing each structure’s fairy backstory. The event also features Magic Moments, a free walking program with live music and storytelling on select Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

“If you’ve ever been curious about how to get more involved with your local community, this is a great place to start. It’ll set you on a path that could help you explore a career with the city or serve on one of our boards or even City Commission,” Clark stated. “One thing we know about our residents is that they care deeply about Bozeman, and this is one way you can start to get involved and understand how to make an impact.”

NOW HIRING

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and be City of Bozeman residents. Applications to participate in the academy are due Wednesday, Sept. 30.

‘A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT’ OPERA TO HOST BOZEMAN PREMIERE EBS STAFF Opera Montana’s rendition of “A River Runs Through It” premieres this weekend, Sept. 18 at the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman. Based on Norman Maclean’s novel of the same name, the opera has been touring Montana this summer, offering previews of its programming. Finally, on Friday, Sept. 18 evening, its main cast will perform on stage for the world premiere. Composed by Zach Redler, Kelley Rourke and Matt Foss, the opera stars Schyler Vargas as Norman, Michael Kuhn as Paul, Ryan Bryce Johnston as Neal, Phyllis Pancella as Clara, Christine Taylor Price as Jessie and Megan Marino as Heidi. “A River Runs Through It” performances will continue on Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 24-27 and tickets start at $32.

Job Description: Transportation Director Big Sky Transportation District (BSTD) Position: Transportation Director Reports to: Board of Directors Salary Range: $100,000–$125,000, depending on experience Status: Full-time, exempt Position Summary The Transportation Director serves as Big Sky Transportation District's (BSTD) lead professional for transportation planning, infrastructure coordination, and inter-agency collaboration. This position addresses a critical gap in Big Sky's governance structure: as an unincorporated community, Big Sky lacks dedicated staff focused on roads, streets, bridges, sidewalks, pathways, trails, active transportation infrastructure, and long-term transportation planning. The Transportation Director will fill that role, working across jurisdictions and agencies to advance transportation priorities for the Big Sky area. To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to: Darren R Brugmann Executive Director Big Sky Transportation District dbrugmann@bigskytd.com and/or Mail: PO Box 161104 Big Sky, MT 59716 Also listed on: Skylinebus.com

CELEBRATING

5 YEARS

Community Week BIG SKY

O C T O B E R 5-9

Explore Big Sky

6 September 17 - September 30, 2026

OBITUARY

JOHN PAGE "DEWDOG" DEWEY JULY 17, 1957 — SEPT. 2, 2026 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Dewdog. On Sept. 2, 2026, John Page "Dewdog" Dewey, passed into the arms of his mother, May, his father, Charlie, brother, Pem, and a huge party full of his many friends that have been waiting for him to join them on the other side. We know that they passed him his guitar and he played one of his legendary concerts for everyone who has been waiting for him in heaven. While our world here is much dimmer without his light, we know that heaven is a lot brighter. Dewdog was born on July 17, 1957 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He made many lifelong friends including the "Lynwood Gang,” and went on to break local records in pole vaulting on the track team in high school (14 feet, 3 inches in 1975). As a young man, he moved to Big Sky, and became a ski bum, musician and a local legend. He lived there for many years until moving back to Battle Creek in 2013. Many knew Dewdog by his music, many knew Dewdog by his great attitude, big heart and fun nature and some of us knew him by how he was just as amazing behind closed doors. Dewdog is survived by his wife, Debbie. Debbie and Dewdog spent just shy of 30 years together and it was true love. She will miss her “hallo’s," her backwards high fives, his singing, camping, partying

with "the gang" and all of the beautiful memories they made in the almost 3 decades they spent together. Mostly, she will miss her best friend. While he didn't have any children of his own, he was the best "Dewdad" to her children, Josh (Nicole) Johnson and Julie (Michael) Toddy. His grandkids loved him tremendously, and he was the greatest, most supportive, Papa in the world. When he found out he was going to be a Papa, he didn't hesitate and he learned to change diapers, babysit, do feedings, play and love. His grandkids will miss him tremendously. They will miss seeing him in the bleachers, cheering them on, wearing funny outfits and wigs, his Halloween Parties with Elmer the skeleton, and playing pool, cornhole, golf, foosball and board games with him. He is also survived by his brothers, Skip, Mark (Eren) and John, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dewdog leaves behind a huge group of friends who have become family as well. It is too soon to say goodbye to someone who we wished we could have had around for many more years to come. We loved Dewdog with our whole hearts, and will forever be carrying him along with us. We end this with the lyrics of one of the songs he used to cover and dedicate to his wife. "Look at the stars, look how they shine for you,” We will see

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN DEWEY FAMILY you in the stars for now, Dewdog, until we meet again. A celebration of life will take place at the Dewey Family Home at 49 Lynwood Drive, Battle Creek Michigain on Oct. 18, 2026 from 12-3 p.m. Plans for a Montana celebration of life are being arranged.

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Explore Big Sky

7 September 17 - September 30, 2026

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MONTANA’S RIVERS BELONG TO ALL OF US Montanans are fortunate to enjoy something increasingly rare across the American West: public access to our rivers and streams. Whether it’s the Gallatin or Madison rivers, the famed Missouri, the Big Hole or the Yellowstone, access is what creates experiences and opportunities for us on those rivers. For many, that access is a normal part of living in Montana. We rarely stop to think about the right to be on those waters, or the ability to get there. We pull into a fishing access site, launch a boat, wade a river, take our kids swimming or float with friends. We believe these opportunities will always be there. We shouldn’t. Montana has some of the strongest stream access protections in the country, often described as the gold standard for public water access. Our state recognizes broad public recreational-use rights on qualifying waters up to the ordinary high-water mark, regardless of ownership of the underlying land. The law also protects private-property rights, and public water doesn’t give anyone the right to trespass across private land to reach it. That balance of strong public-access rights coupled with respect for private property is something Montana got right, and a reason that our stream access laws are such a valuable piece of our way of life, and outdoor economy. Our current rights aren’t in place by accident. They come from decades of work by Montanans who were willing to organize, go to court, show up at the Legislature, and fight for the fundamental principle that our rivers should remain available to the public. Landmark Montana Supreme Court decisions affirmed broad public recreational-use rights on Montana waters, and as a result, the Legislature passed the Montana Stream Access Law in 1985. When disputes later arose over access at public bridges, Montanans again organized and fought for their rights, resulting in additional legislation and court decisions protecting public access.

The important lesson in that history is that every generation of Montanans has had to defend public access. Ours is no different.

enormous influence over decisions involving resources that belong to the public. We cannot allow Montana to move in that direction.

This matters for reasons that extend far beyond fishing. Public access to public water allows families to float rivers, kids to see their first salmonfly, hunters and birdwatchers to experience wild places, and residents from every walk of life to enjoy resources that belong to all of us. It is also an economic engine. Guides and outfitters depend on access, but so do fly shops, sporting-goods manufacturers and retailers, hotels, restaurants, shuttle operators, campgrounds and countless other Montana businesses. River recreation in Montana — primarily driven by angling, boating, and guided floating — adds roughly $149 million in direct value-added GDP annually to Montana's economy, with total economic output from angling alone exceeding $1.35 billion when factoring in triprelated expenditures and indirect business multipliers.

Complacency presents the greatest threat to Montana’s Stream Access Law. As Montanans, we have a responsibility: to know our decision makers in Helena, to pay attention during legislative sessions and question candidates’ stances on public access, to contact elected officials about access legislation, and to support organizations doing the difficult work of protecting public lands and waters. To show up when necessary.

As leaders of Montana outdoor businesses, we understand the inherent value in how rivers contribute to our way of life, and believe the economic value cannot be overlooked. As anglers, we live that connection every day. People come here from around the world every year because Montana offers something increasingly difficult to find: extraordinary natural resources and the freedom to experience them. The consequences without access extend beyond the riverbank. Other western states show us the alternative, with limited or legally contested river-access rights, making incredible stretches of water effectively inaccessible to ordinary citizens. Public access can be weakened one small piece at a time with changes to laws and legislation. Court interpretations can change, challenging public roads and access points. Development and changing land ownership creates new pressures and well-funded interests can exert

Montana’s stream access allowances are both a right and a privilege. Private property must also be respected to protect that privilege. Close gates. Pack out trash. Respect landowners and other river users. Every one of us who benefits from public access has an obligation to use that access responsibly. Strong public-access rights and respect for private-property rights are not competing ideas. In Montana, they have long gone hand in hand. On Sept. 17, Montanans will gather at the Emerson Lawn in Bozeman for the Montana Stream Access Rally to celebrate one of our state’s greatest traditions, but more importantly, to demonstrate that Montanans are paying attention. This is not a partisan issue. This is a Montana issue. Previous generations fought to establish these rights, and to defend them. Now it’s our turn. Because when it comes to public access, one lesson should be clear: It is far easier to protect what we have than to get it back after it is gone. Pay attention. Speak up. Show up. And let’s keep Montana’s rivers public. Jim Klug, Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Kevin Sloan, Skwala Fishing Andy Wunsch, R.L. Winston Rod Company

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8 September 17 - September 30, 2026

BIG SKY

THE RUT BRINGS OUT THE JORTS, AND COMPETITION, IN BIG SKY BY ANNIE O’NEILL The Rut Mountain Runs took over Big Sky, Sept. 11-13, the annual trail-running weekend built around Lone Mountain's brutal vertical. The lineup spans a Vertical Kilometer from the resort base area, straight up the mountain, plus 11K, 21K, 28K and 50K distances, along with the three-race Trifecta and a kids' Runt Run. The event has grown a costume culture to match its competition, and this year runners on the VK course embraced the "Lone Peak World Jorts Championship," where real

denim shorts, not performance-fabric look-alikes, were the whole point, chafing included. Noah Brown competed in the category wearing what he called "the jorts, only 90% cotton," paired with a leather belt and a leopard-print top. Asked about his strategy, Brown kept it simple: "I'd say it's about mogging and looking good." Another jort participant, Ian Curtis, set his sights on completing the Trifecta, all 52.5 miles and roughly 21,000 feet of vertical all in one weekend, and treated the effort more like a taper than an

all-out push. His training included a 67-mile fastpacking trip through the Wind River Range meant to simulate a three-day stage race, and he said he held back on the VK to protect his legs for what was ahead. The Lone Peak World Jorts Championship carried its own bragging rights: custom denim vests went to the fastest man, woman and nonbinary athletes to summit Lone Mountain in jorts. Between the vertical and the denim, the chafing was practically part of the course.

