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Big Sky

Exploring life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region

backcountry: beehive basin

Local nominations for MT Tourism Awards

F.S. seeks comment on North Fork proposal

Photo by Ryan Day Thompson

March 22-April 4, 2013 Volume 4 // Issue #6

Governor visits Ophir, performing arts center

Weekend Getaway: Philipsburg/Discovery

Softball is back!

Half Moon sold, Gallatin Riverside Grill to open early summer media@theoutlawpartners.com

Subaru Freeskier Series follow-up Big Sky's locally owned and published newspaper

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ON THE COVER: Pat Gannon airing during dawn patrol on Middle Ridge. Photo by Ryan Day Thompson

Skiing through history at Moonlight and Big Sky: Freeride World Qualifer meets Dirtbag Day

2011 big sky chamber of commerce

Skiing through history at Moonlight and Big Sky: Freeride World Qualifer meets Dirtbag Day

Business of the Year March 22-April 4, 2013 Volume 4, Issue no. 6

I stood on the Headwaters Ridge, filming as Kyle Taylor skied within a few feet of me, stomped an air into Third Fork and tore the daylights out of the top half of the 1,000-foot chute below.

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler EDITOR Joseph T. O'Connor

Taylor, a competitor in the Freeride World Tour Qualifier at Moonlight Basin on March 15, is a Bridger skier and won last Dirtbag King Jed Donnelly year’s inaugural event. A fall lower in his run kept him from the podium this year, but fellow Bridger skier, Randy Evans, hucked a massive back flip on his finals run, landing in third place. Another Bozemanite, Sasha Dingle, skied her way to the women’s podium, with an aggressive finals run and a second place finish.

staff writer/distribution director Tyler Allen Editorial assistant Maria Wyllie

creative CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins VIDEO director Brian Niles

I’ve called Moonlight my home mountain for eight winters, and watching these guys and gals – both locals and visitors – ski such impressive lines here gets me amped.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars videographer/photographer Chris Davis

The last competitor through the finish line, I hiked up the ridge, and helped the FWT crew tear down their tent and banners by the start gate.

SALES and operations COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson

“We love Moonlight,” said the starter, Rick Wroblewski, whose official title for the tour is ‘Ninja’.

“This is one of the best venues we have.”

Operations director Katie Morrison

CONTRIBUTors

I checked my watch – 1:48 p.m. I hiked back along the ridge and watched as my friends and colleagues, Joe O’Connor and Tyler Allen (dressed up as T.J. Burke

Jamie Balke, Alexandra Bombach, Evelyn Boswell, Buscrat, Jake Campos, Mike Coil, Maren Dunn, Sean Forbes, Sara Groves, Philip Kedrowski, Niles Jeran, Ian Maddus, Garrett Muson, Brandon Niles, Emily O'Connor, Kipp Proctor, Eric Schulz, Amy R. Sisk, Deborah Courson Smith, Katie Smith, Kene Sperry, Pat Straub, Ryan Day Thompson, PJ Wirchansky

Photo by Kene Sperry

and Dexter Rutecki of Aspen Extreme) ski in the Dirtbag Day Powder 8’s. Way to go, boys!

Fired up, I took a lap down the Headwaters with Moonlight patroller Taylor Woodward, then looped around to Big Sky Resort, rode the Triple, and checked out the wild scene in the Bowl – In its 34th year, the spirit of celebration was alive and well at Dirtbag Day. T.J., Dexter and I rallied back to Moonlight to catch the FWT awards ceremony (see story on page 49).

On our way, we ran into Karen Lum, Director of Marketing for Moonlight.

“It’s a great opportunity [for Moonlight],” she said of hosting the FWT. “It’s the strongest thing we do all season, from a [public relations] standpoint… I think their staff and our team really have synergy. We love having them here.”

– Emily Stifler

Editorial Policy

Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Big Sky Weekly. No part of this publication may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. The Big Sky Weekly reserves the right to edit all submitted material for content, corrections or length. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or the editors of this publication. No advertisements, columns, letters to the editor or other information will be published that contain discrimination based on sex, age, race, religion, creed, nationality, sexual preference, or are in bad taste.

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Letter to the Editor Parameters The Weekly accepts letters to the editor to give readers a platform to express their views and share ways they would like to effect change. These should not be Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Include: first and last name, address, phone number and title.

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE For next issue, April 5 March 29, 2013 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed.

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Table of Contents Community...4 Local News...9 Regional..11 Montana...12 Getaway...17 Sports...20 Health...23 Business...24 Engineer's Corner...29

Classifieds...30 Outlaw News...31 Dining...33 Profile...35 Events...37 Entertainment...38 Fun...42 Buscrat's Fables...43 Column...45

Back 40...46 Outdoors...49 Resorts...50 Outdoors...51 Wildlife News...52 Fishing Column...53 Yellowstone...58 Science...55

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4 March 22-April 4, 2013

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Terrific kids of Big Sky School District Students honored for tolerance in Feburary BIG SKY – Big Sky School District honored four students for their tolerance this February as part of its Student of the Month/Terrific Kids of the Month program.

Teachers choose two ‘terrific kids’ from kindergarten through fifth grades, and two ‘students of the month’ in middle and high school, recognizing them based on a different theme every month.

Terrific Kid of the Month (K-2): Vera Grabow is fair and objective in her interaction with other students.

She is patient and kind and welcomes information and interactions from her peers with an open mind. Vera's behavior is a wonderful example of tolerance.

Terrific Kid of the Month (grade 3-5): Carly Wilson demonstrates tolerance in all she does. She is supportive of all her peers and their differences, and she strives to ensure that all students achieve success in their learning and general day-to-day life, both in school and outside the classroom. A natural leader, Carly is the first to address issues of inequality. If someone is being treated unfairly, she quickly rushes in to help find a peaceful resolution so all parties feel happy with the outcome. Thank you, Carly, for teaching us all about being tolerant!

An announcement is made over the intercom, and the students are called into the office to be congratulated. In addition, the K-5 honorees are rewarded with a burger from the Corral and the middle and high school students chosen get pizza from Blue Moon Bakery.

Read the teachers’ praises for those honored below.

Ophir Middle School Student of the Month: If you’re looking for a friendly, outgoing, funny, tolerant person, then look no further than Rhett Leuzinger.

His desire to accept everyone for who they are hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teachers, and for that reason he is student of the month for Ophir Middle School.

Lone Peak High School Student of the Month: Janie Izzo is a kind and accepting person who always wears a smile. She easily makes friends with everyone because of her pleasant and positive attitude. Janie always looks for the best in everyone and resists saying things that might hurt others' feelings. Tolerance is a desirable quality and one that Janie possesses.

Psst – 33rd annual Ophir School Pie Auction is April 6 OPHIR SCHOOL COUNCIL

Pull out your flapper gear and gangster suits and get ready for a roaring good time.

The Ophir/Lone Peak High School Pie Auction, the school district’s largest fundraiser of the year, will take place Saturday, April 6 at Buck’s T-4.

This year’s theme is “Montana Prohibition and the roaring ‘20s,” and the event kicks off at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and music from a live jazz trio. In keeping with the Prohibition theme, there will be sliders, pasties and pies baked by everyone from families to the finest pastry chefs around.

Buck’s will be transformed into a speakeasy for the evening, and you’ll need a secret password to get in, though admission is free. There will be a cash bar.

Live auction items up for bid include a $10,000 wedding photography package from Eye in the Sky Photography, VIP tickets to the Professional Bull Riders event in August, and four VIP box-seat tickets to a Seattle Seahawks game. Also up for grabs are movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates and delicacies from local bakeries and coffee shops.

Skiing enthusiasts can bid on alpine and Nordic gear, a pass to Lone Mountain Ranch, and wellness items including yoga classes, and massages.

Another highlight is the children’s art auction. Each

Kene Sperry, with Eye in the Sky Photography, donated a wedding photo package to the Pie Auction this year, which includes wedding day and rehearsal coverage, an assistant, digital negatives and a fine art album. Photo by Kene Sperry

year, Ophir and LPHS students create memorable works that hang in the hallways of lucky bidders.

Students are currently selling raffle tickets. Prizes include a summer date night with concert tickets; dinner and lodging at Big Sky Resort; a Hungry Moose gift card; a Visa debit card from American Bank and a gas card from Conoco.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Ophir and LPHS programs such as library enhancements, artist/author/ musician visits, Expedition Yellowstone, a Washington D.C. trip, music programs, classroom supplements and graduation.

To donate to the pie auction or volunteer, contact OSC/PTO president Lesli Colis at lesli.colis@gmail.com.

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Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 5

Letter:

Maintain existing easements in the North Fork We all learned from the Forest Service public meeting on March 14, regarding a proposed new trail system in the North Fork.

So who gets clipped? The moderately fit and physically less capable: children, handicapped, wounded veterans and the elderly. No longer would they be able to drive to higher elevations and enjoy the majesty of this high-country environment, which they can do now with the existing public easement.

Adjacent landowners felt excluded from two previous proposals to abandon federally held easements even though all legal requirements for notifying them and soliciting public comments were satisfied.

Dasha Bough and Bella Butler earned a gold ribbon at the Montana State Science Fair competition in Missoula with a statistical study on the correlation between the introduction of synthetic proteins and artificial growth hormones and the increase in food allergies in the U.S. Kolya Bough and Max Butler also received a gold ribbon in Missoula, having proved that flat bridge design is superior in bridge design strength.

Ophir students represent in Butte, Missoula science fairs Ophir School students won first place in the Small Schools Division at the Regional Science Fair in Butte on March 7, and a number of students moved on to the state competition at the University of Montana in Missoula on March 18 and 19.

University of Montana Science Fair Awards State Competition: Kodi Boersma and Reece Bell: Gold ribbon and Grand Team Award – sixth grade physical science second Place Kolya Bough and Max Butler: Gold ribbon Dasha Bough and Bella Butler: Gold ribbon Katie Middleton: Gold ribbon Carter Johnsen and Julia Barton: Gold ribbon Ellie Quackenbush and Saylor Tatom: Gold ribbon Jackson Wade: Silver ribbon Louisa Locker and Chloe Beardsley: Silver ribbon Ethan Schumacher and Harry Schreiner: Silver ribbon Holden Samuels and Jackson Raden: Silver ribbon Solae Swenson: Bronze ribbon

These landowners again encouraged the Forest Service to consider abandoning the existing easement on FR 166B and offering non-motorized trails on their land as a tradeoff. Through this offer, and with the support and input of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the Big Sky Community Corp., the Forest Service capitulated.

Why the GVLT and BSCC? Because both are all about trails and conservation easements, as am I. The proposal before the public is being sold as exactly that: more non-motorized trails and conservation easements.

Conservation easements benefit us all, but for landowners, they’re even more of a boon, in that they allow tax avoidance, which customarily and financially helps developers sell their land. Nonmotorized trails versus motorized is a great benefit to them also.

It appears to me that these landowners want to trade the easements to our Forest Service land for access restrictions to us and their opportunity for tax loopholes. I am impressed with their strategy. I wonder how impressed Eagle Mount, Wounded Warriors and AARP would be, or why they weren’t tapped to participate in the drafting of this third attempt to abandon our easements in what could be perceived by these landowners and mountain bikers, of which I am one, as a fair exchange.

Which is the least restrictive alternative, as set out in The Americans with Disabilities Act? Email Lisa Stoeffler at lstoeffler@ fs.fed.us to express your opinion about keeping our easements as they have been for decades.

Respectfully submitted, Thomas W. Stetzner, Big Sky

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Letter: Firefighter housing advice I'm from Minnesota, so it is presumptuous for me to offer advice on Big Sky housing. But I think Big Sky should do a high-priority-model project for the fire department employees. Have the three ski resorts in Big Sky buy land near the fire station and resell the lots to fire department employees at prices that reflect their salaries.

Get local banks involved in the financing of this plan. If there is a fire at the Yellowstone Club, who will be the first responder if there is no local housing for firemen?

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6 March 22-April 4, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

OBITUARY: Mary Lou Countryman

Bozeman woman remembered as passionate, smart Mary Lou Countryman of Bozeman passed away March 13 at age of 89. She was born Feb. 29, 1924 in Deer Lodge to Ralph and Caroline (Leibach) Ross.

Countryman graduated a year early as class Valedictorian from Powell County High School in Deer Lodge; she went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Montana. While there, she met the love of her life, Scott Adams Pfohl, whom she married shortly thereafter. They were happily married until his passing in 1963 and had two children, Carolyn Byrd (Pfohl) Erickson and Ross Scott Adams Pfohl.

After graduation, Countryman worked as a teacher both in Deer Lodge and Missoula. Always curious and interested, she continued her education and eventually earned a Nutrition minor, a Paralegal minor, and became certified in gemology. Countryman was a Kappa Kappa Gamma, a member of the Philanthropic Education

niece Mary Lou Weiner of Idaho, and three nephews.

Organization and was an active member and lay reader for St. James Episcopal Church. She volunteered more than 1,000 hours at the Museum of the Rockies where she served as a docent.

The family would like to thank Cottonwood Case Management, Paige Taylor, Darcy Saunders and staff for their support and guidance, the staff at Highgate Chalet, and Maria and Ambros Locker of Big Sky, for their friendship and assistance.

A loyal Montana State University Bobcat football fan and a supporter of the arts, Countryman regularly attended the opera, symphony and Broadway shows.

She had a passion for decorating, golf, bridge, skiing, nutrition, holistic/organic living, and above all, her faith.

Memorials may be made in Mary Lou Countryman’s name to: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 1001 (alzfdn.org), the Bozeman Symphony, 1001 W. Oak St., Suite 201, Bozeman, MT 59715 (bozemansymphony.org) or P.E.O. Star Scholarship, c/o P.E.O. International Headquarters, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312.

Countryman was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Carolyn Erickson and brother Richard “Dick” Ross. She is survived by

her son Ross Pfohl and Lesli Colis of Big Sky, son-in-law Bruce and Gail Erickson of Bozeman, two grandchildren Tyler Erickson of Bozeman, Taylor (Erickson) and Jeremy Wortman of Bozeman, sister Marjorie Beck of Deer Lodge,

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at dahlcares.com or directed to Ross Pfohl, P.O. Box 161250, Big Sky, MT 59716.

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The 2013 Peace Forum is April 1 BIG SKY – All Saints in Big Sky and the Rotary are hosting an evening of conversation based on the topic of peace. “[As Lutherans and Episcopalians], we are called to be peacemakers in all times and places,” said Reverend Darius Larsen, All Saints pastor and priest. Churches, Larsen said, are tasked with being “a community of peace,” citing the World Peace Prayer: Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth. Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our hearts, our world and our universe.

For the Rotary, “the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace is [a cornerstone],” said Dr. Jeff Strickler, the President of the Rotary Club of Big Sky.

local news

March 22-April 4, 2013 9

Inaugural Mother’s Day Flower Sale to benefit Big Sky school district’s stormwater conservation garden

Rotary is active in more than 200 countries, working to foster world understanding and peace.

“One of Rotary’s goal is to engage and inspire Rotarians and community leaders to become involved in Peace Through Service,” Strickler said.

He and Larsen feel the Peace Forum will do just that.

Peace Forum presenters Dr. Larry Rasmussen Dr. Rasmussen will discuss planetary health as a major concern for any human peace. Dr Larry Rasmussen is the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics, was professor at Union Theological Seminary from 1986 – 2004, and taught at Wesley Theological Seminary and St. Olaf College.

Asked to comment on the topic he plans to address, Rasmussen cited the rabbinical letter of the American Jewish community entitled “Wonder and Restraint:" We are obliged to seek peace and pursue it – to oppose easy recourse to military violence, outside of legitimate self-defense, not only for its destruction of human life and health, but also for its shattering impact on nature and natural resources.

Vice Admiral (retired) Rodney P. Rempt “The war on terror is about freedom,” says Admiral Rempt, a Vietnam veteran who retired in 2007 after 41 years of active duty in the Navy.

During his time at sea, Rempt commanded three different ships, including a missile boat and a cruiser.

He also worked for many years on weapons systems development, including defense against ballistic missiles. More recently he served as President of the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., and then as Superintendent of the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Bill Warnock Mr. Warnock was the country director for World Vision in Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza from 19861996 and Bosnia-Herzegovina 1996-2000. He will discuss peace from the perspective of the Holy Land and the Balkans.

