Explore Big Sky - June 27 to July 10, 2024 by Outlaw Partners

June 27 - July 10, 2024 Volume 15 // Issue 13

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LOCAL TEEN ORGANIZES BIKE DONATION DRIVE

NEW POST OFFICE TO OPEN JULY 15

LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS EARN BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS

TRACKING THE BILL TO PROTECT MONTANA RIVERS THE CASE FOR WILDLIFE CROSSINGS

June 27 - July 10, 2024 Volume 15, Issue No. 13

Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

PUBLISHER

Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL

VP MEDIA

Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com

DIGITAL PRODUCER

Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Fischer Genau | frgenau@gmail.com

CREATIVE

LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ME BROWN | maryelizabeth@theoutlawpartners.com

SALES AND OPERATIONS

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Josh Timon | josh@theoutlawpartners.com

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com

VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com

DIRECTOR OF RELATIONSHIPS

Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com

MARKETING MANAGER

Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTENT MARKETING LEAD

Taylor Owens | taylor@theoutlawpartners.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Molly Absolon, Daniel Bierschwale, Jack Buban, Kaley Burns, Bella Butler, Mario Carr, Lynn Donaldson, Rachel Hergett, Tyson Krinke, Benjamin Alva Polley

On Friday, June 21, the Big Sky Community Organization welcomed Beaver Fleming, pro skateboarder known for his involvement with Nitro Circus, for a celebration of BSCO’s renovated skatepark among other public spaces. The event included live music from local heavy metal artist, Scavenger, and a gathering of the local skate community.

NEW POST OFFICE TO OPEN JULY 15

On July 15, the United States Postal Service will step in to operate Big Sky’s new post office. The new office will more than double P.O. boxes available, and expand retail services and postal resources. EBS spoke with Al Malinowski, who has spent more than two decades contracting with USPS for the existing post office, about the change to USPS.

THE CASE FOR WILDLIFE CROSSINGS

14 11 17 19 26

In September 2023, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb published “Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of our Planet,” an exploration into the growing science of road ecology, the study of ecosystems and the roads that bisect them. He said he can’t think of a better fit than Montana for structures that could help connect ecosystems and wildlife habitat. Goldfarb visited Big Sky on June 18.

LOCAL TEEN ORGANIZES BIKE DONATION DRIVE

Fourteen-year-old Connor Sullivan loves mountain biking, but recognized the cost barrier that may prevent some kids from getting into the sport. This summer, he organized a bike drive to collect bikes, and service and donate them to Big Sky kids.

TRACKING THE BILL TO PROTECT MONTANA RIVERS

The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act has a second opportunity to reach the senate floor, after a hearing with the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. On June 12, the MHLA had a hearing in front of the committee along with other public lands bills. Supporters call the progress a milestone for the bill that would protect 384 miles of Montana rivers, including in Big Sky’s backyard.

LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS EARN BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS

On June 18, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce hosted its 27th Annual Black Diamond Business Awards Dinner to recognize local business and community leaders. This year, the chamber presented eight awards during the ceremony at Big Sky Resort.

With snowstorms becoming fewer and farther between, mountain bike season is back. Between Big Sky Resort’s lift-served terrain and a public trail system managed by the Big Sky Community Organization, Big Sky has a bunch of berms. Pictured here: a rider corners at Big Sky Resort’s opening day in June 2022. PHOTO BY JONATHAN STONE / BIG SKY RESORT

POLICIES

EDITORIAL POLICY

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

For the July 11th issue July 3rd, 2024

CORRECTIONS

Please report errors to media@outlaw.partners.

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

PHOTO

JACK REANEY

NEWS IN BRIEF BRIEFS

RARE WHITE BISON CALF BORN IN YELLOWSTONE

A rare white buffalo was born in Yellowstone National Park, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The calf was first spotted on June 4 by Erin Braaten of Kalispell in Lamar Valley in the northeastern portion of the park.

The white buffalo is symbolic in Native American culture, explained Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota and the Nakota Oyate in South Dakota, and the 19th keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Woman Pipe and Bundle. It fulfills a Lakota prophecy that signifies better times, but can also serve as a warning.

“The birth of this calf is both a blessing and warning. We must do more,” Chief Looking Horse told AP.

YELLOWSTONE VISITOR RECEIVES JAIL SENTENCE FOR THERMAL TRESPASS AND CLOSURE VIOLATION AT NORRIS GEYSER BASIN

EBS STAFF

Another cautionary tale for Yellowstone visitors: stay on the beaten path. On June 4, Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick sentenced a 21-year-old man who trespassed on Yellowstone National Park’s thermal features on April 19, according to reporting by Daily Montanan.

Washington resident Viktor Pyshniuk was sentenced to seven days in jail for trespassing on thermal features at Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin. A June 13 press release from Yellowstone National Park stated that Pyshniuk has been placed on two years of unsupervised release and is banned from the park for two years.

Pyshniuk will also need to pay a $1,500 fine, $30 mandatory court processing fee and $20 special assessment.

Explaining the sentence in the release, acting U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann stated, “In cases like this one where we have strong evidence showing a person has willfully disregarded signs and entered a closed, thermal area, federal prosecutors will seek significant penalties, including jail time.”

Court documents state that a YNP law enforcement officer was dispatched to the Steamboat Geyser thermal area after an employee reported a person off the boardwalk in the area. A photo captured the defendant crossing over the fence and walking up the hillside, coming within 15 to 20 feet of Steamboat Geyser’s steam vent.

“Steamboat Geyser is a prominent feature within YNP and the world’s tallest active geyser, but it is also the most dangerous. It has erratic and unpredictable eruptions that can rise anywhere from six to 300 feet high,” the release stated.

The officer contacted Pyshniuk, who said that he left the boardwalk to take photos, to which the officer responded by noting the signs nearby. The signs stated that it is illegal to leave the boardwalk and the officer explained how dangerous the area can be due to weak ground layer,

geothermal features of mud pots, heated steam and water, and the unpredictable nature of the area.

Magistrate Judge Hambrick hopes the sentence will educate the defendant as well as any curious visitors.

“She expressed her concern that the defendant’s actions were seen by the people around him, and they might have thought it was okay to do the same thing,” the release stated. “And if every visitor to YNP disobeyed the rules, the park would be destroyed, and no one would be able to enjoy it.”

GROW WILD TO HOST WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL IN EARLY JULY

EBS STAFF

From July 8 to 12, local nonprofit Grow Wild will host its third annual Big Sky Wildflower Festival at Crail Gardens, Grow Wild’s native plant demonstration garden in Big Sky. The event will include educational talks from experts, creative workshops with local artists and business owners, and guided hikes on Big Sky trails.

The festival is free and open to the public, but certain events will have limited space and require registration through the online event schedule at growwildmt.org.

“Grow Wild is elated to share these unique experiences and learning opportunities to the community all for free,” a Grow Wild press release stated. The goal of the Wildflower Festival aligns with Grow Wild’s mission of fostering an informed and engaged community, in which citizens support a healthy and functional ecosystem in the Upper Gallatin Watershed by conserving native species.

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Business in Big Sky

Have a booth at an upcoming event? Setting up your property as a short-term rental? You are required to REGISTER with Resort Tax.

DID YOU KNOW

Although your business may not be required to collect Resort Tax, Big Sky requires ALL businesses to be registered whether you are providing a taxable luxury good or not. Registration is FREE.

Taxable items are goods and services that are not considered ‘Necessities of Life,’ including but not limited to lodging, prepared food, recreational activities, and souvenirs. If you have a question about taxable items, please refer to Ordinance 98-01 on our website or reach out to District sta .

WHAT IS RESORT TAX

Resort Tax is a local sales tax on luxury goods and services. It helps fund critical public services and infrastructure that would otherwise appear on property tax bills.

WHICH BUSINESSES REGISTER

ALL businesses operating in the District must register each year. Businesses based elsewhere entering the District to provide goods & services must also register. Simply create an account in the MUNIRevs portal and answer a couple quick questions.

WHEN DO I REGISTER

New businesses should register prior to opening (any time of year).

Existing businesses renew their accounts annually in November/December.

ASK: LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY

What initiatives is LMLC taking to mitigate wildlife and human interactions and how can one educate themselves on best practices in Big Sky?

At Lone Mountain Land Company we are committed to managing a landscape that promotes wildlife habitat and maintains critical wildlife corridors. We begin our development process by mapping these features; preserve these features and surrounding areas as open space; and then establish our neighborhoods to avoid these areas. Conservation easements at Yellowstone Club and Moonlight Basin protect wildlife habitats and corridors in perpetuity – forever. Collectively within our greater boundary, there are over 20,000 acres permanently protected as conservation easements. Monitoring efforts are conducted at each of the clubs each year to better understand wildlife patterns and habits to help guide us in keeping the Big Sky landscape as the special and wild place we all value.

We also make substantial efforts to educate our employees, contractors, members and guests of our communities to stay safe and respect our wildlife. Our two key priorities are: 1. human safety and 2. keeping wildlife wild. One outreach tool that we utilize extensively is our wildlife trailer. This trailer includes a remote-control bear simulator to practice deploying inert bear spray, a multitude of outreach materials, and examples of the wildlife (skull replicas, skat replicas, horns, and antlers) that we have here in the greater Big Sky area. Our trailer will be at the Big Sky Farmers Market on Wednesdays through the end of September. Please come check it out!

We also conduct outreach to the 3 clubs, contractors and other community groups on how to avoid wildlife encounters, what to do in the event of an encounter, and how to store bear attractants properly. We communicate regularly to stay up to date with any issues in our area and in 2023 over 2,500 people total participated in one of our wildlife awareness trainings.

If you are looking for education materials for yourself or others, here is a link to our wildlife awareness webpage: www.wildbigsky.com

What does LMLC and affiliates do to welcome and support seasonal workforce in Big Sky?

Whether the residency is seasonal or year-round, Lone Mountain Land Company is committed to helping our team members feel welcome and we are always working to improve resident experience. Our Property Management and Operations teams work closely with all our club affiliates to develop ways to promote a cohesive and positive experience for all individuals that come to Big Sky to live and work. Operations run seasonal surveys to collect feedback on our housing and amenities for employees and many of the comments have resulted in large investment projects to improve the livability of our properties solely for residents.

We provide free shuttling to and from work for employees, including a free Bozeman shopping shuttle that runs weekdays from areas where resident employees live in Big Sky and Gallatin Gateway. There is also a free shuttle for Gallatin Gateway residents to commute to Big Sky without having to drive the Canyon, this shuttle runs non-stop six times a day seven days a week. We also sponsor a Yellowstone Park tour for resident employees that runs alternate weekdays throughout the summer. This tour was full for twelve weeks in 2023.

At Montage Big Sky, we take seriously welcoming new associates and acclimating them to life in Big Sky. Since so many of our associates relocate to Big Sky for this career opportunity, we want to make their transition to living here as easy as possible. We subsidize provided housing and transportation. We provide a “Being Well in Big Sky“ program during employee onboarding which covers health and wellness resources, community events, Montage Big Sky events, and anything else we feel is helpful including presentations from BASE and Wellness in Action. We keep an updated bulletin board of all Big Sky events, classes, support groups, etc. as well as a calendar of our Montage Big Sky, associate events, such as Mario Kart night, soccer, bowling and BBQ nights.

Lastly, we have several LMLC employees as members of the Seasonal Workforce Community Support Group, made up of Rotary Big Sky, All Saints Big Sky, Big Sky Community Food Bank, Big Sky Resort, YC, Montage, The Wilson, BASE, Be Well Big Sky, and the Big Sky Chamber. This group has created a Seasonal Workforce Community Resource Guide for new employees and we have put on several events each season to welcome new employees to town and provide opportunities to connect. See the Resource Guide and upcoming events for this summer season using the QR codes to the left.

JEFF CROSBY BAND OPENS 2024 MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

ARTS COUNCIL DIRECTOR BRIAN HURLBUT REFLECTS ON A STRONG START AND

EXCITING CONCERTS TO COME

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—On Thursday, June 20, Big Sky resumed its 15-year tradition of free summer concerts, as the Jeff Crosby Band headlined the Music in the Mountains series opener.

The concert took place on the summer solstice, and the warm sun lingered past 9 p.m. on the western horizon. It was “the perfect night,” according to Brian Hurlbut, executive director of the Arts Council of Big Sky, which hosts Music in the Mountains.

“What a night, as far as the weather and the first day of summer,” Hurlbut told EBS on the phone Friday morning. “I don’t think we could have asked for a better start to the summer than a night like that.”

Especially after a snowy, wet spring—including a few inches of snow on June 18—Thursday’s bluebird sky helped draw a crowd; Hurlbut estimated roughly 3,000 attendees.

“It was a huge crowd, the music was fantastic, and there was just a lot of great energy in the air,” Hurlbut said.

The Jeff Crosby Band took the stage around 8 p.m. and got the crowd on their feet and dancing.

‘This is way cooler than opening for the Stones’

After a few songs, frontman Jeff Crosby introduced a song off the band’s new album. He said Dave Schools, bass player for Widespread Panic, helped produce the album.

“They’re opening for the Rolling Stones tonight, no big deal” Crosby told the crowd between songs, referring to Widespread Panic.

“This is way cooler than opening for the Stones,” he added.

Hurlbut said Crosby is a real veteran, and a great fit to start the Music in the Mountains series. The Idaho-native is well-known in the Pacific Northwest, and Hurlbut said Crosby and the band were “over the moon” with Big Sky’s crowd.

“He was super excited to play music in the mountains, he’s always wanted to do it, but it just never worked out,” Hurlbut said. Crosby wanted to make it happen this year, and made special plans to divert quickly from his solo tour and visit Big Sky.

“The band was just so energized,” he added.

Before the Jeff Crosby Band, Kalispell-based Mike Murray opened on the sunny stage.

“Mike Murray is personally, one of my favorite artists in Montana,” Hurlbut said. “… He is just a great Montana singer-songwriter.”

Murray has played in Big Sky a few times, usually as a duo, but Hurlbut urged him to bring the full band. It was “phenomenal,” he said.

After a strong start, Hurlbut is thrilled about what’s next. On June 27, Cool Cool Cool is coming to town.

