Explore Big Sky - May 19 to June 1, 2022

May 19 - June 1, 2022 Volume 13 // Issue #10

BIG SKY VOTER GUIDE: 2022 PRIMARY NATIONAL PROGRAM AIDS BIG SKY IN WILDFIRE PREP GRIZZLY 399 AND CUBS FACE PERIL BIG SKY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RENEWS WIND AND THE WILLOWS RELEASES FAREWELL ALBUM

OPENING SHOT

During week seven of the Gallatin Valley Fire Academy the recruits worked with live fire for the first time on May 11. After practicing the drill without fire, recruits had the chance to face the real deal and practice extinguishing flames. PHOTO BY GABRIELLE GASSER

May 19 -June 1, 2022 Volume 13, Issue No. 10

Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, VP MEDIA Joseph T. O’Connor | joe@theoutlawpartners.com MANAGING EDITOR Bella Butler | bella@theoutlawpartners.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gabrielle Gasser | gabrielle@theoutlawpartners.com DIGITAL PRODUCER Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com

CREATIVE GRAPHIC DESIGNER ME Brown | maryelizabeth@theoutlawpartners.com

SALES AND OPERATIONS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Treston Wold | treston@theoutlawpartners.com VP OF SALES EJ Daws | ej@theoutlawpartners.com MEDIA AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com MARKETING MANAGER Sophia Breyfogle | sophia@theoutlawpartners.com CONTENT MARKETING STRATEGIST Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER, LOCAL SALES Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTRIBUTORS Paul Bussi, Jimmy Chin, Flip Dalfanso, Gus Hammond, Tom Knauss, Mike Koshmrl, Abby Lawson, Astra Lincoln, James Q. Martin, Scott Mechura, Scott Vollmer, Todd Wilkinson, Cy Whitling, Emily Stifler Wolfe

4 6 7 19 23 25 29 35 37

LETTERS 8 OBITUARY LOCAL 12 BUSINESS OP NEWS 25 A&E ENVIRONMENT 30 SPORTS OPINION 32

ON THE COVER: Angler Evan Keene casts into a swarm of caddisflies during the "Mother’s Day Hatch” on a warm, sunny May 15 spent fishing on the Yellowstone River. PHOTO BY ABBY LAWSON

BIG SKY VOTER GUIDE: 2022 PRIMARY Big Sky voters have big decisions to make. With support from Montana Free Press, EBS compiled a voter guide for Madison and Gallatin county voters in Big Sky for the June 7 primary election.

NATIONAL PROGRAM AIDS BIG SKY IN WILDFIRE PREP The Big Sky community was chosen to receive assistance from a national organization on wildfire prep. The focus: evacuation planning and communication strategies.

WIND AND THE WILLOWS RELEASES FAREWELL ALBUM An illustration of the beautiful impermanence of youth, Bozemanbased band Wind and the Willows will release their third and final album on May 26 before the young regional favorite parts ways.

BIG SKY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RENEWS Ten years after its initial creation, an updated interlocal agreement extended the lifespan of the joint Big Sky parks and trails district board.

GRIZZLY 399 AND CUBS FACE PERIL Grizzly 399 has begun separating from her cubs. This first installment of a two-part story examines the danger the famous bruin and her offspring now face.

EDITORIAL POLICIES EDITORIAL POLICY Outlaw Partners, LLC is the sole owner of Explore Big Sky. EBS reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or its editors.

EBS will not publish anything discriminatory or in bad taste.

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

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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.

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OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@outlaw.partners © 2022 Explore Big Sky unauthorized reproduction prohibited

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ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IS DEEMED RELIABLE BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED AND SHOULD BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED. INFORMATION AND DEPICTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, PRIOR SALES, PRICE CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. NO GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT OR ANY REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED OR DEPICTED HEREIN. THIS MATERIAL SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL IN ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE PRIOR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED OR WHERE SUCH AN OFFER WOULD BE PROHIBITED, AND THIS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH ANOTHER REAL ESTATE AGENT. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, TAX, ACCOUNTING, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

4 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

LETTERS

Explore Big Sky

OP-ED:PROPOSED INITIATIVE 191 WOULD HURT RIVER ACCESS

BY SCOTT VOLLMER EBS CONTRIBUTOR

I have spent nearly 20 years guiding anglers on Montana rivers and streams in southwest Montana.

