Explore Big Sky - August 10 to 23, 2023

FOO FIGHTERS AND LORD HURON ROCK BIG SKY

FULL WILDLANDS FESTIVAL RECAP

OFFICIALS DISCUSS SAFETY ON HIGHWAY 191

TOWN CENTER GROWTH AND PLANNING

PBR AND WILDLANDS FESTIVAL RAISE OVER $800K FOR NONPROFITS

BIG SKY RESORT HOSTS BIG MOUNTAIN ENDURO FINALS

August 10-23, 2023

Volume 14, Issue No. 16

Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

PUBLISHER

Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR

Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com

DIGITAL PRODUCER

Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com

CREATIVE

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Trista Hillman | trista@theoutlawpartners.com

SALES AND OPERATIONS

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Treston Wold | treston@theoutlawpartners.com

VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com

MEDIA AND EVENTS DIRECTOR

Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTENT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Tom Attwater, Daniel Bierschwale, Kaley Burns, Gabriella Dicenzo, Rachel Hergett, Wendy Keefover, Benjamin Alva Polley, Paul Swenson, Finley Timon, Hudson Willett

OPENING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OFFICIALS DISCUSS SAFETY ON HIGHWAY 191

With four recent fatalities in an eight-week span, U.S. Highway 191 has been the subject of much recent concern from community members. EBS spoke with officials from Gallatin County, Montana Department of Transportation and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department to find out what plans are coming to improve highway safety.

TOWN CENTER GROWTH AND PLANNING

Just a few years since much of the Town Center area was a sagebrush field, it has turned into a vibrant community center—it’s taking on a “main street” role in Big Sky, some say. EBS spoke with developers and business owners to get a sense for the past, present and future of Town Center as remaining land awaits development.

BIG SKY RESORT HOSTS BIG MOUNTAIN ENDURO FINALS

Finals for the Big Mountain Enduro, a mountain biking race series across the U.S., were held at Big Sky Resort on Aug. 5-6. The event is the last one in the series and awards were given to overall winners as the 11th year of BME ended. EBS spoke with a few riders about the importance of the event, and the variable trail conditions.

PBR AND WILDLANDS FESTIVAL RAISE OVER $800K FOR NONPROFITS

In less than 30 days, Outlaw Partners raised more than $800,000 for nonprofit organizations through the company’s main summer events: the Big Sky PBR and Wildlands Festival. Nonprofits include Montana Civil Air Patrol, Western Sports Foundation, Make-A-Wish foundation, Montana State University Athletics and the MSU Rodeo Team, Big Sky Search & Rescue, Big Sky Bravery, American Rivers and the Gallatin River Task Force.

ON THE COVER:

FOO FIGHTERS AND LORD HURON ROCK BIG SKY: FULL WILDLANDS FESTIVAL RECAP

The three-day Wildlands Festival in Big Sky aimed to raise money for American Rivers and the Gallatin River Task Force. Between ticket sales, merchandise, food and beverage, auction items and charitable donations, the Wildlands Festival raised over $513,000—and, of course, the festival brought a uniquely intimate Foo Fighters concert and eye-opening show from Lord Huron to the 5,000-person Big Sky Events Arena.

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For the Aug 24th August 16th-, 2023

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Dave Grohl, frontman of Foo Fighters, takes the stage at the Big Sky Events Arena on Aug. 6. Foo Fighters headlined Wildlands Festivals’ second night of live music, preceded by Lord Huron on Aug. 5. The weekend-long event raised over $500,000 for local conservation charities.

PHOTO BY GEORGE ORTIZ

Big Sky Resort’s new Lone Peak Tram remains under construction, but the engineering marvel continues to near completion. In early August, crews completed a support tower high on Lone Mountain, capping a two-summer effort that began with foundation work in summer 2022. Construction will focus on top and bottom terminals before the cable is prepared for installation. PHOTO BY CHRIS KAMMAN

COMING S O O N

LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF

GRIZZLY BEAR

EUTHANIZED EARLIER

THIS MONTH IN BIG SKY

EBS STAFF

Over the course of a few weeks in Big Sky, a grizzly bear accessed garbage in unsecured bear-resistant containers as well as one instance when the bear found unsecured food in a vehicle.

“Attempts to haze the bear after attractants were stored properly and secured with electric fencing were unsuccessful,” a release from Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks stated.

According to FWP, the bear was captured on Aug. 4 and euthanized on Aug. 6 after consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The female grizzly bear had no cubs and was estimated to be 3-5 years old. The bear was euthanized because it had “it had become conditioned to seeking food from unnatural sources, which creates human safety risks,” the release stated.

CHICO HOT SPRINGS ACQUIRED BY DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY FOR $33 MILLION

EBS STAFF

PRAY—On Aug. 2, Maryland-based DiamondRock Hospitality Company announced they bought Chico Hot Springs Resort for $33 million. The lifestyle resort has been open since 1900 and features a lodge with dining options and hot spring pools at the base of Emigrant Peak in the Paradise Valley.

A press release from DiamondRock stated that the company bought the 117-room lodge and 153-acre resort for $27 million and an accompanying ranch on 585 acres for $6 million.

“We expect Chico will generate a 10.5% [net operating income] yield on the total $33 million purchase price upon stabilization,” the release stated. DiamondRock owns 36 hotels totaling 9,700 rooms.

OTTER ATTACK ON JEFFERSON RIVER INJURES THREE

EBS STAFF

THREE FORKS—Three women were injured by otters while floating the Jefferson River on Aug 2., according to a press release from Montana FWP.

The attack occurred around 8:15 p.m., roughly three miles upstream from the Sappington Bridge, a popular boat launch located in Three Forks. The three victims were floating on inner tubes and observed one or two otters, one of which “approached and attacked them,” according to the release.

The women escaped and the otter swam away. They called 911, and at least five agencies responded, plus a local landowner. All three women were injured and received medical care in Bozeman. The most seriously injured of the three was transported via helicopter.

FWP, one of the agencies that responded to the incident, posted signs at nearby fishing access sites to warn recreationists of the dangers of wild animals including otters.

SUPPORT TOWER COMPLETE FOR NEW LONE PEAK TRAM

EBS STAFF

BIG SKY—Big Sky Resort has completed construction on the sole, one-hundred-foot tower which will support the new Lone Peak Tram. Construction for the tower took over 250,000 pounds of steel and 300 cubic yards of concrete, according to a press release from the resort. “Specialists from seven US-based construction companies and Garaventa in Switzerland worked with Big Sky Resort team members to achieve this high-alpine feat of engineering,” the release stated.

The tower’s foundation was installed in summer 2022. This summer, a crane was constructed at the site of the tower—about 650 feet below the summit—for completion of the tower.

The next phase of construction will include completion of terminal structures. The tram remains scheduled to open for winter 2023-24.

ANNUAL PAR THE PEAKS GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT WELLNESS IN ACTION

EBS STAFF

BIG SKY—Wellness In Action’s 8th Annual Par the Peaks Golf Tournament is open for team registration. The tournament is on Sept. 6, 2023, at Big Sky Golf Course.

The funds raised will allow WIA to work in partnership with mental health professionals to increase capacity and access to care for anyone who lives, works or learns in Big Sky. Specifically, WIA provides a sliding scale for counseling (assistance based on income), scholarships for camps and wellbeing, as well as community health worker program.

The tournament format will be a shotgun start with fun contests and prizes throughout the day. At the conclusion of the tournament, WIA invites the players to join them at the clubhouse for dinner and an awards presentation. A team of four will cost $1,000 and a team of two will cost $500. A team can register for the tournament at https://bigskywia.org/events/

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TALKING 191 WITH OFFICIALS

THE FUTURE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY ON THE ROAD WHICH CLAIMED FOUR MORE LIVES IN EIGHT RECENT WEEKS

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown grew up in Bozeman. His parents owned a couple businesses in Big Sky and, like nearly 9,000 drivers per day today, they often commuted U.S. Highway 191 through Gallatin Canyon for work. Brown’s father used to tell him that people drive like maniacs on that road, zigzagging to pass cars, something local drivers still see firsthand. The dangers of that highway are well-marked—just notice more than 100 white crosses along the way.

“He was always adamant that you would catch up to those [aggressive] cars at some point… You really weren’t saving time and it wasn’t worth doing anything aside from staying with flow of traffic,” Brown said.

He added, “[Many people] moved here to get away from the big city. Driving aggressively and being in a hurry is bringing the big city to a place that is not built for that.”

The site of four deadly crashes between midMay and mid-July 2023, “the canyon” shows little mercy as the only road to Big Sky. It’s no simple path, following the twists and turns of the Gallatin River and often enclosed between abrupt edges and rock faces. Unpredictable in the winter and screaming fast in the summer, the road is both volatile and unavoidable—an everyday commute for much of Big Sky’s workforce and a mustdrive route for visitors coming to Big Sky from Bozeman and West Yellowstone.

Brown, who served six years in the Montana Legislature before taking a seat in his home county in 2020, knows traffic has worsened with Big Sky’s explosive growth—a population that tripled between 2000 to 2020, per census data— but said Gallatin County doesn’t have meaningful funds to make significant improvements to the road. That’s under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Transportation.

He said the county is a bystander on big projects, potentially a cheerleader to help request speed

limit changes, sponsor studies and apply for grants. He thinks some additional turn lanes, altered speed limits and improved signage could improve safety.

Those ideas are addressed in MDT’s 191 corridor study, completed in 2020, he said.

From that study, Brown said, “I was surprised how many fatalities have occurred… The fatality numbers over the last 20-30 years didn’t actually jump off the page the way I thought they would, based on the reputation of the road.”

During the 10-year study period from 2009 to 2018, the highway saw 1,077 total crashes between Four Corners and Beaver Creek (Big Sky School District). Only seven crashes were fatal and 27 others resulted in severe injury, according to the report.

In contrast, three motorists died in two months in 2023 within the same stretch of highway 191, and another died about nine miles south of Beaver Creek.

Dave Gates, district pre-construction engineer with MDT, is passionate about improving safety and even from his office in Butte, he’s aware of the challenges in Gallatin County.

“When I first started my job, I was tasked with figuring out something different than what we’ve been doing on 191,” Gates said. “[191] has taken a lot of my focus over the two years in my role… It’s been fun, but it takes time.”

Rather than cutting travel time from point A to B, MDT’s highway projects are going to focus on reducing collisions.

“Slow down, pay attention and avoid distraction… A lot of these accidents are related to driver behavior,” he said. Risky maneuvers, illegal passing and unnecessary tailgating included.

“But that doesn’t preclude MDT from needing to [make improvements],” he added.

Gates said signage upgrades are complicated and sometimes ineffective, and that MDT will need to control expectations around the topic of driver education.

U.S. Highway 191 connects Bozeman and West Yellowstone, with Big Sky in between. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Bridge over the Gallatin River near the Lava Lake trailhead.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

“Slow down, pay attention and avoid distraction… A lot of these accidents are related to driver behavior.”

DAVE GATES MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

“We’re open to thinking outside of the box to finding ways to move people safely,” he added.

Spreading dollars statewide

Gates said MDT hears concerns from the public about highway 191, and they are listening. But large-scale projects are funded by the Federal Highway Administration at 85 to 90%, and MDT is obligated to be “equitable statewide” with those federal dollars, he said. In addition, MDT needs to balance spending between basic road preservation and investing in capital improvements—like improving highway 191.

“In all of this, I just want to be transparent: At some level, we’re just trying to control expectations… There’s not enough money to go around [Montana] to address every single project with some technical solution,” Gates said. He added that statewide needs tend to outpace revenues about three-fold.