“We in the West all too often think that they have been killing each other for centuries,” he said.

“That, however, does not really summarize the situation accurately. The reality is not so easily dismissed, so as to excuse our non-involvement, as I learned during my time living in those places.”

Warnock has degrees from Colorado University and from the School of International Affairs at Columbia University, and has worked providing relief, reconstruction and community development in conflict and post-conflict situations and advocacy promoting a just peace for both the Palestinians and the Israelis. He is also a parttime consultant to the US Army on peacekeeping operations and civil-military affairs.

The April 1 Peace Forum will take place at the Big Sky Chapel, starting at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

BLUE WATER TASK FORCE

Big Sky students are selling flowers for Mother’s Day to raise funds for a new stormwater conservation garden the Blue Water Task Force plans to build in front of Ophir School.

The first annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale will run through April 1 and is being organized by BWTF, a local nonprofit that works to enhance and protect the health of the Gallatin River watershed.

The community demonstration stormwater garden will beautify the western side of the entrance road

Over 3 decades building in Big Sky

to the Big Sky School District and the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, and also provide learning experiences for students and visitors about water quality and water conservation.

Flowers can be purchased through students at Ophir and Lone Peak High School or through the BWTF at bluewatertaskforce.org/support. php. Flowers will be ready for pick up on Thursday, May 9 at Wildwood Nursery. There is a direct shipping option through Florists’ Transworld Delivery. For more information, contact Kristin Gardner at (406) 993-2519.

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10 March 22-April 4, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Forest Service open house addresses North Fork trail proposal Public comment period closes March 29

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Maria and Ambrose Locker live on the west loop of 166B, which is lower down on the road. They’re concerned the easement exchange would cut off their access to Forest land above their property.

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“We’re at the mercy of everyone else,” Maria said. “If the easement’s gone, they could gate the road.”

Stoeffler says landowners would need to establish a road association to replace the Forest Service easement on 166B to allow landowners lower on the road, like the Lockers, to have continued access. The Forest Service would continue to have administrative access on the road under the agreement.

“There has been a lot of interest in connection with the Lone Mountain Ranch trails,” Stoeffler said.

“People want to make sure [the trail system] remains whole.”

exceptional

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U.S. Easement proposed for FS administrative useMetcalf only Lee

The most common concern at the open house, though, was the future of ski trails.

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The Forest Service sent a letter, dated Feb. 26, to Big Sky residents outlining the proposal, asking for public comment and announcing the open house. The turnout

National Forest lands

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FR 166B is currently open to the public for motorized use in the summer. The proposed easement agreement would close that access in favor of a trail dedicated to non-motorized use, allowing only landowner and Forest Service vehicles on the road.

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The conference table and walls were covered by giant maps depicting the Forest’s proposal to exchange easements with private landowners to allow for construction of a new 6.8-mile trail adjacent to Forest Road 166B. The project would also entail a relocation of 166B to bypass a private residence.

“I think it’s a good proposal,” said Rumsey Young of Big Sky Hikers, who attended the meeting.

“It takes into account the practicality of how the land gets used … hiking, biking and skiing. Forest Service land should be used by the public, and I don’t really care about limiting motorized use.”

PROPOSAL West Fork Road 166B and Basin Road 166D and North Fork Area Trails Gallatin National Forest

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BIG SKY – More than 40 community members packed the small conference room at First Security Bank on March 14 to attend an open house hosted by the U.S. Forest Service Bozeman Ranger District concerning the future of public access in the North Fork drainage.

was larger than expected, said Lisa Stoeffler, USFS District Ranger in Bozeman.

Beeh ive

Big Sky Weekly Staff Writer

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By Tyler Allen

Long time Big Sky resident Eric Ossorio lives in the area and accesses his house via the east loop of FR 166B, below where the new trailhead would be. He would like the Forest Service to extend the comment period, giving the public an opportunity to walk the property in question after the snow melts and decide if it’s a desirable trade.

“The [Lone Mountain Ranch] trail system needs to be a discussion that the community should have,” he said after the meeting.

“A lot of the easements are [currently] for the ranch, not the public,” said Jessie Wiese, director of the Big Sky Community Corp., which supports parks, trails and recreation in Big Sky. She added that a ski pass is required to use the trails. “This easement would be written to the public.” Wiese said she thinks the public has had ample time to learn about the proposal.

HWY 191 5 miles

Although the new trail would be closed to motorized use during the summer, LMR would be allowed to groom it for winter Nordic skiing.

Wiese encouraged people to contact BSCC with questions about the proposal.

“I think it’s a net gain for the ranch,” said Denise Wade, LMR Nordic and Trails Director, of the proposed trade. “It’s really the big hole this is filling [in the LMR trail system].”

LMR is also negotiating an easement on another piece of its trail system higher in the drainage to ensure continued ski access. Currently, the ranch has a license to use part of the Summit Trail, and a verbal agreement with a landowner for the other section of that trail in exchange for the easement LMR holds on 166B, Wade said.

These types of cooperative processes between the public and private landowners could set the stage for future landowners granting access through their private property, Wade added.

But the work is not over yet.

“Lands work is onerous,” said Stoeffler of the Forest Service.

“There’s a lot of work ahead of us and we need to get a basic agreement first.”

Feedback on the proposal can be submitted in writing until March 29 to 3710 Fallon St. Suite C, Bozeman, MT 59718 or electronically to fs-comments-northern-gallatin@ fs.fed.us (include “FR166B comments” in the subject line).

local news

March 22-April 4, 2013 11

Spring hunter education classes set for Gallatin County Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

•

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is holding two sets of hunter education classes in Gallatin County this April.

Because Montana’s program follows the International Hunter Education Association standards, the Montana hunter education certificate is recognized and honored in all of North America. Classes are a minimum of 12 hours long. To become certified, students must attend every session, one field day, and pass a final exam.

Bozeman: •

April 8-12 at Chief Joseph Middle School from 7-9 p.m.

•

April 13 at the Logan Range

Follow your

Bliss

Students can either register online at fwp.mt.gov from March 8 - April 5 or in person on March 27 from 7-9 p.m. at the FWP regional office in Bozeman

Manhattan: •

April 15-16, 19, 22-23 & 26 at the Logan Range from 7-9 p.m.

•

April 27 field day

•

Registration is required on April 2 at the Logan Range Club House from 6-7:30 p.m.

Students must be at least 11-yearsold to receive certification; those under 18 must have parental consent.

Visit the FWP Hunter Education page at fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter for more information.

Big Sky housing survey available As part of an effort to assess the availability and future of housing in Big Sky, the Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District is helping the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce measure the economic impact of having employees living and/or working in Big Sky, versus commute from elsewhere.

The chamber is asking community members to participate in a short survey and share it with as many local employers and employees as possible. The survey is meant to help gather data about housing availability and costs, providing the chamber with baseline information to report during the next housing meeting at the Big Sky Chapel on March 27. To fill out the survey, visit research.net/s/bigsky.

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12 March 22-April 4, 2013

montana

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Big Sky Weekly

Firefighting policy flip-flop at Forest Service

Montana Ski Areas Association meets in Big Sky April 4

Deborah Courson Smith

By Tyler Allen

HELENA – For decades, the U.S. Forest Service let small fires in remote areas burn naturally in recognition that fire was part of the natural landscape – and that by letting some fires burn, future large fires could be prevented.

Last year, however, every fire was battled unless granted special status.

BIG SKY – The Montana Ski Areas Association will hold its spring meeting at Big Sky Resort Thursday, April 4, a chance for the state’s 16 ski areas to exchange ideas about operations and share marketing resources.

Big Sky Connection

Big Sky Weekly Staff Writer

That's been recognized as part of the reason the Forest Service spent more than $1 billion fighting fires in 2012.

Now, the agency is taking the "fight all fires" directive off the books.

Timothy Inglesbee, executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics and Ecology, said it means flexibility in making decisions this season.

"Our response to fire has to be tailored to the conditions of the fire and our goals for the piece of ground it's burning on," he said.

The forest official who required all fires be suppressed in 2012 had a goal of keeping all fires small.

“We have such a variety of ski areas [in Montana],” said Nick Polumbus, MSAA president and Director of Sales and Marketing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. “It’s a friendly group and we want to help one another.”

The spring meeting moves locations every year, Polumbus said. “Big Sky is a good location for a bunch of our areas, it has a good facility, and we like to go somewhere we can ski around.”

Inglesbee said the blanket policy of "fighting all fires" last year meant more than $425,000 was spent attacking a lightning-caused fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area only one-tenth of an acre in size. Those kinds of fires previously had been allowed to burn – and will again this year.

The semi-annual meetings are an opportunity for members to hear from industry professionals including the Forest Service – many areas operate on public lands – insurance carriers and snow cat manufacturers.

"[This] enables fire managers to use fire to benefit the ecosystem," he said, "especially those ecosystems that depend on or require wildfire to maintain their ecological health and integrity."

It’s also a chance for the large resorts to learn from the smaller operators in the state, said Mike Unruh, Big Sky’s Mountain Manager.

Forest Service chief Tom Tidwell issued the decision on the policy shift for the upcoming fire season.

“Everyone has similar challenges due to economics,” Unruh said. “We find some

really ingenious solutions that come from smaller areas – like long-term employees wearing multiple hats – that have tons of creative ingenuity to solve problems.”

There is a lot of commonality among resorts around the state in how guest experiences can be improved, from trail building to terrain parks, to improving guest services and safety, he said.

The MSAA has worked with the Montana Office of Tourism to promote skiing in the state for more than 20 years, and since 2002 the organizations have partnered on the “Go With a Pro” program, said Katy Peterson, Chief of Marketing for the MTOT. The program offers discounted lift tickets, rentals and lessons to introduce people to the sport.

The Office of Tourism also hosts the web presence for the MSAA at skimt.com, so the association can dedicate those funds for advertising. “It offers a much bigger pie [for MSAA] by working with the Office of Tourism,” Peterson said.

“Having the state behind the sport … is a big win for all the ski areas,” said Greg Pack, General Manager of Moonlight Basin Resort. “It’s nice to speak collectively ... other states like Colorado lead with one voice, and Montana is just starting to get in on that.”

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Big Sky Weekly

montana

March 22-April 4, 2013 13

Ladd, PBR nominated for 2013 Montana Tourism Awards and the country in 2012, and had an estimated impact in excess of $900,000. The success of the event has prompted organizers to expand it to two nights in 2013, July 31 and Aug. 1.

By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BIG SKY – A powerhouse for Montana tourism, Big Sky is up again this year for two state tourism awards.

“It’s been amazing to see it grow from almost an incredulous idea when we first had the meeting, and now we’re up to two days,” said organizer Jim Murphy. “It’s pretty exciting to see.”

Among the 16 nominations submitted for the 2013 Montana Tourism Awards were Eric Ladd, CEO of the Big Sky-based marketing and media firm Outlaw Partners (publisher of this newspaper), and the Big Sky Professional Bull Riders event, now in its third year.

The Montana Office of Tourism’s annual awards recognize people and organizations committed to enhancing the tourism and hospitality industry in Montana, according to MTOT communications manager Sarah Lawlor.

“Nominated by their peers, the award recipients are outstanding examples of professionals who, by virtue of their vision, resolve and resourcefulness, are a credit to Montana's tourism and hospitality industry,” Lawlor said.

The nomination letter for Ladd described his efforts “to use his passion for our amazing state to promote it on an international scale through big thinking and a proactive approach,” noting that he has been “instrumental in Big Sky’s park and trail efforts, major events including the Big Sky PBR, and in supporting efforts to conserve Yellowstone National Park.”

Ladd, who moved to Montana from Colorado in 1999, says he feels “blessed with opportunities given to me by this state and community,” and humbled by the nomination.

“We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and I strongly believe it's our responsibil-

Eric Ladd, center, with the Outlaw Partners crew and Outlaw ambassador Beau Hill at the 2012 Big Sky PBR Photo by Jake Campos

ity to help grow and preserve this amazing place. It's a priority in our business to give back to the community and help further responsible growth.”

as well as Outlaw’s award-winning publications (the Weekly, Mountain Outlaw and explorebigsky.com), and strategic work with marketing clients.

Before founding Outlaw Partners in One such client, the Yellowstone 2008, he spent a decade selling real Park Foundation, also sent a letestate at the Yellowstone Club and ter of support to MTOT for Ladd’s also served nominaseven years tion.

Lodging Tax revenue as a board member for “Eric Ladd in Montana was up the Big Sky has been a Community strong part10 percent in 2012, Corp. ner by procompared to 2011, moting the In a letter of Foundation according to the support for through Department of Tourism. his publicaLadd’s nomination, Big tions and Sky Town by donating Center Project Manager Ryan Hamtime and services to help us reach ilton described Ladd as “a dynamic, a broader audience,” wrote YPF creative, and innovative community director Karen Bates Kress. “Eric’s and business leader… Eric is generspirit of philanthropy runs through ous [with] his time, expertise and all the work that he accomplishes in philanthropy.” promoting the Yellowstone region.”

Hamilton noted Ladd’s work with the effort to bring the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame to Big Sky, his continued support of the BSCC,

The Big Sky Professional Bull Riders event, nominated for Event of the Year, drew more than 3,000 people from around the region

Locals and visitors have begun planning their summers with the PBR dates in mind, Murphy said.

“Whether that’s existing residents coming here with guests and friends and family, or new people who read about it online… that all adds to the economic benefit of Big Sky.” The PBR Touring Pro Division commentators have called the Big Sky event “the most beautiful outdoor venue on the entire PBR circuit.” The 2012 event received a MTOT Special Event Grant.

“If anything, it proves Big Sky has the enthusiasm and the capacity,” Murphy said, giving credit to Yellowstone Club principal owner Sam Byrne “for stepping up the first year when we didn't know if it was going to be a success or a failure.

Sometimes you just gotta give it a try, right?”

Murphy imagines other events could build off the success of the PBR. “It’s so beautiful here in the summer.”

The Montana Department of Tourism has been awarding Tourism Person of the Year awards since 1989 and has added other categories throughout the years. These include Tourism Community of the Year, Tourism Event of the Year and Tourism Partnership of the Year.

Montana Historical Society seeks Heritage Keepers Award nominees The Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees is seeking nominations for those who best exemplify dedication and commitment to preserving and educating Montanans about their history and heritage.

The Trustees will select one person or group from western Montana and one from eastern Montana for the annual Heritage Keepers Awards, to be presented at the Montana History Conference Sept. 19-21. This year’s conference, themed "Boom & Bust!

Extracting the Past," will be at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney.

Eligible nominees can be a person or group that has demonstrated com-

mitment to a significant Montana history goal, resulting in projects that contribute to knowledge or education. Criteria includes how well a nominee's project enhances, promotes and encourages interest within its particular area, such as historic building preservation, research, historical literature, fine art history and reenactments. Nominees should be committed beyond work requirements.

Nomination forms must be submitted

by April 1 and are available at montanahistoricalsociety.org. For specific questions, call MHS Development and Marketing Officer Susan Near at (406) 444-4713 or email at snear@mt.gov.

Ophir School Kindergarten Round up 2013-2014

Entering September 2013 Children must be five years of age on or before 9/10/13 in order to register for 13-14 Kindergarten.

Wednesday, April 3, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In the Ophir School Conference Room You must bring with you to Ophir: • your child’s birth certificate • your child’s immunization record • your proof of residency in the Big Sky School District (i.e. copy of tax bill, rental agreement, needs to have physical address)

Please call Mrs. LaDawn at 995-4281, ext. 200, with any questions.

No appointment necessary.

You may bring your child with you if you would like to.

14 March 22-April 4, 2013

montana

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Big Sky Weekly

2013 Montana Legislative roundup – week 10

By Amy R. Sisk University of Montana Community News Service

HELENA – After four years of pay freezes, state employees are still waiting to hear whether they will receive an across-the-board 5 percent raise over each of the next two years.

Roughly two dozen people supported House Bill 13 at a January hearing before the House Appropriations Committee. That measure finally surfaced for a vote on March 13 when Rep. Steve Gibson, R-East Helena, made the motion.