“Well, I think we’re gonna take it up a notch next week, with Cool Cool Cool. They’re just one of the hottest bands touring around right now,” Hurlbut said.

He said the band tours with Jerry Harrison of The Talking Heads.

“They’re, like, the real deal,” Hurlbut said.

Beyond next week, he said this summer is arguably the biggest lineup that Music in the Mountains has ever hosted, with big names like The Wood Brothers on July 18, and a few “sleepers” that will surprise attendees.

Hurlbut added his gratitude for sponsors, especially Resort Tax, who continue to support Music in the Mountains as costs rise for enhanced security and event staff.

In general, he thanked the community for supporting free music and keeping it free.

“It truly is a community event. It’s put on by the community, it’s for the community, and I’m just happy we can do it again this summer.”

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Like many attendees, this crew drove from Bozeman for the show.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Dancing broke out in front of the stage.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

27th Annual Black Diamond Award Winners

For the past 27 years, the

Chamber has honored excellence in the business community with

Awards. Our members nominate their peers in this celebration of

that is done in service of Big Sky. This year’s Winners are:

NEW BIG SKY USPS POST OFFICE TO OPEN JULY 15

BIG SKY POST OFFICE CONTRACTOR AL MALINOWSKI THANKS DEDICATED STAFF

DURING TRANSITION

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—On Monday, July 15, the Big Sky community will become directly served by the federal United States Postal Service. The preceding Friday, July 12, the contract-operated Big Sky Post Office will take its last letters.

The new federal post office will bring increased services and resources to a community that outgrew its small, contract-operated post office years ago. USPS might eventually offer passport services, and many more locals will gain access to a P.O. box—USPS will more than double the number of boxes, from 1,661 to more than 3,500.

“That’s a much-needed upgrade,” said Al Malinowski, president of Gallatin Partners, which has managed the Big Sky Post Office for 23 years.

The change wasn’t easy—requiring 17 months of contract extensions—and it will come with some growing pains, Malinowski said.

In October 2022, Malinowski first announced the intent to terminate Gallatin Partners’ contract with USPS, effective February 2023. The U.S. Postal Service engaged slowly—first by seeking alternate contractors, and eventually by sending officials unannounced to Big Sky for a look-see. If Malinowski had stayed firm on the February 2023 deadline, Big Sky could have seen a significant gap in postal coverage. But recognizing the importance of continued postal service, Gallatin Partners extended its contract three times with USPS, most recently from May 31 to July 12, 2024.

As seasonal residents return this June, there’s one reason why the Big Sky Post Office is still open: continued flexibility and sacrifice from its staff, willing to stick around and work a job that soon won’t exist.

With the new post office still not ready as May 31 approached, Malinowski asked his staff if they could stick around for six more weeks. He didn’t expect them to agree; some had already made plans to move away, like manager Christine Alexander-Bitner, or to take vacations or other jobs. However, those who could stick around agreed to step up.

“It’s been our team that’s made extending these things possible,” Malinowski told EBS. “It’s bittersweet… we’ve got such a strong staff that works so well together, and I think serves our community so well.”

Malinowski negotiated with USPS to raise pay for the loyal staff. “But it also has been a challenge on their lives moving forward,” he said.

USPS letter announces facility hours, details

This morning, June 20, a letter from USPS arrived in Big Sky P.O. boxes.

Ryan Chasteen, USPS manager of operations integration for Oregon, Idaho and Montana, gave details about the new post office, including retail hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The existing post office was open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus three hours on Saturday, but its services relied more heavily on staff support.

In addition to retail services, parcels will be delivered to P.O. boxes Monday through Saturday, by 11 a.m., and P.O. boxes can be accessed 24/7, according to the letter.

“Customers who currently have a P.O. box service will maintain their current box number and box size,” Chasteen wrote. “New keys will be provided for the P.O. boxes located in the new facility.”

The letter confirmed that USPS will expand retail services over those offered by the Big Sky Post Office, and that in addition to more than 2,000 additional P.O. boxes, USPS will increase the number of 24-hour parcel lockers available—from 50 to 261, Malinowski said.

“The United States Postal Service is excited to share this opportunity to serve the residents of this community,” Chasteen wrote. “The Big Sky Post Office will be offering all postal products and services, including domestic and international mailing services… The Postal Service is dedicated in providing prompt, reliable, efficient mail and package services to the community of Big Sky.”

The letter asked that the community send any questions to Eliza Uhlenkott, USPS postal operations representative, via email at Eliza.G.Uhlenkott@usps.gov.

In Malinowski’s 23 years operating the Big Sky Post Office, he said he definitely made mistakes early on. As

USPS learns the unique ways of the Big Sky community, Malinowski asked that community members be patient.

“I’m also hopeful that some of the abnormalities that exist in our community can be addressed in the long run, too,” he said. For example, he hopes that Big Sky’s Gallatin Canyon residents including the Big Sky School District—whose mail is delivered through Gallatin Gateway’s post office—will someday be absorbed into Big Sky’s zip code, 59716.

“This is just my opinion, but I think it would help our community if all of Big Sky were considered Big Sky, for mailing purposes,” he said.

Now, with USPS present in Big Sky, the federal agency could more easily fix or improve these quirks.

Malinowski recognizes the pain of transitioning away from Big Sky’s friendly, local post office. The post office has always been a gathering space for the community, in his view. He praised his staff for serving customers in a positive way, and said he hopes the community will celebrate the next step.

“The opportunity to have more services, and more efficient services, just makes sense with our growth,” Malinowski said. “When you think about it, it’s been years that we’ve just been band-aiding our services.”

In recent weeks, locals received a letter from Christine Alexander-Bitner and the Big Sky Post Office staff. She noted shorter hours—11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday—as the post office extends for its final six weeks, and added that none of the current staff are planning to work at the federal post office.

“For most of our staff, that’s a choice,” Malinowski said. “… We have had a couple that had some interest, and I’m hopeful that that might still be a possibility.”

Alexander-Bitner concluded that it’s been an honor to serve the Big Sky community, and the farewell is bittersweet, at best.

“The entire crew, including myself, are so happy to have had so many cherished memories,” she wrote. “The laughter, the tears, the blood, the sweat and don’t even get us started on the four-legged mascots of the Big Sky PO.”

As locals and staff waited into June for communication from USPS, Malinowski said it was time to get information out to the community. It took the form of a friendly letter.

When USPS takes over in mid-July, it won’t be an easy on-ramp as Big Sky fills with summer-comers. Locals can help by making friends with the new faces behind the counter.

A few members of Big Sky’s postal team. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

In mid-July, Big Sky will transition to a federally operated post office across the street from the existing Big Sky Post Office. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Malinowski in the Big Sky Post Office, unaware of his photobombing staff. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

VISITING AUTHOR, CLLC DISCUSS WILDLIFE CROSSINGS JOURNALIST BEN GOLDFARB SEES ‘ENORMOUS’ CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY

FOR MONTANA, STOPS IN BIG SKY ON JUNE 18

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—U.S. Highway 191 isn’t the only road that could benefit from wildlife crossings. Societies around the world are building infrastructure to help wildlife cross highways, and in 2023, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb published a book about why crossings matter for both people and the ecosystems around them.

Goldfarb, a resident of Salida, Colorado, visited the Big Sky Community Library on Tuesday, June 18 to discuss his new book, “Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of our Planet.” The event was hosted by the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, a Bozemanbased nonprofit working to improve various sites in the Gallatin Canyon for wildlife connectivity and driver safety.

“This is an opportunity to learn about the immense impact that Montana’s highways are having on its wildlife, and to hear from both a journalist and some researchers about what potential solutions are,” Goldfarb told EBS in an interview before the event.

Liz Fairbank, CLLC road ecologist, said Goldfarb has been doing his homework on this topic for a long time.

“It’s really awesome to see a popular piece done about road ecology, it’s the first one I’ve seen,” Fairbank told EBS in a phone call. She’s almost finished reading “Crossings,” and believes it’s the only road ecology book “meant for popular consumption” with an engaging story, and without too much technical detail.

CLLC also hosted Goldfarb for his Montana book tour in Livingston, Corvallis, Bozeman, Missoula and Whitefish. Fairbank hopes the events will illustrate broad challenges and solutions in road ecology, as Goldfarb shares stories of humans across wide-ranging landscapes and their impacts on wildlife connectivity.

“The main thing that I’m hoping that people get out of it is just realizing that this work is happening all over the world,” Fairbank said.

‘Can Montana remain a leader in this field?’

In a Zoom interview with Explore Big Sky, Goldfarb said he sees his book as journalism, not environmental advocacy.

“I embarked on this project willing to go wherever the scientific evidence took me,” he said. “When you read the scientific literature about wildlife crossings, it’s overwhelming in how effective they are.”

If scientific evidence showed crossings aren’t effective, Goldfarb said the book would have concluded as such.

“Research conducted by many people a lot smarter than me has shown that these structures are very valuable,” he said. “The book is really just following this large body of evidence about how well these solutions work.”

Goldfarb’s inspiration came in October 2013.

While traveling around the Rockies to write about habitat fragmentation and wildlife connectivity, he was inspired by the “famous” series of wildlife crossings on U.S. Highway 93, north of Missoula on the Flathead reservation.

For two reasons, he said, “It was just incredibly eye opening.”

First, human infrastructure has historically challenged wildlife—this was designed for their benefit. “I found that inspiring, and kind of beautiful,” he said.

Second, Goldfarb was fascinated by the intellectual challenge of designing crossings so a specific variety of animals would actually trust and use them.

“Animals’

“RESEARCH

CONDUCTED BY MANY PEOPLE A LOT SMARTER THAN ME HAS SHOWN THAT THESE STRUCTURES ARE VERY VALUABLE. THE BOOK IS REALLY JUST FOLLOWING THIS LARGE BODY OF EVIDENCE ABOUT HOW WELL THESE SOLUTIONS WORK.”

BEN

GOLDFARB,

ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALIST

COURTESY OF BEN GOLDFARB

“How do you create a built piece of infrastructure that’s enticing to an elk, or a grizzly bear, or a bobcat or a meadow vole—the whole ecosystem of critters whose lives are fragmented by highways, and who all have to cross the road safely,” he said.

Since the publishing of his book in September 2023, Goldfarb has visited almost every western state—all of which are exploring wildlife crossings—to share what he learned.

Although Montana took the lead two decades ago, momentum has flatlined.

“[Montana is] this historic leader in the field, thanks largely to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, who pushed for those [Highway 93] crossings in the early 2000s. But now there are other states like California, Utah and Colorado that are doing more of this work,” Goldfarb said. “Can Montana remain a leader in this field? I think that’s one of its challenges going forward.”

Goldfarb finds Montana interesting because it’s full of wildlife, and resulting vehicle-wildlife conflict. Montana has an “enormous” wildlife collision problem, he said— usually the second-highest rate behind West Virginia, but involving larger animals like elk.

Montana is also home to some of the country’s most relatively intact ecosystems, threatened primarily by the highways bisecting them. Especially for grizzly bears, a species that often defines Montana’s enduring wilderness, roads are a barrier.

“Grizzly bears really don’t cross highways readily,” Goldfarb said. “… For a grizzly bear, a road might only

be 100 feet wide from shoulder to shoulder, but it can prevent them from accessing hundreds of thousands of acres of really good habitat.”

In one well-known example, a collared grizzly in Montana named “Lingenpolter” attempted to cross Interstate 90 at least 46 times between Nov. 15, 2020 and May 3, 2021, before finally succeeding.

“I can’t think of a place that’s more ripe for wildlife crossings than Montana,” Goldfarb said.

The world’s most exciting wildlife crossings

On Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass, southeast of Seattle, Goldfarb knows an “awesome” set of more than 20 wildlife crossings on Interstate 90. Off the top of his head, that project is his choice for the world’s most exciting.

The crossings support an entire ecosystem, with small structures designed for critters like western toads, alligator lizards, weasels and rodents. It’s important to accommodate large animals, “but it’s also important to account for the smaller animals too, and the rarer animals. The animals that aren’t necessarily totaling peoples’ cars,” he said.

The crossings took roughly 10 years of design and advocacy from ecologists, and construction finally began in 2009 in tandem with other I-90 reconstruction. Piggybacking on other construction tends to help wildlife crossing projects advance, Goldfarb explained.

Cost is the main challenge.

Wildlife overpasses, just one type of crossing, typically cost between eight and 10 million dollars, Goldfarb said. That can create some sticker shock, even though the structures are known to save money for citizens in the long run.

Despite cost, Goldfarb’s research tells him that wildlife crossings are simply good public policy: they protect human safety and property, while preserving ecosystems as an added benefit.

“If you can build these structures with fences alongside them that prevent a lot of these collisions, then you can save human lives and save the public quite a bit of money in the long run,” he explained.

Goldfarb believes that states’ departments of transportation must break their inertia. Traditionally focused on moving people from point A to B, they are beginning to explore the ecological impacts of highways and potential solutions.

“In some ways, that’s the biggest obstacle. Just getting DOTs to understand that this really is part of what they do, and it’s part of their responsibility,” Goldfarb said. First influenced by a Forest Service ecologist, that’s what happened in Washington.

Right now, Montana is regaining its momentum with guidance from CLLC.

“They have this major push happening right now for wildlife crossings for the Gallatin Valley and all over Montana, and all over the American West,” Goldfarb said.

A survey of Colorado residents showed 85% would favor more wildlife crossings, he said. Although public opinion isn’t usually an obstacle, Montana’s potential to continue fixing problems created by its own infrastructure will be stronger with public support.

In Goldfarb’s view, road ecology is as important a cience as ever. This June, he spent time in Montana to explain why.

Bridge” is one of roughly 40 animal crossings on U.S. 93 in Montana. COURTESY OF CLLC

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SECOND CHANCE IN U.S. SENATE FOR BILL THAT WOULD PROTECT 384 MILES OF RIVERS

MONTANA HEADWATERS LEGACY ACT AIMS FOR SENATE FLOOR FOLLOWING

SECOND COMMITTEE HEARING IN THREE YEARS

BY JEN CLANCEY

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The long process of lawmaking isn’t usually referred to in whitewater words, but a supporter for the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act believes the bill has finally nailed the line.