Potential improvement options outlined in the 191 corridor study were estimated in excess of $300 million, and that number will always be a moving target, he said. Comparatively, the sum of statewide needs outlined in similar MDT corridor studies is estimated in the billions.

Gates is excited that MDT recently hired HDR, an engineering firm that worked on a similar corridor in Colorado—think space constraints, sensitive wildlife and environment—for a feasibility study on recommendations made in the 191 corridor study, a process will help MDT identify the most effective solutions.

“There was a time when our department was the department of ‘no.’ We’re in a time with our leadership that’s trying to find a way to say, ‘yes,’” Gates said.

‘Safer than ever’

Sgt. Dan Haydon has been a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Sergeant in Big Sky for three years. He’s been working in Gallatin County since 2012 when he started as a deputy on the Big Sky night shift. A lot has changed since then.

According to MDT’s traffic counter at the Gallatin River bridge two miles north of Big Sky, average annual daily traffic nearly doubled between 2008 and 2022—daily drivers increased from 4,520 to 8,666 in that 15-year span.

“Anytime that you have a two-lane road in a windy mountain setting with that much traffic, you’re guaranteed to have traffic collisions,” Haydon told EBS. Those drivers are a mix of daily commuters, large construction vehicles and tourists in rental cars that have never driven on a road like 191 before, he added.

Like Commissioner Brown, Haydon believes safety is actually improving on a per-car basis.

“The number of serious accidents per vehicle traveled on the road is significantly less than it was in the past,” Haydon said. “But we have significantly more vehicles… Do we have more crashes, yes. But do we have more per vehicle? No. We just have more vehicles.”

He gives credit to MDT for making the road safer than ever.

Haydon said MDT has “put millions of dollars into that highway, improving its safety,” by adding

turn lanes, guard rails, rumble strips and new signage, making the road “significantly safer than it used to be” between mile markers 48 and 69— Big Sky and the mouth of the canyon.

“Yes we’ve done those things, and we’ll continue to do those things,” MDT’s Gates said on that topic. He added, “One way to look at this is that if there was an easy solution, it would already be done.”

Haydon recognizes the road is far from perfect. He said we’re stuck with what geography gives us—we can’t build an extra lane where the Gallatin River is, and he doesn’t expect MDT to dig into the side of the canyon to add width. Gates agrees.

“I understand the public’s concern,” Haydon said. “We’ve had three very high-profile fatality accidents on 191 this year.”

Still, he believes that if drivers are following the speed limit, wearing a seatbelt and not driving under the influence of alcohol, almost any accident will be survivable.

While Haydon was on the phone with EBS on July 7, emergency vehicles were arriving on

scene near mile marker 71 at highway 191’s fourth fatal accident in two months. A passenger vehicle veered into the northbound land and collided head-on with a semi-truck, according to Montana Highway Patrol. Bozeman resident Brent Fjeldheim, 50 years old and publisher of Bozeman City Lifestyle Magazine, was pronounced dead on the scene. His vehicle burst into flames after collision.

Traffic danger on U.S. Highway 191 is a significant challenge facing the Big Sky community and workforce, and beyond. The importance of safety education and infrastructure upgrades will only escalate as Big Sky continues to grow.

In the coming months, EBS will continue to hear perspectives and outline possible solutions with regards to safety of this Gallatin County thoroughfare.

Citizens concerned with their safety on U.S. Highway 191 can submit feedback in writing to the Montana Department of Transportation, Butte office, PO Box 3068, Butte, MT 59702, or through MDT’s online comment or suggestion form at www. mdt.mt.gov/contact/comment-form.aspx

Highway merges to two-lane traffic after a turn lane at Moose Creek Flat Campground. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Moments after this photo was taken, an SUV entered the southbound (left) lane and illegally passed two cars, speeding into a blind corner.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

TOWN CENTER CONTINUES TO GROW AND EVOLVE BUSINESS NOTES, CULTURE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT FROM THE YOUNG BIG SKY HUB

BY FINLEY TIMON AND HUDSON WILLETT

BIG SKY—An epicenter for gathering with family and friends, from sharing coffee or dinner to free public events like Music in the Mountains and the Big Sky Farmers Market, the Big Sky community is perhaps most tangible in the Town Center area.

While still young, over the past decade the area has experienced significant growth and development. As businesses flourish and construction projects shape the landscape, Town Center has become a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike. Brad Niva, CEO of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, said Big Sky's Town Center serves well as the informal downtown of the unincorporated community, acting as an Apres meeting spot in the winter, and reaching peak traffic during summer events season, including Music in the Mountains, Big Sky PBR and Wildlands Festival.

"Big Sky technically doesn't have a downtown... [Town Center is] in part becoming more and more of what we consider ‘Main Street,’” Niva said.

Town Center is an unofficial area in Big Sky, south of Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail) between the Big Sky Medical Center and Big Pine Drive. Described on its website as a 165-acre walking village in construction since 2001, Town Center developers continue to build toward an evolving master site plan.

Niva highlighted this growth, noting that, “the number of restaurants has increased from three or four, to ten.” With investments from Lone Mountain Land Company—owner and developer of much of the Town Center area since May 2022—the modern village is poised for further expansion, welcoming new shopping outlets, restaurants, amenities, housing and overall development.

Although a few businesses have closed in the past year—including Choppers, Niseko Ramen, The

Standard, and Black Diamond—Niva said Town Center’s overall trajectory remains one of growth and opportunity.

Charting the course

As development continues, Lone Mountain Land Company will play a big role in Town Center development.

"Lone Mountain Land Company has been at work refining the Master Plan for the undeveloped commercial and residential land within [Town Center]," Bayard Dominick, vice president of planning and development at LMLC, wrote in an email to EBS.

He added that LMLC has engaged numerous consultants and community organizations to assist in charting the roadmap for future development. According to Dominick, LMLC’s primary objective is to evolve the planning of Town Center while ensuring a sustainable path forward for the Big Sky community, addressing the needs of both residents and visitors.

Dominick wrote that LMLC will continue to fine tune its long-term planning efforts to support creative and thoughtful evolution of Town Center, with key factors in mind: housing, conservation, sustainability and transportation.

He also highlighted the importance of meeting community demands: "LMLC looks to further

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

LMLC representatives wrote to EBS that as part of the company’s larger plan, they will continue to develop trails like Hummocks and Uplands. COURTESY OF LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY

define [Town Center] as the central hub for Big Sky’s community to gather—locals and guests."

Dominick wrote that the near-term focus has been to complete and improve upon the existing commercial core and plaza—the pedestrian area on Town Center Avenue that features a playground and numerous adjacent businesses.

One noteworthy expansion beside the commercial core is The Franklin Building, Town Center's newest residential and commercial development, set to finish in March 2024. The owner and developer, MJ Development—also the developer of The Cave building, the Alder & Tweed building and the Beehive Basin Brewery building—is leading the project in partnership with Langlas & Associates, Bectle Architects and Haas Builders.

“We believe The Franklin Building will be the crown jewel of Town Center, inspiring future development projects, and it will stitch main street and Town Center together, making walking, shopping and dining around our community a better experience for all,” said Kali Quick, VP of Haas Builders. “We are thrilled to add more local businesses and one-of-a-kind residences to Big Sky's growing thriving community.”

The Franklin Building will feature nine commercial spaces that have been sold to a variety of business owners. Eight of the 18 residential spaces are already under contract, with penthouse residences featuring 4th floor, private rooftop decks with optional hot tubs and heated underground parking for residences.

“The Franklin is going to fill a niche here at Town Center—businesses such as SAV Digital Environments, Cold Stone [Creamery] and 406 Agave will be moving into the commercial space,” Michael Pitcairn, a listing agent for the building with Outlaw Realty, told EBS. The diversification of businesses boosted by the addition of the Franklin will bring more opportunities for local businesses and the Big Sky community, Pitcairn added.

Outlaw Realty is affiliated with Outlaw Partners, the publisher of EBS.

“It’s been a long time coming but we are just thrilled to add local businesses and private residents to this growing thriving community,” Quick said.

The Wilson Hotel, a Marriott Hotel also framing that core of Town Center, has witnessed the evolving nature of the community since the hotel opened in June 2019.

"New businesses are coming into play, lots of development, and we know there's more to come," said Mandy Hotovy, the hotel’s general manager. She emphasized the importance of mutual success among establishments and the need for small businesses to advertise and support each other.

Hotovy is optimistic about the future and the hotel’s ability to cater to guests' needs, an optimism shared by Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, a restaurant located within shouting distance of the hotel.

“We’ve enjoyed great success here since opening in 2019, it was the right place, right product, right time,” said owner Troy “Twist” Thompson.

“To have a great restaurant and strong community it takes consistent, well-trained people and we need to find a way so they can make a life here in Big Sky,” Thompson added.

He emphasized the importance of affordable employee housing to retain middle management, and that Big Sky’s housing crisis is forcing many experienced employees out of Big Sky, which, he said, hurts consistency of quality and identity for restaurants and other businesses.

At the recent groundbreaking ceremony for RiverView Apartments, a 97-unit complex to be reserved for local full-time workers, LMLC Managing Director Matt Kidd said the company plans to develop another 900 units over the next decade between Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky—an investment of $600 million, he estimated.

“The housing problem in Big Sky is big. It’s real,” Kidd said at the May 4 ceremony. “We’ve been working to make Big Sky more livable for more locals and [workers].”

For solutions beyond entry-level renting, the Big Sky Community Housing Trust is working to enable workforce homeownership through the Good Deeds program, which places permanent deed restrictions on existing homes—reserving those homes for fulltime workers and excluding short-term rentals—in exchange for incentives to homeowners or sellers.

Lone Mountain Land Company expects to share more expanded plans for Town Center later in the summer.

A home BASE

Big Sky Community Organization is a nonprofit that is “dedicated to facilitating year-round recreational programs, outdoor spaces and community partnerships that serve all of Big Sky— enhancing access and quality of life for everyone that lives, works and plays [in Big Sky],” as stated on BSCO’s website.

BASE is BSCO’s community center, completed in March 2022 and located in the middle of Town Center. BASE provides fitness and wellness classes, indoor climbing, youth programs and other resources for the people of Big Sky.

“We're very proud to be a part of the growth,” said Madeleine Feher, director of operations. "Part of the reason we are here is for the community. We want to continue to build community with this space.”

Feher highlighted the importance BASE holds in the community's opinion, even as the center they are located in grows.

“People want more, they want more things for the community… We're looking ahead at how we can not only create new space that's set aside for the community, but also how we improve the space that we currently have,” Feher said.

Similar to other organizations in town, BSCO has improvement plans for Big Sky.

“Amidst all of the growth, amidst all of the new construction, all of that to help the community— know that we're expanding our trails and we're improving our park space,” Feher said.

Businesses help one another thrive

The Waypoint, a movie theater and restaurant formerly known as The Independent and Lone Peak Cinema, focuses on providing a place for locals and visitors to meet in Town Center.

“We hold all kinds of events here—like we had a Taylor Swift party last week,” the theater’s general manager, Ben Axe, told EBS in July. “We’re just trying to get people together. That is what a waypoint is, a place for people to meet.”

With the growth in Town Center, Axe said communication between businesses is paramount.

“There are a lot of new places but [Town Center is] still a relatively small place,” Axe said. “Say Tips Up is having an event one night. We want to know about that, so we don’t also host one and split the crowd, and vice versa.”

Some businesses have stood the test of time. East Slope Outdoors—originally East Slope Anglers and Mad Wolf Ski & Sports—has been in Big Sky since 1986, and relocated to Town Center in 2013. Owner “Super Dave” Alvin has been selling gear and guiding in Big Sky for decades.

“We have great working relationships with other retailers and businesses here. If we don’t have something here we point customers in someone else’s direction,” Bo Brueck at East Slope told EBS.