RUT MOUNTAIN RUN RESULTS VERTICAL KILOMETER (VK)

21K

11K

Men 1. Cam Smith, 45:04.6 2. Meikael Beaudoin-Rousseau, 46:23.5 3. Zachary Erikson, 49:24.8

Men 1. Gavin Galyardt, 2:11:27.8 2. Aaron Coe, 2:12:04.3 3. Jeremy Bronstein, 2:13:38.2

Men 1. Aaron Coe, 54:38.2 2. Dylan Bonfigli, 55:15.5 3. Gavin Wisdom, 55:23.9

Women 1. Camila Noe, 55:08.4 2. Olivia Amber, 59:12.6 3. Hillary Allen, 1:00:20.9

Women 1. Ava Ashby, 2:26:35.4 2. Mae Thorp, 2:35:42.4 3. Lisa Musacchio, 2:35:59.4

Women 1. Dani Stack, 59:24.7 2. Hailey McGuire, 1:00:49.5 3. Emily Morrill, 1:07:25.6

28K

50K

Men 1. Cam Smith, 3:06:40.0 2. Adam Loomis, 3:13:15.2 3. Dustin Mullaney, 3:20:46.2

Men 1. Forrest Barton, 5:14:27.5 2. Ben Saelens, 5:28:06.4 3. Luke Galloway, 5:31:25.0

Women 1. Camila Noe, 3:49:28.2 2. Lindsay Allison, 4:02:14.6 3. Kyla Christopher-Moody, 4:09:33.2

Women 1. Nichole Abma, 6:19:53.4 2. Lindsey Anderson, 6:38:59.8 3. Caroline Hardin, 6:41:46.4

Big Sky’s own Lindsey Anderson won second female in the 50K distance with a time of 6:38:59. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RUT MOUNTAIN RUNS

Photos by Carli Johnson

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10 September 17 - September 30, 2026

BIG SKY

Explore Big Sky

STUDENTS COLLECT ROCKS FOR ART INSTALLATION AT BIG SKY RESORT BY JEN CLANCEY BIG SKY—Great for skipping, stumbling over and observing closely, rocks are history right under our feet. An art piece by Tecture Architectural Fabrication plans to put local stones on display inside the base terminal of Explorer Gondola at Big Sky Resort. In the end, the project will suspend around 1,600 stones on wires in colors and patterns. That stone sum is being collected by the local community, namely Big Sky students. Big Sky School District’s art classes under the direction of middle and high school visual art teacher Kate Riley, and Big Sky Community School faculty and students have collected rocks ranging from four to seven inches from the Gallatin, Madison and Yellowstone rivers. Kyle Erickson, Tecture AF project manager, told EBS it’s been fun to see which rocks the kids and community members collect week after week. He shared gratitude for the student collectors. “First of all thank you,” Erickson said. “We appreciate the help. It never hurts to have an extra set of hands, let alone a whole classroom.”

Big Sky Community School students collecting rocks on Sept. 4. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMARA BROCATO

He hopes the kids get something out of the experience of contributing directly to artwork. “We hope that it also serves as a little bit of inspiration for them—that you should always want to follow your dreams and that you can actually make art for a living. This is something they could pursue if they want down the road,” Erickson said. Mayla Sheil, a freshman student at Big Sky Community School helped younger peers select rocks on Friday, Sept. 4. She’s an artist and a youth’s art teacher, and making an impact as a local student was rewarding. “I was really excited about that, because the whole community’s in it,” Sheil said. In one hour, each student had collected 10 rocks each along the Gallatin River. “I feel like it’s a lot more fun that they want the kids from the schools to get the rocks instead of just random people,” Sheil said. Big Sky Resort is commissioning the artwork, which is expected to be completed near the end of 2026.

Big Sky Community School students collecting rocks on Sept. 4. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMARA BROCATO

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Explore Big Sky

13 September 17 - September 30, 2026

BOZEMAN

‘A LOT OF CALLS ABOUT BEARS RIGHT NOW’ IN BOZEMAN BOZEMAN POLICE, FWP RESPOND TO IN-TOWN BEAR ACTIVITY BY MIRA BRODY Most residents in bear country are familiar with the bleary-eyed experience of an early morning run-in with an exploded trash can. Receptacle tipped over, contains strewn about as though searched by a TSA agent, bits of plastic ripped into tiny pieces; they’re all the unmistakable signs that a bear has visited your neighborhood ahead of trash collection day. In Bozeman this fall, particularly downtown where local trails follow creeks into neighborhoods leading to deliciously filled trash cans in driveways and alleyways, residential bear activity has been a noticeable occurrence. “I think that's more common right now than I've seen in the recent past,” said Lieutenant Quinn Ellingson of the Bozeman Police Department. “I can tell you that we've gotten 27 calls since the 28th of … August. There's a lot of calls about bears right now.” When there’s noticeable bear activity within city limits, BPD will assess if there’s a direct concern to the public, depending on the bear’s behavior and location. In his 14 years with the department, Ellingson said bear activity “does seem to be more of a pervasive issue this year than in year’s past.” “If the bear's in a high traffic area or has had some kind of conflict, we respond to the area and try to make sure that everybody is remaining safe and keeping a distance, and if we can get the bear out of there, we do,” Ellingson said. He added that in nearly every bear situation, a call is made to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Morgan Jacobsen, communication and education program manager with FWP, said he’s noticed a similar pattern of increased bear occurrences.

A black bear taking a hike along Bozeman's College 'M' trail. PHOTO BY MICHAEL RUEBUSCH "This time of year is commonly quite busy when it comes to in-town bear activity and conflicts, and anecdotally, I'd say this year is a bit busier than normal,” Jacobsen said in an email to EBS. Jacobsen explained that FWP’s team of bear specialists, game wardens and other staff has primary management authority for bears and other wildlife throughout the state. They often collaborate with BPD and Gallatin County Sheriff 's Office to prevent conflict and mitigate any issues that are a threat to human safety.

“This time of year, the caseload of bear conflicts is quite heavy, and we have to triage these reports depending on the level of risk and staff availability,” Jacobsen explained. And while FWP is unable to respond to all bear-related calls, that’s where help from partnering agencies come into handy. “To be clear, a bear's presence in town doesn't necessarily constitute a human safety risk,” Jacobsen said. “Many bears pass through town without causing a problem.” A bear accessing unsecured attractants, such as garbage, bird feeders and pet food forms habits in the bear that keep it in proximity to homes. A bear breaking into vehicles or homes, or a bear that charges at people or displays aggressive behavior in urban or residential areas, are all problems, he said. Conflicts like these can be avoided by responsible human behavior, though, especially this time of year when they are more active in town. To keep bear activity near your home to a minimum, and avoid risk to yourself, your pets and the bear itself, both Ellingson and Jacobsen recommend keeping attractants, such as bird feeders, pet food and trash, in a secured location, and only placing garbage bins outdoors during trash collection day. Bear resistant garbage containers are available through the City of Bozeman’s Solid Waste Division by calling 406-582-3236 or visiting their website.

A ravaged trash can post-bear in Bozeman. PHOTO BY Run_Biscuit VIA REDDIT

“I think that we live in a place where bears live in town with us every day of the year,” Ellingson concluded, offering advice to Bozeman residents. “I would just encourage [residents] to keep their trash and food sources as secure as possible. And the more that those are left unattended for periods of time invites more and more bear activity.”

Explore Big Sky

14 September 17 - September 30, 2026

REGIONAL

A CHANGING YELLOWSTONE, THROUGH THE GUIDE'S EYES BY ANNIE O’NEILL Jim Holstein has spent more than three decades leading visitors through Yellowstone National Park, and he's learned to measure how much the park has changed simply by watching the seasons pass. "I grew up in the area, and there weren't any big fires in my childhood," said Holstein, who owns Yellowstone Tour Guides. "Now it is every year." Holstein is among a small circle of veteran guides who have watched Yellowstone change over careers spanning decades, through wolf reintroduction, worsening wildfire seasons, a tourism boom and a park he says is being loved, and crowded, harder than ever. Holstein worked his first season in Yellowstone in 1987, then for the Custer Gallatin National Forest's Gardiner Ranger District, where he was involved in fighting the historic fires of 1988. He returned to Yellowstone in 1991, guiding in the summer before going year-round shortly after. "In the past we were one of 35 original companies," Holstein said of Yellowstone Tour Guides. That changed once the park opened up guiding permits to anyone willing to pay a $300 fee. Today there are roughly 350 permitted outfits, he said. "We used to know every guide from every company," he said. "So many new faces, everyday we see a new company." The rapid growth, in his view, has thinned out the experience and quality of guided trips across the industry. A job with a backpack Randy Hall’s path to guiding wound through a series of jobs before he ever set foot on Lone Mountain Ranch where he works today. He came home from a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard and took a catering job he never took to. "I literally one day came home and just had to have a come-to-Jesus meeting with myself," Hall said. "What do you want to do?" The answer, he decided, was simple: find work where he'd wear a backpack every day. That search led him to Yellowstone. He landed at Old Faithful Inn, managing the dining room during the winter season, back when only about 20 staff wintered at the inn. The crew worked mornings into early afternoon and filled the rest of their time with what Hall calls their own Winter Olympics: a marathon ski race that required stopping every couple of miles for a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of milk, drag races, pulling a girlfriend seated on a chair across the snow, and a race up and over a steep ridge. The games got popular enough that the Billings Gazette sent someone out to cover them, to which, Hall said, drew the attention of the park's rangers, who started showing up to compete. "They're in really good shape in their work," he said of the rangers' participation. "It was a little bit of a kick in our butt."