But he was the only Republican who joined Democrats on the GOPcontrolled committee. The measure failed, but that didn’t stop the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Kathy Swanson, DAnaconda, from trying to revive it on the House floor the next day.

“I have visited with a single mother of three who sobbed in despair wondering if she should start looking to move, to disrupt her children and try to find work out of Montana,” she told House members.

Swanson tried to blast the bill out of committee and onto the floor, a procedural move that requires a supermajority. But Republicans said they weren’t ready to vote. Many, including the Republican chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Duane Ankney of Colstrip, argued that the “freeze” didn’t apply to all state workers.

Ankney said the state paid out more than $18 million in raises over the past four years to certain state employees, and it’s taking time to find out who received that money.

“It’s ridiculous when we can give that much money to some employees, and some employees don’t get anything,” Ankney said.

Lawmakers considered several other big-ticket items during the week of March 11, including possible solutions to the expected shortages in state pension funds, the session’s main budget bill, and the governor’s plan to reform Montana’s campaign finance laws.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from week 10 at the Legislature:

Pensions Several competing plans to fix Montana’s pension system are making their way through the session.

During week 10, the panel tasked with solving the 30-year, $4 billion pension shortfall gave up trying to agree on one solution and advanced three different plans for the Legislature’s consideration.

Under the current plan, retired state workers receive monthly pensions based on a formula that accounts for their salary and duration of government work.

One proposal, House Bill 338, comes from a Republican. It would change state pensions from a defined benefit to a defined contribution system for new employees.

Employees would participate in a system similar to a 401(k) plan, providing them with a retirement payout based on the amount contributed throughout their career and investment gains or losses. The bill would use money from coal severance tax revenue and state treasury to settle the system’s shortfall.

The Democratic governor’s proposal, House Bill 454, would pay off liabilities in the Public Employee Retirement System with money from natural resource development while maintaining a defined benefit system. Employers and employees would both increase their contribution rates by 1 percent.

A second Democratic proposal, House Bill 377, focuses on the Teachers’ Retirement System.

It would make up the deficit by increasing the employee contribution rate to existing defined benefit plans by 1 percent. It would also draw upon state land revenues and school district reserves.

Family planning funding The battle over funding family planning services is heating up as the House Appropriations Committee approved a $9 billion, two-year state budget in March that cuts federal Title X money that went to community clinics.

Citing concerns over those funds going to clinics like Planned Parenthood that perform abortions, all but two Republicans voted against an amendment to restore that money.

A subcommittee had previously cut the $4.6 million provision from House Bill 2.

Clinics use Title X money to offer contraceptives and cancer screenings to low-income Montanans.

Under federal law, the money cannot be spent on abortions, although some Republicans have questioned whether health care providers follow that rule.

Rep. Kimberly Dudik, D-Missoula, said clinics keep scrupulous records to show that the Title X money is not being used for abortions.

invites you to see year-round exhibits

at the HISTORY ANNEX Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center 55 Lone Mountain Trail

Events calendar and more info: crailranch.org A project of the Big Sky Community Corporation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity created in 1998 to promote, acquire, preserve and maintain land, parks, trails and easements.

Blast motions In addition to the state employee pay plan bill, Democrats tried unsuccessfully during week 10 of the session to revive – or “blast” out – three measures bottled up in GOP-controlled committees.

House Democrats attempted to blast out bills that would direct money toward out-of-school food programs for children, combat cyber bullying and require all boarding schools to obtain state licenses.

The House Judiciary Committee’s decision to table the boarding school bill in February prompted a CNN crew to visit the Capitol to produce a story for Anderson Cooper 360. The controversy stemmed largely from allegations of violence against students at an unlicensed religious boarding school in St. Ignatius.

Democrats argued that a 2007 law created a loophole allowing religious boarding schools to operate without government oversight.

That opened the door for abuse, they said.

Democrats planned to propose the amendment again when the budget comes to the House floor during the week of March 18, Dudik said.

Republicans who spoke against the effort to revive the bill said there are numerous success stories from those institutions. They questioned whether more government regulation would improve the schools.

Campaign finance

Suicide prevention

Lawmakers are considering the Democratic governor’s bipartisan effort to combat “dark money,” those anonymous campaign contributions often blamed for negative attack ads during the 2012 election.

Montana has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, and a legislator from Conrad wants to explore ways to prevent those tragedies.

Gov. Steve Bullock and Republican Sen. Jim Peterson of Buffalo have dubbed Senate Bill 375 the Transparency, Reporting and Accountability in Campaign and Elections (TRACE Act).

The Crail Ranch Homestead Museum

supported the bill’s aim to eliminate dark money groups, but they opposed increasing the amount individuals can give to candidates and the total candidates can accept from all PACs.

The proposal would require political action committees and political party committees to disclose all contributions, and also raise current donation limits and prohibit contributions from corporations or unions.

The measure has its critics. Officials from Common Cause Montana and last fall’s I-166 campaign to ban corporate campaign spending

The House approved Republican Rep. Rob Cook’s measure last week to establish a five-person team to review the causes of suicide and make recommendations on ways to prevent future deaths. House Bill 583 includes a one-time $97,000 appropriation from the state treasury to fund the review team’s activities.

The bill now goes to the Senate and must receive the governor’s signature before the review team can start work.

Reporter Amy Sisk can be reached at amy.sisk@umontana.edu. Follow @amyrsisk on Twitter for the latest from the Capitol.

VO LKSWAGE N OF BOZ EM AN

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**

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TO CHOOSE FROM

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D R I V I N G

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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 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. ©2013 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com

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weekend getaway

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 17

Section 2:

business, health and environment

Volume 4 // Issue No. 6

Philipsburg and Discovery Ski Area

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

3:16 p.m…. We pulled into Philipsburg and parked at Friday Night Pizza, adjacent to the laundromat, and stepped into the tiny restaurant.

Owner Dennis Cox stood behind the counter, Christmas lights flashing as he explained how he grew up in Rochester, N.Y. and moved to Philipsburg with his wife Sherry “S.B.” in 2004.

He missed the pie at home and opened Friday Night Pizza in 2007.

“There used to be a shop like this in every neighborhood,” said Cox, who recently retired from his job as a state mental health worker.

Friday Night Pizza is a slice of Philipsburg, an old railroad depot originally named Camp Creek a few minutes from the silver mining ghost town of Granite. When the value of silver plummeted during the Panic of 1893, all 5,000 of Granite’s residents left overnight, plates still on tables. Yet

out of the ashes, Philipsburg, population 850, is growing.

A 45-minute-drive northwest from Anaconda, and three hours from Big Sky, this mountain-town gem is a must-visit in Montana. Charming restaurants and hotels line the main street, and locals welcome visitors with open arms, directing them to the ice rink, theater or nearby Discovery Ski Area.

Ex-sheriff Steve Immenschuh, who moved to Philipsburg in 1963, toured my wife Emily and me around, talking history and letting me navigate the Zamboni on the town’s NHL-regulation-sized rink.

“Philipsburg is 100 percent smalltown Old West,” Immenschuh said.

“People [here] still smile and wave and talk on the street. I’ve traveled all over, and I’ve never found a better place to live.”

A sign you've reached a good place Photo by Joseph T. O'Connor

Where to Stay Editor’s pick: The Broadway Hotel Originally constructed in 1890, the completely restored Broadway Hotel offers some of the finest accommodations around.

Choose between one of nine themed rooms, from the Discovery Room (ski-themed, complete with a dry sauna); the Crosscut Room (with wall-mounted two-man saws, this room pays tribute to Montana’s rich logging history); and the Britannia Suite (dedicated to owner Sue Mays’ British heritage, it boasts books, maps, posters and a sitting room), among others.

Wake in the morning to a continental breakfast prepared by Mays herself, and in the evening kick back by the fireplace with a book from her expansive library. This place is an absolute delight. broadwaymontana.com

Relax in the Broadway Hotel's "Discovery Room" after a day ripping at Disco. Photo by Emily O'Connor

Traveler’s pick: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Don’t miss Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, about 45 miles southeast of Philipsburg. Fed by 155-degree hot springs, it offers two Olympic-sized indoor/outdoor pools with a monster water slide, and also two mineral soaking pools. The resort has 153 rooms, some of which can accommodate up to eight guests.

Get a ski and stay package with Discovery Ski Area, and relax after a day on the hill with a Swedish massage before a Halibut Parmesan dinner at the Mile High Dining Room. fairmontmontana.com

A great place to stay while you're on the road, Fairmont offers top notch soaks for weary bones.

Photo courtesy of fairmont hot springs resort

18 March 22-April 4, 2013

weekend getaway

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

where to eat: lunch

BBQ masters serve up the goods at Up N' Smokin' Photo by Emily o'connor

Tristan Adie digs deep Photo by Joseph T. O'Connor

Editor’s pick: Up N’ Smokin’ BBQ House

Local’s pick: Doe Brothers Restaurant and Soda Fountain

Serving up mouthwatering pulled pork, brisket, tri-tip and baby back ribs, this is the classic barbeque joint you might find in Memphis. Owner Brett Schreyer opened the spot on Main Street last October, and has entered his food in competitions from Tennessee to Mesquite, Nev., where he finished in the top 10 of 48 teams. Up N’ Smokin’ is on Broadway Street, a few doors down from the Broadway Hotel.

When was the last time you ordered a malted shake from an old fashioned soda fountain? Doe Brothers brings you back in time, with décor from the ‘50s adorning the walls and waitress Mandy Nelson whipping up a mean root beer float. For a special Montana treat, try the buffalo meatloaf or a huckleberry phosphate.

(406) 859-6676

where to eat: dinner

Girls night out at the Silver Mill Photo by Joseph T. O'Connor

Dennis Cox explains the importance of a good pie Photo by Emily O'Connor

Editor’s pick: The Silver Mill Restaurant and Saloon

Local’s pick: Friday Night Pizza

The Silver Mill has it. Incredible food, that is. Start with the fried meatballs, move to the Silver Mill Wedge salad and then tackle the “King of Steaks,” a meltin-your-mouth16-ounce, charbroiled rib-eye served with a savory au jus. Top it off with a glass from the incredible wine selection, and chat with the locals.

“We use the freshest ingredients, and everything is cooked-to-order,” said Silver Mill co-owner Claudette Dringle, who teamed up with her husband Tim and Philipsburg Mayor Anne Fillmore to buy the Silver Mill last May. Don’t be surprised if the mayor waits on your table. silvermillrestaurant.com

Dennis Cox liked to make pies and dreamed of one day opening his own pizza shop. Also, he says, “There was no good pie in Montana.” So after his Fridays as a state mental health worker, Cox opened Friday Night Pizza from 4-9 p.m. in a remodeled apartment next to the laundromat, which he also runs. His operation is simple: on pieces of paper, he’s written times – every 10 minutes – that people can call in and order.

“If someone calls and asks if I can make them a pie at 6:30, I look at my sheets,” Cox says. “I may have to tell them the earliest I can get to them is 7:20. Most people take it.”

Friday Night Pizza is now open Thursday through Saturday. Try the Crowd Pleaser, stacked with mozzarella, Italian sausage, Kalamata olives, Gorgonzola and jalapeno “sparks.” fridaynightpizza.net

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Big Sky Weekly

weekend getaway

March 22-April 4, 2013 19

to do's

a.m. In the morning, grab a cup of joe and one of Beatriz Pitcher’s famous, award-winning chocolate chip cookies in the cafeteria. Her kitchen staff bakes 37,000 of these cookies a year. p.m. Grab a beer and sit on the wideopen sunny deck to watch skiers make their way down Lum’s Run or Northern Lights.

The worldly lodge at Discovery Ski Area Photo by Emily O'Connor

Ski Disco.

Overlooking Georgetown Lake and Philipsburg, 18 miles away, Discovery Ski Area offers terrain as diverse as the people who ski there. While owner Peter “Pitch” Pitcher markets the hill to families (the magic carpet is free for kids and 45 percent of the terrain is beginner or intermediate), Disco’s backside touts 55 percent advanced or expert terrain, with steeps and trees on par with the best in the country. Cruise 1.5-mile-long Winning Ridge and soak up views of the Mission and Swan ranges, or set your edges in the Fingers’ steep chutes. skidiscovery.com Ciche Pitcher, Disco's Vice President and resident shredder, rips the Fingers. Photo by Joseph T. O'connor

Get your skate on.

In downtown Philipsburg, stop by the NHL-sized community ice rink. Ice time and skate rentals are free; jump in on an original game of “burling” with the locals, a combination of bowling, curling and shuffleboard.

Treat yourself.

The Sweet Palace, owned by Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford, sells a cornucopia of candy. The self-proclaimed biggest candy store west of the Mississippi, it makes 72 different flavors of saltwater taffy, 50 types of fudge and 20 varieties of caramel. sweetpalace.com Next door is the Sapphire Gallery, a jewelry store also owned by Beck and Siegford. Buy a $25 bag of local gravel from the Rock Creek deposit, where the gallery has a claim, watch Cheryl Nienhuis wash it in a sieve, then pick through the gravel to find beautiful sapphires of all colors. After collecting your booty, Siegford will fire the gems, heating them to 3,000 degrees F to purify and enhance their color. sapphiregallery.com

The Sweet Palace, in all its glory Photo by Joseph T. O'connor

Whet your whistle: Philipsburg Brewing Company Just beneath your room at the Broadway Hotel, the Philipsburg Brewing Company offers pints of incredible beer. Originally a bank during the silver rush, the brewery opened its doors here in August 2012, importing head brewer Mike Elliott from Portland, Ore. Since Philipsburg has no open container law, you can grab a brew to go and walk down Broadway Street to grab some BBQ. Head back to the brewery on Saturday nights for live music.

(406) 859-BREW

Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford strike a pose at the Sapphire Gallery Photo by Joseph T. O'connor

20 March 22-April 4, 2013

Sports

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Big Sky Weekly

Dolphins make big splash in NFL free agency touchdowns for the Steelers. Now entering his fifth season, he’ll bring much needed big play ability to a Dolphins offense that’s been sorely lacking speed for much of the past decade.

By Brandon Niles

Big sky weekly sports columnist

The frenzy that follows the official start of the league year every March has NFL fans repeatedly hitting “refresh” on their browsers, waiting to find out which free agents their teams have signed. This information now comes out quicker than ever, as social media like Twitter has changed the game for fans. The popularity of the NFL has grown exponentially, making off-season activities such as the start of free agency or the NFL draft large media events.

The Miami Dolphins signed former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, one of the most prized free agents available this year.

This year free agency and the start of the league year began at 4pm EST on Tuesday, March 12, and immediately the Internet was swirling with transactions and rumors about some of the league’s top players.

While many of the signings in the moments and days that followed

were notable, perhaps the most decisive move occurred within 30 minutes of the new league year.

The Miami Dolphins signed former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, one of the most prized free agents available this year.

Wallace, only 26 years old, is one of the fastest players in football.

Between 2010 and 2011 he posted more than 2,400 total yards on 132 receptions, and scored 18 touchdowns. Despite a down year in 2012, Wallace still scored eight

The Dolphins have been lauded for the move, and Wallace should help the development of second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who showed promise in his rookie season and has the arm strength to make use of Wallace’s blazing speed. However, the move has also been criticized. The biggest risk in signing Wallace comes down to money. The Dolphins made him the third highest paid receiver in the NFL, guaranteeing him $27 million in a five-year, $60 million deal. If Wallace doesn’t pan out, Miami will be hampered by this contract going forward.

The Dolphins also signed two new linebackers, former Ravens standout Dannell Ellerbe and former Raider Phillip Wheeler. On the surface, these contracts appear large as well, but a closer look at the deals shows that most of the hit to the salary cap will occur in 2014, making both contracts reasonable over the course of the next five years.

The Dolphins should also be able to improve their salary cap situation

by signing franchised defensive tackle Randy Starks to a more capfriendly long-term deal.

The Dolphins certainly made a risky move by spending so much money in the early days of free agency, and these three moves likely won’t be the end of their shopping spree. However, there is a difference between these moves and the signings made by perennial big spenders like the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. While the Redskins and Eagles have generally signed older, veteran players, the Dolphins have invested in players just entering their primes.