For restaurants and retailers, foot traffic is bolstered by weekly summer events like Music in the Mountains and the farmers market, plus events at Big Sky Resort and concerts and festivals hosted at the Big Sky Events Arena.

“It’s been great in so many ways, we have a great community and events here,” Blue Buddha’s Thompson said.

An area roughly two-thirds built out after about a decade of construction in earnest, Town Center has gone from a sagebrush flat to a community landmark. For Big Sky community members sticking around for years to come, the downtown feel will continue to evolve.

The Franklin Building is another step in Town Center development on the remaining land east of the Town Center Plaza.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY RECEIVES A VISIT FROM MONTANA GOVERNOR AND PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

BY MIRA BRODY

BIG SKY—Big Sky isn’t a common stop on a presidential campaign trail. In fact, as of July 21, 2023, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum may have just been the first presidential candidate to visit the unincorporated community when he arrived alongside Montana Gov. Greg Giantforte for PBR festivities. Nonetheless, the resort town was an important stop on his tour, right between Oklahoma and California, and it was especially fitting to visit the Big Sky PBR; the governor and his wife Kathryn have been fans since the first one in Big Sky 13 years ago.

“You really get hooked,” Gov. Burgum told EBS in a conversation shortly after his arrival at the Big Sky Events Arena. “When you see a rider climb in the chute and get on top of a 1-ton bull, it’s something you don’t forget.”

“And it’s hard to beat the view,” he added. Behind him, the sounds of chute doors open and close as the stock handlers move bulls in the back of the arena to prepare for the second night of action.

Gov. Burgum had been on the campaign trail for six weeks, a whirlwind journey he took on after officially announcing his intent to run for president on June 7. He’s served as North Dakota’s 33rd Governor since 2016 and plans to run under the Republican ticket.

Born and raised in the small farming town of Arthur, N.D., Gov. Burgum mortgaged his inherited farmland after graduating college to invest in Great Plains Software, eventually serving as the company's president until it was sold to Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001.

Gov. Burgum is also a staunch conservationist, leading the charge to establish the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, located near the entrance of the national park also named for the 26th president of the U.S. and one of the North Dakota’s busiest tourist attractions.

While he spoke passionately about the pillars of his presidential run, which puts a sharp focus on the economy, U.S. energy policy and national security, Burgum, like any farm-raised man, couldn’t help but comment on the livestock at PBR.

“Part of what makes these things work and part of what makes them exciting is having great stock,” Burgum said, gesturing behind him where thousandpound bulls wait behind the chutes of the arena. He spoke highly of fellow North Dakotan and legacy

stock contractor Chad Burger, who briefly joined him on stage.

“Having great North Dakota stock like Chad’s providing, whether it’s in Bismarck for PBR—it’s hard to beat. It’s hard to get any better in the country than right here,” Burgum beamed.

He, First Lady Kathryn Burgum, Montana Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte, who joined for the event’s opening ceremonies, shared a respect for the Western tradition during the event’s opening ceremony. Gov. Gianforte gave a brief speech on the dirt, and Gov. Burgum rode the arena on horseback during the presentation of the flags.

“Hello Big Sky, who’s ready to rodeo? Aren’t we blessed to be here tonight,” Gianforte riled a cheering crowd.

Burgum also expressed an appreciation for the resort town’s modern amenities—while he was raised in the Great Plains, his grandparents lived in Montana since the 1930s and he often paid visits, developing a love for mountains and skiing.

A passionate skier, Burgum claims he hasn’t missed a winter coming to Montana to ski the cold smoke— he recalls the 11-hour drives he’d take with friends from North Dakota State University to Bridger Bowl

for just two days, all in time to return for class the following Monday. He even remembers the early days of Big Sky Resort.

“There was a single gondola, a slow one,” he joked, expressing his excitement for the new Lone Peak Tram this coming winter.

Burgum calls being a Governor a “7-by-24 job,” referring to its long hours, but has so far been gratified on the presidential trail. Just three and a half days after he announced his run for presidency, his campaign received donations from all 50 states; by 40 days, they hit 40,000 individual donors, clearing the requirement to appear in the first Republican presidential primary debate.

“The groundswell has been really amazing from people that want to see us on a debate stage and see a small-town kid give it a shot,” Burgum said.

When chatting about his long days on the tour, Gov. Burgum seems just as comfortable as he does in his cowboy boots.

“This is a game of hard work and getting out, but it’s an honor to do it,” he said. “We’re happy warriors and this is a country worth doing it for.”

Jack Reaney contributed reporting for this story

North Dakota Governor, and presidential candidate Doug Burgum (second from right) stands with members of Big Sky PBR as well as Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (third from left) at the night’s opening ceremonies.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR ALLEN

Gov. Doug Burgum rides during the color guard ceremony at Big Sky PBR.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR ALLEN

MOUNTAIN BIKERS FROM 35 STATES TRAVEL TO BIG SKY FOR BIG MOUNTAIN ENDURO FINALS

BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY—Austin Manser stood at the front of the Ramcharger 8 lift line, hoping to hop on as soon as the lightning delay ended. Mud speckled the brim of his helmet. It was his first time mountain biking in the Rocky Mountains, let alone Big Sky.

“It’s quite the experience, you come out here and you think you’re fast until you come further and see how people really ride,” Manser said.

Manser was a participant in the Big Mountain Enduro Finals, held at Big Sky Resort on Aug. 5 and 6 for the series’ 11th year. As the last opportunity to score points and achieve fast times, pro, expert and amateur riders approached the slick courses with fervor.

Manser is used to a 900-foot hill in his home state of Missouri. Big Sky Resort’s elevation gain on the Swift Current 6 lift is nearly double that number.

“For someone who's not used to it, it was quite the experience,” Manser said. “It's definitely made me a better rider.”

He described the rainy and slick conditions during the Expert Men’s race. Across the board the conditions added to the competition on the courses. The weekend was marked by heavy rain and passing thunderstorms and even for pros, the weather posed challenges.

How the Pros prepare for the race

For 2018 U.S. Enduro national champion and professional biker, Porsha Murdock, courses require a level of study and preparation, combined with improvisation. After a practice ride on the mountain Friday afternoon, she took a breather to chat tactics.

“It’s definitely a different riding style compared to if it's dry,” Murdock said. As a course sees more riders, mud is dragged over roots making conditions that Murdock likened to “ice” in some sections.

To stay on route, Murdock envisions a course and what to expect on the trail.

“Typically, for me I like to kind of recap what's coming up on the stage, certain features I have to look for and be ready for to get in position to hit them and execute,” Murdock said.

“I'm gonna slide and I might not hit all the lines I want to but it's kind of just like flowing with it as you get to each little section.”

Although Murdock feels she began the sport later in life, she is excited to see younger female athletes get involved in Big Mountain Enduro, a unique type of racing.

“It's a little bit more fun, less cross country focused and less just one run downhill. It's a nice hybrid of the two,” Murdock said.

“So, I think all of those things factor in and then younger girls are having… more programs that they can join when they're younger, like start progressing at a much earlier [age].”

Murdock finished third overall in the Big Mountain Enduro series and third in the Big Sky race.

Second in the race, first overall in U21

No stranger to a rainy climate, Brandon Fischer from Bellingham, Washington completed Big Sky’s Mountain Enduro with a spot on the podium, racing in the U21 category.

“It was really good today,” Fischer said, pausing to wash the mud off his bike. “It was super fun because it dried up and [was] really sunny and the trails were really good.”

Despite the weather, all weekend long bikers returned to lifts and pedaled up the mountain postrace to get the most out of Big Sky biking.

“I travel all around the United States to race,” Fischer said. “This is definitely my favorite place and favorite race every year… I love it."

Porsha Murdock starts Saturday’s race at the top of Phase 1, flying off of a Swifty Drop jump. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

The curve after the jump at the beginning of Phase 1 required bikers to manage speed coming down from an incline. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

The top of Phase 1 of Saturday’s race included a jump into a sharp bend. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

Views of Big Sky Resort could be seen from Big Mountain Enduro courses. Bikers either had to bring bikes on the lifts, or pedal up to the start lines of different phases of the race. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

Austin Manser, 28, stands at the front of the Ramcharger 8 line at Big Sky Resort on Sunday, August 6. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

ASK: LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY

Why is there turnover in Town Center? Are there new businesses opening in 2023?

Retail in Town Center is currently undergoing a significant transition. The success of retail in any town hinges on factors like foot traffic and the availability of workers, especially for labor-intensive businesses like restaurants. LMLC, which owns approximately one third of commercial space in Town Center and controls TCOA, is wholeheartedly focused on offering support to local businesses and committed to prioritizing the success of all businesses in Town Center. The introduction of new hotels in Town Center is expected to drive more business to the area, while an increase in local housing options in Big Sky will enable local businesses to attract and retain talented individuals.

As part of this ongoing transition, several new retailers have either signed leases or purchased spaces in Town Center. This includes upcoming openings of Surefoot, New West KnifeWorks, Bluebird, and LMNT, which are set to open their doors in winter 2023/24. In addition, Cowboy Coffee, Block 3 Kitchen & Bar, and Big Sky Resort have already established flagship retail locations within the past year, while, Ashley Cole and Alden+Rose have opened a temporary “pop-up” store in The Wilson Hotel building for this summer season.

We saw in the news that Moonlight Basin received preliminary plat on a new subdivision, can you expand?

This subdivision is not a recent addition, but rather a part of the original property master plan that was established in 2007. Moonlight Basin has not introduced any new entitlements since 2007; on the contrary, we have actually removed 84 units from the initial plan as part of a Conservation Easement LMLC placed to permanently protect 2,460 acres in 2019. We have a total of 96 units proposed in this subdivision which is now submitted for approval by Madison County.

This subdivision is on 835 acres, of which only 17% will be developed, while the majority of the land will be reserved for outdoor recreation, inclusive of the current 18-hole Golf Course. Our goal is to complete the construction of this subdivision within the next five years. It is important to note that Moonlight is on pace to have protected over 85% of the original 25,000 acre purchase by the original developers in 1992.

What’s the status of Jack Creek Road? Any plans to make the road public?

The status of Jack Creek Road is currently private, and there are no plans to make it a public road. Since 1992, the intention of the owners has been to keep the road private, primarily to protect the critical wildlife corridor between two sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. Although the road is private, we do allow our employees that live in the Madison Valley to use it for commuting, as well as Madison Valley contractors and members of the Madison Valley Ski Club. LMLC is committed to allowing public emergency access in the event Hwy 191 is not passable. To further mitigate fire risk, we have undertaken extensive work by thinning the trees on our property along the road to enhance the road as a fuel break and to improve the road as an emergency egress.

Have you solidified any new hotels in Town Center or are you just in discussions for future possibilities?

We are currently in discussions with multiple hotel operators to carefully evaluate the best possible fit for Town Center. It’s important to note that we have not yet confirmed any official partnerships or finalized any plans at this stage.

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OP NEWS

BIG

SKY’S

BIGGEST WEEK RAISES

$292,106 FOR LOCAL NONPROFITS A RECORD YEAR FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE BIG SKY EVENTS ARENA

BY LESLIE KILGORE

Big Sky’s Biggest Week and PBR was a week full of energy and excitement once again with many memorable highlights. Along with three nights of professional bull riding, in which we saw rookies rise to fame and some of the world’s best bulls buck, several of the week’s events held charity close to heart, donating to several local nonprofits and rodeorelated organizations.

With a grand total of $292,106 raised for local organizations, it was one of the most successful fundraising years in Big Sky PBR’s history.