Scott Bosse, American Rivers’ regional director, said the MHLA is queued for the rapids of Washington D.C. On June 12, the river protection bill had a hearing with the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Once marked up and approved by the committee, the MHLA will see the Senate floor for a debate and vote for the first time in the bill’s nearly fouryear lifetime in government.

The proposed legislation would designate portions of 20 Montana rivers in public lands as Wild and Scenic Rivers, protecting 384 river miles from development while maintaining water rights and public access.

“What’s particularly exciting is I think there is a bipartisan desire to pass a public lands package probably after the election during the lame duck session of Congress,” Bosse said. “And we’re doing everything we can do to make sure that the MHLA is part of that package.”

With the current timeline, the MHLA could become law by the end of the year, affecting rivers in Montana—including Big Sky. As the bill stands right now, it would protect 39 miles of the Gallatin River and 17 miles of the Taylor Fork.

“Our water resources are being strained by growth and climate change … the more protective measures we can have out there and people working together to protect our waters, the better the result will be for our future generations,” said Kristin Gardner, chief executive and science officer at Gallatin River Task Force.

Gardner visited Washington D.C. for the third time in March 2024 to meet with government officials on behalf of the bill. For 14 years, the Montanans for Healthy Rivers Coalition has gathered river lovers all over the state to have conversations with supporters and opposition, and garner support for the bill.

One MHRC member and Greater Yellowstone Coalition conservation director, Craig Benjamin, described meetings with Big Sky’s neighbors in Virginia City. In March 2024, the Madison County Commission voted to unanimously support the MHLA after a statement by Madison Valley Ranchlands Group, an organization that works to protect sustainable ranching practice.

“Prior to this commission meeting, our coalition met individually with each [Madison County] commissioner to discuss the potential impacts of the legislation and answer questions,” Benjamin said. “We’ve also worked with Montana’s farmers and ranchers to ensure they’re guaranteed access to clean water, maintenance of their irrigation infrastructure, and their water rights are protected.”

Gallatin County Commissioners unanimously supported the bill in 2021 and have worked to meet with neighboring communities and organizations since.

“One of the things the Gallatin County Commission wanted to ensure was that the project was well understood by our residents as well as our neighbors,” said Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. She added that the commission has placed an emphasis on securing “broad and diverse” support for the MHLA.

This support has shown up in research from University of Montana, revealing that 83% of voters in the study expressed support of the bill, with 59% expressing strong support. The study of 500 voters’ attitudes statewide was conducted by a collaborating bipartisan team.

The subcommittee hearing is regarded by the coalition as a “milestone.” Sen. Jon Tester has long upheld the bill and he credits support to Montanans.

“My folks always said we’re renting this land from our children and our grandchildren, and we ought to leave it better than we found it— which is why I was happy to join this effort when Montanans brought me the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act,” Tester stated in a June 12 press release.

Next on the progress chart is a markup, when committee members jot notes on proposed legislation like the MHLA, and debate and vote on whether the bill should see the Senate floor. In this case, the MHLA would be attached to a larger public lands package, which supporters hope will be brought to the Senate come July.

In the flow of a bill becoming law, Bosse believes this is “showtime,” or in his terms—entering the whitewater rapids.

“We’ve done everything we possibly can do to put this bill in a great position to pass,” Bosse said. “And now we’re all just pushing forward with full speed ahead.”

Montanans for Healthy Rivers visited Montana delegates in Washington D.C. in March 2024 to discuss the proposed legislation. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT BOSSE

LOCAL TEEN ORGANIZES SUMMER BIKE DRIVE

BY MARIO CARR EBS CONTRIBUTOR

BIG SKY—Fourteen-year-old Connor Sullivan has a love for mountain biking, and a recent project shows his heart for the other kids in the Big Sky community.

Sullivan has organized a donation drive to collect bikes for other Big Sky kids. He plans to keep the drive running throughout the summer, and possibly in years to come. So far, it’s working—as of June 25, he’s already collected 17 bikes and donated 13.

“I love mountain biking, and I know that bikes are very expensive. My goal this summer is to make it so that every kid in Big Sky who wants a bike can have a bike,” he wrote in an email to EBS.

Back at his house, Sullivan has been cleaning and repairing the bikes. He has also started an Instagram page, @bigskybikedrive, to post updates and get in touch with potential donors.

“People outgrow their bikes, there’s always a lot of used bikes sitting around in garages and I just wanted to help get those out to kids in Big Sky,” he said in an interview with EBS.

Sullivan volunteers at Big Sky Thrift, and the Big Sky Community Food Bank. Both of these places played a role in inspiring him to organize the bike drive.

Emily Burke, associate director of Big Sky Thrift, is proud to see Sullivan heading up this project.

“We really wanted to support Connor in this endeavor. One thing that Connor has over us, even, is that he has bike mechanic skills and he can turn wrenches on these bikes,” Burke said.

At Big Sky Thrift, Burke has noticed that “we all have too much stuff” in Big Sky, and she is thrilled to see families eager to donate their excess bikes to a good cause. She thinks that the community is excited to rally behind a young kid like Sullivan with a big vision.

“I think the community is more stoked to see a young kid doing this, rather than just the thrift taking them in,” Burke said.

Sullivan is filling out a spreadsheet to organize the bikes by size and type, which he is going to share with Big Sky Thrift and the food bank who then will help find families in need of a set of wheels.

“He came up with the idea and spearheaded it himself,” said Laine Hegness, operations assistant at the Big Sky Community Food Bank.

Hegness also works at the Big Sky Community Library where Sullivan also volunteered this past winter and said that Sullivan is a “go getter,” and that she and her coworkers there are thankful for the next generation of leaders in Big Sky.

“I’ve just been completely blown away by the generosity of people that have offered to help and already donated bikes,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan is the eldest of four kids in his family, and he says that he has already seen several of his bikes pass down the line. He also says that after he teaches his five-year-old sister how to ride a bike with no training wheels, he will be offering to teach other kids how to ride a bike for free.

Sullivan is very thankful for the generosity the community has shown and the help he has received, and for his parents who have been very supportive of his vision.

“If anyone is in need of a bike, just tell them to reach out and I can deliver it to them,” he said.

Sullivan will also offer front porch pickup for anyone willing to donate. He plans to collect bikes at the Big Sky Farmers Market on July 24, and can be reached through the bike drive Instagram page, or via email.

COURTESY OF CONNOR SULLIVAN

Sullivan and Burke at Big Sky Thrift. COURTESY OF EMILY BURKE

COURTESY OF CONNOR SULLIVAN

GALLATIN RIVER TASK FORCE HOSTS FIVEYEAR UPDATE TO BIG SKY’S SUSTAINABLE WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP PLAN

BY MARIO CARR EBS CONTRIBUTOR

BIG SKY—On Monday, June 17, the Gallatin River Task Force hosted a public meeting to inform the community of the progress and future goals of the Big Sky Sustainable Watershed Stewardship Plan, which was created in 2018.

Speakers included Scott Bosse, Northern Rockies regional director with American Rivers, Kristin Gardner, chief executive and science officer for GRTF since 2007, Johnny O’Connor, general manager of the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, Connor Parish, Gallatin River project manager with Trout Unlimited and Mike Richter, who has lived along the Gallatin for more than 25 years and currently works for the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology.

Over 25 different organizations invested in the Big Sky community have come together to focus on the future of Big Sky’s water resources, and Bosse says that the vision goes beyond the borders of Big Sky.

“I would not be involved, and American Rivers would not be involved in this effort if we weren’t creating a model that could be replicated in other places… If you look at all the mountain communities across the West, none of them are doing what we are doing here. They’re discharging treated wastewater—that’s being treated at a lower level than it’s being treated here—directly into surface waters, ” he said.

Bosse hopes these other communities will learn from Big Sky, and said he is proud that “Big Sky is Montana’s largest zero-discharge community.” The water and sewer district’s new, $50 million Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility treats wastewater to high standards—virtually potable, with potable reuse as a future possibility—and plays a crucial role in the stewardship of the water in Big Sky.

“I would expect this water to become sought after in the future,” Mike Richter said. He explained that this water can now be used for snowmaking and irrigation, which could help bolster stream flow and increase groundwater supply. For snowmaking using reclaimed wastewater, Johnny O’Connor explained that this water is already treated to an extremely high standard, and then the process of that water being turned to snow, and melting down into streams and aquifers in fact treats the water even further.

The use of reclaimed water for snowmaking was a major focus of the discussion—it

means much more than providing a few good groomers to ski on in December.

Bosse explained that this was a major win, and that he, along with other conservationists, had to convince the Governor and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to change their laws so that this water could be used in snowmaking.

“Because the Governor was receptive to our idea at the time, the DEQ actually changed its rules… that didn’t just happen,” Bosse said. He added that he expects to see more of this throughout Montana, and that Bridger Bowl Ski Area may also be interested in replicating the process.

Leaders also discussed the potential connection of the Gallatin Canyon County Water and Sewer District to the WRRF, which O’Connor says the new WRRF is prepared to handle.

Protecting the groundwater

Connectivity is a major focus of GRTF’s Water Plan, and Richter had a lot to say about it.

“Groundwater and surface water are connected. This has been a known concept for a long time, but it truly is the reality here in Big Sky,” he said. He explained that the streams above the meadow feed our aquifers, and that the streams below are fed by our aquifers.

“What happens to the stream ends up in the aquifer, and then what happens to the aquifer ends up back in the streams,” he said.

Parish discussed the health of streams, and restoration of the natural environment that is not only great for trout, but for the ecosystem as a whole. A tenet of these restorations is to “make it messy,” by preserving trees and other vegetation in and around our streams, which are essential to life in the water, and the preservation of that water as well.

“Historically our streams have been a lot messier than they are now… The messier we can make the streams, the more it slows it down and spreads that water out and gives it a chance to recharge aquifers and stay on the landscape longer,” Parish said.

The meeting ended with GRTF encouraging everyone to consider the role they play in preserving the quantity and quality of water in Big Sky, by doing things like landscaping with native vegetation, and controlling water use.

This was the first meeting of this sort in which O’Connor’s predecessor—former water and sewer district GM Ron Edwards—was not in the front of the room. Edwards said that he enjoyed the view from the back and that he believes Big Sky’s water is in good hands.

COURTESY OF GALLATIN RIVER TASK FORCE

HOUSE DISTRICT 60 CANDIDATE TALKS ‘WORKING TOGETHER’ FOR SOLUTIONS IN MONTANA LEGISLATURE

BIG SKY RESIDENT AND CONTRACT ATTORNEY ALANAH GRIFFITH DISCUSSES A CAREER

IN GALLATIN COUNTY AND OBJECTIVES IF SHE WINS HOUSE DISTRICT 60 SEAT

BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY—Alanah Griffith remembers a time when she used to ride her horse along U.S. Highway 191 in Gallatin Gateway. The road, now a major route for commuters, visitors and residents, barely saw traffic when Griffith grew up in Four Corners in the 1980s. Griffith attended college in Naperville, Illinois, graduating from North Central College. Upon returning to Montana, Griffith studied at University of Montana School of Law and graduated in 2002.

She now manages Griffith & Associates private law practice as a contract attorney. She’s lived in Big Sky for the past 10 years and co-coaches the mock trial team for Lone Peak High School, and serves on the board of Morningstar Learning Center.

Some 40 years after a childhood in Gallatin County, Griffith is now running for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives on the Democrat ticket for district 60. House District 60 encompasses Big Sky, West Yellowstone and Gallatin Gateway. Upon an affirmative June primary, Explore Big Sky spoke with the candidate about her campaign for the house district seat.

Explore Big Sky: Alanah, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. So you grew up in the area. What was that like? Alanah Griffith: It was different. I grew up in the Four Corners back when Four Corners wasn't anything, but I went to the Monforton School and it was very much like Big Sky. It was a really close knit community, where the school was incredibly important to the community. And it was a great place to be raised. I had horses. I rode everywhere on the horses, and there was a lot of freedom.

EBS: What do you think is special about this part of Montana?

AG: I think it's the access to our National Forest Service, our beautiful mountains, lakes or rivers and just the ease of getting outdoors.

EBS: What drew you to represent this area?

AG: There are a lot of reasons but it boils down to my son. When I grew up, people in the [Montana Legislature] were working together, they were reaching across the aisle. And we thought Montana is truly a purple state or, in some ways, non-political. We came together to try to solve the issues that we were facing in Montana, in the ‘80s … It wasn't like anyone had a lot of money. We were facing an economic crisis and we came together and we solved it, and that's not happening anymore.

MONTANA HAS ALWAYS DONE BEST, IN MY OPINION, WHEN THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT POLITICAL PARTIES IN OFFICE, WHERE THEY HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A BALANCE.

—ALANAH

GRIFFITH

I'm also looking at whether there's going to be an outdoors for my son to inherit. I want him to be able to live here, afford a house and be able to actually go hiking and fishing in our waters and our mountains and what I saw is that might not happen. And what better way for me to preserve it than to run for legislature?

EBS: If you are elected for the Montana House of Representatives, what are some of your objectives?

AG: One of the big votes that is coming up is Medicaid expansion. That sunsets this year, and we have to vote on whether or not to extend it—I'd like to see it extended without the sunset. I work closely with a lot of nonprofits on affordable housing. So affordable housing is something that I would like to tackle as well as the property tax issue that was not addressed by the last session.

EBS: This year is kind of unique because of the supermajority and the possibility that things will change after November. What would that shift mean for the Montana Legislature and the House of Representatives?

AG: What does it mean, depending on who is in the governor's office is maybe the Montana Legislature, the governor’s office is supposed to work as it's meant to be. Montana has always done best, in my opinion, when there are two different political parties in office, where they have to work together for a balance. And if there was no supermajority, that means that Montana's Democrats who are typically … fairly conservative Democrats can work with the moderate Republicans to bring common sense solutions to the legislature again.

EBS: I’m interested to learn more about your experience in the Gallatin County court system. How many years were you working in that area?