The amount of money involved may be risky, but Dolphins fans should be excited about a youth movement in Miami. Risky or not, if there’s anyone worth overpaying, it’s a young wide receiver with supersonic speed and nose for the end zone.

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about the NFL since 2007. His articles range from NFL news to teamspecific commentary. With a Masters in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade.

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Sports

Big Sky Weekly

YSL champs Photos by Mike Coil Big Sky and Bridger ski team racers brought their “A” games to the Youth Ski League Championships, March 15-17 at Big Sky Resort. The event set a Northern Division record, with a turnout of 225 young racers.

While the season is finished for 12 and under, several under-14 racers have qualified for a Tri-Divisional race next weekend in Sun Valley. They are: BSSEF: Alexa Coyle, Valerie Hetherington, Madison Winters, Mackenzie Winters, Kuka Holder, Joe Olson and Wesley Robbins. Alternates: Maci St. Cyr, Heidi Wills and Kyle Wills.

BSF: Megan Petitt, Erin Petitt, Ella Delger, Libby O’Donnell, Larissa Saarel, Sam Saarel and Jacob Drake.

Girls GS 1 Petitt, Erin - 1:26.78 (’99) 2 Petitt, Megan - 1:27.44 (’99) 3 Holder, Kuka - 1:31.90 (’00) 6 Delger, Ella - 1:33.87 (’00) 7 Winters, Mackenzie - 1:35.60 (’00) 8 Szabo, Anna - 1:35.75 (’99) 9 Wills, Heidi - 1:36.18 (’99) 10 Winters, Madison - 1:36.79 (’00) 11 Severn-Eriksson, Annika - 1:38.49 (’02) 12 Asbell, Riley - 1:38.52 (’01) 13 Linkenbach, Annika - 1:39.69 (’00) 14 Boersma, Kodi - 1:39.84 (’01) 17 St Cyr, Maci - 1:40.40 (’00) 18 Smith, Natalie - 1:40.70 (’00) 22 Becker, Riley Belle - 1:42.07 (’01) 23 Hetherington, Valerie - 1:42.22 (’99) 24 Cawley, Grace - 1:44.02 (’00) 25 Delger, Ashlynn - 1:44.29 (’02)

Girls U12 Slalom Winners

Boys GS 5 Drake, Jacob - 1:30.47 (’99) 10 Boone, Trafton - 1:36.27 (’02) 12 Wills, Kyle - 1:36.46 (’99) 13 Saarel, Sam - 1:37.25 (’99) 20 Kirchmayr, Luke - 1:40.47 (’04) Girls U10 Slalom Winners

Riley Becker

Franci St Cyr

Rhett Warga

Luke Kirchmayr

March 22-April 4, 2013 21

22 March 22-April 4, 2013

sports

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Big Sky Weekly

Bozeman Barracudas win short-course State Championships Local swimmers finish big

Raley Warga

Reid Warga

Mia Gutierez

Big Sky has three swimmers on the Bozeman Barracuda swim team, and each has made a splash this season.

placing in the top six in his other events. Additionally, he finished in second place in two of his three relays.

Raley Warga competed in the B-C Championships at the end of February, finishing in the top eight in six events and ribboning in another.

Mia Gutierez also swam in seven events at the State Championships. She finished fourth in the 10 and under 100-yard butterfly, and placing in the top 10 in six others. Gutierez also swam in two relays, finishing first and qualifying for Northwest Regional Championships in Seattle March 22-24.

Reid Warga swam in seven short-course State Championship events in Butte March 1-3, finishing second in the 10 and under 50-yard backstroke, and

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Softball season planning meeting April 3 bus wraPs available - Target thousands of local consumers including Resort employees, permanent residents, MSU Students and 300,000 seasonal tourists

contact outlaw Partners (406) 995-2055 or media@theoutlawPartners.com

With the impending summer season approaching, it's time for the Big Sky community to organize its annual softball league. A planning meeting for this year’s softball season will be held on Wednesday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m., at the Outlaw Partners office in Big Sky’s Town Center.

Anyone interested in organizing a team or volunteering should plan to attend the meeting. The co-ed league plans on games beginning in early June and a league tournament in late August.

health

March 22-April 4, 2013 23

American Cancer Society: cancer screenings decline

Bring the greater Yellowstone to Your doorstep

Deborah Courson Smith Big Sky Connection

HELENA – The message has been preached for years: Early cancer detection can improve outcomes. But cancer screenings have declined during the past 10 years, according to the American Cancer Society.

ACA spokesman Chuck Reed says expense may be one reason. A mammogram can cost several hundred dollars if a person doesn't have health insurance in Montana, although low-cost and free screenings are available to those with low incomes.

Another reason? Reed believes there's confusion about timing, because "People aren't sure when to go in and get that first screening.” He suggests visiting the American Cancer Society website for screening recommendations.

Another reason for the drop may be that people fear bad news, Reed says, but early detection usually means a better chance of successful treatment. There's no evidence that the missed screenings are upping cancer death rates, he says; in fact, they've been going down.

"We can help people if they just follow the advice we give, so if they do indeed find cancer, we find it at an early stage. I'm more concerned about what's going to happen down the road as far as finding cancers at more advanced stages."

ACA general guidelines: a first mammogram at age 40, a first colonoscopy at age 50, Pap tests at least every three years, depending on health status, and prostate cancer screenings should be discussed with a doctor at age 50. Other recommendations on when to get early cancer screenings are online at cancer.org.

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24 March 22-April 4, 2013

business

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Big Sky Weekly

Old friends close deal on Half Moon Gallatin Riverhouse Grill to open early summer

By Joseph T. O’Connor

“We’re bringing back the flank steak sandwich and the burgers,” Wisniewski said.

“We’ll have a well-rounded grill menu where [customers can] go several times a week, rather than an expensive restaurant where [they’d] go once a month.”

Big Sky Weekly Editor

BIG SKY – Say goodbye to the Half Moon Saloon on Hwy. 191, and hello to the Gallatin Riverhouse Grill. The Half Moon closed for business last August, and the building has been an empty shell until earlier this month.

On March 13, two familiar faces finalized a deal on the property, located three miles south of the Big Sky turnoff. They plan to open the new eatery in early summer – but only after the structure, built in 1974, gets a facelift.

The property currently has a 2,000-square-foot deck that overlooks the Porcupine Game Range and the Gallatin River.

“That property is one of the most spectacular properties in Big Sky,” said Ryan Kulesza, New owners Greg “Carnie” Lisk and Kyle Wisniewski Photo by Kelsey Dzintars an L & K Real Estate broker close to the sales process.

The new owners plan to make necessary upgrades He says Lisk and Wisniewski are right for the job. to the building, Lisk said, installing a new roof and “They’re young and hungry and [have] seen both windows, and putting in a new well. They hope the Lisk and Wisniewski are equal partners in the new good and bad.” changes will attract Yellowstone traffic as well as venture, with Wisnieswski as head chef and Lisk locals. behind the bar. They worked on the purchase for “Greg and I love this place,” Wisniewski said. about six months, according to Wisniewski, also the “We’ve agreed that this is going to be our lives and “Our goal is to shoot for a family-friendly establishHalf Moon’s former general manager. we want to let the rest of Big Sky enjoy [the restaument with reasonable prices,” said Wisniewski, rant] and the great views.” who’s lived in Big Sky for 13 years.

“The fun-loving team is back together,” said Lisk, a 10-year local who was bar manager at the Half “The fact that we got it together and it’s ours? It’s As for food, the grill plans to offer barbeque as well Moon for eight years. “We’ll bring it back better like finding two unicorns in the same place.” as some old favorites. than it ever was.”

Former Half Moon employees Greg “Carnie” Lisk and Kyle Wisniewski teamed up to purchase the 3-acre riverfront property from Jim and Cariline Dyer, who ran the Half Moon Saloon for nine years.

Carney joins Microbion Board of Directors

Brings experience and leadership to support growing biotech’s company BOZEMAN – On Wednesday, March 20, Microbion Corp. announced the appointment of Jared Carney to its Board of Directors.

Carney brings a deep knowledge of revenue-accelerating programs, innovations in philanthropy, partnerships and sustainable business development strategies.

Prior to founding Lightdale LLC, a management advisory firm serving clients around the globe, in June 2012, Carney was the Chief Strategy Officer at the Milken Institute for nearly nine years. His leadership was instrumental in creating innovative programs and partnerships with philanthropists, government leaders, CEOs and leading thinkers to further the goals of job creation, advancing medical research and capital access.

“There are few individuals who understand the full spectrum of accelerating development as well as Jared Carney,” said Dr. Brett Baker, Founder and CEO of Microbion. “We will immediately look to his knowledge and experience as we roll out Microbion’s platform technology and continue to expand

our relationship with industry partners.”

Carney also spearheaded the annual Global Conference (the world's largest gathering of capital markets) and established the Global Capital Markets Advisory Council, a group of investors with $14 trillion in assets under management who share ideas about market and policy trends. He also was instrumental in establishing the Milken Institute Asia Center in Singapore.

“I am inspired by Microbion’s vision in developing a safe, new, and environmentally responsible approach to products designed to overcome antibiotic resistant infections, and microbial biofilms in both health and industry,” Carney said.

Based in Bozeman, Microbion Corp. develops products that address the issue of microbial control, particularly with respect to antibiotic resistant bacteria and microbial biofilms.

The company’s focus includes the development of a new class of antiinfective drugs, one of the few that has been discovered over the last 30 years.

D E V E L O P M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S N OW AVA I L A B L E

Residential & Commercial

COTTONWOOD CROSSING $736,000

TOWN CENTER AVENUE WEST PHASE

Residential development opportunity – multi-family • 23 residential entitlements • 2 triplex foundations installed • Site plan for finishing development • Utilities installed into site (as-built utility plans included) • All SFE’s included

9,757 sq. ft - Contract Pending

Block 5 Lot D1

Finished condo • 3 bedroom/2.5 bath • 1,854 sq.ft.

• Custom interior finishes • Located in Town Center and within walking distance to shops, restaurants and parks

Completed commercial space for sale with established tenants • •

Within the amazing Big Sky Town Center core Two story commercial building with established tenants Frontage on Hwy 64 (Lone Mountain Trail)

$292,500

•

•

Unit/Pricing 102: $537,662 – 1,595 sq/ft 103: $394,410 – 1,170 sq/ft 104: $405,924 – 1,204 sq/ft 201: $489,465 – 1,452 sq/ft 202: $325,596 - 966sq/ft 203: $365,760 - 1,085sq/ft (Last unit available for lease) 205: $369,509 - 1,096sq/ft

Commercial Development Opportunity

• • •

Cottonwood Crossing Unit 9

$350,000

Block 5 Lot B1

BUILDING

• • • •

Adjacent to movie-theater and restaurant 0.14 acres - 5,913sq.ft.

84.47’ (street front) by 70’ (depth) Including 4,500 sq.ft. of commercial entitlements SFE’s included Parking lot paved, illuminated Utilities to lot Town Center Avenue location

Block 5 Lot E1

$405,000

Commercial Development Opportunity

• • • • • • • •

0.14 acres - 5,913 sq. ft.

84.47’ (street front) by 70’ (depth) Including 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial entitlements Including 4 residential entitlements for 2nd level units SFE’s included Parking lot paved, illuminated Utilities to lot Town Center Avenue location

Ladd, Kulesza & Company

For more information or private showings contact:

Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development

406-995-2404

4 0 6 - 9 9 5 - 2 4 0 4 • L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M

MARKET PLACE

Ryan Kulesza – 406-539-4666 Eric Ladd – 406-570-0639

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 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. ©2013 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com

26 March 22-April 4, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

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business

March 22-April 4, 2013 27

March 22-April 4, 2013 27

pick your pearls.

Tuff Spas are sturdy enough to withstand Big Sky winters and curious wildlife.

Nordic Hot Tubs introduce new weather and animal resistant hot tub

By Maria Wyllie

Big Sky Weekly Editorial Assistant

BIG SKY – Nordic Hot Tubs owner Dale Palmer likes to keep it local.

Servicing the products they sell, Palmer and his crew are very attentive to how hot tubs should be cared for in an area with extreme temperatures like Big Sky. Also, charismatic megafauna.

“Being local, we are a little more responsive to local needs and not national trends,” Palmer said.

Palmer is introducing a new line of products, called Tuff Spas, which are sturdy enough to withstand Big Sky winters and curious wildlife. With covers made of an advanced polyethylene material, the new tubs are capable of holding over 300 pounds, enabling them to easily handle heavy snow loads.

Standard hot tub covers are made of Styrofoam covered with vinyl and are susceptible to damage from the likes of ravens and bears. Palmer said such covers typically need replacing every two years, but the new Tuff Spas will last.

Although they have fewer bells and whistles than some other tubs, Tuff

Spa products need far less attention than models with extra, more technical features. Designed to reduce electrical usage by trapping heat, they are also energy efficient, making them attractive to absentee owners.

Since Palmer acquired the business in 2001, he has improved the company’s showroom and said he’s tried to set the business up to better serve locals.

“It’s more of a natural evolution than anything,” Palmer said, referring to the increased demand for hot tubs as the community grows.

Also a member of the Big Sky Rotary Club, Palmer helped the Rotary raise money to build the climbing boulder in the Community Park. Nordic donated a hot tub, which brought in $5,000 and helped kick start the project, Palmer said.

Nordic also sponsors the Big Sky Community Corp.’s Parks and Trails Gala fundraiser and the Professional Bull Riding event.

Nordic Hot Tubs is located on Gallatin Gateway, just south of the Exxon. For more information, visit bigskyhottubs.com or call the office at (406) 995-4892.

Big Sky Resort marketing team wins advertising awards BIG SKY – The marketing team at Big Sky Resort was awarded three American Advertising Awards, or "ADDYs," by the Montana chapter of the American Advertising Federation. The awards were presented in Great Falls in late February.

Big Sky Resort Multimedia Coordinator Chris Kamman won first place in the Digital Media category for his video previewing the 2012-2013 winter season, which he filmed and edited. The same video was later awarded ‘Best in Show.’

“Chris’s passion and efforts in sharing the Big Sky skiing experience

resonate in all his work,” said Big Sky Resort Marketing Director Lyndsey Owens.

S H E L LY B E R M O N T Unique, handmade jewelry Extensive selection of South Sea & Tahitian pearls Exotic stones, raw diamonds, fine silver and 18-22 karat gold

Big Sky Resort also won second place for its “Real Mom Heroes” radio campaign, which promoted the spring season pass sale.

The ADDYs are the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 50,000 entries every year in local competitions. The mission is to recognize and reward creative excellence.

B I G S K Y, M T | P A C I F I C P A L I S A D E S , C A Private appointments and trunk shows available. shellybermont.com

HELMS

JEFF HELMS

JAMISON

“

Let us show you the advantages of owning, and how you can own for less than leasing.

Peaks Centre Building

“

KULESZA

175 Aspen Leaf Drive | In the Big Sky Town Center between the Fire Station & Hungry Moose Market

ADVANTAGES OF OWNERSHIP: • Mortgage Interest Deduction • Depreciation Deduction

Owner Financing Breakdown Ground Floor

Size

Purchase the Building

Purchase One of the Suites

Suite A

1,826 sq. ft.

Square Footage

8,706 sq. ft.

Suite A - 1,826 sq. ft.

Suite B

1,266 sq. ft.

Purchase Price

$1.2M / $138 psf

$273,980 / $150 psf

Suite C

1,735 sq. ft. (LEASED)

Down Payment (5%)

$60,000

$13,698

Second Floor

Size

1st Mortgage* (80%)

$960K @ 5.5% = $52,800 p.a. $260K @ 5.5% = $14,315 p.a.

Suite D

1,974 sq. ft.

2nd Mortgage* * (15%)

$180K @ 4.0% = $ 7,200 p.a. $41,190 @ 4% = $ 1,648 p.a.

Suite E

1,292 sq. ft. (SOLD)

Yearly Payment

Suite F

1,965 sq. ft.

Financing Costs

$60K / 8,760 sq. ft. = $6.85 psf $15,963 / 1,826 sq. ft. = $8.74 psf

All Suites

8,706 sq. ft.

Operating Costs

$6 psf

$6 psf

Effective Rent

$12.85 psf

$14.74 psf

$60,000

$15,963

* Conventional Bank Loan. Contact your lender for terms. ** Owner Financing Available. Contact listing team for details.