“I’m honored that Outlaw Partners is able to give back to so many outstanding and influential organizations while also providing the Big Sky community and visitors with such an incredible event year after year,” Eric Ladd, chairman and CEO of Outlaw Partners said. “Being awarded the PBR Event of the Year for the ninth year in a row is an incredible attribute to what Big Sky PBR brings to our community, and that includes our charitable ethos.”

PBR’s 50/50 raffle and wildly popular Calcutta brought in a total of $170,900 for the Montana Civil Air Patrol, Western Sports Foundation, MakeA-Wish foundation, Montana State University Athletics and the MSU Rodeo Team, Big Sky Search & Rescue and Big Sky Bravery. Big Sky Bravery’s contributions included a live auction of a commemorative flag and call sign patches for $20,000. The pieces were presented and worn in combat by Officer Marshall, a participant and volunteer for the nonprofit that has helped him and other active duty Special Operations Forces.

“What we do at Big Sky Bravery is bring out guys … and gals, give them a week of relaxation, time to look back and get a new perspective and I can tell you it’s incredibly powerful,” Officer Marshall said during the event on July 22. “It’s a very healing opportunity for guys and gals.”

Prior to PBR, the Big Sky PBR Golf Tournament took place at Black Bull Golf Course in Bozeman and raised funds for the Western Sports Foundation, which provides health and wellness support for athletes competing in Western sports, including bull riding. The 3rd Annual Dick Allgood Community Bingo Night raised over $40,000 dollars for Big

Sky nonprofit Wellness in Action and Big Sky's American Legion.

While the Big Sky PBR provides plenty of entertainment for Big Sky residents and visitors, it also plays an important role in educating more community members about rodeo and western sports culture.

“These funds give us the ability to reach more athletes at any level of competition and help set them up for success both in and out of the arena,” said WSF Executive Director, Aubrey O’Quin.“We are honored to be one of the nonprofits who benefited from the event in Big Sky and to be able to share our mission with individuals who love the Western Heritage and cowboy way.”

As the event continues to grow and gain recognition within Big Sky and the Western sports world, Ladd said he and his team at Outlaw are committed to fundraising opportunities as a core aspect of the week.

“It’s always rewarding to see so many community members come out to support the bull riders, but also donating to important causes that continue to help our community thrive,” he said.

The Big Sky PBR has been voted "Event of the Year" nine times by Professional Bull Riders.

May 26 – September 3

Da Vinci The Exhibition is a hands-on examination of da Vinci’s life, research, and art. Visitors will learn about da Vinci’s complex beginnings and lifetime achievements through his discoveries in art, engineering, flight, hydraulics, music, light, and more. The exhibit features more than 60 fully built, life-size inventions, more than 15 fine art studies, and dozens of stunning displays.

Da Vinci The Exhibition was developed by Aurea Exhibitions and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc.

LEAD SPONSOR Chris McCloud and Stephanie Dickson

WILDLANDS FESTIVAL RAISES OVER $500,000 TO BENEFIT RIVER CONSERVATION

FUNDS WILL SUPPORT

AMERICAN RIVERS AND GALLATIN RIVER TASK FORCE

OUTLAW PARTNERS

BIG SKY—Outlaw Partners is pleased to share that Wildlands Festival raised significant funds totaling $513,473 to make a meaningful impact in preserving and protecting our nation’s vital waterways.

In its second year, Wildlands Festival is committed to celebrating and supporting wild and open spaces through musical performances, fundraising and education. The two charities chosen this year, American Rivers and the Gallatin River Task Force, benefitted from ticket and sponsor sales, donations, silent and live auctions, merchandise sales and the Hooked on the Gallatin charity dinner.

Over $250,000 in auction items were donated by esteemed brands for the weekend’s events and will go directly to helping the Gallatin River Task Force, Big Sky’s local organization leading efforts in river conservation for southwest Montana, and American Rivers, who announced earlier this year their goal to

protect one million miles of rivers by 2030. Funds raised at the Wildlands Festival will help the organization work toward that goal and other vital efforts.

“We are thrilled to have made such a difference this year in our fundraising efforts at Wildlands Festival, while also having the opportunity to host such an incredible music lineup and educate more people on the importance of saving our nation’s waterways,” said Eric Ladd, founder and chairman of Outlaw Partners.

Along with headlining bands, Foo Fighters and Lord Huron, the Hooked on the Gallatin fundraising event took place on Friday night of the weekend-long festival with a live auction, a speaker panel with actor Tom Skerritt, and comedy performances by Orlando Leyba and Forrest Shaw. This event alone was a success in supporting southwest Montana’s greater efforts in preserving the Gallatin River, and other rivers around the mountain west.

"The Task Force was incredibly honored and grateful to be a part of the Wildlands Festival,” said Kristin Gardner, chief executive and science officer at GRTF. “Rivers in the West, including our home waters on the Gallatin, are facing unprecedented threats. The Wildlands Festival brought increased awareness to the issues and substantial funding that will be put towards addressing these threats."

As one of the largest and most attended events in Big Sky, Outlaw Partners aims to continue the success of Wildlands Festival by partnering with artists, conservationists, esteemed brands and charitable organizations passionate about saving wild and open spaces around the country.

“I know we can continue to raise money to preserve our wild and open spaces while also celebrating music, mountain culture and community,” Ladd said. “It’s a special weekend for the Big Sky community and the visitors who come to share the weekend with us. We look forward to making it a success again next year."

Left to right: Tom Kiernan of American Rivers, Eric Ladd of Outlaw Partners, Kristin Gardner of Gallatin River Task Force, Scott Bosse of American Rivers, and Ennion Williams of Outlaw Partners celebrate a win for river conservation. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

FOO FIGHTERS, LORD HURON ROCK BIG SKY AT WILDLANDS FESTIVAL

DAVE GROHL GRANTS ‘M.V.P. STATUS’ TO DEDICATED FANS FOR STICKING OUT A LONG RAIN DELAY—FOO FIGHTERS PLAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT

BY JACK REANEY

Editor’s note: Outlaw Partners is the publisher of Explore Big Sky and is the producer of the Wildlands Festival.

BIG SKY—In a historic rock and roll concert for southwest Montana, Foo Fighters capped off the three-day Wildlands Festival in Big Sky on Sunday night.

More than two years in the making, that main act was no sure thing until 9:54 p.m.

Added for dramatic effect, a thunderstorm and rain delay left fans waiting until the moment legendary frontman Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters walked onstage.

“You didn’t think this was gonna happen, did you? You didn’t think this [thing] was gonna happen,” Grohl shouted before the first song as he warmed up his guitar fingers to a screaming audience. “Oh, it’s happening now.”

Foo Fighters played a full two-hour set, hit after greatest hit with a few deeper cuts, finishing just before midnight and wrapping up a festival weekend which raised over $513,000 for conservation groups American Rivers and Gallatin River Task Force—money to help pass the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act which would protect about 380 miles across 20 rivers in Montana.

“So, many of you remember that there was an ethos behind this great night, which was

to raise money for American Rivers and the Gallatin River Task Force,” Eric Ladd, CEO and Chairman of Outlaw Partners, told the crowd before the headline act.

“Here’s the big check that you all helped contribute to,” Ladd said. “So every ticket— money went to it. Everyone who bought retail, merch, beers, paella… All the auction items.”

Ladd, alongside American Rivers President Tom Kiernan and GRTF Chief Executive and Science Officer Kristin Gardner, held a ceremonial check showing the festival’s fundraising total: $513,473.

“This funding will help us pass, in Congress, the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act [to] protect 20 rivers here in Montana,” Kiernan said, exuberant. He then led the crowd in a chant, pointing from right, to middle, to left.

“Vote! For! Rivers!” each slice of the crowd chanted under Kiernan’s direction.

Between Sunday’s opening acts, American Rivers’ Northern Rockies Director Scott Bosse told a story of two century-old dams near Olympia National Park that were removed in 2011 and 2013 with support from American Rivers.

“I’ve gone back to where those dams used to be, and now there are thousands of salmon and steelhead streaming back. And all the wildlife that depends on those. That’s why I work for American Rivers,” Bosse said, met by cheers.

Big Sky-based GRTF is focused on protecting the Gallatin River for generations to come

through testing and monitoring, education and outreach.

“We need a lot of help to make sure that river is nice and clean for you all, for the future,” added Gardner.

‘Think we could do this every year, without the lightning and [stuff]?’

EBS could attempt to summarize the spirit of Big Sky’s first-ever Foo Fighters concert, a triumph of patience and luck over mother nature. But perhaps Dave Grohl said it best himself (edited to remove abundant profanity):

“I got a question,” Grohl said after the band played “The Pretender” early in their set. “How long were y’all sitting out in cars in the parking lot. A good hour? Two hours? Was it all good?

Listen, when we pulled up tonight, The Breeders were playing—Let’s hear it for The Breeders! We pulled up, they’re playing [and] we’re like, ‘This is rad! I can’t wait to see them play!’”

He then imitated the crashing sound of thunder. “Lightning,” he summarized. “I was like, ‘Oh no. I wonder if this is gonna go down.’ Then we sat in the back having cocktails—we’re like, ‘oh this [is] going down.’”

Grohl scanned the Big Sky Events Arena and the 5,000 fans that filled the stands.

“Where the [heck] are we right now? What am I doing? Is this a thing? Is this a thing? Are we

Foo Fighters more than filled the massive stage at the Big Sky Events Arena. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

gonna make this a thing or what? Alright, let’s make it a thing.”

The August rainstorm brought cool air below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Grohl said the only jacket he had backstage was his daughter’s silk jacket. He polled the venue to see how many fans had seen the band before. He joked that Foo Fighters has about 150 songs, and they are going to play them all.

“Kidding. But we’ll do a bunch, ‘cause I know you guys sat around waiting a long time—we should probably give a little extra or something. I’m not cold anymore, I gotta be honest. I was freezing when I first got out here,” Grohl said, before singing the intro to “Times Like These.”

Later in the night, Grohl commended the Big Sky crowd again.

“You guys get M.V.P. status for standing out here in the rain all night,” he said, not long after asking why the venue smelled like shish kebab and bison burgers. Toward the end of the show, he called the crowd “bonkers” and said he couldn’t feel his feet.

A top-notch entertainer, Grohl continued to address the crowd after every song or two. He constantly teased that the next song would the band’s last. He asked for darkness onstage and pointed to the stars overhead. Twice, he urged security not to remove enthusiastic fans—one crowd surfing, another perched atop a friend’s shoulders, shirtless, holding up his Nirvana tee. Grohl—once the drummer for Nirvana—spoke to that shirtless man, Big Sky local Chance Lenay, asking how old he was when the album “Nevermind” came out. Lenay held up seven fingers, holding eye contact with a rock legend.

“I mean that was absolutely life-changing,” Lenay told EBS after the show. “I grew up in Seattle, so all through high school, biggest Nirvana fan. I knew he’d recognize it… So to have him speak to me onstage, it changed the course of the rock show. Pretty mesmerizing.”

In that unscripted, contemplative moment, Grohl likened the town of Big Sky to Nirvana itself.

“You think we could do this every year without the lightning and [stuff]?” he asked the crowd a few songs later, before wrapping up with “Everlong,” sung by hundreds in unison. The sixpiece band took a bow just before midnight.

Kara Teklinski, a fan hanging out near the stage after the show, told EBS this was her 15th Foo concert, but she’s seeing six more before 2023 is out. She came to Big Sky from San Francisco. “With the crowd and the small nature of [this

show], I think it was better than most,” Teklinksi said. “With the intimacy of the venue, I think the performers actually engaged more with the audience than bigger events. And the crowd was great.”

Julie Cole, a fan from Minnesota, came to Big Sky by way of a fan club Facebook page.