After 10 years as a guide, I became an outfitter in 2015 and have been operating my small business ever since. Montana, and its waters, are treasures.

My livelihood, like other fly fishing guides, is dependent on clean, cold and plentiful water in our rivers to protect habitat. It’s also dependent on the access that Montana’s prized stream access law ensures that distinguishes our state from other states.

I am concerned by a proposed ballot measure, I-191, that could dramatically hurt the outdoor recreation industry’s economy, access to our rivers for all recreationists and current collaborative river restoration efforts being undertaken by those who live and recreate here. I-191 would designate over 100 miles of the Gallatin and Madison rivers, plus their tributaries, as outstanding resource waters, a designation only currently applied in national parks and wilderness areas.

There’s already a process in place through the Department of Environmental Quality to apply this type of designation to a waterway. The proponents of I-191, who have consistently stated that their intent is to stop all development in Big Sky, have pursued that route but have been denied both administratively and in the courts.

Current and past efforts show a storied history of Montanans working collaboratively with state, local and federal partners to protect our waterways and this proposed ballot measure would circumvent these protections. By going around the DEQ, this ballot measure wouldn’t even require the proponents to produce an environmental impact statement, a requirement that would otherwise be needed.

Worse, state and local conservation groups that are working through years of planning and execution on river restoration projects will be prevented from doing so and current efforts at native trout restoration in Gallatin and Madison river tributaries may be in peril under this ballot initiative.

Further, the proposed ballot measure language even states that “temporary” water quality changes from point source pollution wouldn’t be allowed. The uncertainty created by the word “temporary” could lead to reduced angler access to the river. Does this mean that regular maintenance like the repair of a vault latrine at your favorite fishing access point would force that access point to be abandoned because it produces a “temporary” change in water quality? One can only assume these questions end up in court.

Montana’s outdoor recreation economy generates over $7.1 billion to the economy of Montana. These expenditures allow small business owners like myself to thrive and this ballot initiative puts myself and many other Montana small businesses in jeopardy. There are simply too many unanswered questions and unintended consequences caused by this proposed ballot measure. Read the fine print before signing.

Scott Vollmer is a fishing guide. He lives in Bozeman.

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BETTER TOGETHER Project Proposals

A biweekly District bulletin

Part 3 of 3

We invite you to participate in this year’s application process by reviewing the requests below and reading project applications at ResortTax. org/funding. The District’s locally elected Board uses your feedback to help guide funding decisions. We strongly encourage you to get engaged in the funding process and share productive feedback for projects and their deliverables, goals, and milestones.

It’s important to note, that FY23 is the first cycle without operating requests from local government organizations. Those funds are committed through Interlocal commitments reviewed annually but applied for on a revolving 3-year cycle (Interlocal commitments for FY23 are $5,176,784.) This year’s project proposals total 66 projects sponsored by 21 organizations for a total of $8,765,234.

Share public comment by emailing Info@ResortTax.org or by attending District meetings.

RECREATION & CONSERVATION - $3,300,456 Addresses sustainable efforts for current and future generations to live and play in Big Sky through thoughtful mitigation of human impact on the natural environment.

Parks & Trails Operations & Maintenance - $708,000 Big Sky Community Organization

Watershed Monitoring & Assessment - $60,471 Gallatin River Task Force

BASE Construction Costs - $500,000 Big Sky Community Organization

Water Conservation - $56,500 Gallatin River Task Force

Little Coyote Pond & West Fork River Restoration - $500,000 Big Sky Owners Association

Middle Fork Restoration - $55,056 Gallatin River Task Force

BASE Operations & Maintenance - $391,807 Big Sky Community Organization Water Supply Resiliency Projects - $146,734 Gallatin River Task Force Community Park Redesign & Engineering - $80,000 Big Sky Community Organization Sustainable Tourism Materials - $80,000 Visit Big Sky River Access Restoration - $79,351 Gallatin River Task Force West Fork Nitrogen Reduction - $65,234 Gallatin River Task Force

Community Water Communications Campaign - $62,904 Gallatin River Task Force

5-Year Recurring Asphalt Sealing - $55,000 Big Sky Community Organization Parks & Trails Equipment - $52,000 Big Sky Community Organization Carpool Incentivization Program - $50,000 Big Sky SNO GRTF Operations - $47,473 Gallatin River Task Force Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation - $40,000 Big Sky SNO BSSHA Operations - $38,000 Big Sky Skating & Hockey Association Invasive Species Education - $34,055 Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance

All information is accurate as of 04/01/2022.