Jeff Helms, Broker V I EW MORE PHOTOS A ND V IDEOS

at bigskysir.com

Big Sky Town Center Office M: 406.539.0121 E: jeff@sothebysrealty.com

All information is derived from MLS sources and deemed reliable, however, is not guaranteed. Data is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, price change or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by Seller. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser.

explorebigsky.com

engineer's corner

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 29

Montana Sanitation in Subdivision Act

By Philip Kedrowski Redleaf Consulting

In 1961, the 37th Montana Legislature determined that citizens’ health and safety was endangered by drainage from cesspools, septic tanks, privies, water closets and other sources of polluting matter seeping into drinking water supplies.

Due to this concern, the first Health Department law regarding subdivisions was enacted. This law evolved into the “Sanitation in Subdivision Act (MCA 17-4),” of 1973. On May 1st, 1975 the definition of a subdivision subject to review under this act was defined as: A division of land which creates one (1) or more parcels of less than 20 acres.

This law imposes a sanitary restriction on all lots smaller than 20 acres in Montana. An abbreviated definition of sanitary restriction is: a prohibition of any building requiring facilities for water supply or the disposition of sewage or solid waste. To remove this restriction and allow construction, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality must approve both the subdivision and proposed infrastructure.

Lot 34 Sanitation Plan Sheet Courtesy of Redleaf Consulting

This approval constitutes a Release of Sanitary Restriction (commonly called RSR) and stipulates that locations for drinking water supplies and wastewater treatment systems have appropriate setbacks in order to protect public and environmental health.

Most subdivisions in the Big Sky area have achieved RSR. However many property buyers/owners don’t know their septic drain field and domestic water well locations are pre-determined. As a result, prop-

erty owners have mistakenly constructed homes where their drain field should be or installed drain fields where wells should be. When this occurs, an engineer must submit a Sanitation Act Approval rewrite to the MDEQ that shows the new site layout still meets environmental and health code requirements.

Although some site layouts are changed due to a lack of understanding, property owners also change

the site layout for other reasons. Two common reasons include moving the house for a better view and changing the layout for better driveway access.

These can also be achieved through the rewrite process. The rewrite must be reviewed and approved prior to any construction on site.

Philip Kedrowski, PE, LEED-AP, is owner/engineer of Redleaf Consulting, PLLC. Redleaf is the only engineering company based in Big Sky.

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30 March 22-April 4, 2013

classifieds

Public notice

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If your organization provides a service for the community, apply for appropriation of resort tax funds. Act quickly because applications are due April 3, 2013. You’ll find the application online at www.bigskyresorttax. com.

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Big Sky Weekly

Public Notice of Basic Telephone Service Available from 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier by meeting guidelines of the Federal Communications Commission and the Montana Public Service Commission. We have been offering quality reliable telephone service since 1953 and realize basic service is a fundamental aspect of everyday life.

Basic service from 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative Inc. includes: o Single party service o Touch-tone service o Voice grade access to the public switched network o Access to emergency services (including 911/E911) o Access to operator services, interexchange carriers, and directory assistance o Extended area service (toll free calling from all 3 Rivers’ exchanges to any other 3 Rivers’ exchange, with the exception of Conrad, Great Falls, Helena, Shelby) 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative Inc. is proud to offer basic service to all customers in our serving territory. Our monthly rates for residential and business basic services arelisted below. Low-income individuals may be eligible for Lifeline telephone assistance programs, which provide discounts from these basic rates.

Also available to Lifeline customers is toll blocking free of charge which lets customers block outgoing long distance calls. Individuals may subscribe to only one Lifeline subsidy.

If you have questions, or would like to become a customer of 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc, please contact us at 467-2535 from any 3 Rivers exchange listed below, 1-800-796-4567, www.3rivers.net or visit our business office at 202 5th Street South in Fairfield.

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4 bedroom, 4.5 bath in Spanish Peaks Call 406-995-2174 or visit vrbo.com/393008 for more details

Residential …………………$ 22.00 Business…………….………$ 27.00

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outlaw news

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 31

How the Weekly comes to be By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

The Big Sky Weekly is an ever-evolving beast.

That’s the nature of news, after all – it happens, whether you’re looking or not. At the Weekly, we just happen to be looking.

But how does it all come together?

In an ideal world, we’ve planned the stories on a shared Google Document months in advance, knowing what’s happening in this corner of the world before it occurs – our ears are to the ground, and tips come in daily from concerned citizens, business leaders, freelance writers/photographers and press releases.

As we research, interview, write, photograph and edit these pieces, our goal is to have the best, most accurate information.

Sticking to proper word-count and to our due dates is imperative: If my feature story is late, for example, it will throw off my co-editors, who may be working on a breaking news piece. The designer will be waiting for it, as well, and might have to shuffle other pieces around if the planned word count is off. This is the same for advertising deadlines.

Assuming everything is in on time, each story is reviewed by two to three editors, and then sent to our page designer via the Internet program,

The Outlaw editorial team hard at work on the final edit of the Weekly. L-R: Maria Wyllie, Joseph T. O'Connor, Emily Stifler and Tyler Allen. Photo by Kelsey Dzintars

Dropbox. There, she links it to an In-Design file and works her magic, fitting text to space and working in photos.

From there, the files are sent to Great Falls where Rivers Edge Printing and Distributing prints the papers and FedEx’s them to Belgrade.

Upcoming due dates: April 12 Weekly – content due April 3 April 26 Weekly – content due April 17 May 10 Weekly – content due May 1 Have a story idea? Want to submit a photo? Contact us at media@theoutlawpartners.com.

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32 March 22-April 4, 2013

header

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Big Sky Weekly

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Big Sky Weekly

dining

March 22-April 4, 2013 33

Section 3:

life, land and culture

Volume 4 // Issue No. 6

Andiamo: A feast for the eyes and mouth

Photos by Kene Sperry

By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

BIG SKY – Andiamo, an Italian restaurant located in the Big Sky Mountain Village, serves delicious food in an atmosphere inspired by Italy and Spain.

At first glance, the décor may seem odd for an on-mountain establishment; however, once you learn about some of the details – namely lithographs and line drawings from Pablo Picasso – it becomes more interesting.

Two line drawings from the Spanish master hang in the women’s bathroom, and a limited edition lithograph decorates the men’s. According to the manager, Sava Mathou, the line drawings may be originals.

Antique wooden doors from a Spanish mission open into a private dining room, and two reproductions of old bar chairs await customers in the restaurant’s entryway, their spherical backs creating an echo, which allowed businessmen in the old West to sit across from one another and clearly hear each other whispering. Other small intricacies – chairs upholstered with blue, purple, red and spotted fur, and custom Italian-style lamps – clinch the deal.

After receiving the full tour, I sat down to enjoy some après beer and gourmet pizza with the girls. The pizza menu had an endless list of toppings, and we opted for a goat cheese and pepperoni, as well as one with mozzarella, mushrooms and prosciutto.

Thin crust and mouth-watering flavor make Andiamo a great option for après skiers craving pizza, but not wanting the typical grease-soaked slice of pepperoni to go.

And, rather than filling up on bread, it’s light enough to still leave you with room for dinner. Don’t miss the wine list.

Open at 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, as well as lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, Andiamo is a fun, tasty option if you’re looking for an après or dinner spot on the hill.

"Thin crust and mouthwatering flavor make Andiamo a great option for après skiers craving pizza."

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explorebigsky.com

Profile

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 35

Team Human connects people on a grand scale By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

Gannon and Selvaggio recently joined forces with local musician Kent Johnson to create the “Face to Face, Up Close and Personal” music tour. They spent 40 days on the road, traveling in the Team Human van from Portland, Ore., to Key West, Florida, playing music and spreading the word about Team Human.

BIG SKY – Team Human has few limitations. The organization has sent kids to tour a Washington apple orchard, built bamboo bikes in Portugal, and run a nationwide music tour. The idea: invite people all over the world to participate and connect with each another.

Selvaggio, whose music career is based mostly in Portland, said the tour was an avenue to help generate conversation about what it means to be human.

For two years running, Team Human has brought school groups to Hidden Ciders apple orchard near Spokane, Wash. There, kids learn where their food comes from and what Team Human represents.

“Although it’s a simple question, we’ve found that a lot of people have a hard time talking about it,” he said. “By creating spaces and events in a fun, safe way, we are helping bring people together in a positive environment where they can share ideas.”

“Because it is a human movement, it has to be that broad,” said co-founder Pat “Kuru” Gannon, referring to the unusually wide scope of projects the group supports. “We are mainly working with people who are looking to connect on a grander scale.”

Team Human was born in 2008, when a group of eight individuals with a shared passion for traveling and connecting met while working as ski and snowboard instructors at Moonlight Basin. While many of the original founders are still involved, the organization is now spearheaded by musician Rob “Big Water” Selvaggio and Gannon, a pro skier and founder of Moonlight Basin’s freeride program.

“It grew and grew to the point where me and Big Water said we need to do something bigger and promote it as more of a movement,” Gannon said.

“It was really resonating with people.”

Currently working toward nonprofit status, Team Human aims to generate a global conversation about

Scotty Williams, another skier who works part-time at Moonlight Basin, has watched Team Human grow over the past few years.

Team Human co-founder Pat "Kuru" Gannon, also pictured on the cover, is full of stoke at Moonlight Basin.

Photo by Ryan Day Thompson

what it means to be human, and about coming together to create positive change. Gannon is open to all project ideas, as long as they support the Team Human cause.

In one example, a war veteran who fought in Somalia and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder builds toys as a way of giving back, and Team Human sends them to children in Africa. Called Team Human Toys, Gannon says they provide hope.

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“Team Human in Big Sky shows how we should ski the mountain, because treating people right on the mountain is treating people right in life,” Williams said.

Gannon hopes Team Human will help people adopt a more global perspective, even if they haven’t had the opportunity to experience different cultures.

“By joining Team Human, you are broadening your perspective,” Gannon said. “It’s about engaging and participating in the world that affects you.”

Mill Levy Community Meeting Dates: Monday, March 25 at 9am, 12pm, 6pm & Thursday, March 28 at 9am, 12pm, 6pm Meetings are held at Big Sky Fire Dept, Station #1

Important Impact of the Proposed 2013 Mill Levy area serviced

Mutual aid assistance

Minimum response needs

Minimal mutual aid assistance is available due to location

Emergency Medical Services

Low priority incidents

yellowstone club

20+

Big Sky & Hwy 191 from Lava Lake turnoff – Yellowstone National Park boundary

increasing call volume

2011 2012

2 people gone 3+ hrs

minutes away

High priority incidents

all others

45+

+7%/yr +13.6%/yr June & July +88% August +54.7% September +50%

EMS accounts for 70% of all responses

3 people gone 3+ hrs

minutes away

Fire incidents

automobile accidents

Structure: 4 people required by OSHA,

Min. 2-3 people to treat each patient, plus 4-6 for extrication, fire suppression & traffic direction

14+ per NFPA standards (if water is avail, more needed if no water) Wildland: 8+ people needed

Current BSFD capabilities 2-3 on duty 24 hrs/day, 18 volunteers (Currently available approximately 6% of time)

M ill Levy

Goal

Cost

tax increase 10.362 mills on taxable value

$450k/

Increase available career personnel to minimally safe number =

4

the equation

amount paid

Taxable Value x 10.3632 / 1000 = Amount of New Tax

70% of property taxes paid by non-resident owners

V x 10.3632/1000 = tax

annually

What does this cost me? Even with proposed increase, Big Sky residents still pay far less than majority of the county for value of properties protected.

Estimated Monthly Tax

current mill levy comparison

(based on state market value of residential property)

40.79

40.08

39.17

38.88

38.29

22.82

14.97

8.89

Amsterdam

Willow Creek

Sourdough

Bridger

Big Sky

Three Forks

Sedan

Questions or more information?

Contact Big Sky Fire Department, 406-995-2100, www.bigskyfire.org, wfarhat@bigskyfire.org

Gallatin Gateway

Your vote matters on May 7th

49.25

$12.67/mo

Story Mill

$1,000,000

51.56

$10.14/mo

Hebgen Basin

$800,000

54.5

$7.60/mo

Central Valley Fire

$600,000

68.95

$5.07/mo

Manhattan

$400,000

120.79

$2.53/mo

Gallatin River Ranch

$200,000

Note - The Sourdough Fire District just added 23.71 mills for the next 15 years to build a $2.9 million fire station

explorebigsky.com

events

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 37

Arts Council hosting first ever fundraising gala ‘Crawfish and Cornbread’ Arts Council of Big Sky

“Heading into our 25th year, we're listening to the desires of our community by expanding our programming to include more disciplines of the arts,” Jamison said. “This inaugural fundraiser is an example of the direction we're headed.”

BIG SKY – The Arts Council of Big Sky is hosting “Crawfish and Cornbread,” its first ever fundraising gala, on Saturday, March 30 from 5-10 p.m. at the new Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.

At 7:30 p.m., jazz singer Eden Atwood, along with the Bridger Mountain Big Band, will take the stage to perform two sets.

Sponsored by Bozeman Audi and Buck’s T-4 Lodge, the gala is a celebration of Cajun culture and the city of New Orleans. Event highlights include an art auction, live music, Cajun-style cuisine and a raffle prize drawing of a trip for two to the 2013 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, May 3-6.

The evening will begin with a quick draw “finish” session where well-known artists Tom Gilleon, Todd Connor, Tom English, Shirley Wempner, Laurie Stevens and Tom Thorton will be painting and framing their work on stage. The artwork will be auctioned off later in the evening.

Atwood, who has performed all over the world and been featured on NPR's Piano Jazz, currently lives in Missoula.

The Bozeman-based Bridger Mountain Big Band is a 17-piece group with five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets and a four-piece rhythm section with bass, piano, guitar and drums.

Jazz singer Eden Atwood will perform with the Bridger Mountain Big Band at the ACBS fundraising gala. Photo courtesy of Eden Atwood

“The quick draw portion of the evening is a first for the Arts Council,” said Arts Council President Tallie Jamison. “Both of our local art galleries have worked together to make this happen, and we're thrilled to have six top Montana artists participating in what will become an annual event.”

Following the auction, Jamison and WMPAC Executive Director John Zirkle will give a short talk about how the theater came to be and what can be expected in the future.

“We’re excited to showcase this amazing new venue in Big Sky with a fun, new event that features wonderful visual art and great jazz music,” said ACBS Executive Director Brian Hurlbut.

“This will be a tremendous night for the Arts in our community, and someone will be walking away with a trip to New Orleans.”

Tickets can be purchased by phone at (406) 9952742, or in person at the new Bozeman Audi Big Sky showroom, located in the Marketplace building in the Big Sky Town Center. bigskyarts.org

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38 March 22-April 4, 2013

entertainment

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Big Sky Weekly

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center ribbon cutting By emily stifler

“[Big Sky] is a community where anything is possible,” Loren Bough said.

big sky weekly managing editor

BIG SKY – None other than Warren Miller himself cut the ribbon at Big Sky's new performing arts center, at a March 12 evening event. The completion of the facility, named for the ski movie icon, has been two years in the making and cost $1.94 million.

He and Zirkle both spoke about the future, asking the community to get involved by sharing ideas, taking part in performances, volunteering or donating.

"I don't think there's very many facilities like this anywhere in America," said Miller in an interview before the ceremony. "With the touch of a button, you can turn every light bulb in here blue, red, green, yellow. It's as high tech a place as you'll ever find. I’m proud to be part of that."

Miller, too, spoke of the collaborative effort.

“I think Big Sky is in a space all by itself. A facility like this will attract a lot of performBuilt in the old Lone Peak High School ers that a high school gym, the process of dialing in the cenfacility would not [norter’s acoustics was an “amazing feat,” Warren Miller and Friends of Big Sky Education President Loren Bough Photo by Kene Sperry mally attract]… The said WMPAC Artistic Director John fact that a small town Zirkle.

He also noted that the lighting system is entirely like this has ponied up the money to do it... everybody LED, and the sound system has a state-of-the-art here starts pulling together, and then you’ve got a lot “Everything is measured so the listening experience digital signal processor.