From Old Faithful Inn, Hall moved into wildland firefighting, which he still says was his favorite job he's ever had, largely for the camaraderie. "You had to have each other's backs," he said. He spent a few years on fire crews, went through fire science school, and worked some seasons as a blacksmith, making hinges and window hardware. He eventually found his way to Lone Mountain Ranch, where his mentor, Chris Nelson, taught him to guide and worked alongside him building trail bridges. By Hall’s own conservative estimate, he's been guiding for 15 to 18 years since.

Social media, Holstein said, has changed visitor behavior as well. He explained that while it’s not necessarily making people less respectful of wildlife and park rules, it does amplify incidents that once would have gone unnoticed. Hall sees something broader: a growing disconnect from nature itself. Of the roughly 5 million people who pass through the park each year, he estimated only a small fraction, "maybe 200 out of any given crowd," are genuinely there to learn something about the environment. "Sometimes when you go into the park, all you want to do is get to the other side safely," he said.

The work has kept him close to the land in ways that go beyond guiding; he tracks bird, elk and bear movement through Lone Mountain Ranch property, keeping tabs on the wildlife and landscape over the year.

Still, both guides describe moments that speak louder than the growing crowds. Just before his interview with EBS, Holstein recalled a mountain lion sighting, his 12th in his career, and a rare wolverine encounter.

Both guides recall wolf reintroduction in the 1990s as the single biggest shift they've witnessed in their careers, a move that polarized the public and changed the landscape. Holstein recalled attending public meetings led by wolf biologist Doug Smith when reintroduction began. After, he’s seen elk populations drop and bear sightings increase. Hall once observed the full aftermath of a wolf kill: ravens claiming first bites, wolves eating roughly 40% before a grizzly chased them off, the wolves retreating as the bear settled in.

Hall pointed to a group that included a man from New York City who watched an antelope sprint 60 miles per hour across a field–he lit up with genuine awe.

"I just got to sit and watch it," he said. "Watch the circle."

"A lot of guides get stuck on, 'This is what I say when I'm in this truck,'" he said. "I hate that. I want a conversation."

When communicating polarizing topics such as these, Holstein said the guiding community has adopted a deliberate approach. "We've always taught our guides to talk about any controversial issue like that and let people decide for themselves," Holstein said.

"You kind of live off their background, and the way they see things," Hall said. "It re-energizes you." To keep the job fresh and channel that awe himself, Hall is emphatic that a guide should never fall back on a memorized script.

He said he can lead two tours on back-to-back days and refuse to repeat himself, in part because reciting the same material starts to feel dishonest to him. He's less patient, he said, with newer guides who read straight from guidebooks, page by page, with guests in tow.

Hall traces much of how he understands the park to Indigenous creation stories and Lakota tradition, including classes on Lakota spirituality and animals, trips to the Standing Rock Reservation and a buffalo ceremony in Lamar Valley that recounted the white buffalo, a sight tied to a severe winter. As Lakota stories tell, sightings of a white buffalo grow more frequent as the earth’s fate grows more dire.

He described a progression he tries to walk every guest through: learning leads to curiosity, curiosity expands knowledge, expanded knowledge builds respect, and respect leads people to want to preserve what they've seen.

For Hall, that part of the story feels newly relevant: as he watches the park's climate shift in ways he calls "completely unpredictable," he believes that the white buffalo will reappear when times grow hardest. He's seen one once in the wild, in Minnesota.

For Holstein, his awe for the park he’s called his office for 35 years comes from its sheer depth. Yellowstone's geology, microbiology, wildlife and weather add up to a subject he's still learning, aided by access to researchers and closed thermal basins that guides can no longer get today.

Curiosity, knowledge, respect, preserve

For two guides who have spent careers taking visitors through a landscape they've watched change year over year, it's the unpredictability, and the chance it still holds to teach something new, that keeps them coming back.

In addition to wildlife, visitation pressure is evident in the park for these two guides. Snowmobile use has shifted substantially since the early days, and both men plan routes and timing around crowds in ways that weren't necessary decades ago. The growth of Big Sky itself has compounded the congestion; "Traffic has been atrocious," Holstein said. It hasn't hurt his business directly, but picking up clients in Big Sky now eats up far more time than it used to.

"That was the steps of being a guide," he said. And he’s committed to passing them on.

"You never know what you are going to see around the next corner in Yellowstone," Holstein said. "Whether subtle or sudden, the wildfire is always different; encounters are always different. And the people watching are spectacular."

BEN MILLER PAINTS WITH A FLY ROD

West Fork, Yaak River, MT (10/20/25), 2025, acrylic on clear acrylic sheet, 36 x 48 inches

BEN MILLER PAINTS TO SUPPORT CLIMATE AID OCTOBER 2-3, BOZEMAN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

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Starting 11:00 AM outside Live Fly-Cast Painting of Yaak River, MT 2026, 48 x 60”

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7:00 PM Climate Aid: The Black Ram Guitar Festival

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Three Fly-Cast Paintings of Montana’s Yaak River on display

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BOBCAT BIG SHOW 6-7PM // LIVE FROM ROCKING R BAR - BOZEMAN

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The Secret Season Belongs to Those Who Wander. Golden landscapes. Wild encounters. Cozy evenings. Autumn offers Yellowstone at its most intimate and inspiring with unforgettable wildlife, iconic geothermal wonders, and room to slow down and take it all in. It's a season made for discovery. Our Autumn and Winter Vacation Packages are thoughtfully designed to help you experience more of the park while enjoying the comfort of lodging just steps away from Yellowstone’s wonders. All of our packages take the guess work out of a Yellowstone getaway with lodging, meals, in-park transportation, and knowledgeable guides.

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Taste of Yellowstone at Old Faithful Inn - September 18 - 20 Oktoberfest in Mammoth Hot Springs - October 23 & 24 Halloween at Mammoth Hotel - October 30

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Explore Big Sky

18 September 17 - September 30, 2026

OP NEWS

OUTLAW REAL ESTATE PARTNERS NAMES CLAYTON PEACOCK DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OUTLAW REAL ESTATE PARTNERS Outlaw Real Estate Partners, one of the most active residential and commercial mixed-use developers in southwest Montana, has announced that Clayton Peacock has joined the company as Director of Development and Construction. Peacock will lead development execution across OREP’s portfolio of master-planned, multifamily, commercial and residential projects in Bozeman, Belgrade and Big Sky, overseeing entitlements, design, construction and delivery as the company enters a multi-project vertical development cycle. A Big Sky native, Peacock brings more than a decade of development and construction experience, most of it in Southwest Montana, most recently as Senior Project Manager at Lone Mountain Land Company, where he played a key role in development and construction of Gallatin Gateway Inn and Gateway Village in Gallatin Gateway, Cold Smoke, and multiple projects in the Yellowstone Club. “Clayton grew up here, and he has built here,” said Eric Ladd, CEO and founder of OREP.

“He knows the ground, he knows the trades, and he understands what it takes to deliver in this market. As we move into vertical construction across several projects at once, having that depth on our team matters enormously.” OREP currently has 13 active projects across Southwest Montana, including Urban Farm, a mixed-use master-planned community in West Bozeman; Yellowtail Residences in Big Sky; and Yukon Lane, a 200,000 SF industrial warehouse and logistics center in Belgrade, MT. “I have watched Southwest Montana change a great deal, and I care about how it gets built,” Peacock said. “What drew me to OREP is that they are thinking about places, not just projects — neighborhoods that will still make sense in twenty years. Getting to do that work in the community I grew up in is not something I take lightly.” Peacock will be based in Big Sky and Bozeman. OREP is a vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm and a sister company to Outlaw Partners, a media, marketing and events company in the Rocky Mountain West.

Clayton Peacock joins the OREP team with over a decade of experience. PHOTO BY MICHAEL RUEBUSCH

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Discover Indigenous Traditions, Culture, and Artistry at MOR! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Beading Our Stories Workshop: Traditions of Montana Tribes

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Develop new skills in beading while connecting with deep cultural heritage and rich tradition of beadwork that goes back thousands of years.