“I’ve seen them in small venues before, but this was great because the people were great,” Cole said. On weather, she added, “We had faith. We had Foo faith that it was going to all turn out OK, and it did.”

And while Foo Fighters stole the big-name glory on Sunday night, Saturday’s headline act by Lord Huron added a unique flavor and a heck of a performance in its own right.

Lord Huron sets the tone

As the sky grew dark on Saturday night, Lord Huron opened with “Meet Me in the Woods.”

Their set ranged from slow, reflective melodies to upbeat, rapid-tempo rock—many tied to lyrics

about forests, rivers and the sky, coincidentally in line with the music festival’s purpose.

The hazy glow of artificial fog onstage matched the lingering moisture in the hills of Big Sky. The crowd bobbed and swayed as the clouds made way for stars.

A young couple from Bozeman, Kiersten and Jake, have seen Lord Huron three times this year. EBS spoke with them after the show.

“Just as good as the rest, so good,” Kiersten said about the concert. “Unbeatable.”

“We were waiting for [this concert] forever, this is our favorite band. They put on the best show,” Jake said. “The energy they bring, the music just means so much to us.”

“They have a lot of songs about nature and the rivers in general, so it’s really nice to see artists like this get to perform at [an event] that supports the rivers,” Kiersten added.

Lead singer Ben Schneider addressed the crowd after Lord Huron’s second song.

A handful of diehard Foo fans arrived at the general admission gate around 9 a.m., coming to Big Sky from Las Vegas, Washington state, Vancouver, Alberta (Can.). They used permanent marker to keep track of their place in line—led by Candace Clark-Brailey and her husband Daniel Brailey of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. The group expressed awe toward the intimate concert venue and surrounding

Foo Fighters fans packed the Big Sky Events Arena on Aug. 6 for a historic concert.

PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

“How the hell you doin’ out there folks, you all right?” Schneider asked. “Can’t tell you just how tickled pink we are to be in Big Sky today, thank you all so much for coming’ out. It’s our first time playing here… We’ve been to Montana many times, one of our favorite states to play in, I’ll say that. Also one of our favorite states to explore. But yeah, first time in Big Sky. I gotta say, it’s true—it’s big."

Schneider added his appreciation for fans attending and “supporting a good cause” and thanked Saturday openers Regina Ferguson— who brought her band’s folksy, mellow country tunes including a cover of “Wild Horses”—and James McMurtry, whose band of four occupied only a small fraction of the massive stage but filled the arena with foot-stomping western groove after a similar rain delay on Saturday.

Toward the end of the headline show, Lord Huron bass guitarist Miguel Briseño capped off his arsenal—included upright bass and electric six-string—by adding an awe-inspiring theremin solo.

The band finished with “The Night we Met,” known widely for appearing in the TV series “13 Reasons Why.” The crowd sang along with glee.

Hard rock on the come-up

Foo Fighters were preceded by opening acts from Taipei Houston, a hard-rocking duo of 22- and 25-year-old brothers Layne and Myles Ulrich—sons of Lars Ulrich, drummer and cofounder of Metallica—and the Breeders, an act unfortunately cut short by a dramatic lightning strike over Yellow Mountain.

During the subsequent rain delay, Taipei Houston spoke with EBS. With a downto-earth spirit, humility and gratitude, the brothers shared excitement about their new album, “Once Bit Never Bored,” which they described as “us playing crazy stuff in our basement.” The Ulrich brothers even offered a red velvet cupcake after the interview, accepted and eventually consumed by EBS.

“Been super exciting playing with the Foo Fighters, that’s a dream come true,” Myles told EBS. The duo has also opened for Muse. They said it’s fun, surprising, exciting and humbling to open for class acts at such a young age.

Layne Ulrich, Taipei Houston’s bass-guitarist and singer, spoke about his unique vocal style.

“For me, it’s about trying to be comfortable and have fun with it. Settle into something that I can enjoy and feel like I’m comfortable with,” he said.

Myles, the drummer, said he is not technically well-versed but likes to keep it fun and have a good time up there. Evident from the sweat on his shirt and his four-limbed fury, he doesn’t miss a beat.

“I think our brand of [music] is just super active and exciting. Live, the more gnarly I can make it, I come across well,” Myles said.

The brothers agree that they aren’t trying to convert non-metal fans into fans. They just want to make the kind of music they like—a self-confident vibe that they effortlessly communicated on stage that night.

On Big Sky, Layne said it’s “super beautiful” in the summer, very different than anywhere he’s been in the U.S.

“It’s really cool to get to come out somewhere like this, that’s such a unique event space. Throw something together and have fun doing it. New experience, it’s not just another gig which is fun,” Layne said.

The brothers added gratitude to the Wildlands Festival for having them.

Lord Huron brought choreographed energy to their unique, earthy set design. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

Lord Huron’s Miguel Briseño solos on the theremin, a mysterious instrument played without touch. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

Taipei Houston hit the ground running on Sunday evening, rocking hard from the first guitar lick. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

HOOKED ON THE GALLATIN EDUCATES, RAISES FUNDS AND INSPIRES HOPE FOR RIVER CONSERVATION

BY JEN CLANCEY

Editor’s note: Outlaw Partners is the publisher of Explore Big Sky and is the producer of the Wildlands Festival.

BIG SKY—Anyone working to conserve rivers has a story. For Tom Kiernan, CEO of the riverfocused conservation nonprofit, American Rivers, that story began at the river across the street from his family’s home in Washington, D.C. Kiernan grew up in a small family and lost his father in the Vietnam War. He and his older brother would spend their free time by the creek, where water would eventually flow into the Potomac River.

“It was honestly, that amount of time spent in that creek and around the Potomac River where I felt comfort and found a sense of peace,” Kiernan said. That feeling stuck with him in high school when he learned about the environment in an environmental science class. “This place that gives me peace, these creeks, these rivers; that takes care of me emotionally, there’s a science to all of this and there are some threats.”

On Friday, Aug. 4, the annual Hooked on the Gallatin charity dinner and auction in Big Sky worked to address the issues threatening Montana’s riverscapes. People mingled under the Big Sky Events Arena tent during a rainy evening to enjoy hors d’oeurvre, bid on big ticket auction items and learn about river conservation from a star-studded panel.

The proceeds went towards the Gallatin River Task Force and American Rivers for river conservation.

A River Runs Through It

A key member of that panel, Tom Skerritt, known for his role in the movie "A River Runs Through It," shared his passion for conserving fresh waterways.

“My God to see all of you here,” Skerritt said during the panel to the full tent of attendees. “Just, thank you.”

“I see the rivers like they are blood vessels in my body,” he said.

Skerritt was joined by Kristin Gardner, chief executive and science officer at Gallatin River Task Force, Kiernan and local North Face and Protect Our Winters athlete, Erika Flowers. The discussion was led by Eric Ladd, chairman and founder of Outlaw Partners.

“The rivers are really integral to our life,” Gardner said, describing all of the activities that bring people together on the banks of the Gallatin and nearby rivers.

“I hope that people become engaged in our work,” she continued. “We really need for people to come together to make a difference whether that’s calling our delegation to support the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act or volunteering to help us move our project forward.”

The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act aims to protect segments of major waterways such as Big Sky’s very own Gallatin River and others nearby like the Yellowstone and Madison rivers. When passed, the legislation would protect 385 miles of 20 new Wild and Scenic Montana rivers.

“Over 80% of all wildlife species need rivers for a key part of their life cycle. So, whether you care about yourself, your kids, wildlife, river health matters,” Kiernan said, urging Montanans to unite under this important, single cause. “Climate change is water change,” he said.

Making change through stories

Flowers, who was born and raised in Montana, provided examples of change -making conversations.

“I think we often go to the outdoors whether it’s the river, the mountains, the ski slopes to get away but one of the things that comes out of that are stories and stories are what bring people in,” Flowers said during the panel discussion.

“Where you really make changes are with oneon-one conversations…talking to the person across from you where people start to actually think differently and maybe what they always thought may be slightly different,” Flowers said.

Other key moments of the night included a week-long private trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River with Boundary Expeditions that went for $100,000 in the live auction, copies of A River Runs Through It signed by Skerritt, and a stand up comedy lineup to close the night out with comedians Orlando Leyba and Forrest Shaw.

Hooked on the Gallatin was the first night of the Wildlands Festival, a weekend-long festival that raised awareness and funds for river conservation through concert ticket sales and donations. The event featured headliners Lord Huron on Saturday and Foo Fighters on Sunday, and ultimately raised over $513,000 for Gallatin River Task Force and American Rivers.

“I remember all this driving out on the old Highway 66 and I started going up into the mountains in California, looking for gold by the way, that’s what a lot of people were doing in the early ‘60s in the rivers” Skerritt said, reflecting on his road trip through California

“And I just went in the river, never minding the gold. That was the gold I was looking for, the river.”

(L-R) Kristin Gardner, Erika Flowers, Tom Skerritt, Tom Kiernan and Eric Ladd onstage during the discussion about how to protect rivers in big and small ways. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

PHOTOS BY TOM ATTWATER AND GEORGE ORTIZ

PRODUCTION VENDORS

Rocky Mountain Rigging

Big Sky Fire Department

Big Sky Search and Rescue

Jereco Studios

Carlson Audio

R-90 Lighting

Promosa Video

Gary Evans Backstage

Electric

Gallatin Event Rentals

Spiffy Biffy Portables

Eco Montana

Erika & Co.

Big Sky SNO

406 Recycling

YES Composting

Precision Lawn Care

Republic Services

MAV Security

Tactic Security

Justus Entertainment

Gallatin County Sheriffs Department

FOOD AND BEVERAGE VENDORS

Scissorbills Saloon

Double T BBQ

Cosmic Cafe

CC Gourmet

Ugly Onion Pizza

Sweet Buns Catering

Taste Roza

Ghost Town Coffee

Blue Collar Group Catering

Stageline Stages

Volstar Productions

Filmlites Midway Rentals

RentBiz

Monarch Construction

Pure Water Technology

Big Sky Water and Sewer

Mobile Mini Rentals

Big Sky Town Center

Lone Mountain Land Company

Big Sky Arts Council

Reyes Production Vehicles

Montana Party Rentals

Justus Entertainment

The Wilson Hotel

Big Sky Resort

Whitewater Inn

Stay Montana Vacasa

Journey Rent a Car

Big Boy Toys RV Rentals

Harrington Pepsi

Bronkens Distributing

The Cave

Roxys Market

Pinky Gs Pizza

Beehive Basin Brewery

Gourmet Gals Catering

Rancho Picante

A&E ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FINDING NEMO JR. INSPIRES LOVE OF THEATER IN BIG SKY KIDS, ADVISES 'FISH ARE FRIENDS, NOT FOOD'

BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY—Something fishy was going on at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center last week. From July 31 through Aug. 4, Big Sky students grades 1-4 rehearsed “Finding Nemo Jr.,” a musical production based on the 2003 Disney film, “Finding Nemo.”

In total, 45 kids enrolled in the summer program, which aims and succeeds at giving each person a role in the production. The kids were split into morning and evening casts with performances at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Barbara Rowley, co-producer and co-founder of Big Sky Broadway, checked in with students and production staff to make sure the afternoon rehearsal and separate sessions were running smoothly.

Meanwhile on the stage, or in Nemo universe, the sea floor, co-director Max Romney called to the cast in the auditorium seats.

“Who’s excited for the last day before the show?” he asked.

The cast erupted into cheers, some even jumping out of their seats in excitement.

Not only was the cast of “Finding Nemo Jr.” made up of young talent of a wide range of age groups, it was also led by experienced Lone Peak High School students, alumni and former Big Sky Broadway participants.