“We can do anything you can of weight on the rope [pulling this] thing into reality. It is optimized for every seat in the house,” Zirkle said. imagine with the sound.” doesn’t get any better.”

The audience – which overflowed the 280-seat theater – heard this first hand during a piano performance of one of Chopin’s Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31, by local musician Klaudia Kosiak.

“You can hear every note that Klaudia played on the piano, all the subtleties – that's what you look for in a performing arts center,” Zirkle said.

On stage, Zirkle recognized several of the major players integral to the creation of WMPAC: Friends of Big Sky Education president Loren Bough and his wife Jill, FOBSE secretary and former school superintendent Anne Marie Mistretta, and current superintendent Jerry House.

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Listen to an audio recording of Miller's speech at explorebigsky.com The Big Sky Community Theater will perform at WMPAC on Friday, March 29, followed by the Arts Council of Big Sky fundraiser, “Crawfish and Cornbread,” on March 30.

Governor tours WMPAC On March 15, a few days after the WMPAC ribbon cutting ceremony, Gov. Steve Bullock stopped by to tour the facility and meet with students, teachers and school staff.

The Governor visited Mrs. Rust's second grade classroom, where, in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, he advised them on the perfect leprechaun trap. He also visited with Mr. Harder's fourth grade class, where he learned about their upcoming trip to Yellowstone.

Bullock finished with a tour of the WMPAC and addressed the assembled faculty with an update on the 2013 legislative session. There, he fielded questions about education and tourism.

“It’s so great to see the community come together and support this and make it a reality,” Bullock said of the arts center.

Friends of Big Sky Education President Loren Bough was instrumental in bringing the Governor to the school.

“Gov. Bullock has shown real leadership on Montana education issues,” Bough said. “We believe the Big Sky School District, as the fastest-growing district in the state, will lead innovation in the small schools space.”

Bough pointed out students’ use of onsite and distance learning to pursue courses in six different languages, operation of tech labs for both lower and upper grades, as well as capstone projects and community service requirements for high school students.

“These features tie the community and businesses closer to the students,” he said.

From Bullock’s perspective, it’s important to know “what the statewide leaders in education are doing,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Meg O’Leary, formerly of Big Sky Resort. “He hadn’t seen the new high school, so [he] knew that would be productive.”

Education initiatives are a top priority for Bullock, who has three young children.

Bullock earlier that day toured LygoCyte Pharmaceuticals in Bozeman, learning more about the Japanese-owned biotech company that’s working on a possible vaccine for Norovirus.

Bullock, who is a skier, held his all-cabinet retreat in Big Sky earlier this year. – E.S.

explorebigsky.com

header

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 39

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lost trails, traCt 8 • • • •

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explorebigsky.com

I K S S É APR

Big Sky Weekly

S R E T R A U EADQ

H

Live Music Schedule Saturday, Mar. 23

Tom Mariono - 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 23

Schizoid Johnny - 9 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 29

10 Foot Tall and 80 Proof - 9 p.m. ($5 Cover)

Thursday, April 4

The Bottom of the Barrel - 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 6

Jeff Belino - 5-7 p.m.

Sunday, April 7

Big Water - 5-7 p.m.

Thursday April 11

Eric Wink - 5-7 p.m.

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events

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 41

Planning an event? Let us know! Email maria@theoutlawpartners.com, and we’ll spread the word.

big sky FRIDAY, MARCH 22

BSSEF Master’s Nationals Big Sky Resort, 10 a.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 BSSEF Master’s Nationals Big Sky Resort, 10 a.m.

Tom Marino Choppers, 5-7 p.m.

Schizold Johnny Choppers, 9 p.m.

DJ Tiny and DJ Rampage Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Self Defense with Nick Armitage Santosha, 5-6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

Movie Night: Ice Age: The Meltdown Moonlight Lodge, 6 p.m.

Creative Writing Forum Santosha, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 Brass Flask Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde Warren Miller Performing Arts Center , 7p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at East Slope Outdoors.

10 Foot Tall & 80 Proof Choppers, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Headwaters Spring Runoff – Jr. Freeride Moonlight Basin ACBS Crawfish & Cornbread Fundraiser Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 5-10 p.m.

Easter Vigil St. Joseph’s, 8 p.m.

DJ Tiny and DJ Rampage Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31 Easter Sunrise Service Swift Current, 7 a.m.

Easter Egg Hunt Moonlight Basin, 10:30 a.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship St. Joseph’s, 11 a.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Easter Sunrise Service Swift Current, 7 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Movie Night: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Moonlight Lodge, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

DJ Tiny and DJ Rampage Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

Bernie Worrell Buck’s T -4, 8 p.m.

Bozeman FRIDAY, MARCH 22

TEDx Bozeman: “Dreamers Who Do” The Commons, 8 a.m.

4th Emerson Soup N’ Bowl Emerson Cultural Center, 6 p.m.

West Coast Swing Montana Movement Arts Center, 6 p.m.

Karaoke The Legion, 8 p.m.

Urinetown Verge Theatre, 8 p.m.

Pulse Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

The Prince Frog The Verge Theatre, 2 p.m.

The Funk Meltdown VAST Gallery, 5 p.m.

The Makem and Spain Brothers Ellen Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Urinetown Verge Theatre, 8 p.m.

Tuesdays:

Fluorescent Brown Filling Station, 8 p.m.

Filming Highlights of Yellowstone 2012 Gardiner Track Education Center, 7 p.m.

•

Kitchen Dwellers The Legion, 9 p.m.

The Mike Devine Project Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Pre-school open gym, LPHS gym, 8:459:45 a.m. (Feb. 17 – April 15)

•

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Montana Rose Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

Guided Snowshoe Hike at Moonlight, 10 a.m. (Dec. 18 – April 9)

•

Pub Trivia at Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Wednesdays:

Sunday Funday Bozeman Brewing Company, 2 p.m.

Jerry Joseph & The Jack Mormons Peach Street Studios, 3 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 25 Bridger Creek Boys Colonel Black’s, 6 p.m.

4onthefloor Filling Station, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

The Physics of Jazz Reynolds Recital Hall, 11 a.m.

Sizzling Salsa Montana Movement Arts Center, 8 p.m.

Deb and The Tall Boys Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

•

Montana Night at Jack Creek Grille, 6 p.m.

(Feb. 20 – April 10)

Ten Foot Tall & 80 Proof Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

•

Volleyball open gym at LPHS gym, 7-9 p.m.

(Feb 27 – June 1.)

•

Shuffleboard at Lone Peak Brewery, 8 p.m.

Montana Rose Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

Thursdays: •

Sushi at the Summit, 6 p.m.

Writer’s night w/Richard Wheeler Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Fridays: •

Live music at Ousel & Spur Pizza Co., 9-11 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

•

Fish Taco Fridays at Buck’s T -4

Bluegrass Jam w/John Lowell Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Saturdays:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

•

Search and Rescue Dog Demonstration, 2 p.m. at Moonlight Basin (Feb. 23 – April 13, excluding March 30 and April 6)

Rob Irizarry Lecture Procrastinator Theater, 6:15 p.m.

Honky Tonk Heroes Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

•

Open Mic Night Café Zydeco, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Après Ski Music at the Headwaters Grille at Moonlight, 3-5 p.m. (Feb. 2 – April 13, excluding March 30 and April 2)

•

Sunset Saturdays at Big Sky Resort, Ramcharger lift runs until 5 p.m. (March 9 – April 15)

Dan Dubuque Co-op Flying C, 5 p.m.

Kelly Roberti Jazz Plonk, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours Pierce Flooring and Design, 5:30 p.m.

Charlie Parr Peach Street Studios, 5:30 p.m.

Indian Cooking Class Bridger Kulinary Centre, 6:30 p.m.

Tracy Morgan: Excuse My French University Theater, 7 p.m.

Angels in the Architecture Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Charlie Parr Filling Station, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Pinky and the Floyd Willson Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Urinetown Verge Theatre, 8 p.m.

David Dalla G hip-hop Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Winter Farmer’s Market Emerson Cultural Center, 9 a.m.

Dinosaur Egg Hunt Museum of the Rockies, 10 a.m.

Resistance is Fertile: Parade Co-op Flying C, 11:45 a.m.

The Prince Frog Verge Theatre, 2 p.m.

Community Dance Contest MSU Sub Ballrooms, 7 p.m.

Urinetown Verge Theatre, 8 p.m.

Dirt Bag Ball w/Full Moon Fever Molly Brown, 7:30 p.m.

Shark Sandwich Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Toki Wright, Kristoff Krane, Carnage Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Bridger Creek Boys Colonel Black’s, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 Langhorne Slim Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Ladies Night w/DJ Bones Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Calista Bay Bar & Grille. 7 p.m.

livingston & paradise valley FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Gardiner Community Blood Drive Gardiner Community Church, 2-6 p.m.

Speakeasy-Sultry Blues Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Bridger Creek Boys Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

Honky Tonk Heroes Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

ongoing big sky events Mondays: •

Preschool Story Time, Big Sky Community Library, 10:30 a.m.

•

Yoga Nidra Meditation at Santosha, 8-9 p.m.

•

$15 Monday Night Prime Rib at 320 Ranch

DAILY: •

Après ski tunes at Whiskey Jack’s and the Carabiner

•

320 Guest Sleigh Rides (nightly)

•

Sleigh Ride Dinners at Lone Mountain Ranch, 6-10 p.m. (Dec. 9-March 30)

•

Diana Tremaine, “Impulsion” exhibit at Gallatin River Gallery

•

Happy Hour at Lone Peak Cinema, 8-9 p.m.

fun

42 March 22-April 4, 2013

Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Powder Playlist,” Big Sky Weekly staff and guests suggest a soundtrack for a day on the mountain, and guests have a chance to share what they listen to when they shred.

Keep in mind, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings while skiing, and listening to music too loudly can be dangerous.

Guest picks

By Charlotte Sullivan

WE DO BIG SKY FOOD

we deliver 4069952305

serving breakfast lunch & dinner

By Maria Wyllie BIG SKY WEEKLY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

While visiting Jackson for the St. Patty’s Day festivities, I decided to check out what they’ve been listening to down in the Hole. Local Charlotte Sullivan broke her ankle and has been out for most of the season, but she always has a playlist ready to go. Whether she’s doing physical therapy exercises, cruising around town or getting ready to go out, the rap songs below put her in a good mood and get her pumped up.

Weather conditions typically dictate my track selection when creating a playlist. Powder days call for some Eminem, Beastie Boys, and Rage Against The Machine - artists who help me really get after it and ski more aggressively.

On sunny, spring days, I prefer listening to mellower tunes with more instrumentals. The tracks below are good options when you’re just messing around on the groomers.

1.

“Caribou Lou,” Tech N9e

1.

2.

“Feel Me Flow,” Naughty By Nature

“Third Stone from the Sun/If You Love Me Like You Say,” Gary Clark Jr.

3.

“Lodi Dodi,” Snoop Dog & Nancy Fletcher

2.

“Buena,” Morphine

3.

“Prodigal Son,” Steel Pulse

4.

“Thug Mentality,” Bone Thugs

4.

“Blind To You,” Collie Buddz

5.

“Hypnotize,” Notorious B.I.G.

5.

“User Me,” Walter Wolfman Washington

6.

“The Humpty Dance,” Digital Underground

6.

“Compared to What,” John Legend & The Roots

7.

“Ice Ice Baby,” Vanilla Ice

7.

“When the Levee Breaks,” Led Zeppelin

8.

“Push It,” Salt-n-Pepa

8.

“Mother,” Pink Floyd

9.

“Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”

Snoop Dog

9.

“Don’t Mess With Mr. T.,” Stanley Turrentine

10. “My First Song,” Jay-Z

some restaurants do italian food. some do chinese food.

Staff picks

k.com orOpenStoc www.Vect

10. “One Short Night,” Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

explorebigsky.com

buscrat's fables

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 43

No Quit Chase In his freshman year of high school, Chase joined choir. But his voice was high-pitched and squeaky, and as much as he tried, he couldn’t keep a tune, so Chase decided to quit.

“You can’t quit now!” they all yelled at the boat.

“Now we’ll never make it back to land.”

Just then Molly lost her balance and fell into the ocean. She couldn’t swim and began to sink down into the deep ocean. Then sharks started coming.

The classmates all screamed and panicked. They didn’t know what to do.

“You can’t quit now,” the music teacher said.

“We’ve practiced all year, and we’re getting ready for the big performance. We need everybody.”

Chase dove in the water and swam deep down after Molly. Because he had tried to blow a tune in the trumpet for a year his lungs had grown large.

He was able to hold his breath to swim down and grab Molly’s hand.

The choir had its big performance. Chase’s voice was high pitched and squeaky, but he didn’t quit.

As a sophomore, Chase joined the debate team.

He was nervous and scared to talk to a group of people, so Chase decided to quit the team.

“You can’t quit now,” the teacher said. “We’ve practiced all year, and we’re getting ready for the big debate. We need everybody.”

The team had its big debate. Chase spoke so softly that nobody could hear him, but he didn’t quit.

In his junior year Chase decided to join the band and play the trumpet. He puffed and puffed, but couldn’t get a tune to come out of the trumpet.

Chase decided to quit band.

“You can’t quit now,” the teacher said. “We’ve practiced all year, and we’re getting ready for the big performance. We need everybody.”

The band had its big performance. Chase had a red face and puffy cheeks as he huffed through the trumpet, and only the sound of air came out, but he didn’t quit.

In his senior year, Chase decided to join the football team. As much as he tried, he couldn’t catch or throw the ball, and all the other football players were much bigger than him. Chase decided to quit the team.

“You can’t quit now,” the coach said. “We’ve played all season, and we’re getting ready for the big game. We need everybody.”

The football team had its big game. All Chase could do was dodge all the big football players and try not to get squashed, but he didn’t quit.

At the end of the school year Chase’s graduating senior class went on a deep sea fishing trip. When the boat was far out at sea, the motor started smoking, then quit. All the classmates were scared.

As he began towing Molly up to the surface, he saw the sharks coming after them. Because of his football experience, he was able to dodge the sharks. Chase and Molly made it to the surface.

Because of his experience in the choir Chase sang a high-pitched squeaky tune, which called the dolphins. They shooed off the sharks.

The teammates cheered and pulled them both out of the water. With his experience on the debate team, Chase convinced the dolphins to pull the boat to shore.

Everyone knew they could depend on Chase, because he never quits. Molly thought Chase was very talented and brave. She fell in love with him.

Buscrat’s Fables are simple stories that teach a moral. Visit buscratsfables.com for other fables.

TH E W E S T MAY BE WILD,

but it’s not uncivilized

moonlight basin

S NOWSPORTS OUR SNOWSPORTS SCHOOL

veterans experience The ResTauRanT aT Rainbow Ranch Lodge Join us for fabulous Happy Hour deals and delectable dinners featuring Chef Ian’s authentic Montana cuise.

Wednesday - Sunday through April 14 Happy Hour 5pm to 6pm | Dinner 5:30pm - 9:30pm -RR Easter Brunch Sunday, March 31 | 10am - 2pm Featuring Bison Hanger Steak, locally raised Rainbow Trout, classics like Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles and much more!

Meeting or celebration to plan? Let –RR be your host and leave the details to us. Our picturesque setting provides the ideal backdrop for productive meetings and memorable celebrations.

Contact us at 1.800.937.4132 for details and special offers. rainbowranchbigsky.com • 1.800.937.4132 Five miles south of Big Sky entrance on Hwy 191

An AccelerAted Pa C e O f L e a R N i N g

(that’s what comes with small class ratios & tuned-in instructors)

Increased

ON The SNOW

(a product of a relaxed, fun learning environment tailored to individual needs and styles)

Skills fOR aLL TeRRaiN aNd aLL CONdiTiONS

(because we believe a versatile skier or rider is the best kind!)

aSK US abOUT OUR

A d u lT CliNiCS Full and half day clinics available.

Moonlight Basin SnowSports is located at the Madison Village Base Area. open Da i ly

8:30am-4:30pm Call (406) 993-6062 or email snowsports@moonlightbasin.com to book your lesson.