AG: So, in the court itself, I was there for two years. And I was the staff attorney for Judge Mark Gunther, who was a wonderful beloved judge, he was just amazing. Unfortunately, he got pancreatic cancer within six months of me being hired. So I ended up working for 24 different court district court judges who came in to help us. And it was eye opening.

You really saw everything that was happening that a lot of people don't see in Gallatin County, between the youth in need of care cases, the mental health crisis, even—back then it was meth—now, it has changed to fentanyl. It was eye opening and I learned a lot.

EBS: What do you think you learned from that experience that really serves you now, as you campaign to represent this region?

AG: There are a couple of lessons that I took from that. One was patience. It takes a lot to listen to people in court but that was the most important thing that Judge Gunther did. He had the patience. And he listened. And those two qualities are something that I took away from that.

EBS: Do you think those lessons will be used in conversations when you're in the legislature?

AG: Yes. It's really important to listen to people to understand not only what their view is, but where it comes from. Because a lot of times, in my opinion,

we're coming from the same place. We're coming from, for example, a place of wanting our children to have a Montana to inherit, and we just have different ways of getting there. And if we can understand that, maybe we can find that same way to get there or solutions that make more sense to Montana.

EBS: What do you think are some of the challenges that Gallatin County is facing right now?

AG: Well, Gallatin County—Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Gallatin Gateway—we’re all facing the housing crisis. Every single door I knock on, property taxes and the housing crisis comes up. We’re one of the most beautiful places in the country. And people want to move here. So how do we do that and make it available in a way where we, who were already here, can remain here? And our children could come back?

EBS: What do you think that solution is?

AG: It’s multifaceted … you wish you could just snap your fingers and there'd be a solution. The governor's housing taskforce just came out with their final recommendations. I think if you look at those recommendations throughout all of their different reports, it gives us a really good picture of how we can solve the housing crisis. One of those is definitely going to be more on the local level, like the Big Sky [Community] Housing Trust. We are very, very lucky to have that and the funding behind it. But it does take arms. I think it's going to take the stick and the carrot. The carrot is something we haven't been implementing. And that's more funds available for affordable housing for counties and local agencies to be able to fund that sort of program.

EBS: Would you say affordable housing is a major issue that you want to address when you›re in the legislature?

AG: Absolutely. My main things are property tax reform. It's a really simple fix. Every year the legislature is given an adjustment to the property taxes—of what needs to happen for it to be equalized. And for the first time, in I don't know how many decades, the legislature did not do it. For residential, [the tax rate] was about 1.35, I believe, and should’ve been dropped down to a .97 for the multiplier and that would have dropped our residential taxes significantly, and they did not do it. So, definitely going to be voting on that. If no one introduces it, then introduce that legislation. Obviously I will be supporting a vote on the Medicaid expansion. And my other one is reproductive rights. I truly, truly believe in women's reproductive rights and the ability of women to choose.

EBS: Maybe we can move on to the future of your campaign and what you'll be doing next after moving forward from the June primary. What's next for your campaign? Are you visiting anywhere, talking with anybody that you're particularly excited about?

AG: We are knocking doors, and by we, it's my whole team. The most important thing that I want to do is hit every door and we're hoping to do three passes. I've knocked entirely within the new Hyalite region, which that's absolutely new to this area. And now I'm knocking Big Sky, which is really fun because I'm knocking friends and family and the community stores.

EBS: What have you learned from people that you've had conversations with after knocking?

AG: I've learned that people are thoughtful. They're living here because they love it. And they want us in the legislature to find solutions to mainly property taxes and affordable housing.

EBS: It was so nice to meet you.

AG: It was nice to meet you too.

COURTESY OF ALANAH GRIFFITH

OP NEWS

OUTLAW PARTNERS ANNOUNCES WILDLANDS FESTIVAL BENEFICIARIES

BIG SKY EVENT TICKET SALES AND DONATIONS RAISE FUNDS FOR WILD AND OPEN SPACES

OUTLAW PARTNERS

Wildlands Festival is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky. This article was originally published in April of 2024.

Outlaw Partners is thrilled to share that Wildlands Festival has chosen three local organizations dedicated to preserving wild and open spaces as the beneficiaries for the 2024 event, Aug. 1-3. This year, The Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Wild Montana and Gallatin Valley Land Trust will benefit from the festival’s donations, auction proceeds, ticket sales and generous contributions from sponsors.

As the largest conservation-focused outdoor music festival in southwest Montana, Wildlands aims to raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations dedicated to saving wild and open spaces while featuring an all-star lineup of musicians. This summer, the two-day music lineup will feature country music headliners, Maren Morris on Friday, Aug. 2, and Dierks Bentley on Saturday, Aug. 3. Additional artists include Lukas Nelson and Wyatt Flores.

“It’s a privilege to support three organizations that help make southwest Montana a better place to live while preserving it for future generations,” said Eric Ladd, founder and chairman of Outlaw Partners. “To combine our fundraising efforts with the efforts of these organizations, along with a weekend of

incredible music, is an unforgettable experience and why Outlaw continues to grow the festival.”

In Wildlands Festival's fourth year, Outlaw Partners is continuing its success by partnering with music artists, conservationists, notable brands and charitable organizations passionate about preserving land in Montana and beyond. Last year, the festival raised over $500,000 for river conservation. This year, the goal is to further that momentum by supporting three local organizations making great strides in preserving southwest Montana’s wild spaces.

“We are incredibly honored that Outlaw Partners and the Wildlands Festival have chosen to support Gallatin Valley Land Trust this year,” said GVLT Executive Director Chet Work. “Not only is the festival one of the most anticipated events of the summer, but it is also one of the most communityminded—providing significant support to conservation-focused nonprofits like GVLT. This generous contribution will help GVLT pursue our mission of conservation and trails and have a lasting impact on the quality of life for southwest Montana.”

Additional opportunities to support this year’s beneficiaries include an intimate fundraiser to kick off the weekend on Thursday, Aug. 1. The event will feature live entertainment, a speaker panel and a silent auction while connecting with others who support and celebrate Montana’s open spaces.

“We are honored to participate in the Wildlands Festival,” said John Todd, executive director of Wild Montana. “This celebration of Montana’s iconic landscapes aligns perfectly with our commitment to conserving our state’s public lands and waters. The festival will provide a unique opportunity to connect with friends who are equally passionate about the outdoors, and to raise funds and awareness for protecting our wild places for future generations.”

The Montana organizations being supported are dedicated to preserving sacred lands, maintaining recreational trails, supporting working farms and ranches, protecting waterways and wildlife, enhancing public land access and more. Funds raised at Wildlands Festival will help further their efforts now and for future generations.

“Our work to protect the 22 million acres of America’s most vibrant and wild ecosystem wouldn’t happen without the support of people who care deeply about Greater Yellowstone,” said Greater Yellowstone Coalition Executive Director Scott Christensen. “The Wildlands Festival is a great example of people coming together to celebrate this special place, and we are honored to be chosen by Outlaw Partners as one of this year’s nonprofit beneficiaries. These funds will support our efforts to work with all people to protect the lands, waters and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.”

For more updates and information on tickets and donations, visit wildlandsfestival.com.

Wildlands Festival raised over $500,000 for local nonprofits last summer and aims to raise that bar this summer. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO/TOM ATTWATER

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Big Sky Whiteﬁsh Park City Breckenridge Sun Valley Taos

Mammoth Lakes Lake Tahoe

Although new in Big Sky Town Center, The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company actually has deep roots in Big Sky, explains owner Sam Rickenbaugh. When the business was started by the Pope family in 1992, one of the initial four locations was right here. Today, Rickenbaugh is proud to “inspire children’s creativity and bring a sense of nostalgia” to families in the area as Big Sky grows into a year-round community. Since their opening, he says shoppers have been thrilled to have place where they can shop for gifts, games and more without having to drive elsewhere.

Explore Big Sky chatted with Rickenbaugh about what it’s like to “sell fun” to the families of Big Sky.

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: Sam, let’s start with you—what brought you to the area, initially?

Sam Rickenbaugh: I have been in Bozeman since I was three. I went to Bozeman High (Go Hawks!) until I graduated. Then I went to the University of Denver for college. I learned quickly that I was not a fan of the city, transferring back to Bozeman two years later. I enjoyed life outside in our beautiful state while finishing my college career at Montana State University with a degree in finance.

EBS: Give me some background on The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company—how did the business begin? How has it grown over the years?

SR: The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company has been in business since 1992. I am the fourth owner in a long line of incredible community members. The store began with the Popes, who owned four stores which included a store in Big Sky many years ago. As the business has grown, it’s always had the same vision since day one: inspire children’s creativity and bring a sense of nostalgia to those who shop with us. We strive to provide the best customer service while bringing an elevated experience for every shopper who walks through our doors.

EBS: You recently opened in Big Sky after a strong presence in Bozeman. What prompted that expansion?

SR: Opening a second store in Big Sky has been in the back of my mind for as long as I have been involved in the company. Big Sky’s explosive growth in the last three years encouraged us to expand. We saw an increasing market need for families needing to shop for their kids. We believed we could fill that gap. Hundreds of families visit the town and resort each year. While there were many shops for adults, there were few places to shop for toys and games.

EBS: How has the community reacted to your arrival thus far?

SR: The community has been incredible. We were shocked at how many people came into the store

telling us how excited they were for a toy store in town. They could finally buy birthday presents, games, and more without traveling to Bozeman. It also felt like they were excited to see a familiar Montana brand. Our company comes with so much rich history, memorable customer service and iconic products. And we couldn’t be more grateful for Big Sky welcoming us with open arms.

EBS: What is your favorite thing about working with the folks of Big Sky?

SR: My favorite thing is the small-town feel you get within this resort town. That feeling seems to be going away in Bozeman. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But it’s nice to experience the feeling of being a part of a smaller community again. You get to know your customers and they get to remember you. I have also really enjoyed the challenges that Big Sky, as a resort town, poses. In Bozeman, there is no shoulder season or off months. In Big Sky, you have to manage your staff, inventory, and community involvement with a higher level of thought.

EBS: Is there anything unique and fun about working with a younger patron than most businesses?

SR: We sell fun. Nothing is boring about a toy store. Seeing the joy kids have when they come into the store is unmatched. Kids are incredibly fun to watch! And they will always keep you guessing. You can show them the best, the biggest, or the most expensive toy in the store. And they will still leave only wanting a small $3 bouncy ball or Whoopee Cushion. There is rarely a frown in the store, which makes it one of the great parts of owning a place full of fun things.

EBS: What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

SR: I’m usually outside with my wife and two dogs, a black lab named Ronnie, and a mini Aussie named June. When I have the time, I love to bird hunt or be on the river!

EBS: What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

SR: There are two things that I think about every day. Both come from my parents who were both successful retail owners: “Go with your gut, it’s usually not wrong,” and, “And if you can’t track it, you can’t change it.”

Sam and wife Cayli. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN TOY COMPANY

Sam at work with a giant stuffed avocado. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN TOY COMPANY

BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS CELEBRATE STRONG

BUSINESS AND LOCAL SERVICE

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—On June 18, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce hosted its 27th Annual Black Diamond Business Awards Dinner to celebrate Big Sky’s most impactful businesses and leaders.

Featuring a few new awards this year, the ceremony recognized eight outstanding faces of Big Sky.

The first Black Diamond award recognized Big Sky’s finest Emerging Entrepreneurs, presented by last year’s winner, Emily Burke, who runs Big Sky Thrift.

The award recognizes someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, fresh ideas and leadership, “the rising star in our business community,” Burke said.

Recipients Vicky Childres and Beth Johnson are owners of a new wellness business, Reset Big Sky. Childres, a part-time Big Sky homeowner since 2012, and Johnson opened the wellness business

in Big Sky after a similar concept was successful in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, near Cleveland.

“It’s a modern take on wellness and recovery, based in the Meadow Village. It’s quickly becoming a go-to for anyone who needs to recover after a fun day playing and recreating around Big Sky,” Burke said, reading from the chamber’s award description. “… Reset opened in 2023 to complement the existing health and wellness offerings in the community.”

After a casual reception, a few hundred guests filtered into Big Sky Resort’s Yellowstone Ballroom for dinner.

Brad Niva, chamber CEO, emphasized the organization’s growth in his opening remarks—he said the chamber now as more than 500 members, a testament to Big Sky’s growing business community and the power of collaboration.

Ruthi Solari presented a new award for Leader in Sustainability, for a person or business who worked to preserve Big Sky’s environment.

It went to Lizzie Peyton, director of community sustainability for Big Sky SNO.

“Lizzie doesn’t just lead by example,” Solari said. “She leads with passion and charisma, and she makes Big Sky a more sustainable place to live and work, every single day.” Peyton is driven by her vision that Big Sky

will not only be recognized for world-class skiing, but for world-class environmental stewardship, Solari said. Among her accomplishments, Peyton has worked on a carpool incentive program, waste mitigation projects, and mentored students to apply for a federal grant, which earned the Big Sky School District $345,000 for an electric school bus.

“The list goes on and on, and Lizzie is just getting started,” Solari said.

Other nominees:

Shawna Bennett, The Big Sky Experience

Patrick Griffith, Blue Moon Bakery

Caroline Kelter, Bluebird

Erik Morrison, Love Street Media and Second Season

Andrew Robin, Peak Creative Designs

Sam Rickenbaugh, Rocky Mountain Toy Company

Janet and Brandon Tran, Big Sky Noodles, and Scoops

A new award recognized an individual “who has provided ongoing leadership and shaped our community over time,” said Anna Johnson, who presented the award on behalf of Lone Mountain Land Company.

Jenny Muscat, deputy director of the Big Sky Resort Area District, earned the new award.

IN THE EVENT’S 27TH YEAR, BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES EIGHT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND LEADERS EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR: VICKY CHILDRES AND BETH JOHNSON THE MASTER OF MAKING IT HAPPEN: AL MALINOWSKI

Katie Grice, VP of sales at Big Sky Resort, presented the award for “The Master of Making it Happen,” the individual “who turns visions into victories,” and always sees a path forward—even when it’s not the easy path to take, she explained.

Al Malinowski earned the award, for his efforts leading the Big Sky Post Office, which will be upgraded to federal management this summer.