“I think it's really fun to just like, see kids' excitement grow throughout the week, we're adding new elements every day,” Ava King, who co-

produced the musical alongside Rowley, said. The production staff added more elements to the set that day and also began incorporating costumes.

“It's fun to see through their eyes as everything comes together,” King said. Costumes turned out to be a feat of organization. With three sharks, several turtles and specific fish costumes, everybody was careful to keep pieces with each costume.

On Saturday, the production went swimmingly as the actors sang about fish being friends, not food, and how to escape a fish tank, among other ballads. Choreography by Jennifer Waters and Logan Barker accompanied the music.

Madelyn Browne, co-director of “Finding Nemo Jr.,” commented that seeing a passion for theater in younger generations was rewarding.

“It's special for me to watch their love grow,” Browne said.

The sharks in the evening cast rehearse their song at Friday’s rehearsal on Aug. 4. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

Fish plan an escape from the fish tank. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

Barbara Rowley demonstrates how to wear the fish head part of the costume so that the front doesn’t block eyesight.

PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

Sharks in the morning cast dance in sync on Saturday’s 3 p.m. performance. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR

Thursday, August 10 - Wednesday, August 23

If your next event falls between Aug. 24 - Sept. 6, please submit it to media@theoutlawpartners.com by August 18.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

Restorative Yoga with Wendy BASE, 10:30 a.m.

Al-Anon Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 4 p.m.

Music in the Mountains: Matt Nathanson with the Freddy Jones Band Len Hill Park, 6 p.m.

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

Storytime at the Library Big Sky Community Library, 10 a.m.

Evening Yoga Flow with Erica BASE, 5:30 p.m.

All ages Pick-up Volleyball BASE, 6 p.m.

Live Music: Aaron Golay Band Tips Up, 9:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 7:30 a.m.

Softball Home Run Derby Community Park, 2 p.m.

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 5 p.m.

National Bowling Day Event

Beartooth Pub & Rec., 5 p.m.

Live Music: 2 Tracks Tips Up, 9:45 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

All Saints Big Sky Service Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Sunday Service Soldiers Chapel, 11 a.m.

Glazing Workshop BASE, 4 p.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Service

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

Rise and Shine Yoga with Wendy BASE, 7 a.m.

Storytime

BASE, 10:30 a.m.

NA Meeting

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

Trivia Tips Up, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 Free Community Yoga The Wilson Plaza, 9 a.m.

Big Sky County Water & Sewer District Board Meeting

BSCWSD boardroom, 8 a.m.

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

Outdoor Film Series: Brave New Wild The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 St. Joseph Mass Big Sky Chapel, 12 p.m.

NA Meeting

Big Sky Medical Center, 12 p.m.

Community Crafting and Quilting

BASE, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 "Paint the River" with Gallatin River Task Force Crail Gardens, 1 p.m.

Al- Anon Meeting Big Sky Chapel, 4 p.m.

Artist-in-residence: Local Photographer & Art Walk Montage Big Sky, 4:30 p.m.

Community Potluck BASE, 5 p.m.

Music in the Mountains: AJ Lee and Blue Summit Len Hill Park, 6 p.m.

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

All Ages Pick-up Volleyball BASE, 6 p.m.

Karaoke Night The Waypoint, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

AA Meeting

Big Sky Chapel, 7:30 a.m.

St. Joseph Mass Big Sky Chapel, 5 p.m.

Live Music: Hoppy The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

Live Music: Ian Thomas and the Band of Drifters Tips Up, 9:45 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

All Saints Big Sky Service

Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Sunday Service Soldiers Chapel, 11 a.m.

Beadwork Workshop

BASE, 4 p.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Service

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 21

Storytime BASE, 10:30 a.m.

Evening Yoga flow with Erica BASE, 5:30 p.m.

NA Meeting

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

Trivia Tips Up, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

Free Community Yoga

The Wilson Plaza, 9 a.m.

Bike Big Sky: Mountain to Meadow

Yeti Dogs, 6 p.m.

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

Bravo! Big Sky: The Fairest Isle with Baroque Music Montana

Gallatin River Gallery, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23

Bike Big Sky: Early Bird BASE, 6 a.m.

15th Annual Big Sky Farmers Market

Big Sky Town Center, 5 p.m.

Pick-up Basketball BASE, 6:30 p.m.

Community Art Class: Paint your Pet Arts Council Studio at BASE, 6 p.m.

Trivia Night

The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

FEATURED EVENT:

"Paint the River" with Gallatin River Task Force

Thursday,Aug.17from1-3p.m.

JoinartistKellySuzanneHartmanofStudio 308inBozemanforastep-by-stepworkshop topainttheGallatinRiver.$50registration, allmaterialswillbeprovided,meetatCrail Gardens.

TheeventishostedbytheGallatinRiverTask Force.

BUSINESS

LONGTIME LOCAL CHIROPRACTOR RETIRES

BIG SKY’S DR. JEFF SAAD SELLS MONTANA CHIROPRACTIC AFTER 22 YEARS

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—Cracking backs and offering noninvasive care for more than two decades, Dr. Jeff Saad has handed the keys to the replacement he’s been looking for.

On July 28, Saad walked into his chiropractic clinic carrying a thick manilla folder. He placed it down on the counter manned by Dr. David Dalgardno, fresh out of an appointment and a few pen-strokes away from owning the place.

After seven years practicing in Vail, Colo., Saad opened up shop in 2001 behind Milkies in the Westfork Meadow. A few years later, he moved Montana Chiropractic and Sports Medicine to its current location behind Alberto’s Mexican Cuisine—back then, it was a lonely building on the frontier of Town Center and Saad’s window overlooked sagebrush. Now, of course, his practice overlooks Len Hill Park, BASE, condominiums and the parking lot behind Town Center Avenue. Saad said that while some locals don’t like seeing Big Sky grow, it’s been fun for him. The growth helped him build his business, one which saw patients ranging from active community members to ski industry legend Warren Miller.

But with family happenings—including Saad’s only child, Ben, graduating from Lone Peak High School and heading for Division I athletics at Mount St. Mary’s University—Jeff saw it as a natural time to transition out.

“It was time for me to do other things that life has to offer… It’s weird for me. It still hasn’t really set in,” Saad said on retirement.

While on the hunt for a replacement, Saad eventually connected with Dr. David Dalgardno who began onboarding in Big Sky on June 6.

“Dude, this is the guy,” Saad said. “I can’t turn over a 20-year practice to someone who can’t get it done.”

Saad said most patients have understood the transition, and some even expected his retirement.

Dalgardno added, “The patients all have had such a great, such a long-standing relationship with Jeff—that they kind of were in that rhythm of understanding that [retirement] was happening anyway… They’re all so happy for Jeff, and really excited that he finally picked somebody who would carry on the mantle. And I’m really happy to be that guy.”

Catch the master and apprentice together and you might see why the transition makes sense—their interview with EBS was punctuated by hilarious banter. They appear to be on the same wavelength.

Dalgardno said he’s not super uptight with patients, and he takes pride in not wearing a white jacket. He’s been telling patients he’s a lot like Jeff.

“Jeff has been so informal with patients, and that’s my method as well,” Dalgardno said.

Since Dalgardno opened his practice in 2017, Windy Ridge Chiropractic in Four Corners, he’s overlapped with a few of Saad’s clients—this new gig isn’t completely new. He’ll keep working part-time in Four Corners as he transitions into

Big Sky, and he said that balance should keep him busy during Big Sky’s slower seasons.

Saad pointed out that Big Sky’s seasonal ebb and flow makes for an interesting work-life balance.

“When it’s on, it’s on… So you just get used to those roller-coaster rides,” Saad said.

Dalgardno, who described himself as a “ski junkie” from Washington, said he always wanted to work in a resort town.

“I used to play video games of this place,” he said of Big Sky. “And now I get to be a chiropractor here.”

Dalgardno said he does additional therapy for soft tissue injuries, including dry needle therapy, cupping and Graston therapy. He focuses on getting athletes and active folks back out to the things they love.

“This is a doers’ town,” he said.

Dalgardno worked as a team doctor for the Bozeman Icedogs semi-professional hockey team, and said he brings a similar intensity and focus on fast solutions to his work as a chiropractor.

“My idea is less like spa and wellness, and more like racecar garage,” he said.

“Dave does a lot more than I do, so it’s great all the way around,” Saad said. “He’s mildly like me and does a lot more than I did, so that’s better for everybody."

Dr. David Dalgardno (left) and Dr. Jeff Saad outside the clinic, minutes before signing papers.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

MAKING IT IN BIG SKY: RAINBOW RANCH LODGE

BY GABRIELLA DICENZO CONTENT MARKETING INTERN

BIG SKY– Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of the Gallatin Canyon, Rainbow Ranch Lodge beckons travelers with a true promise: Weddings. Whiskey. Wine. Water. Four simple yet powerful words that encapsulate the essence of this enchanting destination.

For this issue of Making it in Big Sky, Explore Big Sky journeyed into the heart of Rainbow Ranch, uncovering a legacy steeped in history and a vision that seamlessly blends rustic charm with refined elegance. EBS had the chance to interview Thomas Nolan, the General Manager, who has dedicated his life to preserving the ranch’s rich heritage and creating a haven where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the mountains and the tranquility of the Gallatin River.

This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.

Explore Big Sky: First, tell me a little about yourself—when did you come to Big Sky and what brought you here?

Thomas Nolan: My name is Thomas Nolan, and I relocated to the Big Sky area from Phoenix, AZ, in May of 1999. The primary reason for my move was to provide my children with the opportunity to grow up amidst the beauty of the mountains. I initially joined Big Sky Resort as a kitchen manager at the Huntley, which allowed me to immerse myself in this picturesque location.

EBS: How did you get involved with Rainbow Ranch?

TN: When I saw the General Manager position open up at Rainbow Ranch, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity. The natural beauty and rich history of this place resonated with me, and I felt compelled to be a part of it. So, I reached out to the owner and expressed my interest in contributing to the legacy of this unique property.

EBS: Tell me a little about the history of the ranch.

TN: Rainbow Ranch holds a fascinating history, dating back several decades. Originally known as the Halfway Inn and Mercantile in the 1920s, it served as a vital stop for travelers journeying between West Yellowstone and Bozeman. Over the years, it also functioned as a wilderness outfitter. In the last 25 years, the ranch has seen three ownership changes, with the current owner acquiring the property after the 2008 fire.

EBS: Under your leadership, how does the business honor that history today?

A valuable piece of business advice I've received is quite simple yet profound: "Care." By investing in our team and demonstrating genuine care and support, we foster a strong and committed workforce.

TN: At Rainbow Ranch, we pride ourselves on maintaining a strong connection to the property's rich history. We foster a close-knit and empowered team that collectively works toward preserving the legacy of this place. The photographs adorning our walls and the stories we share with guests allow us to celebrate the ranch's past continually. We remain true to our rustic yet refined roots and still utilize the authentic early 1900s barn as a functional part of our operations.

EBS: What kind of services and activities do you provide on the ranch?

TN: At Rainbow Ranch, we offer a wide range of services and activities to our guests. We host events such as weddings, family reunions, corporate meetings and dinners. Our fine dining restaurant boasts an extensive wine cellar, catering to wine enthusiasts. Additionally, guests can enjoy a stocked trout pond, hiking trails, an outdoor infinity hot tub, a winter snowshoe program and special wine dinners.

EBS: What are you known best for?

TN: Rainbow Ranch is best known for several aspects. We have earned a reputation as a premier wedding destination, providing couples with a picturesque and unforgettable setting for their special day. We are also renowned for our exceptional selection of whiskies and wines, which

add to the overall experience of staying at our ranch. Lastly, we take pride in offering access to water-based activities such as river access, fishing pond, and our popular hot tub. We call them the four W’s. Weddings, Whisky, Wine and Water.