Creighton Block biG sky ’ s M O sT e x T e n si v e fine aRT C O l l e C T iOn

every thUrSday at 4:30 PM

provided by

R. Tom Gilleon “Mother Moon” Oil on Canvas 50x50

ar twork also displayed at outlaw Par tners, Bozeman audi Big Sky Showroom and Lone Mountain ranch dining room

11:00 aM - 7:00 PM // tUeSday thrU SUnday MondayS By aPPointMent

Please visit the galler y to view our extensive collection of fine works of ar t in the Main galler y, the charsam room, and the new Private collection.

Loc ate d in the Bi g Sky town cent er o n t he co r n e r o f Lo n e P e ak dr i ve

c r e i g h to n B L o c k g a L L e r y. c o M |

(406) 993-9400

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

column: wanderer at Rest

March 22-April 4, 2013 45

S.O.S., Martha Stewart With spring approaching, I find myself again faced with imminent failure. In my fertile imagination, an appreciation of the natural world should correspond with a green thumb. But in reality, my record with horticulture is mixed, at best.

When I moved into my apartment, which features a second-story exposed patio, I figured it would be simple to transform it into a bountiful garden where I could host dinner parties. How wrong I was. Because it was already July, I went to the hardware store and purchased established plants.

Hopped up on the excitement of a new place, I didn’t bother with research.

ing” situation on my porch. I spent last summer watering pots of dirt.

Although I didn’t give up on the seeds until the bitter end, eventually I had to go plant shopping again. Enter my dad, from whom I inherited this gray thumb. He was in town for a visit, and we went shopping for flowers. The result was a beautiful pre-potted mix of orange, yellow and red blooms. These plants actually did well – as did the chives my dad brought from home in Illinois.

Clearly, significant research should take place before I inflict my good intentions on any more outdoor plants. Fingers crossed, and eyes toward the gardening section of the library.

Jamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009.

Since then, she has spent considerable time making local gardeners feel accomplished by comparison.

My mom was in town to help me move, and we picked some bright flowers as well as a tomato plant intended to grow on patios. The flowers fared well, especially in comparison to the doomed tomato. You see, my west-facing porch is cool in the mornings, but broils in the afternoon until the sun sets. I watched with horror as the plant I hoped to nurture into a healthful existence fried in these blazing conditions. Watching its prolonged demise, I felt like a jerk.

With this questionable experience under my belt, the next year I thought, ‘Why not try starting some seeds?’

Because I’m not very good at this, I potted desert flower seeds, as well as a plant by a friend for its name, Love Lies Bleeding, which appealed to my twisted sense of humor. Unfortunately, due to my inept ministrations, it was more of a “lovenever-grows-let-alone-blossoms-or-lies-bleedThe result of little research and a gray thumb (CC)

of Bozeman InsertToyota dealer logo866-623-5535 and address.

Covers normal factory scheduled service for 2 years or 25K miles, whichever comes first. The new Toyota vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet or a livery or taxi vehicle. See participating dealer for complete plan details. Valid only in the continental United States and Alaska.

46 March 22-April 4, 2013

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

For the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Topics include regional history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or outdoor skills, and science.

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

Dr. Dunn explains whooping cough (pertussis)

By Maren Dunn, D.O.

adolescents and adults, this period can last 2-3 months. Finally, within two more weeks, the symptoms subside.

Big Sky Weekly Health Writer

Is whooping cough going around the community?

Eric, Big Sky

If the illness is recognized, antibiotics are prescribed. However, neither natural infection nor vaccination offers life-long immunity, so following vaccination schedules is critical. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) and is given at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age, and at 4 and 11 years of age. An infant less than 2 months old is at high risk of pertussis infection and death.

Cold symptoms run rampant in the wintertime, and this year has been no exception – especially when it comes to the contagious cough running around Big Sky. Since 2004, there has been a frightening resurgence of pertussis, or whooping cough in the U.S., and 2010 tallied the most cases in more than 50 years, with 27,550 nationwide. We’re still experiencing what the Centers for Disease Control has called “the worst whooping cough epidemic in 50 years,” though case numbers are dropping due to increased vaccination rates.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. In the pre-vaccine era, children under 10 predominantly contracted the illness, stricken with prolonged cough and

Dr. Dunn examining patients - she recommends seeing your medical provider if you suffer from a cough for longer than a week or show typical symptoms of whooping cough. Photo by Kene Sperry

one or more of the classic symptoms: a “whoop” noise between coughs, severe coughing fits, and cough followed by vomiting.

It can be hard to know if a community is experiencing a pertussis outbreak, because affected individuals tend not to seek treatment during

the first stage – confirmation of the illness, done through lab testing, is only reliable during the first 2-4 weeks. This is also the time period when medicine can actually shorten the course of the illness. Unfortunately, most cases go undetected.

If treated after two weeks, antibiotics may not shorten the illness but are likely to decrease the spread of the bacteria. Most infected individuals clear the illness within 3-4 weeks without treatment.

Since the 1990s, pertussis has affected mostly adolescents and adults, due largely to waning immunity. While their symptoms can be less severe than in children, these age groups can carry the illness to children and infants who are at higher risk of severe illness and death. Once infected, the typical incubation period is 7-10 days. This is much longer than the common cold, where incubation takes about three days.

Infections have three phases of illness. In the first stage, which lasts 1-2 weeks, runny nose, malaise and mild cough are common; high fever is atypical. Other early symptoms include excessive eye watering or redness.

The hallmark symptom occurs during the second stage, which starts around week two: severe, forceful coughs during exhalation, followed by a vigorous inhalation that sounds like a “whoop.” Often a person will have paroxysms, or fits of these distinctive coughs.

Since their airways are smaller, the whooping noise is more pronounced in young children, who may also stop breathing between coughing spells. This can be alarming, since the paroxysms can cause a person to vomit or pass out. In

To help protect this population, doctors recommend all pregnant women have a booster during their third trimester and repeat vaccination for every pregnancy. A pregnant mother passes on antibodies to the unborn child, offering protection until the child receives the first vaccine.

Since immunity wanes years after vaccination, it’s necessary for adults to get boosters, as well. The adult vaccine is called Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis).

Tdap is now routinely given at least once after age 18. If you are unsure if your recent tetanus booster was a Tdap, get the Tdap vaccination immediately. This will help maintain immunity and reduce the possibility of passing the illness to a child.

See your medical provider if you suffer from a cough for longer than a week or show typical symptoms of whooping cough. If you’ll be spending time with a new baby, help protect it from pertussis by getting your vaccine.

Dr. Dunn’s writing appears regularly in the Health section of the Big Sky Weekly.

Maren Dunn, D.O., is owner of Gallatin Family Medicine, a medical clinic in the Big Sky Meadow Village. Gallatin Family Medical offers reduced cost and free mammogram screening. Have a question? Email her at inquiries@gallatinfamilymedicine.com. gallatinfamilymedicine.com

header

Big Sky Weekly

CHALET 4

AT Y E L L OW S TO N E CLUB

Turn-key chalet with direct access to 2,200 acres of private skiing CHALET4.COM

FEATURES

explorebigsky.com

March 22-April 4, 2013 47

Incredible, Direct Ski-in/Ski-out Access 6,000+ Livable Square Feet with 5 Bedrooms Tu r n k e y P r o p e r t y w i t h B a s e A r e a L o c a t i o n Steps from War ren Miller Lodge Private Backyard Area 2,200 Acres of Private Skiing

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junior divisions

adult divisions

MARCH 30

ApRil 6

Moonlight Basin’s 8th annual event returns with twice the fun. Come out and support your local athletes. moonlightbasin.com (406) 993-60 0 0 @moonlightbasin · #moonlightbasin

explorebigsky.com

outdoors

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 49

Section 4:

outdoors, yellowstone and science

Volume 4 // Issue No. 6

Moonlight hosts Subaru Freeride Series Qualifier for the 2014 Freeride World Tour

Andrew Rumph: Hang time in "Hell's Half Acre" Photo by joseph t. o'connor

“The venue [at Moonlight] is amazing. It’s probably the coolest four-star venue this season, and the people in Montana have such a great attitude... [The tour] is such a solid community and it pushes my limits as a skier. I get to challenge myself to find a line that links up well for myself and the judges – a line that’s fun.”

- Competitor Hazel Birnbaum, South Lake Tahoe Going huge in the "Tetris Piece" Photo by Eric schulz

Spectators at the finish line Photo by Eric Schulz

By Joseph T. O’Connor and Emily Stifler Big Sky Weekly Editors

Women winners: Katrina Devore, Hadley Hammer and Sasha Dingle Photo by Brian niles

shrugged aside. Big air and top-end speed dominated as skiers put their fate on finely tuned edges and a will to win.

Inside the athlete tent, Mark Chapman of Colorado Springs was buckling his boots.

“Moonlight is a really strong venue, probably one of the heaviest ones in the U.S. because of the steepness, the continuousness and the amount of rock,” said Daryn Edmunds, a writer for Unofficial Networks and an 11-year veteran of the tour. “There isn’t a place on the Day 1 venue where you can fall and not get tomahawked into rocks. There’s no safe zone anywhere.”

“It’s a little bare, but the snow was pretty soft yesterday. As long as I choose a line wisely, I should be good,” said the 25-year-old. In this comp last year, Chapman missed qualifying for the Freeskiing World Tour by two spots.

But high stakes situations like this bring people together, and the competitors are one big family.

The fear can grip them, the terrain and conditions intimidate, but after each run, they shout support and wait to hug each other at the finish line.

It’s a fine line in these qualifiers: athletes travel on their own dime and compete with some of the world’s best skiers in a high speed, high risk venue, vying for a chance at stardom – and, in this event, prize money totaling $10,000.

MEN First place: Patty Baskins, Vail, Colo.

Second place: Christian “Little C” Boucher, Whistler, B.C. Third place: Randy Evans, Bridger Bowl, Mont.

MOONLIGHT BASIN – At 8:07 a.m. on March 15, clouds shrouded the 1,500-foot-vertical Headwaters cirque. The air was warm, but a cool breeze would keep conditions in the venue hard and unforgiving on this first day of competition.

The athletes delivered.

During the two days of the Freeride World Tour Qualifier on March 15 and 16, conditions were

WOMEN First place: Hadley Hammer, Jackson Hole, Wyo. Second place: Sasha Dingle, Bozeman, Mont.

Third place: Katrina Devore, Aspen, Colo.

FWT judging

As explained by Joe Turner, a judge at Moonlight With the combination of the Freeride World Tour and the Freeskiing World Tour this year, the point system has changed to a 100-point scale. Leaving the starting gate, every competitor has 50 points; from there, it’s up to them to either maintain or build upon that.

The way they can do that is through five different criteria: Line score Fluidity Technique Control Air and style Time If you just ski straight down without hitting any features, you get a 50. If you ski down and hesitate, you lose points. If you hit a cliff, rock band or another feature, you gain points. If you stop atop a cliff or don’t land cleanly, you lose points.

The judges try to award using as much terrain and as many features on the mountain as possible, but doing it within your abilities in a smart way, being smooth and aggressive, not skiing out of control.

Don't scare the judges – if you do, you’re going to be docked points.

We want to see people who can utilize the mountain from top to bottom as effortlessly as possible, using as many features as possible.

50 March 22-April 4, 2013

word from the resorts

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Moonlight Basin story and photo by niles jeran mlb snow reporter

For Moonlight, March brought deep snow, major events and loads of fun. Most notably, we hosted the Freeride World Qualifier. It was the first stop of the Subaru Freeride Series and thanks to clear skies and good, chalky snow, was an amazing contest.

If you made it out to Stillwater Bowl, you were sure to be enter-

tained by some of the best freeskiers in the world charging down some of the steepest inbounds terrain in North America. From hucking cliffs into narrow chutes, to pointing Hell’s Half Acre, the athletes were going huge.

If you couldn’t make it to this year’s FWQ event and feel like you missed out – don’t worry! Moonlight Basin’s eighth annual Headwaters Spring Runoff is on two separate days this year – juniors on March 30 and adults on April 6.

Watch as some of our best local skiers and snowboarders throw down on our home terrain.

The season is almost over, but expect some epic late season conditions as storms continue to roll in.

For more information on events, snowpack or anything else, visit moonlightbasin.com.

You only have a couple more weeks to get your turns in.

Make Moonlight your mountain!

Alex Marganski

Griffin Stahl of Fargo, N.D., shows his skills on the course on Chet's Knob, where ski school races are held every Thursday. Photo by Kelsey Dzintars

Big Sky Resort by kipp proctor

bsr media relations and community manager

Mid-March gave us a brief glimpse of spring before winter returned in full force, reminding us that ski season is definitely not on its way out. With temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, skiers and boarders took full advantage of the soft, spring snow.

Then, beginning late on the evening of March 16, winter returned in a big way, depositing five to seven inches of snow on the lower mountain with even larger totals on the peak.

And we’re in luck: There’s more snow and cool, winter temps in the forecast. Whether you’re looking to ski the steeps off Lone Peak or seeking out the long bump runs on Andesite, there is definitely fun to be had out on the mountain.

Now it’s time to start planning your Pond Skim outfit! That’s right, Big Sky’s Pond Skim is just around the corner on Saturday, April 13. While the pond’s design will be kept under wraps until the day of, it’s going to be another one that’s sure to please!

bigskytowncenter.com

Where Big Sky Comes Together

Photo by p.j. wirchansky

Lone Mountain Ranch

By Bob Foster

lmr general manager

Shopping:

An adventure of epic proportion...

Souvenirs, clothing, artwork, boots, Pandora jewelry, home decor, outdoor gear and so much more!

Turn out the lights, the party’s over.

This will be the last word from Lone Mountain Ranch before we close our trails on March 31, ending our 35th year of cross-country skiing in Big Sky. We’d like to end the season with some parting words and a thank you to the community.

As a way of thanking Big Sky, we will be offering residents a free day of skiing on Saturday, March 30.

The day will end with our famous all you can eat outdoor BBQ on our dining room veranda from 1-4 p.m and live music by Blue Bird Sky from 2-4 p.m.

A big shout-out goes to Big Sky for supporting our Glide and Gorge event! More than 100 people participated, and we raised $500 for the Ophir School Council.

This picture of a bighorn ram should remind us how fortunate we are to experience the daily diversity of wildlife. To a large extent, our economy depends upon these encounters that most visitors don’t get to experience in their hometowns. Stop. Look. Enjoy.

And remember: Snow doesn’t disappear, it just changes to give fishermen and rafters some enjoyment for six months.

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Big Sky Weekly

outdoors

Beehive Basin: A road less traveled

By Sean Forbes Big Sky Weekly Contributor

I’ve got nothing against chairlifts.

Actually, I like them – especially when they stop on the top of something like Lone Mountain.

That said, some days I skip that left-hand turn to Big Sky and hang a right before Moonlight Basin.

After passing the first few houses though, sometimes I wonder where I’m going, and in a Frostian moment pondering the possibilities of two roads diverging in a forest, I wonder if I’ve made the right choice.

Even then, and assuming I could also avoid pinballing my way down the last steep hill toward the Beehive Basin Trailhead, the skiing would probably still be worth it.

Aside from the irony of marking the miles into the wilderness by passing houses – and thanking those homeowners for the easement across their property that allows this access – there is nothing else about my sweat-inducing, breathheaving trudge that can be described with poetry. Although, the gently undulating, pine-cloaked hills are an interesting contradiction, since this is quite literally someone’s backyard.

For the entire approach, the ragged alpine ridgeline wrapping round the basin appears as a stony crown, Beehive Peak the prize jewel. The view, as well as the skiing, only gets grander with the elevation gain.

The last time I took this road less traveled, my choose-your-ownstyle adventure led to the top of one of the nearer rock-lined chutes on the eastern wall of the vale. As the pine forest thinned, the occasional stalwart angling against the steepness, the final push uphill didn’t take much longer than the average lift ride – though the pain that burns at random through my legs and lungs reminded me of the advantages of the cabled chairs.

With climbing skins stowed and sun streaming down, the untouched snow between the trees and bony ribs of rock dropping away beneath my ski tips was the blank canvas of powder every skier dreams of. And at that moment, on that day, that look was not deceiving.

Of course the first run was amazing, but it’s the second – out here anyway – that gets me. There is always another fresh line, and never a reason to follow anyone else.