“Born in raised in Big Sky, Jenny can actually claim to be a Big Sky local,” Johnson quipped. “… She is always behind the scenes making things happen for Resort Tax.”

Since joining in 2019, Muscat has played a key role in modernizing BSRAD’s processes, and managing technology through monthly board and biannual

Other nominees:

Big Sky County Water and Sewer District

Big Sky Recycling Center

Big Sky Resort

Gallatin River Guides

Hungry Moose Market and Deli Junk in the Trunk

Max Scheder-Bieschin Outlaw Partners

YES Compost

county commission meetings. She also envisioned and executed an “extremely successful” community week for the past two years, Johnson said.

“Jenny is always working to increase transparency, while educating and engaging our community members,” Johnson added.

This award did not include nominees.

“We are certainly grateful that he is part of our community,” Grice said. “… For over 20 years, Al and the post office team have been delivering the mail to Big Sky.”

In recent years, when it became evident that Big Sky had outgrown its post office, Malinowski assembled a team to push the United States Postal Service to provide its federal service to the growing community.

“For over four years, Al pushed, and pushed, and we’ve all been a part of these

conversations. And Al led the charge, so that here we are tonight, recognizing his hard work, and saying ‘thank you’ to Al and for the efforts for the new post office, which opens next month,” Grice said.

Other nominees:

Daniel Bierschwale

Eric Ladd

Alli Mooradian

John Haas

Amy Vance

John Zirkle

Beth Johnson (middle) receives the award with Brad Niva and Emily Burke. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Al Malinowski could not attend the dinner to receive his award. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lizzie Peyton (middle) receives the award with Ruthi Solari and Brad Niva. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Jenny Muscat (middle) receives her award with award with Anna Johnson and Brad Niva. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

STEVE JOHNSON NONPROFIT PERSON OF THE YEAR: KIERNAN MCCARTHY

An existing award had its name amended to honor the late Steve Johnson, who passed in April. Johnson modeled volunteerism for more than two decades since moving to Big Sky.

Daniel Bierschwale, executive director of BSRAD—Johnson spent his final days serving as BSRAD board treasurer—gave a brief speech to honor Johnson.

“Steve fought hard for the people of Big Sky, our natural environment, and our cherished waterways,” Bierschwale said. He listed Johnson’s contributions to numerous volunteer boards and services, and even recited Johnny Cash lyrics and an iconic line from Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It,” in honor of his friend Steve.

The award, much like its namesake, honors an individual who makes significant contributions to the community through nonprofit work.

Kiernan McCarthy, programs manager for Wellness in Action, was recognized for developing WIA’s Community Health Worker program, overseeing the counseling and scholarship programs, managing data and impact reporting, and evaluating programs.

Bierschwale said that in 2023, WIA served over 9% of Big Sky’s population.

“Kiernan hopes to continue to serve the community as long as data shows a need and demand for mental health services,” Bierschwale said. “Kiernan is integral to

the success of WIA, and we congratulate her again on this well-deserved award.”

Other nominees:

Becky Brockie, Big Sky

Community Housing Trust

Brit Diersch, Big Sky OUT

Kim Hall, Greater Gallatin

United Way

Stephanie Kissell, Morningstar Learning Center

Whitney Montgomery, Big Sky Community Organization

Jess Olson, Gallatin River Task Force

Anna Shipley, Moonlight Community Foundation

Business Person of the Year was presented by Tallie Lancey, the award’s 2023 winner. The award recognizes someone who elevates Big Sky with their dedication and service to the community, while running a business that sets a high standard— through philanthropy, company culture or development, “they strive to be the best,” Lancey said.

Winner Troy “Twist” Thompson is the owner of four Town Center businesses. Thompson most recently opened Blindside

Burger in addition to Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, Tres Toros Tacos and Tequila and The Drunken Monk.

“Twist and his wife, Jaime, continue to be innovators of eclectic dining establishments that showcase the best of Big Sky with their own unique look and feel,” Lancey said.

“But we would be remiss not to mention the culture that has been cultivated at each establishment and their success wouldn’t [be possible] without the buy-in from each of their employees.”

Other nominees:

Benjamin Axe, The Waypoint

Cara Blodgett, The Rocks

Tasting Room

Dr. Kaley Burns, Big Sky

Natural Health

Tanner Dunlap, First Tracks

Tire Service

Mandy Hotovy, The Wilson

Kelly Kern, Hungry Moose

Paul Makarechian,

Lone Mountain Ranch

Taylor Middleton

Big Sky Resort

Calvin Wescom of Buffalo Restoration presented the award for Business of the Year, awarded not only for success, but for “the company that has risen above the rest” while embodying the spirit of the Big Sky community and exceeding expectations, he said.

Santosha Wellness Center won the award, recognized for providing wellness services

to the community for more than 12 years. Wescom recognized owner Callie Stolz Dominick for her role in supporting behavioral health efforts in Big Sky.

“With the growing pains of our community, we need places like Santosha and people like Callie more than ever. We’re so grateful for your dedication and your commitment to wellness,” Wescom said.

Other nominees:

Ace Hardware

Alpine Property Management

Big Sky Build

Big Sky Thrift

Montage Big Sky

The Riverhouse BBQ and Events

The Rocks Tasting Room

Surefoot

Finally, the Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by last year’s recipient, Andy Dreisbach.

The award honors an individual who, over time, has led by example and been an advocate for business and the growth of the Big Sky community. The individual steps up to make things better for Big Sky’s future, he explained.

Dreisbach emphasized that Big Sky is home to many longtime leaders who do not receive recognition, beyond the short list of nominees for the annual award.

Recipient David O’Connor received a standing ovation.

O’Connor, now executive director of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, held prior roles in local business with Buck’s T-4 Lodge beginning in the early 1990s, and the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce.

“Dave has made a profound and lasting impact on our Big Sky community,” Dreisbach said. “He has spearheaded innovative solutions, inspiring community members to collaborate and engage with each other.”

Dreisbach summarized O’Connor’s journey from working to improve tourism at local, state and regional levels, to now dedicating

his craft to provide homes for Big Sky’s local workforce.

Friends and colleagues describe O’Connor as “always learning, tenacious, an early adopter and visionary, and just so smart,” Dreisbach said.

Other nominees:

Greg Megaard, former chief of Big Sky Fire Department

John Haas

John Hannahs

Twist Thompson receives his award with Brad Niva and Tallie Lancey. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Santosha Wellness Center owner Callie Stolz Dominick receives her award with Calvin Wescom and Brad Niva. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Twist Thompson receives his award with Brad Niva and Tallie Lancey. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Kiernan McCarthy was not able to attend, but her WIA team represented her the best they could. PHOTO BY TYSON KRINKE / BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THE BIG SKY WAY: STUCK IN SUMMER TRAFFIC

DRIVING THE NEED TO INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE

BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST

In Montana, they say there are two seasons: winter and construction. As I sit in my car near the Lava Lake bridge waiting for the flagger to signal my lane open, this joke takes on a deeper truth. It highlights a critical issue affecting our state’s economic vitality and quality of life: our infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. Montana’s infrastructure is aging and, in many cases, failing to meet the demands of modern life. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, our roads, bridges, public transit and water systems face significant challenges. With our population growing steadily and tourism booming, the need for substantial investment in infrastructure has never been more urgent.

The road network forms the backbone of Montana’s transportation system, crucial for daily life and economic activity. However, the ASCE gives Montana’s roads a grade of C-minus, with 46% rated as poor to mediocre. These rough roads cost each Montanan approximately $385 per year in additional vehicle operating costs. Bridges fare no better, with 7.3% classified as poor or structurally deficient.

Investing in our roads and bridges isn’t just about smoother commutes; it’s about safety, efficiency and economic growth. Modernizing our infrastructure would reduce travel times, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and support industries like agriculture and tourism by facilitating easier transportation of goods and services.

Big Sky is a microcosm of these statewide infrastructure needs. Big Sky exemplifies a growing community grappling with infrastructure challenges. The 2023 Big Sky Capital Improvement Plan identified over $700 million in infrastructure projects over the next decade. This plan addresses needs in transportation, water systems and public facilities, aiming to enhance safety, livability and visitor experience, crucial for a community heavily reliant on tourism.

What is the cost of inaction?

The ASCE report card is clear: delaying infrastructure investment comes with a high cost. Subpar infrastructure currently costs American families an average of $3,300 annually. In Montana, neglecting our infrastructure means continued frustrations with traffic congestion, compromised public safety, and missed opportunities for economic growth. For every dollar invested in infrastructure, the return is exponential.

One study shows that for every $1 spent on infrastructure projects, 150% economic return is generated within two to five years. This multiplier effect not only boosts local economies but also creates jobs and stimulates business growth. By addressing our infrastructure needs now, we can foster a more resilient future.

We can take a look at the recent road collapse of Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass as a great example of insufficient investment in infrastructure.

Engineers and geologists had known for decades about the slow-moving landslide along the highway. Despite warning signs such as increasing potholes, cracks, and erosion, necessary repairs were delayed due to budget constraints. Earlier this month, however, the road “catastrophically failed” at milepost 12.8, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation, and is now temporarily closed.

Highway 22 is a crucial route for both local traffic and tourism, serving the bedroom communities of Victor and Driggs, Idaho. Not only does this impact the workforce by increasing their commute time nearly fourfold, conservative estimates state that the road closure is costing Jackson’s local economy roughly $600,000 a day, according to reporting from Mountain Journal.

What if this type of road failure occurred on U.S. Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky? According to a recent analysis, one in three jobs in the region would be impacted by a total closure of this key transportation corridor.

Investing in infrastructure is not merely a short-term solution; it is an investment in our future sustainability. Beyond immediate economic benefits, it ensures long-term resilience by protecting our environment and strengthening community readiness against natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. Reliable infrastructure, such as upgraded roads and water systems, is essential for adapting to evolving environmental challenges and maintaining a high quality of life for residents.

Finding funding solutions for these community needs poses a challenge at federal, state and local levels. The need for capital to finance these improvements is large. Big Sky is exploring funding options and it is clear that community support in advancing these initiatives will be key.

As we wait in our cars, waiting for construction crews to give us the right of way this summer, it’s crucial to recognize the urgency of infrastructure investment. By prioritizing these improvements, we can alleviate summer traffic congestion, improve safety and preserve Big Sky as a destination where both residents and visitors can travel safely and fully enjoy everything the area has to offer.

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.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

ENJOYING THE RIDE

RETIRING SINGLE: FIVE STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER

BY BRANT WIEHARDT EBS CONTRIBUTOR

Mastering The Art of 3 MPH

Perfectly located in Bozeman’s Northeast Neighborhood, just a few blocks from Main Street, Wildlands is a truly exceptional location. Conveniently situated near multiple coffee shops, restaurants, trailheads, and within 20 minutes of Bridger Bowl Ski Area, living at the Wildlands means you are never far away from world-class adventure and culture.

The six remaining residences each boast top-of-the line finishes, large living spaces, and meticulous detail. Schedule a tour today and experience the masterpiece that is Wildlands.

• Unique and spacious floor plans ranging from two-to-three bedrooms

Private heated garage for resident parking

• Large storage space for each owner

• Secured owner’s lobby

• Professional management for ease of ownership

• Conveniently located blocks away from Downtown Bozeman

• Captivating mountain views and custom finishes such as poliform cabinetry

BIG SKY

PREVENTION IS KEY.

The health of the Gallatin depends on you. Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/ais

Clean your gear and watercraft. Remove mud, water, and vegetation after every trip. Use a brush and water, there is no need for chemicals.

Drain water from your boat and equipment at your access point. Pull the drain plug. Use a sponge for items that can’t be drained. Dry your equipment thoroughly. The longer you allow waders and other equipment to dry out between trips, the better.

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR

Thursday, June 27 -

Wednesday,

July 10

If your next event falls between July 11 - July 24, please submit it to media@theoutlawpartners.com by July 3.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

Big Sky OUT Pride Week: Decorate the Town! Len Hill Park, 4 p.m.

Adult Pickup Volleyball

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

Music in the Mountains:

Cool Cool Cool with Gilda House Len Hill Park, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Open Studio Family Fridays Arts Council of Big Sky at BASE, 10 a.m.

Wilson Lobby Concert with Kaylie Marie The Wilson Hotel, 5 p.m.

Pickup Volleyball

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

Big Sky OUT Pride Week: Queer Variety Show WMPAC, 8 p.m.

Live Music: The Roadrunners Tips Up, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Big Sky OUT Pride Week: Fair & March Len Hill Park, 1:30 p.m.

Live Music: Dammit Lauren! The Waypoint, 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

St. Joseph Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

All Saints in Big Sky Service

Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Sunday Service Soldiers Chapel, 11 a.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Service

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 1

Hike Big Sky Ralph’s Pass to Uplands Trailhead, 9 a.m.

Pickup Co-ed Soccer

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 2

BSCO Parks, Trails and Recreational Gala BASE, 5:30 p.m.

Pickup Women’s Soccer

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

Western Roots Line Dancing Tips Up, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Big Sky Farmers Market

Big Sky Town Center, 5 p.m.

Live Music: Sky High Duo Tips Up, 5 p.m.

“American Tapestry” Artist Reception

Courtney Collins Fine Art, 5 p.m.

Pickup Basketball

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

Trivia

The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

BSCO Fourth of July 5K

Big Sky Community Park, 9 a.m.

Fourth of July Barbeque Montage Big Sky, 11 a.m.

Adult Pickup Volleyball

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Open Studio Family Fridays

Arts Council of Big Sky at BASE, 10 a.m.

Pickup Volleyball

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Live Music: Jazz Cabbage

The Waypoint, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 8

Pickup Co-ed Soccer

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 9

Trampled by Turtles, Shane Smith & The Saints (tickets required)

Big Sky Events Arena, 5 p.m.

Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo

Lone Mountain Ranch, 5:30 p.m.

Pickup Women’s Soccer

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

Hike Big Sky: Ousel Falls Ousel Falls Trailhead, 9 a.m.

Community Yoga Len Hill Park, 12 p.m.

Watercolor Wednesdays

Arts Council of Big Sky at BASE, 2 p.m.