Project applications available @ ResortTax.org/funding

6

JUNE

Application Review Meetings: Monday, June 6th @ 5:30 pm

Thursday, June 9th @ 5:30 pm

9

JUNE

Buck Ridge Snowmobile Trail Additional Groomings - $27,000 Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Association Waste Composition Assessment - $25,000 Big Sky SNO Recycling/Composting Education & Outreach - $24,000 Big Sky SNO Landowner Stewardship Project - $23,430 Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance Crail Gardens Programming - $23,105 Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance Invasive Species Management on Wildlife Habitat - $21,555 Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance Conserving Big Sky’s Wild & Open Lands - $20,000 The Montana Land Reliance Clean Recreation Project - $16,380 Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance Early Childhood Community Playground - $12,000 Big Sky Discovery Academy Town Center Recycling & Composting - $5,400 Big Sky SNO

All meetings are open to the public and held via Zoom. Public comments are welcome and highly encouraged.

Visit ResortTax.org for more info.

Info@ResortTax.org | ResortTax.org | 406.995.3234 |

6 May 19 - June 1, 2022

O B I T UA RY

Explore Big Sky

MICHAEL MACMANUS

Help preserve Montana’s open spaces.

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mike (Mac) MacManus, 72, on Jan. 10 of this year. His family and friends are heartbroken by the loss. Although born in Salt Lake City, Mac moved to Billings when very young and happily became part of the Cline family. He loved to tell stories of growing up in Billings, adventures with his friends and playing football with the Billings Central Catholic High School Rams.

Mac spent over 40 years in the travel industry, with the last 31 years working for Tauck World Discovery as a tour director, where his love of history and storytelling served him well. He was fortunate to have spent time in the American Southwest and Yellowstone National Park, as well as Great Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, East Africa and South Africa. His commentary and sense of humor were loved by guests, as well as by those who were fortunate enough to work with him.

But most of all Mac loved spending time at their home in Big Sky with Jan, reading and writing, and happily entertaining friends and family with stories, history, jokes and the occasional political discussion! He was a wordsmith extraordinaire, and the articles he wrote for the local newspaper years ago made you think and made you laugh.

Friends were so important to him as those who have known him for over 60 years will tell. Once you were his friend, you were not forgotten. In addition to his many friends, Mac is survived and missed by his wife Jan, brother Kevin Cline and wife Barb, mother-in-law Joan Thomas, and niece Roxanne MacManus.

Contact Jessie Wiese at jessie@mtlandreliance.org for more information Ad donated by supporters for open land | mtlandreliance.org | 406.594.1570

So please join us, old friends and new, June 17, 2022, at Riverhouse in Big Sky at 4:00 p.m., and come prepared to share stories, laughs, jokes and tears, and to raise a glass as we celebrate a life well-lived of a wonderful man who was taken from us too soon.

For directions or information, please call/text Jan at (702) 521-7126.

Li fe Wel l Li ved

NEW LOFT RESIDENCES, COMING SOON. WILDLANDSBOZEMAN.COM

7 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

LOCAL

NEWS IN BRIEF

BEARTOOTH BASIN SKI AREA CLOSED FOR 2022 SEASON

BIG SKY RESORT TO REOPEN FOR SUMMER SEASON

EBS STAFF

EBS STAFF

BEARTOOTH BASIN – Beartooth Basin announced on May 18 that they will not operate this spring 2022 season.

BIG SKY – Big Sky Resort announced their phased reopening plan for summer activities on May 10.

“We worked, we worked, but in the end, Mother Nature did not cooperate with our wishes,” they wrote in an Instagram post.

The Big Sky Resort Golf Course is scheduled to reopen on Friday, May 20, weather dependent. Bunker Deck and Grill will also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner available for dine-in, delivery or takeout on the 20th.

Opening Day was set for May 27, but due to a low snow year, the historic alpine ski area will not be able to open.

Austrians Pepi Gramshammer, Eric Sailer and Anderl Molterer established Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area in the mid-1960’s to be an Alpine Ski Racing summer training ground.