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Explore Big Sky

21 September 17 - September 30, 2026

ENVIRONMENT

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: YELLOWSTONE’S HIDDEN COMEBACK STORY BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST

Each year, fisheries departments across Montana and other Western states spend thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars trying to suppress lake trout, also known as mackinaw. In Yellowstone Lake, lake trout were likely introduced in the 1980s, probably by people rather than through natural dispersal. They are not simply another trout in the system. Native cutthroat trout use shallow water and run into small tributary streams to spawn. Lake trout stay deep and rarely come near shore. They eat cutthroat trout, but their impact is not only about predation. It is also about where they hold the lake’s energy and nutrients. For centuries, cutthroat trout helped move energy out of the lake and across the surrounding landscape. In late spring and early summer, they left deeper water and crowded into shallow areas and tributary streams to spawn. For a brief season, food gathered in narrow ribbons of habitat. Grizzly bears fed heavily near the lake. Otters and mink hunted trout in the shallows. Eagles and ospreys circled above, waiting to snatch fish from the water. Aquatic insects rose and fell with these yearly pulses. Nutrients that began deep in the lake did not stay there; they moved into streams, shorelines and nearby forests as fish dug nests, stirred gravel, spawned and died. When lake trout numbers exploded, that flow of energy to shorelines and streams began to break down. Cutthroat trout declined by about 90%. Nutrients that once moved annually from nearshore waters into tributaries remained trapped offshore, in deeper water. Energy that had been widely available along shorelines and spawning streams became much harder for animals to reach. Osprey pairs nesting around Yellowstone Lake fell by about 85%, closely tracking the loss of surface-feeding cutthroat trout. Yellowstone Lake did not stop functioning. It began functioning differently. More energy stayed deep. The ties between the lake and the surrounding land weakened. Bird populations declined, aquatic insect

Butte Overlook at Yellowstone Lake. PHOTO BY NEAL HERBERT VIA NPS communities shifted, and the physical disturbances created by spawning fish diminished. A system that once pulsed with brief, powerful bursts of activity became flatter, more constant and far less generous to the land around it. These underwater changes unfolded alongside other, more visible shifts on land. Grizzly bears, often treated as indicators of ecological change in Yellowstone, were facing several pressures at once. As cutthroat trout runs declined, whitebark pine, another high-energy food source, was also being lost across much of the region. Climate change was affecting the abundance of army cutworm moths in high-mountain areas. In an already stressed system, the loss of concentrated energy from cutthroat spawning runs added another serious strain. Yet this is not the Yellowstone story most people hear. Lake trout do their work out of sight, in deep water. Their influence is felt mostly as absence: fewer otters, fewer eagles, weaker flows of nutrients from lake to land. There is no single dramatic, pictureperfect moment when everything visibly changes.

This is where the familiar Yellowstone comeback story begins to break down. What we often celebrate as recovery may, in some cases, be a more limited adjustment: an ecosystem reshaping itself within tighter boundaries than before. Yellowstone has been changed again and again. Predators were removed. Grazing animals boomed. Beavers declined. Grizzlies were hunted. Lake trout invaded. Wolves were reintroduced. Food sources shifted with the climate. These changes did not arrive one at a time, and they did not end with any single management action. Research on Yellowstone Lake shows that the lake has been fundamentally reshaped by lake trout, a major transformation that rarely appears in the park’s popular narratives. That gap says more about us than it does about ecology. We are drawn to what we can see: the return of a large predator moving across an open landscape. We pay far less attention to what is missing, such as the quiet replacement of native cutthroat trout by a deep-dwelling fish, or the unseen unraveling of links among lakes, streams, forests and wildlife. Ecosystems are not built only around which species are present. They are built around connections. When those connections change, whether through the collapse of a fish population or the rerouting of energy into deeper water, the effects spread outward in ways that may take decades to notice. If we cling too tightly to simple comeback stories, we will keep overlooking the quieter truths beneath the surface, in Yellowstone and in many other places.

Spawning lake trout. PHOTO BY JAY FLEMMING VIA NPS

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 WWF, among other notable outlets, and are available on his website.

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All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you currently have a listing agreement or buyer broker agreement with another agent, this is not a solicitation to change. ©2026 Outlaw Realty www.outlaw.realty

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24 September 17 - September 30, 2026

ENVIRONMENT

Explore Big Sky

A GUITAR, A FOREST AND A CHANCE TO CHANGE HOW WE SEE OLD GROWTH Q&A WITH NOVELIST AND YAAK VALLEY CONSERVATIONIST, RICK BASS

The Yaak Valley in northwestern Montana is full of valuable old growth forest and the rallying point for conservationists. PHOTO BY RA BEATIE

BY MIRA BRODY In the northwest corner of Montana's Yaak Valley thrives an old-growth forest that has been identified as the most wildfire-resilient, stable ecosystem in the northern Rockies. When a 315-year-old Engelmann spruce blew down at the edge of that clearcut, Bozeman luthier Kevin Kopp turned its wood into a guitar. That instrument, and a second one built for actor Jeff Bridges as part of his sustainability-focused "All in This Together" project with Breedlove Guitars, has since become an emblem of a campaign to designate the region the nation's first Climate Refuge. The Black Ram Guitar Festival comes to Bozeman Oct. 2, at the Willson Auditorium with a lineup pairing tribal singing and poetry with performances by Jack Gladstone, Rob Quist, Corwin Clairmont, Ruth Moody and Montana State University climate scientist and violinist Pico Alt, all playing the Black Ram guitar itself. Fly-fishing artist Ben Miller will paint a live, fly-rod-cast portrait of the Yaak on the auditorium lawn, a piece that will go up for sale that night to benefit the cause, with more of his Yaak work and a related fashion collaboration on view around town at Beringia, Echo Arts and Plonk through the weekend. Ahead of the Black Ram Guitar Festival, longtime Yaak Valley advocate Rick Bass spoke with Explore Big Sky about the guitar's origin, what "refuge" means in a warming world, and why he believes protecting one Montana forest could become a model for the planet. Editor’s note: This article has been shortened for print. Read the full interview at explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky: What is the Black Ram guitar, and why did an instrument become the symbol for this whole movement? Rick Bass: The first Black Ram Guitar was made by Bozeman master luthier Kevin Kopp, from a

piece of 315-year old Engelmann spruce that blew over from a clearcut at the edge of its forest, an ancient inland rainforest in northwest Montana’s Yaak Valley. The forest was slated to be clearcut under the “Black Ram” logging project. We decided that while science would remain a necessary and vital part of defending the old forest, the cultural embrace of this forest—100% public land—by the nation’s artists could provide another and perhaps equally lasting form of protection, and help educate people about the incredible diversity and integrity and functions of old-growth forests. Jeff Bridges heard the story, and commissioned another Black Ram guitar—the one that will be played at this year’s Climate Aid event—to be built from the same wood, using all domestic and sustainably sourced materials as part of his and Breedlove Guitars’ “All in This Together” sustainability campaign. Jeff gave us the guitar to use as advocacy for protecting the guitar’s forest, and all old and mature forests globally. EBS: What makes the roughly 275,000 acres of the northwest corner of the Yaak Valley uniquely suited to be the nation's first Climate Refuge, rather than just another protected forest? R.B.: A recent analysis by independent scientists identified the Yaak River watershed as the most wildfire resilient in the northern Rockies; that it’s the most stable in the northern Rockies, and will remain cooler and wetter longer than any other ecosystem in the northern Rockies. It’s a baseline, an island to defend—a haven for existing endangered species, and a refuge for emigrating ones. And there is so much to learn from this intact forest. EBS: This event is happening in Bozeman, but the cause is about a valley most Montanans will never set foot in. For example, why should someone in Billings or Missoula or Havre care about what happens to the Yaak? R.B.: The first words by the great landscape painter Clyde Aspevig, upon visiting the old forest in the Black Ram region of the Yaak for the first time, along with painter Monte Dolack, were “Oh, this is where the prairie comes from.” He got it instantly:

that this unique ecosystem is central to the spokes of so many other vital connecting ecosystems— Glacier-two Medicine, Canada’s Purcell Range, the Cabinet Mountains and the Bitterroots, the Selkirks and Okanagan—it’s central. It's round, like a nest. And in absorbing so much of the Pacific Northwest maritime weather system’s moisture, it dries the sky out and allows the prairie, just to the east, to exist, and be the prairie we love. As Thoreau and others have said, it’s all connected. As Jeff Bridges says, We’re all in this together. And when this made-in-Montana solution to slowing the rate of climate change is achieved, it becomes an example, a portable model applicable at global scale: protect the old forests that store such vast amounts of carbon in the long-term above-ground safekeeping. (Even if those old forests burn, the carbon remains in them in the form of the enormous dead standing snags). EBS: The festival lineup mixes folk musicians, scientists, and Indigenous artists and speakers. What conversations or tensions come up when you put those voices on the same stage? R.B.: We don’t generally think of entertainers and performers as being necessarily humble. But giving them a cause to unite for—a more livable future—while also celebrating the respect they have for craft—for a thing well-made by a passionate artisan—allows them to unite with shared respect and community. No one loves a fine instrument more than a musician. It’s a joy to see them marvel at the guitar’s sound. And to see scientists—who feel the same way about their science as artists do about their art—commune and collaborate toward a shared common goal is a powerful thing. A reminder, again, of the Dude’s koan: for better or worse, we are all in this together, and it can be better. It’s a message that resonates with particular power in Montana. EBS: Why is it important to listen to all of them? R.B.: We hear a lot of talk about community but I think there’s a default setting where we subconsciously think of community as consisting

ENVIRONMENT

25 September 17 - September 30, 2026

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of people like us. We don’t mean to think that way, it can just be a tendency. What I see in the old forest in the Black Ram country are species that are not supposed to be found living next to one another not only co-existing, but prospering: oldgrowth cedar next to old-growth pine and larch, standing shoulder to shoulder, sometimes no more than two fists’ width apart. It defies the teachings of contemporary forestry. The per-acre basal area in the Black Ram region, and the unique species relationships in the old forests there, can teach us new truths, or remind us of old ones: cooperation is a form of fitness. Similarly, the more diverse the elements there are in a population or community, or ecosystem, the healthier and stronger that system is, more stable to the rising perturbations of a tilting world. We know almost nothing about the mysteries of ancient forests, particularly ancient inland rainforests like those remaining in the Yaak. How have they evolved to avoid or deflect fire, or survive it when it comes? What are the mycorrhizal relationships in these rare forests? Art brings a different way of seeing, a different way of knowing, and helps ask questions we might not have thought to ask otherwise. Most importantly, art spurs the human being to feel, and feel deeply. In an era in which we are besieged, exhausted, overstimulated, benumbed, this may be one of the most revolutionary acts that can be undertaken— encouraging people to feel deeply again.