Big Sky Farmers Market

Big Sky Town Center, 5 p.m.

Pickup Basketball

Big Sky Community Park, 6 p.m.

Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

FEATURED EVENT

Trampled By Turtles, Shane Smith & The Saints

On Tuesday, July 9, Trampled by Turtles, American bluegrass-influenced folk band from Duluth, Minnesota will be making their debut at the Big Sky Events Arena for a concert under Lone Mountain. Openers include Crowe Boys and Shane Smith & The Saints.

DINING

A LA CARTE: MY HOME’S IN MONTANA... ANYWHERE IN MONTANA

A SHORT TRIP TO MONTASIA, HOME OF CHEF LEE JOHNSON AND MONTANAMALAYSIAN CUISINE

BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST

One question seems to be on the minds of everyone I meet lately: variations on “are you going anywhere this summer?”

I’m never sure how to answer. Have I already traveled hundreds of miles over old, rutted highways and single-lane dirt—ok, mud—roads? Have I explored mountain ranges? Have I crossed countless rivers, streams and creeks—some pronounced “cricks,” in a set of geographybased grammatical “rules” passed down from my Bozeman-born grandfather?

Yes.

But the ability to traverse this majestic state, to find gems along its backroads and among its smallest communities, is something that makes me feel most at home. “Going,” it seems, is relative. My plan for the summer is to stay “home” in Montana, wherever that takes me.

One early June afternoon, my wanderings led me to Fishtail, a community of less than 500 in the foothills of the Beartooths. I wasn’t there to fish, though that is definitely an option. I was there for MontAsia, home of chef Lee Johnson, who most simply call “chef.” Johnson was a semifinalist for best chef in the Mountain region in the 2024 James Beard Awards and the restaurant is known for Asian fusion dishes. How could I not want to try his food?

The address is 15 W. Main St. in Fishtail, but it’s hard to miss once you find the tiny town. Despite the late spring drizzle, I swear the scent of the restaurant carried all the way to downtown Absarokee, six miles down the road, where I had been touring a cousin’s new home. It was a Sunday evening, and the restaurant was packed. But after

a little groveling, promising I was in no rush but eager for a taste, Johnson’s wife Yokie let me take a seat at the bar. The pair, I learn, met in a kitchen while studying at Montana State University.

At MontAsia, my plan was to order food to-go and get out of their hair. It may not be as pretty all packaged up, but it tastes the same. I was, however, persuaded into a cocktail by the reverse of the drink menu, with its list of specialty gins and suggestions for mixtures with tonic or juice. I love the simplicity of a gin and tonic, allowing the gin to shine among the tangy bubbles, as my Japanese gin selection certainly did.

Food on the menu combines local ingredients and dishes fitting of a Montana ranch with Yokie’s Malaysian Cantonese family recipes. There’s a burger and steak with French fries, but also yak curry and house-made soy sauce and chili crisp. Keeping in mind the full house, I went smaller than I normally would when trying out a new place to share with you, and only ordered a few dishes. This was not the best of choices, as I drool over options I missed each time I have consulted the menu to write about the meal.

But I did order the coconut shrimp, which had a lovely floral note in its light crispy coating and paired perfectly with the Maui chicken sandwich. This was hands down the best grilled chicken sandwich I have ever had the pleasure of eating. And damn was it pretty. Picture a tender, juicy marinated chicken breast—already a hard ask in most restaurants—topped with what Chef calls “mimosa cukes,” cucumbers soaked in orange juice and champagne, adding tanginess, sweetness and crunch. A kale slaw provides the base inside the bottom bun and a handful of edible flowers peek from the edges. It’s glorious.

I’m also glad I didn’t resist the mini key lime pie, a classic with a graham cracker crust and just the right balance of tart and sweet.

Among more info about Chef and Yokie on the menu, which makes me feel a bit like I know them as more than the blurred flashes rushing to help customers, I learn that the current location has been home to a bar or restaurant for the last 125 years. Looking around MontAsia, I see an interesting mix of old Montana bar and modern Asian, tying right in with the ideas of fusing the foods of Montana and Malaysia. I have reservations about how well it works in decor, with angular koi fish sculptures hung on wood paneled and branded walls. I do not have reservations about how well it works in Johnson’s cuisine.

Take the whiskey beef noodles, where steak strips from a local ranch mingle with a savory whiskey gravy and homemade five spice over noodles that are thick, tender and obviously homemade. Chef’s cooking, and this dish especially, feels like a hug. It’s comfort food that speaks across continents, yet only adds to my idea that wherever I am in Montana, I am home.

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.

PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

ENVIRONMENT

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: BATTLING WEEDS METHODS TO

IDENTIFY AND HELP FIGHT INVASIVES

BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST

This is the third installment in a three-part series on invasive plants. In parts one and two, we learn what’s at stake, and explore specific invasive plants and how to manage them.

Invasive plants are widespread and pose a threat to forest and grassland ecosystems. The United States annually loses three million acres to non-native plant species.

Noxious weeds are non-native plants typically introduced intentionally or accidentally by humans. Their introduction causes economic and environmental harm. Invasive species can harm the habitats of native plants and wildlife. If left unmanaged, non-native plants can become overpowering as they have no natural predators to keep them in check. These species have evolved clever ways to spread seeds by latching onto vehicles, clothing, shoelaces, pets and livestock. They can also sneak into hay bales, seeds, or feed, traveling on rivers and through the air.

The U.S. Government recognizes over 4,000 exotic species, which have already colonized an estimated 133 million acres nationwide and cost the nation $26 billion economically and socially. Noxious weeds invade 4,600 acres of prime elk and deer habitat daily.

Many invasive plant species are toxic and can harm and even kill native wildlife.

Infestations often seem overwhelming, but private landowners can contact state and federal organizations to fight weeds. Partnerships with landowners and nonprofits are essential because if we only fight invasives on federal land, then there are substantial seed banks on private land that can only be held back for so long.

Rest assured that there is hope within reach. Once you identify the species, there are many ways to eradicate it from full colonization, like using non-toxic methods like hand-pulling, a vinegar solution with salt and soap detergent, bio-controls, and machines or more toxic methods like herbicides, but there are different degrees of poison.

In the last column, we discussed identifying and controlling rush skeletonweed, spotted knapweed, yellow starthistle, and cheatgrass. This column will look at saltcedar (tamarisk), leafy spurge, dalmatian toadflax, scotch broom and oxeye daisy.

Saltcedar (tamarisk)

Imported from Eurasia in the 1800s for wood, shade and erosion control, saltcedar proves useless for building or firewood, grows too densely to shade anything but itself, and guzzles almost 5 million acre-feet of water annually from its preferred habitats along river bottoms, desert springs and irrigation waterways. In arid states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, that can mean the difference between flowing water surrounded by lush native vegetation and a bone-dry, alkaline streambed. Further diminishing forage quality for elk and other wildlife, fallen saltcedar leaves increase soil salinity and kill off microbes. Trees range from five to 25 feet, with roots penetrating 30 feet or more in search of water, and this exotic species depletes riparian zones—elk’s most vital habitat in arid landscapes.

It was first discovered in Montana in the Yellowstone and the Big Horn River in 1960. It is listed in 15 of 17

western states and has infested over 3.3 million acres. The most effective treatment is burning and cutting, followed by herbicides or vinegar.

Leafy spurge

In classic villain fashion, leafy spurge oozes toxic milk when pulled up by human hands or the mouths of livestock and wildlife. The liquid causes eye and skin irritation, blistering and even blindness. Just walking through it can blister horses’ feet and cause them to lose hair. Ingesting spurge, meanwhile, can cause severe diarrhea and muscle weakness.

And, as if all that isn’t bad enough, it grows an outrageously long and thick-skinned taproot, helping it to shrug off drought, herbicide, and fire. Leafy spurge may be the toughest-to-kill weed on this list, perhaps because it appears to be a hybrid of two or more Old World spurges, a hardy and adaptable mongrel.

It runs wild in spring before most natives gain a toehold. Then it dries out. Seedpods burst, flinging seeds up to 20 feet. It specializes in overtaking riparian forage critical to elk and other species, creating a yellow, green, then brown mosaic that has sullied broad landscapes throughout the Rockies and beyond. It has infested more than 5 million acres in 36 states. The most effective treatments are vinegar, herbicides and biocontrols combined with sheep and goat grazing.

Dalmatian and Yellow toadflax

The quaint yellow blooms on Dalmatian and yellow toadflax resemble snapdragons, which helped them find their way from the Mediterranean into U.S. gardens in the 1800s. Yet, beneath that attractive exterior lurks a plant filled with poisonous glucoside and as many as 500,000 seeds capable of leaving wildlife broke and breadless. Dalmatian toadflax averages three feet tall, while yellow toadflax, sometimes called butter and eggs, is often half that height. Both large infestations plague most western states and have taken over nearly 50,000 acres in Colorado alone.

Weed manager Hal Pearce says that yellow toadflax “is our biggest beast” on Colorado’s White River National Forest, home to the world’s largest elk herd. Early detection at the sprout stage is critical to defeating toadflax. Once an extensive root system is established and mature plants go to seed, it often requires 10 to 15 years of treatments to eliminate. Over 30 states report infestations. The best treatment methods are vinegar, herbicides or newer biocontrols such as toadflax stem weevils.

Scotch broom

Now next to ubiquitous in the Pacific Northwest, Scotch broom spells disaster for wildlife.

It eliminates native competitors by growing faster and more densely and producing tannins, making it unpalatable for wildlife. Each plant sheds thousands of seeds that ride the wind or latch onto clothing and footwear. Vehicles are the most common distributor, sucking up tiny seeds as they pass by, then sowing them down roadways.

Scotch broom blankets meadows, powerline corridors, and other openings, which is lousy news for Roosevelt elk, depending on forest openings that can be few and far between in the Pacific Northwest. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has partnered with state and federal agencies for many years to cut and spray this invasive plant, helping ensure the region’s limited sunlight reaches grasses and forbes below. Twenty-six states, on both the East and West coasts, report infestations. It is confirmed in Sanders and Lincoln counties in Montana and reported in Missoula, Powell and Ravalli counties. The best treatment is to chop mechanically or manually and spray with herbicides or vinegar.

Russian olive

Like saltcedar, this tree was once seen as a panacea for erosion control, upland bird habitat and shade creation. But since it was imported from China, Japan, and Korea in the 1830s, Russian olives have had a field day outcompeting native plants by forming dense shade clusters with little growth below them.

It churns out 200,000 seeds annually and can adapt to various habitats as its nitrogen-fixing root nodules allow it to grow in even the poorest soils. Once land managers realized this tree could be a scourge, they were disturbed that cutting or burning only seemed to enable vigorous growth. Autumn olive has quickly become one of the most troublesome shrubs. Thirty-eight states report infestation. The best treatment is cutting, followed by vinegar, herbicides and hand-pulling new sprouts.

Oxeye daisy

Among this list of habitat destroyers, oxeye daisies may be the gentlest in their attack style, basically prettying places to death.

Between June and August, oxeye daisy blooms with 15 to 30 small white flowers on stems a foot or two tall. Yet each plant can hold 500 seeds that stay viable for decades. Some claim this European ornamental also has the mysterious ability to ward off lightning. If that were true, it might be handy since the flower readily grows at elevations up to 11,000 feet. The problem for wildlife, though, is the dense fields of flowers that oxeye regularly create—displacing native plants in meadows and along road and trail corridors. From an elk’s perspective, that makes a nutritional desert. Yet, due to their visual appearance, oxeye draws less aggressive treatment and is still peddled at many gardening stores. Reach instead for the similar Shasta daisy, which stands almost a foot taller and has larger flowers. While it hails from Spain and Portugal, it is far less invasive.

Fifty states are reporting infestations. Herbicides, vinegar, bio-controls and hand-pulling are the best treatment methods.

Together, we can fight and control the infestation of invasive species and prevent them from seizing prime wildlife habitats.

Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller with stories published in Adventure Journal, Audubon, Esquire, Field & Stream, The Guardian, Outside, Popular Science, Sierra, and other publications on his website. He holds a master’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana.

Oxeye daisy. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

EVERY DROP COUNTS LOW SNOW, LOW FLOW

BY JACK BUBAN EBS COLUMNIST

It was hard to get on a chairlift this year and not hear locals’ complaints about the lack of snow cover. Snowpack is both the lifeblood of the water resources in Big Sky, and what gives life to our winter recreation.

According to a Water Budget report commissioned by the Gallatin River Task Force and completed by WGM Group, our snowpack accounts for roughly two-thirds of the total precipitation that Big Sky receives annually. Snowmelt throughout the spring and summer feeds our rivers and groundwater aquifers, replenishing vital freshwater that we rely on for irrigation, recreation and community drinking water.

Making sense of snowpack can oftentimes be a difficult task, with acronyms like SNOTEL (Snowpack Telemetry, a national system for determining water and snowpack levels) and SWE (Snow Water Equivalent) being tossed around in conversation and cited articles, leading to more questions than answers. We’re really trying to determine two things, through all the science and science-related jargon: how the lack of snow affects summer streamflow, and whether all this spring snow made up for the dry winter and low snowpack.

Late spring snow arrived in force this year and seemed like it wouldn’t stop. With over a foot falling just before Memorial Day weekend, Big Sky looked for a while like we may have been out of the woods after a historically warmer,

dryer winter. However, comparison to historical averages via SNOTEL becomes less reliable late in the spring, as the rate that snow falls and melts is different from year to year, making averages at this time of year difficult to capture. In reality, significantly less precipitation has occurred this water year and we are still in a deficit.

Unfortunately, large spring snowstorms don’t always offset prior drought. By incorporating last season’s snowfall and tracking upcoming weather patterns and trends, scientists can model what to expect from a streamflow perspective for the upcoming season, but can’t always accurately predict how precipitation in the spring can offset the deficit from the winter snowpack. That is precisely what Eric Larson, a water supply specialist at the Natural Resource Conservation Service, did when predicting what the summer outlook for water in the Gallatin River Basin might look like this year.