BOZEMAN OUTDOOR WATER RESTRICTIONS START MID-JUNE

Lifts will open for mountain biking and scenic rides on June 11 at 10 a.m., weather dependent. Lifts will run daily until 5 p.m. through Sept. 18.

Basecamp activities this summer will include Nature and Adventure Zipline tours, guided hikes, the bungee trampoline and giant swing, gemstone mining, mini golf, and climbing wall opportunities. Basecamp will open on June 11, weather dependent.

Dining services will reopen daily at Big Sky Resort on June 11. Summer guests lodging at the resort will be welcomed in on June 10 at the Summit Hotel and Huntley Lodge.

For more information, visit bigskyresort.com.

EBS STAFF

BOZEMAN – The Bozeman City Commission established permanent outdoor water restrictions on May 3 which take effect mid-June, according to a statement from the City of Bozeman. The ordinance will be in effect regardless of a declared drought stage.

All Bozeman residents who irrigate using city water will be required to follow a mandatory watering schedule.

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Outdoor lawn/landscape watering with sprinkler systems may only occur three days a week, following a mandatory watering schedule: • Properties with even numbered physical addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday • Properties with odd numbered physical addresses: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday • Public parks, private open spaces, street right-of-ways: Monday, Wednesday and Friday Outdoor lawn/landscape watering is prohibited daily between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and midnight.

With climate change and increasing water demands, the City of Bozeman could face a water scarcity issue within the next 15 years without water conservation, according to the City of Bozeman Water Conservation website.

For more information, visit bozemanwater.com.

TOTAL SKIER VISITS HITS RECORD IN 2021-2022 SEASON ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The 2021-2022 ski season was record-breaking in the total number of skier visits to resorts around the country, the National Ski Areas Association announced on May 13.

The national figure of 61 million skier visits was up 3.5 percent from the previous season, according to the trade group based in Colorado.

“This record visitation signals that the U.S. ski industry is healthy, and that the demand for outdoor recreation remains strong. There were signs of this during the 2020-21 season as the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic led more people to seek outdoor activities,” the association said in a release.

Around the country, the Rocky Mountain region reported a record high number of skier visits at 25.2 million while Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Southwest all had increases from 2020-2021 season, according to the association.

The national total of skier visits beats the previous record of 60.5 million set in the 2010-2011 season.

AIS INSPECTION STATIONS TO FOCUS ON HIGH-RISK CORRIDORS MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS

HELENA – As part of a statewide strategy to focus on high-risk corridors for transporting aquatic invasive species into Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks will discontinue inspections at some stations including Tongue River Reservoir this season.

In previous years, inspections were provided

periodically at Tongue River Reservoir, but inspection data shows that most of the boats inspected were from Montana or Wyoming and presented low risk for transporting aquatic invasive species.

Watercraft inspection is required before launch for all boats entering Montana waters. Watercraft inspections conducted by Wyoming fulfill Montana inspection before launch requirements.

As a reminder, all watercraft—motorized and nonmotorized—must stop at all watercraft inspection stations you encounter. Inspection stations are the first line of defense to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Visit fwp.mt.gov for a list and map of inspection station locations.

L O CA L

8 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

Explore Big Sky

BIG SKY VOTER GUIDE: 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION EBS STAFF BIG SKY – The June 7 primary election is fast approaching, and Big Sky voters have several decisions to make on this year’s ballot. From federal Congressional candidates to a local-option tax, EBS compiled a voter guide for both Madison and Gallatin county voters in the community including high-level information for

candidates in contested races. Absentee ballots for the primary election have already been mailed out and must be in the possession of the county by 8 p.m. on June 7, election day.

For in-person voting or to drop off an absentee ballot, see the across polling locations nearest to Big Sky.

This voter guide was compiled by Explore Big Sky staff and was informed by email statements from the candidates. Bios for U.S. House District candidates and Montana Supreme Court candidates were pulled from Montana Free Press’ 2022 Voter Guide. Visit montanafreepress.com for more in-depth candidate and election coverage.

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 1 (DEMOCRAT) Cora Neumann Cora Neumann, 47, was raised in Bozeman. After spending much of her professional career living across the U.S. and abroad, Neumann returned to live in Bozeman full-time in 2019, where she and her husband are raising their two kids.