Rick Bass in the Yaak with Black Ram guitar. PHOTO BY RA BEATTIE

EBS: What does long-term success actually look like for the Climate Refuge designation, and how attainable is it? R.B.: Long-term success—though we do not really have the luxury of waiting long-term, for Black Ram—I would suggest short-term--

looks like a pilot project implemented as soon as possible that quantifies carbon storage in this ancient inland rainforest ecosystem, with a tribal nonprofit managing ancestral lands, and a greater commitment by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to recovering the endangered species in this forest: not just the most imperiled population of grizzly bears in North America, but the many other species that call the Kootenai National Forest home. (Fully 25% of Montana’s entire list of sensitive species are found on this one forest alone). Mid-term looks like a Curtain of Green along the northern tier of the United States, where boreal and sub-boreal forests store such immense amounts of carbon in cold climates—a living, breathing semi-

permeable curtain. Long-term would be a global adoption of protecting all old and mature forests. There’s no sane reason in the world not to. It’s very attainable: all we need to do is ask. It’s too good of an idea to be kept down. It’s like a seed, that way. EBS: For someone who buys a ticket to Black Ram in October, what's the one thing you want them to walk away thinking about, beyond having heard good music? R.B.: The power of story, and to know that the chronic climate grief we carry can be converted to climate joy. There are steps we can take as a species, and they begin in our beloved Montana. They begin with a story.

BROKER/OWNER Becky H Pape 406.580.5243 www.triplecreek.com

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TBD FIRST LEFT DRIVE - MID MOUNTAIN, BIG SKY - Stunning 11.29+/- acres, just minutes from the base of the resort - Secluded acreage with a creek and Lone Mountain views - Sale includes full architectural plans for an impressive mountain modern home $2,499,000 | MLS 403144

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26 September 17 - September 30, 2026

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EVERY DROP COUNTS: WHY TURF CONVERSION MATTERS BY JESSICA OLSON EBS GUEST COLUMNIST

Traditional lawns consist of turf, a non-native species of grass that demands a lot of water to thrive. Throughout the ebb and flow of drought and being more in tune with practicing water conservation, we have come to understand that there are more water-wise, firesafe, ecosystem resilient and aesthetically pleasing ways to steward your landscape than traditional water-dependent designs.These new approaches take into account our sensitive water supply and alpine ecosystem, while still leaving you with an outdoor space that suits your needs. Ready to trade in your mower? Through a program that prioritizes functional, eco-friendly, waterwise and fire-wise lawns, the Gallatin River Task Force is poised to help you with your very own landscape transformation. Using a streamlined process to introduce turf conversion to your own outdoor spaces, you can alleviate pressures on water resources, and set your landscape on the right path to resilience. Converting your lawn through turf removal is a great first step, and the process is far less complicated and daunting than it may sound. A growing number of Montanans are choosing to convert their lawns from turf to a landscape that is better suited for our region, and in this article, we will explore what that is, and why it matters. Big Sky is unique. We are lucky to live somewhere surrounded by natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities: world class fishing in the Gallatin, hundreds of miles of trails on surrounding public lands that bring great vistas and wildlife, skiing of all forms, moments of adventure equally matched by moments of solitude. Visitors travel thousands of miles to experience what is right out our back door. And while that statement is a figure of speech, our back yards do matter. We are a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a wilderness that remains one of the largest intact temperate

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GALLATIN RIVER TASK FORCE

ecosystems on earth. Our landscapes are a part of that and so are we. Being mindful about that is both a responsibility and a privilege. Did you know that Big Sky has a greater risk of wildfire than 96% of communities in the country? Did you know that our water supply is almost entirely dependent on snowpack, and that last year saw some of the lowest snow levels on record? Did you know that invasive species can thrive in our climate conditions, making it increasingly difficult for wildlife to find food? Luckily, all of these alarming facts are easily affected through our landscaping practices and the choices we make to create condition-appropriate environments around our homes. The Gallatin River Task Force and Alpenscapes are dedicated community partners, having collaborated on resources and services that can help you be fire-safe, water-wise and ecosystem-friendly all at once. By building our landscapes to work with our ecosystem—and not against it—we can create positive changes in real time for our community and the natural environment around it.

Studies have found that up to 80% of homes lost to wildfires could have been saved with a few simple changes in their landscapes, including keeping firewood at least 30 feet from any structures and regularly cleaning gutters. Another easy move like switching from traditional turf grass to a native species garden can cut water use by up to 53 gallons a square foot annually, and planting native plant varieties can increase pollinator diversity. All small actions that can make a big difference. Many lawns here in Big Sky are composed of turf grass, a species that does little for our pollinators, often uses fertilizers that are bad for the river and doesn’t support strong soils. To help kick turf grass to the curb and bring more native, water-wise and fire safe practices to our community, the Gallatin River Task Force is offering a turf conversion program to aid in your landscaping journey. Landowners interested in the conversion to native landscapes are often concerned about where to start. The assumption is that once turf grass has been established, it’s a lengthy and expensive process to remove it. The turf conversion program takes care of the details, from removing established grass to cultivating a healthy canvas for new soils and native plants to take root. One process is called sheet mulching, an environmentally friendly process through which an existing lawn is composted rather than removed, and disposed of, by incorporating layers of organic compost on top of existing grass, suppressing weeds and enriching soil to prepare for spring planting. Every landscape and every owner has different needs, and individual styles. The first step is creating a new foundation for your choices of native grasses, colorful pollinators, low maintenance plants or budget-friendly flower beds. Committing to the conversion process allows us to help you take it from there to achieve your perfect, water-wise, firesafe and ecosystem-friendly landscape. The Gallatin River Task Force and our partners at Alpenscapes invite you to be part of the solution to keep our water flowing strong, natural areas thriving and our community safe. We’ll prep your landscape, you do the planting. Together, we’ll make Big Sky better one landscape at a time. Learn more and apply here.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GALLATIN RIVER TASK FORCE

Jessica Olson is the Conservation Manager for the Gallatin River Task Force.

28 September 17 - September 30, 2026

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WILDFIRE WIRE: BEGRUDGINGLY DOING THE FALL CHORES BY MEL CRICHTON EBS COLUMNIST

It’s late summer, and the evergreens are showing some yellow. That’s normal for this time of year, as older needles nearer to the tree trunk die to allow more nutrients to the newer needles at the branch ends. As the old needles fall off, sometimes in large quantities in our summer winds and storms, they collect in the same places that airborne embers would collect when there’s an active wildfire nearby. Shocking news— they have an affinity for your roof ’s gutters. Fortunately our recent rains have radically dropped the potential fuel Energy Release Component to lower than average for early September. But we still face another month of traditional wildfire season, and a dry spell could bring the ERC back up to dangerous high levels, as it was in mid-August. So we need to be aware of the needles in our gutters, and if we see a spate of Red Flag days, we would be wise to schedule our fall gutter cleaning a few weeks sooner. Here in wildfire country, we should clean our gutters at least twice a year. Cleaning in the fall will minimize ice dams in the winter and prepare homes for heavy runoff from spring rains. But we

need to clean again at the start of fire season— usually June—to remove potential fuels like fallen needles that can ignite and spread to the underside of our roofing. Some folks have no gutters, an approach that’s looking more attractive to an old guy who doesn’t like ladders, but gutters do help divert roof runoff away from places you don’t want a deluge,like above decks and doorways, and in puddles that can seep into basements. Gutter cleaning is a task I try to avoid. I fashioned an extension for my leaf blower that is heavy, cumbersome and no fun to use. It has a hooked “nozzle” that can blow needles out of the gutter and shower them onto me. It’s a mess, but it works, somewhat. Some needles can blow back onto the roof. But it’s better than risking my neck 12 feet up on a ladder. A few commercial leaf guards for gutters claim to be effective for pine needles. Costs range from $2 -4 dollars a foot, uninstalled. But installation requires more ladder work, and it won’t be cheap to hire it out,because this time somebody else is risking their neck. Plus, the jury is still out as to how effective they are in the long run. It’s up to you to weigh the risks and costs of gutter cleaning and leaf guards, but maintaining your gutters is important to a fire resilient home. There’s one other firewise fall activity. If you are fire

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO aware, you’ve moved your firewood stack at least 30 feet away from structures during fire season. Good for you! In late October, it will likely be safe to bring some of that wood closer to the house for winter access. But be sure to move it back out to a safe distance come June. If you have gutters and wood piles, consider their maintenance a small price for living here. It can be a nuisance, but foregoing cleaning and proper storage can lead to trouble if an ember fire starts in them. Part of being firewise is preventing spot fires long before they begin , especially within the first 5 feet from a structure. That’s the zone where your gutters are, and, sadly too often, risky wood piles. Mel Crichton acts as neighborhood ambassador coordinator for Fire Adapted Big Sky. He may be reached at kj9c@comcast.net.

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30 September 17 - September 30, 2026

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MAKING ROOM THROUGH MUSIC

BIG SKY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP WORSHIP TEAM RECORDS ORIGINAL MUSIC, STREAMING FOR ITS CONGREGATION AND BEYOND BY LESLIE KILGORE For more than a decade, the music of Big Sky Christian Fellowship has been heard primarily on Sunday mornings, when the voices of the congregation join the musicians leading worship at Big Sky Chapel. Now, five original songs written for that congregation are available beyond those walls, thanks to a yearlong volunteer effort by three members of the worship team. The project began when pastor Brian VanEps approached Mark Goode about recording the worship team. The original plan was to make a live recording, but the acoustics in the chapel made that difficult. Instead, Goode used equipment at his home and in the chapel to record the songs as studio tracks. His background made him a natural fit for the job. Goode, who has lived in Big Sky for 24 years, has a bachelor’s degree in music engineering from the University of Miami and spent 10 years in the music industry. “I have adequate equipment for it,” he said. “I don’t have a lot. I can’t do a concert, for example, but we had enough to track it, some ingenuity, collaboration, and we got through.” The idea gained momentum after members of the congregation began asking whether they could listen to the worship team’s original music online. One of those songs, “Come and See” grew out of conversations with the worship team about what the church needed at the time. Goode, Stephanie Kissell, Sarah Mitchell and the church pastor Brian VanEps came up with a plan. “We were posed with the question, what are you feeling that the church needs right now?” Kissell said. “The group talked about the lives of people in the congregation and the temperature of where people were at, just in their own lives,” Mitchell said. “We eventually developed the song as an invitation for people to come and see what we’re about, come and see what our worship is about.” The song was played frequently at church, and eventually congregation members wanted a way to hear it when they weren’t at the Big Sky Chapel.