EBS: Is there any business advice you’ve received in the past that has helped guide you?

TN: Yes, a valuable piece of business advice I've received is quite simple yet profound: "Care." By investing in our team and demonstrating genuine care and support, we foster a strong and committed workforce. This, in turn, positively impacts the success and growth of our business.

EBS: Anything else the Big Sky community should know?

TN: We at Rainbow Ranch extend a warm welcome to all members of the Big Sky community and beyond. We are thrilled about our future and have been actively working on various renovations and property improvements. Last summer, we completed the renovation of our riverside rooms and expanded our wine cellar to accommodate a larger inventory. We also upgraded our hot tub deck and gave the lodge's exterior a fresh look. Moreover, we continue to protect our property from spring floods, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests.

Rainbow Ranch Lodge offers spacious grounds on which to make your next Montana memories. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAINBOW RANCH LODGE

– Thomas Nolan, Rainbow Ranch Lodge, General Manager

OPINION

THE BIG SKY WAY SERVING BIG SKY

BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST

In a previous column, we outlined the special purpose districts of Big Sky and the civic responsibility we have to vote in elections. The boundary and mission of these districts are not all the same, however many are similarly governed by boards of directors or trustees: some are appointed, and some are publicly elected. Have you, as a local resident, ever considered public service by running for one of these positions?

Depending on where you reside, you will only see positions applicable to your district geography on your next ballot. Special purpose and school district elections happen every year in May.

The following seats are up for the 2024 election*:

• Big Sky County Water & Sewer District No. 363 – 3 seats

• Big Sky Fire Department Rural Fire District #115 – 2 seats

• Big Sky Resort Area District – 3 seats

• Big Sky School District #72 – 2 seats

Ennis School District #52 – 2 seats

• Madison Valley Hospital District – 2 seats

• Yellowstone Mountain Club Rural Fire District –1 seat

*Information provided by the county elections offices

What does it take to get on the ballot?

Elections for special purpose districts are outlined by MCA 13.1.5 and are conducted by the appropriate county election administrator. For simplicity sake we will not denote key days for school districts elections who have a slightly different calendar, as outlined by MCA 20.3.3.

If a special purpose district lies in more than one county, the county election administrator in the county with the largest percentage of qualified electors in the district shall conduct the election.

The Montana Secretary of State website hosts a section dedicated to Elections and Voter Services providing information and candidate forms. Candidates must fill out and file a declaration of nomination and oath of candidacy before the filing deadline.

Key dates for the 2024 election are:

• Candidate Filing Opens – Dec. 14, 2023

• Candidate Filing Closes – Feb. 12, 2024 by 5 p.m.

• Write-in Candidate Declaration of Intent Filing –March 8, 2024 by 5 p.m.

• Election Day – May 7, 2024

If the number of candidates for a specific position is not more than the seats available, there would be no election and consequently they would not appear on the ballot. Those who filed would be appointed by acclamation.

Why talk about it now?

While candidate filing doesn’t open until Dec. 14, it’s important to do your research now. Before running for any open position, you should get to know the organization and make sure you would be a good fit for the board.

To start, simply attending a board meeting will give you a sense of regularly conducted business, order of operation, and the diverse skills that currently exist with those serving. Most organizations publish their meeting dates and agendas in advance on their websites. The community calendar Navigate Big Sky (navigatebigsky. org) also outlines these dates.

In addition to attending a board meeting, you can gain valuable insight from engaging with the current board and staff. Scheduling time to meet with these individuals will help you to understand the commitments and basic functions of the role. It is also an opportunity for those currently serving to outline potential gaps in skills and abilities to see if you may be able to help further the mission of the organization. This is a mutually beneficial process.

Do your research. Talk to other community members about your potential interest. Review publicly available organizational materials including audit reports, annual reports, meeting minutes, strategic plans and governing documents, such as bylaws. Understand the tone and community engagement strategies by visiting their website and following them on social media.

For those of you who have already committed countless hours to public service in Big Sky, thank you on behalf of your community.

Without your service the community would only be a shell of this amazing place we call home. For those of you who have not served, please consider the critical impact you can make on Big Sky today and for the future.

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

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HOODIE

A LA CARTE

OPINION

BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST

Long before I considered myself a foodie, when Kraft mac and cheese and cherry popsicles were certainly the height of culinary genius, my grandparents got a karaoke machine.

Most children would play the instrumental tapes, follow the provided lyrics sheets, sing to their heart’s content and let that be the whole story. I was not that child.

Even at five years old, I saw the possibilities of the thing. Those tape decks didn’t just play, they recorded. And I, fascinated by the voice of Casey Kasem counting down the Top 40, started creating my own radio show. I would pick a song that was hot at the moment, use the microphone to lay down an intro (sometimes with my cousin as co-host), and wait with my hand over the record button in an attempt to capture that particular song as it played over the actual radio.

So, in a food column, why does any of this matter? Well, food, like writing or music, is inherently creative. Overlap is inevitable. Often, when I sit down with a chef to talk about their work, the conversation turns to the kitchen soundtrack. Music keeps the kitchen going strong. And musicians sure as hell love to sing about what’s cooking.

The seed of this column is really a playlist inspired by my love of food, one I intend to dive into on the Magic Monday Show this week. See, my childhood radio dreams did come true. I’m no Kasem, but I have been a DJ on KGLTFM for more than two decades. In that time, my tastes have expanded, both musically and gastronomically. I’ve been contemplating where they overlap for months.

Like music, certain dishes can inspire memories. Whether the music is about “Green Onions,” “Quiche Lorraine,” “Pork and Beans,” “Ham ‘N’ Eggs,” or “Apples and Bananas,” it is clear that someone likes to “eat, eat, eat” them.

One favorite musical topic is the hamburger. Blaze Foley uses the burger as an overall mark of contentment in “Big Cheeseburgers & Good French Fries.” Similarly, Charlie Pride waxes nostalgic in his “Burgers and Fries,” singing, “It was simple and good back then.” Other burgerthemed songs include Commander Cody’s “Triple Cheese,” Little Feat’s “Hamburger Midnight” and pretty much the entire soundtrack of “Bob’s Burgers.” Southern California punk band Descendents even drop burgers into their 17-second banger “I Like Food.”

“I like food. Food tastes good. Juicy burgers, greasy fries, turkey legs and raw fish eyes,” they sing.

And we certainly can’t forget “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” in which Jimmy Buffett speaks his dreams about “a big warm bun and a huge hunk

of meat.” Buffett has certainly capitalized on the songs he has written about consumables, with a chain of Margaritaville restaurant bars that have expanded into full resort experiences. I’m pretty sure you won’t have to ever search for a lost shaker of salt.

Maybe the crossover is inevitable. We all eat. We all have memories related to food and to music. Sometimes they overlap.

I knew the words to “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” long before I tried the dish, or filé gumbo. I have yet to experience crawfish pie.

And though I have never put a lime in a coconut, I know drinking a bowl up is a surefire way to make one feel better.

These songs and many others are in my growing Spotify playlist at https://spotify.link/ipvEbrD6XBb On Monday, Aug. 7, from noon to 3 p.m., I’ll feature the playlist on my Magic Monday Show on KGLT.

KGLT broadcasts at 91.9 FM in Big Sky and Bozeman. For a complete list of translators, streaming and more information, visit www.kglt.net

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

‘I LIKE FOOD. FOOD TASTES GOOD.’ WHERE FOOD AND MUSIC OVERLAP

EBS columnist Rachel Hergett also hosts a radio show on KGLT. COURTESY OF RACHEL HERGETT

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: GARDEN NINJAS

WHO KNEW MOUNTAIN LIONS HAVE GREEN CLAWS

BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST

Mountain lions (puma concolor) nomenclature includes catamount, cougar, ghost cat, mountain cat, panther, painter, puma, screamer, wildcat, and now “gardener” due to a recent study published in Landscape Ecology by Mark Elbroch. The research revealed that mountain lions are ecosystem engineers who fertilize the landscape from kills they make by depositing nutrients in the soil that help improve plant quality, making specific areas lusher and therefore attracting more ungulates like deer, elk, goats, moose, and sheep to browse there in the future.

Mark Elbroch is the puma program director at Panthera. He and his team tracked 50 mountain lions within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem over almost four years. They mapped where lions left their kill sites, a total of 172 carcasses, and documented this “gardening behavior.” Their kills were only found in small areas of a mountain lion’s range. The team collected soil and plants beneath those carcasses every three to six months and tested the nitrogen and energy content release for three years.

The test results revealed that nitrogen increased in the soil thanks to decomposing carcasses.

Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth. Where animal carcasses were left to rot left lusher landscapes, triggering more plant biodiversity

and denser food sources for future generations of herbivores—but also creating the cover for lions to hide behind. Mountain lions' favorite method of hunting is to stalk and ambush their prey.

Lions kill more than other predators, leaving behind a rich array of gut piles for other animals including birds, insects, rodents and other scavengers, and enriching the soil. This, in turn, makes the grass healthier and shrubs thicker, which in the long run encourages deer and elk to return and feed repeatedly. It continues the cycle of attracting prey who get preyed upon, providing the plants, and making them lusher. Lions probably don’t intentionally do this, but it is a byproduct of their hunting prowess.

Few predators are as stealthy as mountain lions. They are cryptic by nature, creatures of the edges that use cover in topography and vegetation that they promote. Cats are crepuscular, stalking night’s ecotone of dawn and dusk when prey species struggle to decipher the shadowed landscape. They are the ninjas of the forest, meadow and mountain, self-launching missiles that shoot and take down prey species. Lions can leap 30 feet from a standstill and 18 feet straight up. Biologists estimate their hunting success rate is upward of 75%. They strictly eat meat and typically attack from the rear. Full-grown cougars can take down mature bull elk, moose and horses. Their jaws are opposable, going up and down and side to side, and can administer a lethal bite. Nature at its mathematical finest makes it such that the lion’s canine teeth are spaced precisely to fit around a deer’s cervical vertebrae, making the neck snap precisely and quickly.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lion biologist and author of “Path of the Puma,” Jim Williams, writes that mountain lions succeed because they “stay invisible, stalk silently, ambush instantly, and go for the soft spots. Paws like meat hooks, wrapping the flanks, rake forward to the trachea, away from hooves and antlers, and crush the windpipe. Fast, effective, and deadly.”

These ninjas are also the landscapers who come in the middle of the night or early morning to tend the garden.

“Each study and glimpse into the secret lives of pumas reveals that their behaviors and contributions to nature are far more complex than imagined,” Dr. Elbroch stated in a press release. “Pumas contribute over a million [kilograms] of meat to ecosystems every day, improving the quality of soil and plant life, feeding hundreds of species, and supporting the health of their ecosystems and our planet’s overall web of life.”

Evidence provided by this recent scientific report shows the importance of conserving mountain lions and keeping this apex predator on the landscape and voicing opinions against Montana’s Wildlife Commission’s decision to raise the quota on harvesting lions.