Neumann, who has a PhD in public health from Oxford University, spent the last two decades working in international health, economic development and public lands advocacy. She founded the Global First Ladies Alliance and has been an adviser for the U.S. State Department and the George W. Bush Presidential Center, among other professional positions.

Neumann launched a campaign for one of Montana’s U.S. Senate seats in 2019 but dropped out when former Gov. Steve Bullock entered the race.

Monica Tranel Monica Tranel, 56, grew up in Miles City, Ashland, Broadview and Billings.

She currently resides in Missoula.

Tranel graduated from Gonzaga University and received her law degree from Rutgers University.

Tranel is a two-time Olympic rower, having competed in both the 1996 and 2000 summer games. She moved back to Montana and began working for the Public Service Commission as a staff attorney in 2001. Tranel has spent recent years working in private practice.

include increasing regulations and taxes for corporations, supporting affordable housing and higher wages, and climate change resiliency.

Tom Winter Tom Winter, 35, is a Polson resident who has lived in Montana for roughly a decade. He served one term as a state representative for House District 96, which he won from a Republican incumbent in 2018. He left the Legislature and ran for Congress in

2020, losing in the Democratic primary to Kathleen Williams.

Tranel made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Public Service Commission in 2020. Her campaign issues

In the Legislature and his congressional campaigns, Winter has advocated for legalizing marijuana, increasing taxes on the wealthy and creating a universal health care system.

This biography was compiled with information from a candidate interview and Neumann’s LinkedIn page.

This biography was compiled with information from Tranel’s campaign website and an interview with the candidate.

Winter currently works on commission with the company WorldCell, helping localities pursue federal grants to implement broadband infrastructure.

This biography was compiled using records from the Legislature and the secretary of state’s office, as well as information provided by the candidate’s campaign.

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 1 (REPUBLICAN) Mitch Heuer Mitch Heuer, 59, is a general contractor and small business owner who lives near Whitefish. He’s lived in Montana for roughly six years. Before that, he was a resident of Colorado.

Heuer is the owner of Heuer Homes

LLC, which constructs modular homes, and Heuer Labs LLC, which he founded to pursue product development in 2008. He has a professional background in construction, project management, and several other trade skills.

According to Heuer’s campaign website, his top policy priorities include finding solutions to housing

inaffordability, combatting mass shootings, improving transportation and self-actualization for younger generations.

This biography was compiled from material on Heuer’s professional and campaign websites, as well as reporting by the Daily Inter Lake.

Matt Jette Matt Jette, 49, relocated to Missoula in 2021 after previously living in Florida and Arizona. He is a teacher at Sentinel High School and also teaches in the political science department at the University of Montana. He has earned degrees from the University

of Montana, Harvard University and Arizona State University.

Jette has listed his policy priorities as health care reform, economic adaptability and improving education.

Jette previously campaigned for public office in Arizona.

He ran as a Republican in a 2010 bid for governor and registered as a Democrat to run for Congress in 2012 before switching his status to independent.

This biography was compiled with information from Jette’s campaign website, news reports, and a recent phone interview with the candidate.

Al Olszewski Al Olszewski, 59, is a former state lawmaker and orthopedic surgeon. He grew up in Montana and is a resident of Kalispell, where he lives with his wife and family. Olszewski will appear on the ballot as “Al ‘Doc’ Olszewski.”

Before entering politics, Olszewski served 13 years in the U.S. Air Force as a surgeon beginning in the 1980s. He served three consecutive terms in the state Legislature, first as a representative in 2015 and later as a senator.

Tim Fox. His campaign issues include conservative immigration policies, increased election security and reducing government spending and inflation.

Mary Todd Todd gained prominence as a public figure in the Flathead Valley after the death of her son Shane, who Todd says was murdered in Singapore in 2012. Since then, Todd has been an outspoken critic of the Chinese and Singapore governments.

Ryan Zinke Ryan Zinke, 60, served as Montana’s sole U.S. congressman from 2014 until 2017, when he relinquished that seat to become the Secretary of the Department of the Interior under former President Donald Trump. Zinke resigned from that position in 2018 after investigations into possible ethics violations, which Zinke dismissed as

Olszewski unsuccessfully campaigned for the Republican nomination for governor in 2020 against eventual winner Greg Gianforte and former state Attorney General In her congressional campaign, Todd has described herself as an “unapologetic America First conservative.”