That request became the seed for the larger project. The worship team had room in its budget to pursue recording, but the members soon discovered that getting music onto streaming platforms involved considerably more than simply making a recording. “We didn’t realize how long it would take, and we didn’t realize the path of music, publishing and copyright, and then, even album artwork,” Kissell said. “It’s rather a daunting process. There’s a lot of things we didn’t know until we got started on the project.” They also discovered how many skills already existed within their church community. Goode handled the recording, while Amy Galloway, an artist in the congregation, created the artwork. Several other musicians in the congregation also contributed their time and talents, turning the project into a community effort rather than a church-funded production. “I don’t think we actually spent any of our church’s budget on this, because everything else was just our local church community coming together and sharing the gifts they have to produce the music,” Kissell said. The team originally hoped to have the recordings finished by Christmas. Instead, the process stretched nearly a year as they navigated recording, publishing, copyright and the demands of everyday life. All three members have families and other responsibilities, while continuing to prepare for worship every Sunday. Still, the extra work brought its own reward. “I think simply the collaboration was really fun,” Kissell said. “And it was really meaningful for us to have something like that to work on that was somewhat separate from what we do every Sunday.” Kissell has been part of Big Sky Christian Fellowship since 2005, while Mitchell has been part of the church for 11 years. The two have also grown as musicians within the community. Mitchell grew up in a musical family, has a bachelor of arts degree and a master’s in music, and previously taught music to Big Sky community members. Kissell’s path was less formal. Although she also grew up in a musical family, she had only about three months of piano lessons before learning some guitar and eventually becoming part of the church’s worship team. “When I went away to college, my dad loaned me his 12-string guitar because I thought maybe I wanted to learn how to play it,” Kissell said. After moving to Big Sky, her husband signed her up to help lead worship at Big Sky Christian Fellowship.

Jeff Goode, Sarah Mitchell and Stephanie Kissell during recording sessions in Big Sky over the past year. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“He told the church I play guitar and sing, but at that time I knew three chords, literally.”

Sarah Mitchell plays piano for the music recordings. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP That was around 2006, when the worship team began taking shape. More than a decade later, the three musicians practice about two hours a week and play together every Sunday, all as volunteers. For Kissell, one of the greatest rewards is hearing the congregation respond. “I think that our congregation sings really well. And I think that’s my favorite thing–hearing everybody sing together,” she said. “Whether it’s a song that we’ve written or just a song that we’re leading. It brings a lot of joy to me.” Mitchell sees shared singing as something fundamental to human connection. “There is something that is very special about our congregation, and also special about communities around the world. Singing together is very unifying,” she said. “And it’s something that humans have done together for thousands of years. It’s a part of our makeup.” The five songs can be found by searching for “BSCF Worship” on Spotify, YouTube and other streaming platforms. The recordings are currently available as individual releases, though they share Galloway’s artwork and appear together under the BSCF Worship name. The team’s goal was never to build an audience or track downloads. It was simply to make the music available to the people who had asked for it, including seasonal members who could take the songs back to their home communities. The group continues to write songs and music, and now that it has learned the process, more recordings may follow. Ultimately, however, the musicians say the songs are less about the recordings themselves than what they might make possible. Mitchell points to a story from the Gospels about four friends who could not get their paralyzed friend through the crowd to Jesus, so they climbed onto a roof, made an opening and lowered him down. “That’s kind of how we view ourselves-as the four friends,” Mitchell said. “Like, we’re just trying to dig a hole in the roof and make room for people to encounter our church through music, and to make space for them with the gifts that we have.”

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31 September 17 - September 30, 2026

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COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR Read the full events calendar, or submit your own community event by scanning the QR code.

CARS AND COFFEE SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 RIVERHOUSE BBQ & EVENTS, 9 A.M. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the southwest Montana car community will meet at Riverhouse BBQ & Events for coffee and conversation. All are welcome to display their cars or attend. The event is hosted by Ressler Motors and any drivers who want to cruise through the canyon together will meet at Ressler Chevrolet in Bozeman before 8:30 a.m. for a group drive that starts at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Spectator parking is available across the street from the Riverhouse. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

Do You or Someone You Know Need Help Getting Sober? Can’t stop drinking? We get it. Contact Alcoholics Anonymous today! Call 1-833-800-8553 to talk to an AA member or go to a meeting in-person or online. For a full list of meetings visit the website, aa-montana.org, or download the MEETING GUIDE® APP

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WARREN MILLER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ANNOUNCES FALL SEASON LINEUP SLATE OF ACTS INCLUDE COMMUNITY PECHAKUCHA, MONTANA BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ EBS STAFF The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center has announced its fall 2026 season, an eight-show lineup that organizers say now rivals the venue's winter programming in scope. The season is aimed at entertaining Big Sky's year-round community during the quieter off-season months. "WMPAC really is geared toward bringing arts experience to our year-round local community, and that's never more true than in our growing fall season," said executive director John Zirkle. This year's lineup includes: Philip Daniel, Sept. 16—pianist blending classical piano with ambient electronics and visuals, presented in conjunction with the Lone Peak Film Festival

Got Talent" and "Britain's Got Talent"

PechaKucha, Sept. 27—a structured storytelling night featuring local and national presenters delivering rapid-fire, image-driven talks

Luca Stricagnoli, Nov. 15—solo acoustic guitar performance from the International Guitar Night returning favorite

Jeki Yoo with Ellie K. Park, Oct. 18—familyfriendly magic and sleight of hand from a performer known for appearances on "America's

“Her Gift, Her Creation,” Dec. 5—annual exhibition showcasing local female artists across genres

Jeki Yoo will perform at WMPAC's fall 2026 lineup. PHOTO COURTESY OF WMPAC Lone Peak High School musical, Dec. 10-11— Big Sky high school students present "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" Montana Ballet's "The Nutcracker,” Dec. 13— two matinee performances Tickets and additional details are available at warrenmillerpac.org.

New Construction Big Sky Homes for Sale!

N E W C O N S T R U C T I O N AT G A L L AT I N F O O T H I L L S 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.

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L A Z Y J WA R E H O U S E S RARE OPPORTUNITY IN B I G S K Y, M O N TA N A Introducing the latest phase of the Lazy J warehouses— designed to meet all your personal or business storage needs with upgrades inspired by previous owner feedback. Built to withstand Montana’s rugged elements, these units are perfect for protecting your tools, equipment, or recreational gear. Choose from three layouts ranging from 1,116 to 2,800sqft, each featuring heat, utility sinks with hot and cold water, a 14’ roll-up door, and shared bathroom access. The smaller units are plumbed for a bathroom, with the larger units featuring a full bathroom, a mezzanine space, and a seperate entrance with private parking. A premium steel package makes each space mezzanineready, maximizing storage while maintaining 13’9” ceiling height on the main level. Conveniently located off Highway 191, these warehouses are ideal for contractors, businesses, or anyone needing extra space for RVs, ATVs, and more. Over half of the units are already sold—don’t miss out!

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35 September 17 - September 30, 2026

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Explore Big Sky

A LA CARTE: IN SEARCH OF A MAPLE CREEMEE BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST

“Do you know where to find the new maple creemee place?” my cousin’s fiancée, Jacqui, asked a couple weeks ago. Not only did I not know, but I was a bit confused. Maple creemee? What the hell is a maple creemee? I demanded that Jacqui explain herself. A maple creemee is essentially soft serve ice cream flavored and sweetened with maple syrup, Jacqui told me. Maple creemees are now found in stands and shops throughout New England, though credit naturally goes to Vermont, where maple syrup may as well be in the water. “There’s nothing quite like a Vermont maple creemee,” I read on the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association website. The group has even created a “Vermont Maple Creemee Trail” with 14 stops around the state. “Cool, creamy, and flavored with real Vermont maple syrup, it’s one of the sweetest ways to experience summer in the Green Mountains.” But we’re currently in the Rockies, and I have never seen, nor tasted a maple creemee in this neck of the woods. I forgot about creemee conversation until the next week, when I turned into the Town Pump on East Main Street to fill up my gas tank and spotted a small sign stuck into the ground with the words “soft serve ice cream” and a big arrow pointing down the street. Was this it? Did I somehow stumble on the sole stop on Montana’s maple creemee trail? I literally followed the signs to Mad Dawg Maple Co., a little trailer parked outside Roly-Poly Coffee Co. at 528 N. Broadway Ave. The creemees had officially been located. Mattie “Mad Dawg” Mazur and partner Jake Lupien opened Mad Dawg Maple this year, combining their Montana and Vermont roots with a product that blends Montana-made Wilcoxson’s soft serve ice cream with maple syrup from Riverbend Farm in Fairfax, Vermont, an organic farm owned by Jake’s uncle.