Without being able to predict exactly how much rainfall we will see this summer, it is likely that we may still only see enough precipitation to bring the Gallatin River Basin up to 65 to 85% of its average streamflow. Even in the most optimistic models—where we receive above average amounts of rainfall—the Gallatin River Basin is still only expected to reach 85 to 95% of average streamflow.

All of this is happening while Big Sky remains in a state of moderate drought, determined by many factors including streamflow. On the ground this means a handful of things, with the effects of drought being felt by everyone, from ranchers to recreationists and natural resource management agencies. Low snow means low flow, which can lead to fishing closures, limited

water use for community sources, and restricted uses for downstream irrigators in the Gallatin Valley.

Seasonal drought is expected to persist and is something our community should be prepared for—at any and all levels. Small things like mindful landscape irrigation practices, specifically watering during the cooler hours of the morning and evening, can go a long way to helping our community be more resilient during drought events like this that are being predicted for this summer and into the future.

The 2023-24 winter was far from the wettest we’ve seen in Big Sky’s history; in fact, many would claim it as one of the dryest. And the effects of that are going to persist long after all the snow has melted. Experts anticipate low streamflow in the Gallatin this year, affecting lifestyles and livelihoods of people and wildlife that rely on this river.

Unfortunately, low snow years and drought aren’t expected to be going away anytime soon, with scientists tracking a decline in snowpack throughout the Mountain West over the last 70-plus years, and predicting that this trend will continue in the future.

In the face of the scientific evidence and predictions related to a changing climate, we have a responsibility in this community to adapt, to be mindful and to gain awareness about becoming a more drought- and climateresilient community in the face of everchanging weather conditions we are sure to face.

Jack Buban has spent two years as the Watershed Corps member with the Gallatin River Task Force.

Lone Mountain in late May 2024. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

BY MOLLY ABSOLON WRITERS ON THE RANGE

I live in Victor, Idaho—one of Jackson, Wyoming’s, bedroom communities. Every day, roughly 3,400 Idaho residents drive over Teton Pass to work in Jackson. Only about 11,000 of us live on this side of the pass—2,000 in Victor— so commuters make up a significant portion of our population.

Commuters include nurses, teachers, police, waiters, cooks, motel housekeepers, construction workers, landscapers, fishing and mountain guides, and salespeople. All are Jackson Hole’s economic lifeline.

On June 8, the highway over Teton Pass failed catastrophically, part of it collapsing into an impassable cliff of rubble. The failure made national news, and now you can spend hours on Facebook reading everyone’s opinions about what should be done. Calls for building a tunnel through the mountain are resurfacing, although the tunnel that was previously proposed would not have bypassed the section of road that failed.

The Teton Pass highway is vital to Jackson’s functioning as a tourist mecca. In good conditions, driving the 24 miles from Victor to Jackson over Teton Pass takes about 35 minutes.

figure. Using IRS numbers for mileage reimbursement, the cost for drivers is $88 a day, while the mean hourly wage in Jackson is $40. Not only has the commute become nearly four times longer, but workers also have to put in an extra two hours to cover the cost of that drive time.

Jackson residents have responded to the crisis with compassion and financial aid. Homeowners have opened their houses in Jackson, and many are allowing people to pitch tents in their yards. Businesses are offering parking lot space for RVs. Teton County, Wyoming, eased its temporary shelter regulations, and the daily commuter bus altered its schedule and waived its fees until June 30 to accommodate riders. The Teton Valley Community Foundation set up a fund that accepts donations for affected workers. I am sure there are many other services and resources as well.

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with Teton Pass. There’s an Instagram page called TetonPassholes, dedicated to showing people doing stupid things on the road. Most of the time it’s video clips of truckers ignoring the winter trailer ban; sometimes it’s pictures of people driving recklessly. We snarl and complain, but we still drive the road because it gets us where we need to go.

The average list price for a single-family home in Jackson reached $7.6 million at the end of 2022, according to the Jackson Hole Report. In the first months of 2024, 56 homes were on the market, with only three listed for less than $2 million.

In Victor, Idaho, the median price for homes was $537,000, an asking price that’s not reasonable for most working people. Housing is in short supply in Victor, too.

For years, affordable housing has been a hot-button topic on both sides of the pass, as well as an hour south of Jackson in booming Star Valley. Now that the funnel that allows Jackson to prosper has been blocked, we can see more clearly than ever that our current model—housing the rich in one town, workers in another—is not sustainable.

Wyoming Department of Transportation has indicated that it hopes to open a temporary bypass around the landslide in as little as two weeks. A long-term solution will undoubtedly take months, if not years.

In the meantime, I hope our community leaders take this as a wake-up call and address the absolute need for workforce

writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit spurring lively

BY KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST

The nervous system is your body’s command center and a vital key to your overall wellness. It governs everything from the heartbeat to digestion, and our thoughts and feelings. This system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that connect throughout the body.

There are two main parts of the nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for activating the body’s “fight or flight” response in times of stress or danger, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for conserving and replenishing, or “rest and digest.”

Being in a constant state of “fight-or-flight,” can lead to feeling tired but wired, not sleeping through the night, waking between 1 and 4 a.m., digestive issues such as bloating, premature gray hair, higher blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, weight gain especially around the midsection, and the sensation of not being able to calm down or slow down mentally or physically.

How can we support the nervous system for improved all-around health?

Deep breathing exercises can make a difference. Sometimes the breath has a bigger influence over our health than our thoughts. Breathing can influence the parasympathetic system, helping you to feel calm and relaxed.

We can focus on somatic movement. The mind and body are intricately connected. Therefore, incorporating movement into your self-care routine is essential for regulating the nervous system. Yoga, dance or any form of gentle exercise such as walking can help release tension and bring more calm into your world.

Getting enough rest is vital for the nervous system to repair and regenerate. Make sure to prioritize quality sleep and take breaks when needed throughout the day.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help regulate the nervous system and is used in the treatment of many nervous system disorders. There are specific points acupuncturists use to address the nervous system, which encourage a parasympathetic response throughout the body. This turns on your body’s natural healing abilities. Acupuncture works best when you receive treatment on a routine basis.

Even cold showers can help. Cold water stimulates our immune system and activates our vagus nerve,

which reduces our stress response. This is a nerve that connects the brain and digestive tract. If our vagus nerve is not working optimally, it can lead to slowed motility in our gut, weight gain, anxiety, high-stress, and nutrient deficiencies.

Of course, diet matters. Consuming adequate protein helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Egg yolks are rich in lecithin and choline, which support the nervous system, while improving memory and brain activity. Also, Inositol, a B-vitamin found mainly in beans and citrus fruits, also has a balancing effect, enhancing parasympathetic tone by improving the balance of neurotransmitters.

Learning to regulate your nervous system is a process and a practice. Moving into a state of “rest and digest” is pivotal in all healing protocols. Whether you’re looking to promote healthy digestion, detoxification, or cellular regeneration, don’t forget your nervous system.

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.

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.

American Bison // Bison bison

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Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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

FINDING HOPE IN OUR COLLECTIVE TRUE WEST Q&A WITH BETSY GAINES QUAMMEN BACK 40

BY BELLA BUTLER

This article originally appeared in the summer 2024 issue of Mountain Outlaw magazine. You can grab a copy regionally, have one shipped to your house, or read online at mtoutlaw.com.

Just south of Bozeman’s Main Street in a cottage-style house that feels like it could be made from gingerbread, Betsy Gaines Quammen sits in a red leather chair with her feet dangling a few inches above the wood floor. Books fill every space on the wall and most of the coffee table, a seemingly scripted detail in this home she shares with her husband, writer David Quammen. The Quammens’ 2-yearold Borzoi, Brad, throws his lanky front legs in Betsy’s lap and licks her face. She laughs, her pink lipstick and goldrimmed glasses highlighting a jovial smile and bright eyes.

This gentle moment feels more like it should belong in a children’s fable than in an interview about Gaines Quammen’s newest book, "True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America," which explores the West’s most polarizing topics, from anti-government extremism to public land management. But it also embodies the complexity Gaines Quammen captures in True West, that this storied American region can be both a beloved home—where we live with our families and dogs and communities—and a battleground of ideas—where armed militias, endangered wildlife, ardent environmentalists and multi-million-dollar ski houses intermingle on stolen Native land. As the late writer Ellen Meloy wrote, the West teaches us “to grasp the paradox of love and complication.”

Published in October 2023, True West is what Gaines Quammen describes as a “museum of myths” in which she explores the stories and beliefs that inform the way citizens of the West understand and interact with it.

“There is the perception of profuse liberty, copious machismo, untrammeled wilderness, rugged individualism, discovered and ‘free’ lands, cowboy heroics, blank slates, conquered spaces, reliable rain that ‘follows’ tilling into arid lands, and enduring frontier,” Gaines Quammen writes in True West’s first pages. “These myths continue to wind through ways of seeing this place and its peoples, creating hurdles in caring for the environment and communities … Right now, there is too much being asked of the West. It sits between history and expectation—a place saddled with hopes that it can’t fulfill.”

Supported through robust research and further enlightened by Gaines Quammen’s academic lens from studying religion, history and the philosophy of science while earning her PhD at Montana State University, True West follows Gaines Quammen’s journey across the spectrum of thought in the West. While traveling the region in her Subaru Outback, Gaines Quammen interviewed and explored communities of multi-generation ranchers, Indigenous people, resistance movement leaders, Creationist museum directors, and resort town book club members, among a cast of other Western figures. True West explores the historical context of the West, and it also offers an intimate introduction to these people who are shaping it today. Gaines Quammen is a self-proclaimed myth buster, and a fervent defender of what she sees as the abused concept of “truth,” but more than anything she says the intention of True West is understanding, and to catalyze the dialogue she believes we desperately need to move from the West’s fractured present into a more unified future.

Mountain Outlaw sat down with Gaines Quammen to discuss True West, how exploring the constellation of truths in the West can lead to understanding, and why the Bozeman-based writer and historian is hopeful about the future. The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Mountain Outlaw: Thank you for having us for this conversation here in your home in Bozeman. I thought we could start by orienting ourselves on some common ground, and maybe you could explain what this concept of True West is.

Betsy Gaines Quammen: The book title was borrowed from the Sam Shepard play, and so it is something that people have used before. It also was a popular magazine. But my point was that it’s really ironic. There isn’t a True West—or there are many True Wests. I guess I would say there’s not one true West. And so I went about trying to understand what the West meant to various people who came from various backgrounds, who are here for various reasons, and really took the opportunity to understand how they saw the West. And so I feel like after talking to as many people as I have—and I say this in the book—that True West is a constellation and in order to understand what it means you have to understand how it’s seen by a variety of different people.

M.O.: That’s so well said. Tell me a little bit about your story, particularly that which culminates in this book and this piece of work, and what your relationship is to the West.

B.G.Q: I moved [to Colorado] when I was 18 and really came because of a myth of wilderness. So my lures here were the mountains and rivers and wildlife. That was something that I held in great regard and absolutely loved. And because I am very interested in myth busting, it was important to me to come to terms with the fact that the idea of wilderness is something that was constructed in the sense that there were people who looked at areas in the West as untrammeled or unpeopled and it really isn’t the case. I mean, it’s a place that has been lived in, inhabited since time immemorial by a variety of different cultures. So my idea of the West as a pristine wilderness was a toxic myth itself. And not to say that there aren’t beautiful mountains and rivers and wildlife. This is all something that’s very real and that we love. But I think it was important for me to understand, that in looking at these areas, one of the other layers that’s so important to understand is that it’s also a land that has been inhabited for generations and generations and generations and generations. And that was a myth that I needed to understand and unpack.

M.O.: What was the main catalyst for this book and this exploration?

B.G.Q: So this was a companion piece to American Zion, which is my first book, and I wrote about the Bundy family, who are a Mormon family in southern Nevada who have really embraced the cowboy myth in order to justify their land use war. And for those that aren’t familiar with the Bundy family: In 2014 they engaged in an armed standoff in Nevada over trespassing cattle. They hadn’t paid grazing fees on public land allotments for decades. And so the government finally was going to confiscate their cattle and [the Bundys] called on the militia through social media. And it was a really galvanizing event for the militia movement in the United States, after the events at Waco and Ruby Ridge in Idaho. So this was a very important moment and really influences where we are right now as a

country in terms of anti-government fomenting. The other event that they were involved in was in 2016, where they took over a wildlife refuge in Oregon for several weeks. And so I looked at what motivated the Bundy family, cowboy mythology and a lot of their religious ideology … What are the things that are motivating people in the West to do what they’re engaged in doing? …

So this book, True West, really does try to look at ideologies that both motivated the Bundys, but then also, what myths are people grabbing on to and sort of exploiting for other ways that they want to use the West, or have the West configure in their imagination. So there are people who see the West as wilderness, as I explained earlier. There are people who see the West as homeland. There are people who watch the show Yellowstone and see the West as this cowboy paradise, this place of rugged individualism but also [of] hyper freedom. And that I think played into people who were coming out here during COVID because they wanted a place where they didn’t feel like they had to be sheltering in place, even though it’s not like we didn’t have COVID here, we did, but somehow the West was a hale and hearty salubrious place. Again, this mythology that’s really motivating people. And what we have is a lot of people with misunderstandings who come to communities unwilling to understand nuance because they’re so enveloped in their own versions of the West.

M.O.: With the West being so tied to all of these myths, and being a concept as much as it is a real place, how did you choose what went into this book?

B.G.Q: I guess I just looked at the most important things communities were facing. I was looking at the militias. I was looking at the influx of extremism. I was looking at the influx of COVID refugees, and the people who could remotely work. I was looking at how real estate was being impacted. How people who lived in these communities were having to make tough choices and maybe leave. How clinics and small communities were being overrun with COVID patients and how they weren’t even able to take care of folks that had other medical issues and conditions because of people coming and bringing COVID into communities that they thought somehow were safer. I write about how people moving here and wanting second homes are not only impacting the culture of the communities, they’re impacting wildlife habitat. And so I felt like it was important to talk about all these issues together, because these are the things that our communities are facing. In New Mexico, I talk about how Black Lives Matter manifested with the conquistador statue. I couldn’t talk about one thing without talking about all the things.