Political priorities listed on her campaign website include making the U.S. more competitive in global trade and foreign policy, opposing abortion and completing a wall across the U.S. southern border with Mexico.

This biography was compiled with information from Olszewski’s campaign website and legislative archives.

Todd did not complete MTFP’s issues questionnaire.

This biography was completed with information from the candidate’s campaign and business websites and archival news articles.

“false allegations.” In February, the department’s Office of Inspector General found that Zinke had misused his office but had not engaged in criminal conduct.

Before his election to Congress, Zinke was a state lawmaker in Montana. Zinke served as a U.S. Navy SEAL for over 20 years, retiring in 2008.

Since leaving his federal position, Zinke has worked as a contractor for private companies, including ConocoPhillips, Cyber Range Solutions and JVL Enterprises of Dallas.

This biography was compiled with information from the secretary of state’s records, national news articles and reporting by KTVH on Zinke’s 2022 financial disclosure.

L O CA L

9 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

POLLING LOCATIONS Povah Community Center – 10 Geyser St. in West Yellowstone (Gallatin) Big Sky Water & Sewer District Office – 561 Little Coyote Rd. in Big Sky (Gallatin) Gallatin Gateway Community Center – 145 Mill St. in Gallatin Gateway (Gallatin)

Ennis Rural Fire Hall – 5035 U.S. Highway 287 N in Ennis (Madison) Ennis Town Hall – 328 W Main Street in Ennis (Madison)

MONTANA SUPREME COURT (SEAT 1, NON-PARTISAN) Bill D’Alton Bill D’Alton, 59, is a Billings-based attorney who has practiced law in Montana for more than 20 years.

He represents both plaintiffs and defendants at D’Alton Law Firm P.C. According to his professional website, D’Alton has tried jury cases in several

types of Montana courts. He has also appealed cases before the Montana Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

D’Alton earned his law degree from the University of Montana and was admitted to the State Bar of Montana in 1995.

D’Alton has said that, if elected, he plans to serve only one eight-year term, which he says will help him maintain independence as a jurist.

This biography is based on campaign materials and interviews with D’Alton.

Jim Rice Jim Rice, 64, is the court’s longestserving current member, having served as a justice since 2001. He was appointed to his seat in 2001 by

Republican Gov. Judy Martz, and won reelection in 2002, 2006 and 2014.

University of Montana School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Montana in 1982.

Before becoming a justice, Rice was an attorney in private practice and a three-time Republican legislator representing East Helena. He graduated from the

This biography is based on campaign materials and interviews with Rice.

MONTANA SUPREME COURT (SEAT 2) James Brown James Brown, 51, from Dillon, has operated his private practice law firm in Helena since 2012. He is also the current chairman of the Public Service Commission, which he campaigned for in 2020.

Brown served as legal counsel for the Montana Republican Party from 2009 to 2015 and has continued to represent the GOP in recent cases. In that time period he also represented American Tradition Partnership, a conservative political organization.

Brown earned his J.D. from Seattle University in 2004.

He was admitted to the State Bar of Montana in 2007.

This biography is based on campaign materials and interviews with Brown.

Ingrid Gustafson Gustafson, 60, has served on the Montana Supreme Court since 2017, when she was appointed by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock. She won reelection in 2018.

Prior to joining the state’s high court, Gustafson served as a district court judge in Yellowstone County for 14 years, a position to which she was appointed by Republican Gov. Judy Martz in 2004. While on the bench in Yellowstone County, Gustafson started a felony drug treatment court and a pilot court to expedite and improve outcomes in child neglect cases.

Gustafson received her law degree from the University of Montana and was admitted to the State Bar of Montana in 1988.

Mike McMahon Mike McMahon, 57, of Helena, has been on the bench as a district court judge serving Lewis and Clark and Broadwater counties since 2016. In recent years, McMahon has taken over

the handing of adult cases in family court for the district.

Prior to that, McMahon practiced as a civil defense attorney, representing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana in insurance disputes and doctors and attorneys facing malpractice lawsuits.

in North Dakota, he was admitted to the State Bar of Montana in 1992 and returned to Helena to continue practicing in 1996.

McMahon graduated from the Gonzaga University School of Law in 1991. After starting his legal career

This biography is based on campaign materials and interviews with Gustafson. interviews with McMahon.