Mad Dawg Maple Co., a small trailer parked outside Roly-Poly Coffee Co. at 528 N. Broadway Ave., serves up Big Sky's answer to Vermont's maple creemee trail. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT “We did it kind of on a whim,” Mattie said. But business has been booming. The Montana maple creemees are a hit. Though they plan to close the trailer at the end of September, Lupien and Mazur will use the break to plan for Mad Dawg Maple’s future. A brick and mortar location is under consideration for next year’s warm season. Creemees are pretty much the only thing on the menu at Mad Dawg Maple Co. though the signage caters to people like me, who had never heard the term, and prominently uses “soft serve.” The options are maple, chocolate or twist. The lil’ dog size starts at $5.50 in a cup or a cake cone with upcharges for other cones (waffle and gluten free) and sprinkles (maple, chocolate or rainbow). To maintain the purity of this new taste experience I decided to keep it simple with a cup of the maple soft serve topped with maple sprinkles—Nerd-sized pebbles of maple syrup that is boiled until it crystallizes. With the first bite, I began to understand why maple creemees are craveable. The maple flavor is subtle but rich, a nice change of pace from a classic vanilla. It is, as the name suggests, both mapleforward and creamy. It is cold, sweet perfection. I went back the next day with a friend and tried the twist—a swirl of maple-infused vanilla and chocolate. It was slightly disappointing, with the chocolate overpowering the maple and the maple cutting the chocolate flavor. I would choose maple or chocolate in the future. Next, I decided to consult an expert, telling Jacqui that I had found the maple creemee place and asking her to join me late one afternoon. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day,” Jacqui said when we sat down at a picnic table that Mad Dawg Maple shares with Roly-Poly.

Mattie "Mad Dawg" Mazur and partner Jake Lupien opened Mad Dawg Maple this year, blending Montanamade Wilcoxson's soft serve with maple syrup from Jake's family farm in Fairfax, Vermont. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

To be clear, Jacqui is far more than my cousin’s fiancée: she’s a bad ass athlete and aspiring doctor, who also happens to be from the east coast, Pennsylvania specifically. She described how maple creemees were a staple of the New England summer vacations of her youth, and of her undergraduate college years in Maine. “I’m not from Vermont, so I won’t call myself a true expert, but I’ve had a few maple creemees before,”

A cup of maple soft serve topped with maple sprinkles with crystallized pebbles of boiled maple syrup. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT Jacqui said, clearly understating her experience. “This is kind of the essence of it.” In her estimation, a creemee place should be small, a mom-and-pop operation at its core. And the creemee should be fatty ice cream. Later, I stumbled on some internet debate about how Vermont’s creemees, maple or not, differ from soft serve. It’s the fat content. True creemees are more akin to ice cream, with about 10% milk and butter fat. Soft serve usually has between 3 and 6%. Wilcoxson’s soft serve, I learned from the nice woman named Teresa who answered the phone at their Livingston facility, has between 4 and 5%. When I stopped by for my fourth taste test—this time with my mom in tow—I asked Jake about the creaminess of the creemees. No, Mad Dawg Maple’s creemee isn’t as rich as one you would find in Vermont. But it is still by all accounts delicious, while incorporating local ingredients. “And my stomach feels better after,” he said. 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.

Explore Big Sky

37 September 17 - September 30, 2026

BUSINESS

BIG SKY’S FIRST CAR WASH BY ANNIE O’NEILL First Tracks Tires, the four-year-old automotive shop known for keeping Big Sky's fleet of trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles road-ready, has added a new service to its lineup: a water-recycling hand car wash, the first of its kind in Big Sky. Co-owner and lead technician Tanner Dunlap and co-owner, Chris Phillips, said the business officially opened the wash to the public Aug. 3 and is now marking its first month of operation. First Tracks Tire is located at 167-G Iron Loop Road in Big Sky. A closed-loop system At the center of the new service is a water-recycling unit built by ParrWash, a Tennessee-based company that manufactures oil-and-water separators. The system captures wash water, recycles roughly 70% of it and routes the remainder to disposal tanks. The wastewater is later collected and processed off-site, Dunlap said. Dunlap, who recreates on the nearby Gallatin River, said water conservation was both a personal and business priority. The shop spent nearly a year researching wash systems before settling on the ParrWash unit, which it installed July 15. "I know that the runoff water from town is affecting the river. I can see when it gets more algae," Dunlap said. "The last thing I want is to contribute to the pollution problem in the state." Rather than build an automated tunnel, First Tracks Tires opted for hand-washing, a decision Dunlap attributed to both cost and the number of high-end vehicles in Big Sky. "Luxury vehicles always prefer a hand wash," he said. "It's better for the paint, ceramic coat. Going through a machine can often cause swirl marks or damage."

The shop currently offers exterior washes for vehicles ranging from full-size vans to compact sports cars for $45. Eventually, Dunlap said, the business hopes to offer both a hand-wash option for delicate or high-value vehicles and a faster, tunnel-style wash for other customers. The wash can also accommodate boats, he said. Filling a gap in the market "We're trying to fit the bill for people who just want their car refreshed," Dunlap said. "As opposed to spending $400 or $500 for a full detail." Dunlap traces the idea for First Tracks Tires to his time working in property management at Alpine Property Management. There he met his future business partners, Chris and Austin, who were both also working at Bozeman car dealerships at the time. The three regularly dealt with the inconvenience of driving clients' vehicles down the canyon for seasonal tire swaps, something all Big Sky residents previously had to do for both tire and car wash options. "It's a waste of time to have to drive the canyon," Dunlap said. "It's a very dangerous road, especially if you don't have snow tires."

Co-owners Tanner Dunlap and Chris Phillips at First Tracks Tires. PHOTO BY ANNIE O'NEILL

First Tracks Tires opened in 2022. The business has since expanded to service vehicles for several of the area's large property management operations, including those associated with Yellowstone Club, Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, Moonlight Basin and Two Pines Property Management.

Discounts for teachers and first responders

Dunlap said it is in talks with a local vehicle storage and valet company to offer bundled pickup, maintenance, washing and airport drop-off services for part-time residents. "If you think anything car, give us a call," Dunlap said. "It's problem solving to make sure your time is maximized in Big Sky."

First Tracks Tires offers a 10% discount to ski patrollers, teachers and first responders, a service inspired by Dunlap’s time working as a Big Sky Resort ski patroller–he’s on his eighth season as a part-time patroller. The shop has partnered with the local school's teacher fund for the past three years, allowing them to cover one annual service per teacher of any service he offers. Dunlap said much of the shop's hiring philosophy centers on giving young, underexperienced workers, several of them in their late teens and early 20s, a stable, full-time job and a path into skilled trade work. "I myself was a wandering, lost 18-year-old kid at one point when I first moved here," Dunlap said. He said he intentionally provides employees with independent housing separate from the shop rather than tying housing to employment. "I don't want people to work here just because they're housed here," he said. "I want people to work here because they want to be here." The shop's client base expanded further this year when organizers of the FAT International Ice Race in Big Sky asked First Tracks Tires to receive a shipment of high-end vehicles after delivery trucks became stuck attempting to climb Lone Mountain Trail in snowy conditions. They ended up hosting vehicles from manufacturers including Ferrari, Singer, RUF and Ford, some reportedly valued well into six figures.

FAT International Ice Race cars parked at First Tracks Tires. Photo courtesy of First Tracks. PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRST TRACKS TIRES

First Tracks Tires plans to continue expanding its wash operation, Dunlap said, including a possible second recycling unit and additional automation, while maintaining its focus on tire, oil and general vehicle maintenance services.

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.

P R I O R I T I Z E W I L D L I F E C R O S S I N G S O LU T I O N S . S U P P O R T A N D D O N AT E TO DAY.

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39 September 17 - September 30, 2026

BUSINESS

Explore Big Sky

THE BIG SKY WAY: CATCHING UP BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST

It’s been a while since I’ve written The Big Sky Way, so we have some catching up to do. As it turns out, so does Big Sky. When I last signed off, I said I’d be back when there was something important to share. There is. Big Sky is different from many of the Rocky Mountain resort communities we often compare ourselves to. Many grew from established mining or ranching towns, with roads, utilities and other basic infrastructure already in place before the first ski lift started turning. Here, the resort came first. Much of what we now know as the Meadow had been ranchland—home to cattle, sheep and hay fields. When Big Sky began taking shape more than 50 years ago, there wasn’t an established town or generations of infrastructure to build upon. In many ways, we’ve been building the community and the infrastructure beneath it at the same time. And while we’ve made significant investments along the way, our infrastructure hasn’t always kept pace with Big Sky’s growth. Between 2010 and 2020, Big Sky’s year-round population grew 54%. Today, nearly 3,800 people call Big Sky home, but on a peak day, our community can swell to 15,000. The systems we rely on—roads, water and wastewater, emergency services and more—have to work for the Big Sky that shows up on our busiest days. While Big Sky has grown, so has its importance to the region and state. Our economic footprint has reached $2.2 billion, equivalent to 4.3% of Montana’s GDP, and economic activity here touches one in three jobs across Gallatin and Madison counties. Consider this: Big Sky has less than 1.5% of the combined population of Billings, Bozeman and Missoula, yet its taxable value is roughly equivalent to all three cities combined. The challenge is that the infrastructure supporting all of that activity hasn’t grown at the same pace. We see it on our roads. Traffic on Montana Highway 64 nearly doubled between 2011 and 2022, while traffic on U.S. Highway 191 more than doubled. Those roads carry employees to work, kids to school, goods to businesses and emergency responders to calls. Nearly everyone entering Big Sky travels through the same constrained transportation network. We see it in our water and wastewater systems. Big Sky is Montana’s largest zero-discharge community, meaning treated wastewater isn’t released directly into the Gallatin River. Instead, we store and beneficially reuse it for irrigation and snowmaking. That approach helps protect water quality and reduces demand on potable water— but also requires enough treatment, storage and reuse capacity to manage every gallon. Without additional capacity, our existing wastewater reuse system is projected to reach its limit before 2031. We see it in emergency response. Big Sky Fire Department has already surpassed the call volume once projected for 2040. At the same time, Big Sky faces very high wildfire risk—higher than 96% of communities nationwide. Preparing for wildfire means investing not only in prevention