M.O.: A lot of what you do in True West is you illuminate these myths through stories of them playing out in communities and in different parts of the region, and then you hold those up against a more objective truth and use facts and history and context to frame some of these myths. What is it about you and

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

Militiamen and other supporters of Cliven Bundy head for the corral where government agents were holding the Nevadan’s cattle in April 2014. Minutes later, the animals were freed. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER

your character, or you as a historian or writer, that is drawn to examining myths, or in some cases, busting myths?

B.G.Q: So this is an interesting question because I don’t quite know exactly how I can explain it, but I have this unbelievable sort of motivation — when I see people misusing truth — to call them out. I get mad when I see people completely contorting reality … I get really mad when I see people not fully understanding history and truth.

I should say that when I do start out feeling angry, and start to understand where they are coming from, I do think it eases some of the anger because I have an understanding about how they see the West … So what starts as indignation, I do feel like allows me to at least understand how other people view land and view the West.

M.O.: That’s so interesting that you talk about that sort of understanding. You describe True West as a constellation, and perhaps that effort to tell other people’s stories gives an opportunity to not only see our own star in that constellation, but for a second to look at the full constellation.

B.G.Q: Absolutely. I learned a lot in this book, as well. I think it was very interesting for me to talk to ranchers in these rural communities, that I was able to understand their frustrations and really sort of see how very difficult it is to make a living as a rancher and so to me, that was an important lesson in terms of empathy and understanding.

M.O.: I found myself really curious about how you approached some of those conversations and some of those interviews. You write as a historian, but there’s also these tendrils of empathy in the way that you analyze and understand the conversations that you’re having. So how did you approach conversations with people on this broad spectrum of Western perspective?

B.G.Q: I am somebody who—my husband jokes about it. He says, “Betsy, you love everybody, unless you don’t.” And so that’s kind of my thing, like I genuinely love people. But then I have a line and there are bad guys. I mean, there are extremists that I write about that are truly trying to exploit communities, to take them over on every level. And it’s dangerous and awful. But what I realized also is that the communities that they’re targeting have experienced real economic decline and pressures, because they have been involved in extractive industries. And as we know, boom and bust is when it’s booming, people have jobs and there’s food on the table. And when there’s bust, there’s real heartache and hardship. Communities that experienced this are vulnerable to extremism. There’s a lot of anger, and so I feel like if we’re going to protect communities from extremists, there needs to be a real effort in relationship building, and in conversation and in finding common ground. I talked to, in one case, a guy who told me, you know, ‘I’ve been radicalized, I’ve joined the NRA, I’m buying guns.’ And over the course of many conversations with him, it became abundantly clear that he had no interest in becoming an extremist. He just didn’t feel listened to.

I think COVID really put pressure on communities because we weren’t going to soccer games together. We weren’t going to civic events. We weren’t involved in PTA. We weren’t going to book clubs. We weren’t doing things together with people with different political ideologies, and we became evermore factional. And the decline of community newspapers. We used to really invest in community news instead of looking always at national news, and that evaporated, and so we became just as polarized as things were nationally, and that is new. It’s been happening for the last decades, but it became really, really entrenched during pandemic.

I found that in talking to folks, we still have the opportunity to be engaged in conversation, to be relationship building, in spite of what we’re being told. There are people benefiting from factional sort of situations. There are politicians benefiting. There are media outlets benefiting. People are getting clickbait based on polarizing headlines. And so I really felt so much more hopeful after writing this book. And that’s hard to say, because every day it seems like there’s more and more and more dreadful news … But I do think that there are opportunities for us to be engaged in conversation that would help immensely, especially in protecting communities.

M.O.: You wrote a section toward the end of the book that I wanted to read that I think relates a lot to what you’re saying. “The myth is a canonized story. But we each have our own stories. The key is to respect the variousness and individual value of these. There are fragments of truth in many stories, and the more we listen to one another and hear these truths, the more we will understand one another and the world in a way

that gets beyond this blur.” What does that look like? And how do we end up there?

B.G.Q: I know that this is gonna sound Pollyanna-ish, but I truly believe that it’s dialogue. And I really think it’s a matter of being engaged with each other, finding what we like in each other. And again, as I said earlier, there are bad guys, but we’re fighting the bad guys. We’re fighting them from being in dialogue.

M.O.: You give a lot of examples of having those interactions and experiences yourself while researching this book. I’m thinking especially of Lance, the rancher in Terry. Can you talk about that relationship and that dialogue as an example of breaking down these barriers of disparateness.

B.G.Q: When I first met Lance, we were having coffee at a really noisy coffee shop. And he was so mad. And he’s got a really gravelly voice and he talks really fast and he said ‘I hate Democrats.’ And the word hate is hard for me to hear. And when he said, ‘I’ve been radicalized,’ … I was reticent. I wasn’t really sure I wanted to continue conversation with him. But then I thought, you know, I’m doing this book, this is my job. And he invited me to his ranch. I had given him a copy of American Zion, the book about the Bundy family, and it wasn’t particularly flattering of ranching on public lands, and he has a public land allotment … And he read it and he wrote me an email, and it was so funny and it was so human. … It just actually brings tears to my eyes because people want to be in relationship with each other. People love to be funny and to hear funny things, and it’s such a good avenue into conversation … And then I went to his ranch, and we hit it off. You know, climate change we didn’t agree on; we didn’t really agree on public land ranching. But we agreed on Evelyn Cameron, [who is a] wonderful photographer [from] the turn of the century who did so many gorgeous photographs, and was so revolutionary as a woman photographer … We really bonded over our love of the West, our love of the land. We saw things differently. But we were able to have this really great conversation that turned into a friendship … And it started out with me being curious. And I think that goes a long way. How do we remain curious at a time when we are so angry?

M.O.: It’s interesting to see you so viscerally passionate about truth and these shared beliefs versus the things that are on such opposite ends of these different perspectives. And that’s something you mentioned in the book as well: that you were surprised and took special note of how many people you encountered that had that same drive to share truth.

B.G.Q: Yeah, and it was almost an urgency. There were people who really, truly wanted to engage. And I think part of it was we were all cooped up for so long that it was just so nice to be talking again. And that was really great. But people are really passionate. I talked to one guy in particular, Jay Pounder, who had left this hard right arch

conservative extremist movement, and felt really, really drawn to telling the truth and to talking about some of the dangers … This isn’t just a matter of going in and wanting to turn a community that had been purple or even blue to red, but talking about more murdering people who don’t have their same ideology. And Jay had been involved with this group and he’s in Spokane, Washington. And he’d gone to the FBI, he had faced death threats. His family went through the wringer after he did this, but he felt so compelled to say ‘this is not right.’ And he’s a very devout Christian, and a very, very conservative person, but he just could not abide by this really dangerous layer that I’m afraid to say has become ever more bold, and been emboldened in part by Trumpism. And he talked about the fact that when he went to a victory party in 2016 for Trump, that it went from being joyful to being unbelievably seething and angry and people chanting something like ‘this is our time, this is our time,’ and how chilling that was and how he felt like he really needed to bring this to the attention of his community. So again, it takes various pockets in our community to keep our communities healthy. Because there are these pressures. And I think people used to think, ‘oh, this doesn’t happen in my community.’ But it’s creeping into communities.

M.O.: You talked about the myth of wilderness, and there’s maybe a lot of myths embedded in that. But I think that’s such a clear illustration of the intersection of myth and true impact. When we see a flood of visitors during an experience like the pandemic, spurred by this concept of a blank slate or infinite paradise for me to enjoy, and how that actually looks on the landscape when there’s litter and tracks everywhere and not a lot of care for that landscape out of this myth that this place is here for me to take and me to enjoy with no limit.

B.G.Q: It’s endless extraction. Whether it’s timber, whether it’s mining, or whether it’s recreation, there is this, ‘it’s there for the taking’ mentality. And I think we really have to look at our own impacts. One of the things that I talked about as well is I spent a lot of time on the road driving to places. And we have people just driving out doing their van life experience, and these carbon footprints are real, and we all have to look at it. I mean, even if we feel like we’re not impacting the environment in the same way that an open pit mine is, that there is pressure being put on recreational areas. Why do we feel like we’re entitled to our own recreational experience?

M.O.: What do you think your intended impact with True West was?

B.G.Q: I hope that it’s a conversation starter. I really wanted it to be hopeful. I wanted it to be something that people felt like was motivating for them to engage with others. I do think that it’s fun to think about the book as helping people be a little less angry. I know that anger was a layer to some of my own motivation, but it really led to a better understanding and curiosity … And so I hope that this book helps people realize that engaging and understanding truth is what we should be moving towards, rather than getting on our stupid social media and just getting angry.

M.O.: And why now?

B.G.Q: Because there’s no time to lose. We are really, really at a threshold in terms of climate, in terms of potentially slipping into an authoritarian government, in terms of losing resources that we can never get back that are vital for life on this planet. We’re at a place where people are moving here, and we need to be able to be in conversation with others about resilient communities. I mean, we just we have to be doing this now.

M.O.: You opened with talking about your own myths that drew you to this place and so this feels like a proper bookend: What myths of the West do you feel like you exist in?

B.G.Q: I hope that I’m busting myths, I’m hoping that I’m getting better at being aware of myths. And this isn’t a myth, this is actually a reality, but one of the advantages of being a white woman is I was able to go in various spaces through the West and have conversations with people that others might not have been able to do so. So I think it’s important in terms of looking at myths to also look at privilege. And I know that that was something that I enjoyed in being able to do the research that I did. I also was able to talk to people who were in [or were] peripherally involved in extremist communities … and I didn’t feel threatened. But I do think that there’s a certain privilege that you have as a white woman to be able to navigate some of those things. And so I was able to hear stories that I think were important to share, because of who I am.

Bella Butler is the Managing Editor of Mountain Outlaw.

Protestors oppose a mask mandate in July of 2020 at a Gallatin City-County Health Board meeting where a vote on the mandate was being considered. PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER

Betsy Gaines Quammen poses in Bozeman, Montana’s Country Bookshelf with her new book, True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America. PHOTO BY LYNN DONALDSON

Explore Big Sky - June 27 to July 10, 2024

EDITORIAL

SALES AND OPERATIONS

CONTRIBUTORS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEW POST OFFICE TO OPEN JULY 15

THE CASE FOR WILDLIFE CROSSINGS

POLICIES

NEWS IN BRIEF BRIEFS

RARE WHITE BISON CALF BORN IN YELLOWSTONE

YELLOWSTONE VISITOR RECEIVES JAIL SENTENCE FOR THERMAL TRESPASS AND CLOSURE VIOLATION AT NORRIS GEYSER BASIN

GROW WILD TO HOST WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL IN EARLY JULY

NOW HIRING!!

HOME FOR SALE

Business in Big Sky

DID YOU KNOW

WHAT IS RESORT TAX

WHICH BUSINESSES REGISTER

WHEN DO I REGISTER

ASK: LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY

JEFF CROSBY BAND OPENS 2024 MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

ARTS COUNCIL DIRECTOR BRIAN HURLBUT REFLECTS ON A STRONG START AND

EXCITING CONCERTS TO COME

27th Annual Black Diamond Award Winners

NEW BIG SKY USPS POST OFFICE TO OPEN JULY 15

BIG SKY POST OFFICE CONTRACTOR AL MALINOWSKI THANKS DEDICATED STAFF

DURING TRANSITION

VISITING AUTHOR, CLLC DISCUSS WILDLIFE CROSSINGS JOURNALIST BEN GOLDFARB SEES ‘ENORMOUS’ CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY

FOR MONTANA, STOPS IN BIG SKY ON JUNE 18

BEN

ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALIST

SECOND CHANCE IN U.S. SENATE FOR BILL THAT WOULD PROTECT 384 MILES OF RIVERS

MONTANA HEADWATERS LEGACY ACT AIMS FOR SENATE FLOOR FOLLOWING

SECOND COMMITTEE HEARING IN THREE YEARS

LOCAL TEEN ORGANIZES SUMMER BIKE DRIVE

GALLATIN RIVER TASK FORCE HOSTS FIVEYEAR UPDATE TO BIG SKY’S SUSTAINABLE WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP PLAN

Protecting the groundwater

HOUSE DISTRICT 60 CANDIDATE TALKS ‘WORKING TOGETHER’ FOR SOLUTIONS IN MONTANA LEGISLATURE

BIG SKY RESIDENT AND CONTRACT ATTORNEY ALANAH GRIFFITH DISCUSSES A CAREER

IN GALLATIN COUNTY AND OBJECTIVES IF SHE WINS HOUSE DISTRICT 60 SEAT

OP NEWS

OUTLAW PARTNERS ANNOUNCES WILDLANDS FESTIVAL BENEFICIARIES

BIG SKY EVENT TICKET SALES AND DONATIONS RAISE FUNDS FOR WILD AND OPEN SPACES

OUTLAW PARTNERS

of life in the mountains

BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS CELEBRATE STRONG

BUSINESS AND LOCAL SERVICE

IN THE EVENT’S 27TH YEAR, BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES EIGHT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND LEADERS EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR: VICKY CHILDRES AND BETH JOHNSON THE MASTER OF MAKING IT HAPPEN: AL MALINOWSKI

STEVE JOHNSON NONPROFIT PERSON OF THE YEAR: KIERNAN MCCARTHY

THE BIG SKY WAY: STUCK IN SUMMER TRAFFIC

DRIVING THE NEED TO INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE

What is the cost of inaction?

ENJOYING THE RIDE

RETIRING SINGLE: FIVE STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER

Mastering The Art of 3 MPH

BIG SKY

PREVENTION IS KEY.

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR

Thursday, June 27 -

July 10

DINING

A LA CARTE: MY HOME’S IN MONTANA... ANYWHERE IN MONTANA

A SHORT TRIP TO MONTASIA, HOME OF CHEF LEE JOHNSON AND MONTANAMALAYSIAN CUISINE

ENVIRONMENT

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: BATTLING WEEDS METHODS TO

IDENTIFY AND HELP FIGHT INVASIVES

EVERY DROP COUNTS LOW SNOW, LOW FLOW

FINDING HOPE IN OUR COLLECTIVE TRUE WEST Q&A WITH BETSY GAINES QUAMMEN BACK 40