Pat Gannon carving the road less traveled. Photo by Ryan Day Thompson

Dropping in again and picking up speed, wending wide turns through a maze of tiny trees, powder billowed up my shins over my knees, washing against my chest and over my shoulders. A couple of the pockets I dipped into were deep enough for me to disappear completely.

This is everything I want in pristine powder turns.

Nearer the bottom, when I came into a roller carrying too much speed and couldn’t see the backside, time seemed to stop.

In that weightless moment of peaceful flight, the whole ordeal of slinking around on sticks, going up and down made the most sense.

For that quick span, I had no other earthly concern but skiing. It didn’t matter if I sunk my tips, double ejected and landed like a lawn dart a few body lengths down the mountain or stuck it like a champ.

When my skis finally touched down, I found that the extra cushion of untracked snow hid my wallowing on the landing, and that made all the difference.

Sean Forbes is a freelance writer based in Bozeman, where chasing stories only occasionally gets in the way of playing in the mountains.

March 22-April 4, 2013 51

52 March 22-April 4, 2013

wildlife news

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Big Sky Weekly

Feeding wildlife: harmful for animals and humans

Northern Yellowstone elk population down 6 percent

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

NORTHERN YELLOWSTONE COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE WORKING GROUP

BOZEMAN – After a number of recent cases where people have fed wild animals in Park and Gallatin counties, wardens are reminding the public that feeding wildlife is against the law.

Although people may have good intentions, providing food to wildlife can result in injury or death to the animals or to people feeding them.

Wardens stress that even innocent bystanders can be victims of this unlawful act.

Listed below are more reasons why feeding wildlife is against the law: Supplemental feeding encourages wildlife to become dependent on food sources outside of their natural diets.

Young animals taught to depend on humans can fail to develop normal foraging behavior leading to possible starvation if the artificial food sources are removed.

Wildlife can lose their fear of humans and boldly forage for artificial food, becoming nuisances and causing possible risks to human safety.

Wild animals fed by humans may congregate in unnaturally high

numbers, creating the opportunity for disease to spread.

Feeding wildlife, especially prey species such as deer, squirrels and rabbits, often causes a domino or food-chain effect. For example, increasing the number of deer in your yard might be an invitation to a mountain lion for a free meal.

Offenders could be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $1,000, six months in jail and the possible loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges.

In FWP Region 3, wardens and biologists annually receive dozens of tips about artificial feeding.

Livingston Warden Drew Scott gave out four warnings to people feeding deer in the past few months, and Bozeman area wardens are currently working on the unlawful feeding of bighorn sheep in the Big Sky area.

Over the summer of 2012, the Ennis warden caught and cited a man for illegally feeding bears in the Big Sky area.

In all of the above instances, these individuals were putting themselves, their neighbors and wildlife at risk. If you have information about the unlawful feeding of wildlife, call (800) 847-6668.

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An aerial survey conducted in February shows the elk population in northern Yellowstone is down from last year.

The Northern Yellowstone Cooperative Wildlife Working Group conducted this annual survey on Feb. Elk in Yellowstone. (CC) 18 using three airplanes and staff from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the National Park Service.

Staff counted 3,915 elk, including 915 elk inside Yellowstone National Park and 3,000 elk north of the park.

These numbers were 6 percent lower than the 2012 winter count of 4,174. Looking back further, be-

tween the winters of 2007 and the end of winter 2011, elk numbers ranged from 4,635 to 7,109.

Formed in 1974, the working group monitors trends of the northern

Yellowstone elk population and evaluates the relative contribution of different components of mortality, including predation, environmental factors and hunting. It is comprised of resource managers and biologists from Montana FWP, YNP, the Gallatin National Forest and the U.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science Center in Bozeman.

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Big Sky Weekly

the eddy line: fishing column

March 22-April 4, 2013 53

Frugal fly fishing

By Patrick Straub

Big Sky Weekly Fishing Columnist

Fly fishing’s reputation rests on champagne tastes, but in reality, the sport just requires a rod, reel, line, and feathers on a hook … and an angler and a river.

But fly fishing can be as costly as any pastime, save perhaps flying a fleet of Falcon jets. Often we fish within our means, but sometimes we splurge.

I did … having just returned from a week chasing permit fish, a distant relative of the pompano, in the Florida Keys.

Invited to fish in the relatively prestigious March Merkin tournament, I jumped at the opportunity. Total price tag for the trip was more than a year’s tuition and beer money at most state universities. Foolish? Perhaps – 25 anglers, including me, fished for five days and only one fishermen in the entire field caught one permit.

One fish.

Fortunately, our waters in Big Sky are loaded with trout, and fishing them doesn’t require early withdrawal on an IRA. It’s always nice to go on vacation, but sometimes, it’s even nicer to come home.

World class fishing is right in our backyard. Pictured here is DePuy’s Spring Creek. Photo by Pat Straub

It was a high-stakes gamble I took on a near impossible task – a permit on the fly – but money spent on a passion is never money misspent.

As my guide and good friend, Mike Guerin, said at the beginning of day three: “I bet we have better odds at catching 50 fish on the Gallatin today than one permit in these conditions.”

At 4:50 p.m., with 10 minutes left in the angling day, I looked over at him.

Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and the forthcoming Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fly Fishing* *but were afraid to ask. He and his wife own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky.

“I bet I would have just caught number 49 on the Gallatin.” And before he could respond, I blurted out, “but there’s time for one permit. Just one!”

I pumped my fist into the sky.

Here are some tips to get more bang for your buck when searching for our hungry and happy trout: Leaky waders?

If you don’t need them for a while, fill them with water to find the leaks, then use your factory wader-repair kit.

Hang ‘em up After every outing, no matter how deep you waded, hang your waders.

Never stuff them in a bag and leave them for longer than a few hours.

Soap and water Rinse your gear after each day of fishing, whether in fresh or salt water, with mild soap and water. This dramatically increases its lifespan.

Rod case They gave you a case for reason.

Always put your rod back in your case when not in use. Not doing so is a recipe for a broken rod.

Domestic tranquility Even pros don’t try to teach wives, husbands or significant others to fly fish.

Why should you? Invest money into instruction, not marriage counseling.

Lube A little lube goes a long way. A few times a season, lube all the moving parts of your reels. Use “reel lube” made for fly fishing reels, not WD-40 or motor oil, which will ruin your fly line.

Write it down Keep an angling diary to record date, stream and section fished, weather patterns, and the most successful fly.

Whatever else you include is up to you, but this is a great resource and offers fun reading in the off-season. It will also save you money, as you’ll know what worked and what didn’t.

Two fish are better than one. A recent guide trip nets the daily double. The Gallatin is fishing well and is close to home. Photo by Garrett Munson, Montana Fishing Outfitters

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54 March 22-April 4, 2013

yellowstone

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Big Sky Weekly

Cody Chamber leads charge to open Yellowstone East Gate on time big sky weekly staff writer

CCODY, Wyo. – Businesses in Cody, Wyo. want their Yellowstone Park entrance gates to open on time, even though the National Park Service has delayed scheduled openings due to sequestration budget cuts.

The Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with a number of local and state partners, has been working on a solution to open the East and/or Northeast gates by May 3. The park currently plans to open those gates May 17 and May 24, respectively.

Yellowstone Supt. Dan Wenk will allow an outside entity to plow on the East Road, and Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead agreed to let the Wyoming Department of Transportation do that plowing.

However, the state will not fund this effort, which will cost an estimated $100,000. The average per-mile plowing cost is $4,400, and this total amount includes some contingency funds should unforeseen circumstances like a major spring snowstorm arise.

The Cody Chamber is working to raise the money

by April 1, and its board of directors has voted to match all donations with money from the Chamber’s reserve account, up to $50,000.

Donors will have the option to have a pro-rated amount refunded based on what is actually spent on the plowing, or they can choose to have the chamber replenish its “snowy day” fund with any money raised but not spent.

"It will preserve our early season business and instill confidence in travelers who may have considered cancelling their trip to the Cody/Yellowstone area. We’ll be able to say, ‘Cody and Yellowstone National Park are open for business!’”

“There are a number of important economic and public relations reasons to support this,” wrote the Cody Chamber’s executive director Scott Balyo in an email to members.

“First, it will preserve our early season business and instill confidence in travelers who may have

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

considered cancelling their trip to the Cody/Yellowstone area. We’ll be able to say, ‘Cody and Yellowstone National Park are open for business!’”

Last year, he noted, more than 11,000 people traveled through the East Gate during those first two weeks.

“Second,” Balyo wrote, “this issue has generated a significant amount of local, regional and national press. We will be able to say that a small community, a rural state and a national park came together to fix a challenge created by the national budget cuts.”

Balyo told members that although “this shouldn’t be our problem to solve, the fact is, if we don’t take care of it, no one else is going to.” The chamber, he noted, is only committed for one year.

In addition to the Cody Chamber of Commerce, other groups have worked on this project including Gov. Mead’s office, WYDOT, Yellowstone National Park staff, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, state legislators, Cody Mayor Nancy Brown, Park County Commissioners, Park County Travel Council and representatives from Xanterra and Jackson, Wyo.

Yellowstone Grizzly Bears emerging from dens

Grizzly near Fairy Falls trailhead on March 14. Photo courtesy of Yellowstone Tour Guides

Yellowstone National Park - Grizzly bears are emerging from hibernation in the Greater Yellowstone Area and hikers, skiers and snowshoers are advised to stay in groups of three of more, make noise on the trail and carry bear spray.

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Bears begin looking for food soon after they leave their dens and are attracted to elk and bison that have died during the winter. These carcasses are an important food source, and bears can react aggressively if surprised when feeding.

Yellowstone regulations require visitors to stay 100 yards from black and grizzly bears at all times. The best defense is to stay a safe distance from bears and use binoculars, a telescope or telephoto lens to get a closer look.

While firearms are allowed in the park, discharging them violates regulations. Bear spray is a good last line of defense, if kept handy and used according to directions when a bear is within 30-60 feet.

Visitors are also reminded to keep food, garbage, barbecue grills and other attractants stored in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes. Bear sightings should be reported to the nearest visitor center or ranger station as soon as possible.

Updated bear safety information is available on the Yellowstone bear safety Web page at nps.gov/yell/ planyourvisit/bearenc.htm and in the park newspaper distributed at all park entrances.

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science

Big Sky Weekly

March 22-April 4, 2013 55

MSU grad leads biologists looking for wolverines in Mongolia

By Evelyn Boswell MSU News Service

BOZEMAN – A team of wildlife biologists will soon ski 400 miles through northern Mongolia, searching for signs of wolverines in the rugged, frigid mountains of the Darhad region.

Headed by Gregg Treinish, founder of the Bozeman-based nonprofit Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, the researchers left Bozeman on March 19 and plan to start skiing on March 26.

The biologists hope to find wolverine tracks and collect hair, scat and urine for DNA analysis, helping refine what little is known about the animals’ distribution. They also plan to scout places to set up wildlife cameras in the future, under the direction of a longer-term wolverine research project affiliated with MSU’s BioRegions program.

“We know that a population of wolverines Gregg Treinish, shown here tracking grizzly bears, will soon search for wolverines in Mongolia. Photo by Alexandria Bombach exists in the Darhad region, but understanding the population dynamics, human sheer willpower to push yourself forward on a At the start of her project in 2009, Watters asked threat levels, and the ecology of the speday-to-day basis,” said team member Rebecca Mongolian friends how she should interview cies in this region will be critical as wolverines Watters, who considers Mongolia her second herders and hunters. They cautioned her not to begin to feel the effects of climate change due to home. A researcher with the Northern Rockask directly about wolverines, “because people diminishing suitable habitat,” the collaborators ies Conservation Cooperative in Jackson, Wyo., would want me to feel welcome and would give wrote in a project summary. and ecological me information that might not be true.” research coordinator with She devised an interview technique that first had the BioRegions Mongolians identify wildlife photos, and then program, Watanswer more targeted questions. ters has worked The team hopes to post at least one new photo onin Mongolia line each day during the journey, and thousands since 2000 and of students across Montana and the nation are run a wolverine expected to follow the expedition online. research program there since 2009.

Treinish, who graduated from MSU in 2009 with Another chala biology degree, funded the expedition through lenge will be a grant from National Geographic. Honored in interacting with 2008 as one of the society’s Adventurers of the hunters and Year, his research adventures have been featured herders familiar in the New York Times, Popular Science, Wired with the area that and NPR. He has traveled to five continents, A team of wildlife biologists on skis will look for wolverines, such as this one, in Mongolia. may not offer hiked the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail and Photo by Ian Maddus reliable informatrekked the length of the Andes, which took tion about wolverines. more than 22 months and covered 7,800 miles.

The expedition may also encounter wild reindeer, wild boars and Siberian musk deer.

“The climate is extreme, the infrastructure is relatively undeveloped, and it takes 100 percent

“The rules of Mongolian hospitality dictate that one should always try to please one’s guest,” said Watters, who speaks the language well and knows the culture.

To follow the Mongolian expedition, visit mongoliaexpedition.com.

Citizen Scientists aid in discovering new species

By Katie Smith

Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation

HELENA – Citizen scientists working with Dr. Loren Bahls of the Montana Diatom Collection have discovered two new species.

Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, a Bozeman-based nonprofit that facilitates partnerships between outdoor enthusiasts and researchers, paired several hikers traveling to high alpine lakes with Dr. Bahls’ quest to sample the single celled organisms throughout the Northwest.

Diatoms are responsible for 40 percent of carbon fixation and oxygen production worldwide, according to Bahls. While there are an estimated 200,000 species globally, only

24,000 have been identified. The Northwest is the least sampled area in the U.S. “Samples collected by ASC volunteers from remote regions of the Northwest have a high probability of including new species, some of them endemic to a single pond or lake,” Bahls said.

The new species were discovered in samples collected by Ryan Davis and Beverly Boyton.

Dr. Bahls honored their efforts by naming the species after them.

diatom, Stauroneis boyntoniae while hiking in the Wind River Range in Wyoming.

For Davis, finding a new diatom was the icing on the cake.

“It gave me an excuse to visit new places, and made me feel useful and less selfish for wanting to get to far flung areas.”

Over the summer, ASC volunteers submitted 50 samples to Dr. Bahls. In addition to the new species, the samples included species not been previously documented in North America and helped provide a Cavinula Davisiae more complete understanding of diatoms in North American alpine environments.

Davis’s diatom, Cavinula davisiae, was found in a lake near Mt. Rainier. Boynton found the

Dr. Bahls’ article is approved for publication in an upcoming issue of Phytotaxa.

56 March 22-April 4, 2013

science

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Big Sky Weekly

Montana natural heritage zoologist named Wildlife Biologist of the Year

By Sara Groves

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

HELENA – The Montana Chapter of the Wildlife Society has named Dr. Bryce Maxell Wildlife Biologist of the Year. Dr. Maxell is a senior zoologist with the Montana Natural Heritage Program.

The Wildlife Society's awards program honors professional excellence, recognizes outstanding achievement, and highlights contributions to wildlife science and management. The Biologist of the Year Award is presented annually for significant achievements in wildlife conservation anytime during the preceding five years.

Since 1996, Maxell has conducted field inventories for a variety of animal species in Montana. Over the last three years, his work has resulted in 5,000 detections of 84 different species. He has also authored or coauthored two books, a dozen peer reviewed publications, and 30-plus professional reports on amphibians, reptiles, bats, small terrestrial mammals, birds, terrestrial mollusks and fish.

Maxell completed his Ph.D. in fish and wildlife biology at the University

of Montana in 2009, where he completed statewide status assessments and constructed predicted habitat models for Montana's amphibian and reptile species.

An employee of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks nominated Maxell for the award. The nomination letter highlighted Maxell's collaboration with state and federal agencies, private businesses and landowners, and varying interest groups, often involving divisive issues.

The Montana Natural Heritage Program is a statutory program of the Montana State Library operated under contract by the University of Montana. Its staff gathers information on Montana’s plants, animals and biological communities, making it available to state and federal agencies, tribes, NGOs and private consultants.

"One aspect of my job is to try to better understand the distribution and status of Montana species through fieldwork, and I have absolutely loved getting to better know those species and the entire state in general," Maxell said. The ultimate goal, he said, “is to have a thorough knowledge of species' distribution and status… It is a task that will always be in process."

Bryce Maxell with Salamander Photo courtesy of Montana State library

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