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

LITTLE COYOTE ROAD, BIG SKY

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Great Meadow Village level building lot located on the “open space” with a southern exposure. Easy access to all Meadow Village amenities, including the Arnold Palmer designed Big Sky Public Golf Course. The World Class Big Sky Ski Resort Base Area is 7 miles away. Enjoy all that Big Sky has to offer! $685,000 #382080

DAN DELZER 406-580-4326

Our

2085 SPOTTED ELK ROAD, BIG SKY

Grand home bordering recreational open space, located on one of the most private, desirable streets in Meadow Village, take advantage of the nearby Big Sky Community Park and the Meadow Village Center commercial area. Hop onto the Crail Ranch Trail from your front door where freshly groomed cross country ski trails beckon in Winter and biking and hiking trails await in Summer. Open concept floor plan providing ample space and the floor to ceiling picture windows frame the surrounding mountains. $3,250,000 #384355

KIRK DIGE 406-580-5475

Meet Our Team

Maggie Biggerstaff Broker 406-580-6244

Dan Delzer Broker 406-580-4326

Kirk Dige Broker 406-580-5475

Katie Haley Grimm Broker 406-580-3444

Ryan Coombs Service Operations Director

Anna Hynson Sales Associate 406-230-6451

Ron Seher Sales Associate 406-580-3363

Kruin Seibert Sales Associate 406-640-0287

Robyn Erlenbush Broker/Owner 406-586-1321

Robyn Erlenbush, CRB, Broker/Owner Each office independently owned and operated.

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ACRES

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

WHOSE FAULT IS IT?

BY PAUL SWENSON EBS COLUMNIST

Hard to believe it’s August already! Summer is flying by. In this column I decided to write about an earthshattering phenomenon that we have right here in our backyard. Literally. (I hate how overused this word has become, but I am joining the crowd).

I have mentioned the concept of a fault or fault line in several prior articles but have not discussed recent movement in our region.

First off, what is a fault? It is a fracture, or series of fractures, in rock due to an applied stress. The rock fractures to release the stress and moves accordingly to compensate for the compression or tension that was applied to it.

Think of some putty to begin with. If you compress the putty, it will become thicker between your hands, but if you stretch it, it thins. The crust of the earth behaves in a similar way—if you compress the crust, it thickens, but place it under tension and it thins. The difference is that rock is brittle, not ductile, so it must fracture. And when it does, the resulting relief of stress is an earthquake, and the plane of displacement is called a fault.

Wherever this fault plane intersects the surface of the earth, one can observe the offset along a feature called a fault scarp. The fault type is classified by the relative motion of the two sides of the fault. If the fault occurs under compressional stress, thickening the crust, it forms a reverse fault, but under extensional stress that thins the crust, it forms a normal fault. Presently our region is under extension leading to the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison valleys bounded by normal faults. These valleys continue to get deeper and deeper with each earthquake—or you could also say that the mountains between them are getting taller. Just a matter of perspective.

The bottom of the Madison Valley sits 3,300 meters, or 10,000 feet, below the current valley floor. The valley is filled with sand, gravel, and boulders that have eroded off the Madison and Gravelly mountain ranges. This depth, plus the height of the mountains to the east, means that the Madison Valley normal fault, which runs about 70 kilometers from Beartrap Canyon to Reynolds Pass has had at least 4,500

meters, or 2.8 miles, of vertical movement during its history. Of course, this has occurred over millions of years, but the most recent deformation can be observed along its length.

Between Indian Creek and Papoose Creek, the fault scarp shows close to 30 meters, or 100 feet, of horizontal displacement. If this occurred during a single event, it would be close to a magnitude 8 earthquake. Yikes. Geologists estimate that these events happen about every 10,000 years on this fault—so not likely, but possible. The alluvium and colluvium that this scarp dissects indicates that this large event occurred several thousand years ago. But there are presently small and frequent tremors here, slowly relieving the stress below our feet.

A much more recent event happened in 1959 along the Hebgen and Red Canyon fault systems. It produced an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 and changed the landscape of Hebgen Reservoir and the Madison River canyon. You can visit this area and see the lasting results of a massive landslide, the resulting lake—Earthquake Lake or “Quake Lake”—and stand where the earth moved 12 to 15 feet in an instant.

It is a pleasant drive down U.S. Highway 191 to Duck Creek Y, where you will turn right onto U.S. Highway 287. Starting at 191, the Hebgen fault scarp can be seen running past the Parade Rest Guest Ranch, up into the aspens along Whits Lake Road, across the hillside paralleling the highway, disappearing at Red Canyon Creek, then reappearing at Kirkwood Creek. The Red Canyon scarp can be seen for a brief moment if you know where to look up Red Canyon Creek.

As you drive down the hill beside Hebgen Dam, the Hebgen fault scarp is seen in the forest, then can be visited at the Cabin Creek scarp site. Continue a little further and Quake Lake comes into view.

Driving along the lake is fascinating, observing nature repair itself after this catastrophic event. New trees growing along the lake as the river continues to erode through the slide, cormorants, eagles, and ospreys using the drowned trees for nesting and roosting, and mountain sheep and goats using the exposed ground for mineral licks.

So whose fault is it? All of ours. Most of these faults are on national forest land, so we can all enjoy them and learn from them.

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

Red Canyon scarp, seen here as the light yellowish-tan feature from the upper left to the lower right PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON.

Madison Valley fault scarp, the shadowed “line” along the base of the mountains; South end of valley (L) and central valley (R), notice Lone Mountain in background. PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON

Quake Lake rockslide, Hebgen Fault scarp showing 12 feet of displacement. PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON.

HEALTH BUZZ LIVING LONGER IN BETTER HEALTH

BY KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST

Discovering the keys to growing older from a naturopathic medical perspective can be key to living longer and healthier. This concept extends your overall health beyond physical attributes. By investing in the promotion of healthy aging, utilizing holistically proven interventions, you can feel empowered to live to your full potential.

You've probably heard most of these before: Eat a healthy diet, move your body, get enough sleep, avoid tobacco, and manage stress. Taken together, these lifestyle factors can have a real and measurable effect on your life. Beyond these, research shows a huge benefit to developing a sense of purpose and maintaining a lifestyle that is both physically and mentally active.

Get social

Socialization is an important part of holistic wellness and health longevity. Having positive, supportive relationships can have a huge impact on both your mental and physical health. Nurture the positive relationships you already have by reaching out to those people, prioritizing spending time and expressing your appreciation for them, and actively supporting them as well. You might also pick up a new activity to widen your social network. When circumstances don’t allow for an in-

person connection, a telephone or video chat can go a long way to satisfy that need. Volunteer work is another great way to feel not only socially connected but socially responsible as you care for others.

Address your emotions

Emotional health is just as important as physical health. No matter how healthy your body may be, if you’re emotionally distraught or carry emotional baggage, it can often affect physical health if it endures for too long.

Practicing mindfulness and regular stress reduction techniques can help us manage the day-to-day ups and downs of life, so bad experiences or bad days don’t turn into bad weeks, months or years. Keeping a journal can help, as can regular meditation or simple mindfulness techniques.

Take well-being breaks during your workday

If you find yourself feeling stressed or upset during the workday, you’re not alone. A survey found that 83% of American workers report suffering from work-related stress. Try taking intentionally planned wellness breaks throughout your day. For example, chatting with a friend while taking a walk is great for social and physical health. Pausing for a quick meditation at your desk is great for your spiritual and mental health.

Alter your mindset

For many people, diet and exercise habits are a result of a psychological mindset rather than

physical wellness. It is important to identify underlying issues and how they manifest as unhealthy lifestyles. Changing your thought process can lead you to a healthier way of living. To help alter your mindset, try these healthy living tips:

• Track behaviors like eating, sleeping and exercise

• Journal daily to help you identify triggers that lead to poor health decisions

• Identify and release emotional baggage that is weighing you down spiritually and physically

• Complete random acts of kindness for yourself and for others

Treat yourself to holistic health practices that will improve your daily life

There’s so much you can do on a daily basis to improve your life through holistic health practices, but what about when that’s not enough? If you’re experiencing concerns with which you need help, consider a variety of wellness practices in the realm of holistic health, whether it be massage, acupuncture, nutrition, yoga or a health check through a more holistic lens.

Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

WRITERS ON THE RANGE ALASKA NEEDS TO VALUE ITS LIVE BEARS

BY WENDY KEEFOVER WRITERS ON THE RANGE

Grizzly bears in Alaska, called brown bears, that live around the town of Bethel, population 6,325, should have a good life as they don’t interact with many people. But their future is in peril.

Alaska’s bears have powerful governmental enemies, starting with the state of Alaska. This spring, state wildlife agents in helicopters gunned down 94 brown bears, including cubs. Agents also killed five black bears and five wolves.

Why were these animals destroyed? It was an attempt to eliminate carnivores in a misguided effort to grow a small caribou herd for hunters. By Alaska’s own admission, the aerial gunning went too far. An early assessment by a state biologist said fewer than 25 brown bears would be killed.

For now, in the lower 48 states grizzly bears are protected, though some Western governors and members of Congress support trophy-hunting seasons targeting bears.

In Alaska that’s already legal, although a 2019 study co-authored by conservation biologist William Ripple, and others, found that in addition to state-sponsored shooting and trapping of brown bears, trophy hunters have doubled their kill numbers for bears over the past 30 years.

That is not sustainable. Alaska’s population of some 32,000 iconic brown bears now face the same fate as their lower 48 cousins, which once numbered 50,000 but are reduced to 2,000 animals.

Alaska’s predator-control projects cater to a small number of hunters who want to bring home trophy animals, or who wrongly believe that fewer carnivores like bears and wolves will create more prey animals.

Alaska’s wildlife culls have been roundly criticized by many biologists as unnecessary. Numerous studies indicate that predator-prey relationships are always complicated by multiple factors. In this case, the caribou herd was plagued by brucellosis, a disease of ungulates, as well as inadequate food and poachers.

What is undeniable, say multiple biologists from North America—writing as part of a 2018 letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior—is that officials need to protect Alaska’s bears and wolves from too much trophy hunting.

Shockingly, Alaska’s bear-killing activities are funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, using Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act dollars, which is an excise tax on guns, ammunition and archery equipment. The Service also funds other controversial predatorcontrol programs such as in Colorado and New Mexico.

What’s puzzling is why hunting would come first when Alaska decides the fate of its brown bears. Why is bear-related tourism—a growth industry—ignored?

Americans love to watch bears. Because of their popularity, brown bear viewing opportunities in Alaska’s Katmai National Park had to be limited by lottery. What’s more, over 10 million viewers tune into bear cams annually to virtually watch Katmai bears fish for salmon.

Tapping into this fervor, the National Park Service began an annual Fat Bear Week contest

at the park, based on grizzles gorging themselves to get ready for hibernation. In 2021, more than 800,000 voted for Otis, an aged, toothless fellow who lost out the next year to 747, a colossus nicknamed “Bear Force One” by the Park Service.

Thousands of tourists travel to Alaska every year just to catch a glimpse of Alaska’s brown bears in the wild, a pilgrimage that pours dollars into the state. A 2011 survey valued wildlife-watching tourism in Alaska at more than a billion dollars and this number has almost certainly grown as appreciation for wildlife has expanded in the United States. A 2018 American Wildlife Values national survey showed that more Americans than ever before appreciate their wildlife alive.

The question almost asks itself: What sense does it make for Alaska to kill bears? The answer is none. Federal funding for state wildlife agencies to kill carnivores makes no sense.

The Fish and Wildlife Service needs to adopt the widely supported 2021 formal petition, led by the Global Indigenous Council and co-signed by 28 organizations and scholars, which asks the agency to set up a public comment process before Pittman-Robertson funds can go to states for killing projects.

Wildlife management ought to represent all the people who care about wildlife, and sound science should be the guide when it comes to deciding what animal gets to live or die.

Wendy Keefover is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. She is a senior strategist for the Humane Society of the United States.

DID YOU KNOW?

500 years ago, at least 30 million bison roamed the plains. That number is now less than 30,000. The depletion of free range bison has been attributed to:

•Decades of over-exploitation

•Decline in genetic diversity

•Habitat loss

•Human Interaction

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

Respect. Protect. Cherish.

Paid for by the animals in your backyard.

American Bison // Bison bison

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