Heading up Montana Highway 64 toward Lone Mountain. PHOTO COURTESY OF BSRAD and mitigation, but in the infrastructure needed to respond when it matters. These challenges don’t exist independently. Housing affects transportation. Transportation affects emergency response. Water infrastructure affects wildfire protection. Wastewater capacity affects housing, businesses and the health of our river. Infrastructure is the system beneath the system. This isn’t a new conversation. In a 2023 The Big Sky Way, “A Solid Base,” I wrote about the Big Sky Community Capital Improvement Plan, which identified $777 million in needs and provided a foundation for prioritizing projects and evaluating how to fund them. Three years later, that planning matters more than ever. Big Sky has long used a range of tools to invest in the services and infrastructure our community needs. Resort Tax, special-purpose districts, mill levies, grants, philanthropy, private investment and ratepayer funding have all played important roles. That approach reflects something distinctive about Big Sky. As an unincorporated community spanning two counties, infrastructure and services are provided through multiple public entities and partnerships, each bringing different responsibilities, resources and funding tools to the table. By working together—and leveraging public dollars alongside private and philanthropic investment—Big Sky has been able to accomplish more than any one organization or funding source could on its own. But as Big Sky has grown, so has the scale and

complexity of the infrastructure we need. The projects ahead increasingly cross boundaries, serve multiple purposes and require levels of investment that can be difficult for any one entity or funding source to take on alone. The challenge isn’t that the tools we’ve used haven’t worked. It’s that the needs have outgrown what those tools can reasonably accomplish on their own. This isn’t simply about accommodating more growth. It’s about catching up with the growth that has already happened. It’s about protecting the Gallatin River, making our roads safer, preparing for wildfire, supporting the people who work here and ensuring the infrastructure behind one of Montana’s most significant economic centers is reliable and resilient. For more than 50 years, Big Sky has found ways to meet the challenges in front of us. Now, we need to make sure the infrastructure beneath our community can support the Big Sky we have become. So yes, we had some catching up to do. Big Sky does, too. That’s where we’ll pick up in the next The Big Sky Way. Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District. As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding, including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.

BUSINESS

40 September 17 - September 30, 2026

Explore Big Sky

ENJOYING THE RIDE: AVOID THESE FIVE RETIREMENT MISTAKES BY BRANT WIEHARDT EBS CONTRIBUTOR

Sponsored content Making retirement planning errors at any time, but especially when there’s economic uncertainty and market volatility, can create difficulties in achieving your long-term goals. Here are five common, and potentially costly, mistakes you’ll want to avoid. 1. Getting out of the market after a downturn When the market takes a big hit, you may be tempted to sell investments in your retirement portfolio and hold the proceeds in cash. If you do, you may miss the gains if the market suddenly turns around. Consider taking a long-term approach by keeping a strategic mix of asset classes in your portfolio: stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives. The combination that’s right for you will depend on a variety of factors, including how comfortable you are with market volatility (risk tolerance), what you’re investing for (objectives), and how long before you’ll need to tap into your accounts (time horizon). And think about periodically rebalancing by checking your accounts to see if market activity has shifted your investments away from your desired asset allocation. If it has, you may want to buy and sell investments to bring your accounts back into alignment.

Retirement planning is an important part of life and determines much of your quality of life in later years. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE

2. Not taking full advantage of retirement accounts Consider contributing up to the maximum allowable amount into your qualified employersponsored retirement plan (QRP), such as a 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b) plan. This can help fund your retirement as well as reduce your taxable income. If you are unable to contribute the maximum amount and your employer offers a matching contribution, try to contribute at least as much as the match — otherwise, you are leaving free money on the table. 3. Buying too much of your company’s stock If your employer’s stock is an investment choice in your QRP, give careful consideration to what would be an appropriate amount to own. Company stock can be a good investment when your company does well, but at the same time your salary is already tied to your company’s fortunes. Therefore, it is important to be comfortable with the portion of your retirement savings that will be similarly tied to the success of your company.

contributions. And keep in mind that the loan, including interest, is paid back with after-tax funds. As a result, these funds are ultimately taxed twice, as these after-tax funds you repay the loan with will be taxed again when you take a distribution from your QRP in the future. •

Repayment requirements: If you leave your employer, the plan may give a short period of time (e.g., 30 or 60 days) to repay that outstanding balance. However, if not repaid, the outstanding loan balance is generally subject to income tax and possibly a 10% additional tax by the IRS on distributions taken before age 59½.

In addition, cashing out of your QRP when you move to a new employer might be costly. Know your distribution options when changing jobs. 5. Underestimating the cost and length of retirement Some crucial factors to take into account: •

Many QRPs offer loans to participants. Unless you need the money for an emergency, consider alternatives before selecting this option. Borrowing can be an expensive choice in two ways:

Longevity: If you retire around age 65, you could spend 25 years (or longer) in retirement. As a result, you may need to save enough to last that long, or longer.

•

Health care: Even with Medicare, you could have expenses for supplemental insurance, some prescription drugs, and nursing home care.

•

Lifestyle sticker shock: Retirees may need approximately 80% of their preretirement income each year.

4. Borrowing from your retirement plan

Smaller retirement savings: When you take out a loan, you are losing the benefits of potential investment growth on the money you have taken out of the plan, and that could leave you with a smaller retirement savings. Also, if you stop contributing while you are paying back your loan, it may affect employer matching

A financial advisor can help educate you regarding your options so you can decide which ones make the most sense for your specific situation.

Brant Wiehardt is a Partner and Financial Advisor at Shore to Summit Wealth Management. He currently works and lives in Bozeman, MT with his wife and children. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principle. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. The accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Since each investor’s situation is unique you need to review your specific investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs with your financial professional(s) before an appropriate investment strategy can be selected. Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed. This advertisement was written by Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and provided to you by Brant Wiehardt, Partner, Financial Advisor. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Shore To Summit Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. ©2020 – 2026 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

BUSINESS

41 September 17 - September 30, 2026

Explore Big Sky

MAKING IT IN BIG SKY:

GREG DARDEN OF SILVERTIP ADVENTURE COMPANY

Greg Darden and his family. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG DARDEN

BY LESLIE KILGORE After 15 years of guiding throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Greg Darden launched Silvertip Adventure Company in 2024, offering private, customized experiences in Yellowstone National Park. The company combines touring, hiking and fly fishing with plans to add a recreational concierge component for visitors to the region. In this installment of Making It in Big Sky, Darden talks about coming to Big Sky in 2006, building a business around outdoor experiences and his plans to expand Silvertip’s community and environmental education efforts. 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: When did you first move to Big Sky and what initially brought you here? Greg Darden: After months of discussion, my wife, Susan, and I made the decision to move to Big Sky in December of 2006. We were in the process of moving back from Europe and decided on Big Sky for its relative early development stage and alpinelike ski terrain. EBS: When did you start your new business and what prompted you to do so?

GD: I officially launched Silvertip Adventure Company in late summer of 2024 after 15 years of guiding in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. With the rapid growth of Big Sky’s seasonal visitation in recent years, I noticed a greater demand for additional bespoke outdoor activity offerings. EBS: Can you give us a brief overview of some of the services you offer? GD: Silvertip is currently offering private, customized experiences in Yellowstone National Park that include touring, hiking and/or fly fishing in Yellowstone’s incredible and unique setting. Additionally, we will be incorporating a recreational concierge component to assist with activity planning for visitors. EBS: Do you see growth for your business in the future? GD: With the anticipation of multiple hotels planned for the near future, I do see the potential for additional growth in this area. EBS: Can you tell us about your engagement with the local Big Sky community? GD: After discussions this past summer with both the Big Sky Community Chamber and Big Sky SNO, we are working to launch an environmental education and sustainability program in the spring of 2027. By using our platform with visitors, our goal is to help represent this ecosystem and highlight the connectivity of its valuable resources.

MAKING IT IN BIG SKY BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE

OUR COMMUNITY. OUR BUSINESS.

EBS: That’s an incredible component. What are s ome of the best things you’ve found about living and working within the community of Big Sky over the years? GD: What makes Big Sky the absolute best community in the country is the passion and love for nature and recreation, the care people have for one another, the generous donation of both time and resources, and locals’ dedication to balancing the resort-community relationship. EBS: Agreed! What is some of the best business advice you’ve ever received? GD: Thus far, I feel like the best business advice I have received is to scale responsibly. That said, I am always open to additional business advice from any of our successful community members. EBS: What are some of your favorite things to do in Big Sky day when not working-like your perfect day? GD: My perfect Big Sky day would be a large cup of dark roast coffee, ripping Nunya Trees with my family on fresh snow, rope drop at Shedhorn Grill, a Green Bridge or two, enjoying Thai takeout next to a fire while watching the Horns crush, capped off with a hot tub session with my incredible wife. EBS: Now that’s a great life! GD: We are blessed to live here.

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43 September 17 - September 30, 2026

I B E & LI

American Bison // Bison bison

DID YOU KNOW?

500 years ago, at least 30 million bison roamed the plains. That number is now less than 30,000. The depletion of free range bison has been attributed to: • Decades of over-exploitation • Decline in genetic diversity • Habitat loss • Human Interaction

Yellowstone National Park boasts the nation's largest free range buffalo herd, but only two others remain - the Henry’s Mountains and Book Cliffs herds, both in southern Utah.

Respect. Protect. Cherish. Paid for by the animals in your backyard.

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A TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Fully-inclusive, private charter trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

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DRY FLY PARADISE