This biography is based on campaign materials and interviews with McMahon.

MONTANA HOUSE DISTRICT 64 (DEMOCRAT)

Editor’s Note: Michelle Vered will also appear as a candidate for Montana House District 64 on the Democratic ballot. Vered could not be reached by EBS press time.

Alanah Griffith Alanah Griffith was born and raised in Four Corners outside of Bozeman.

She currently practices contract and real estate law with Griffith and Cummings, PC in Big Sky. She lives in Big Sky with her husband and son.

Why are you running?

The reason that I am running for HD 64 is to bring common sense and decency back to our government.

Growing up in Four Corners, Montana, I saw first-

hand how Montanans were proud of our ability to find common ground on difficult issues. We elected legislators that reached across the aisle to find working solutions for the challenges facing our communities.

I will put those teachings and my experience as an attorney to use for my neighbors. I will focus on the issues facing all Montanans, like affordable housing, access to justice, healthcare and expanding access to our public lands.

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

During my 20-year legal career, I have worked tirelessly

to help small businesses thrive, keep access open to public lands and to ensure that neighborhoods have common sense rules in place protect property values and promote safety. I bring diverse interests to the table to work out real solutions to their issues. By electing me, you can put my skills to use for you. I will create real legislation that actually addresses issues like affordable housing and get laws passed by using my hard-won negotiation skills. In short, you are electing an experienced advocate to represent you in Helena.

10 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

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Explore Big Sky

MADISON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 (NON-PARTISAN) Kristy Wright Ranson Kristy Wright Ranson is a native Montanan, local business owner, Ennis town government leader and mother.

Why are you running?

Born in Montana, I was raised in a ranching family, with a strong work ethic, and a love of riding horses. Being an owner of multiple businesses in Madison County and having Bill Todd Bill Todd is the chief technology officer and co-founder of an application that enables political committees to file electronic reports with the Federal Electronic Commission. He lives in Ennis.

Why are you running?

I was asked by a friend and local business leader to run for county commissioner and have answered the call of public service. I believe that the time is right Brian Conklin Brian holds an MBA in economic development and recently retired as a U.S. diplomat after serving the U.S. on the front lines for more than 20 years.

His wife, Dawn, leads the Madison Valley Medical Center Foundation. He has three kids.

Why are you running?

I have spent my career in service to my country and community. Madison County is at critical cross-road. As the population booms there is pressure on infrastructure,

lived in multiple locations throughout the southwest US, it was Ennis where I choose to raise my daughter.

I understand first-hand the issues facing our citizens; workforce housing, road and bridge maintenance, income inequality, medical services, as well as growth and infrastructure demands.

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

I feel the experiences and perspective I have gained, will for Madison County to transition its leadership to a professional model instead of a part-time pursuit. Along those lines, I already attend all regular commission meetings and upon assuming office, commissioner will be my full-time occupation to avoid conflicts of interest.

The next five years are crucial to the long-term health of the county and I know that I’m the right man for the job.

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

I am a husband, an outdoorsman, a conservative and a college athlete. In 2012, I co-founded an accounting housing, school and healthcare and our unique, smalltown way of life. Businesses are struggling to find and house employees and we [are] having challenges recruiting and keeping county staff. Also critical is maintaining access to our public lands and streams.

It’s time for serious and qualified leadership to bring people together to tackle these challenges. I am the only candidate with the experience in managing public services and working with key stakeholders to find creative solutions to address these issues.

help me work with my fellow commissioners to represent all the citizens of Madison County. I am prepared to dedicate my time and energy into representing both sides of District 3 not just the Ennis side. As your Commissioner, I feel strongly positioned to preserve the core values of the citizens of Madison County as we move forward together into the future.

software company and serve as chief technology officer and secretary of our board of directors. I have extensive experience in managing contracts, engaging in difficult negotiations and overseeing civil litigation. I believe in low taxes and small effective government. My technical background is unmatched by any other candidate and I intend to use those skills in modernizing county operations. I represent four generations of family within Madison County and my dedication to success in this position is total, unwavering, and guaranteed.

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

I’m committed to bringing transparent leadership to the county—leadership that supports our dedicated county employees, encourages open and respectful conversations with all constituents and ensures your voice will be heard.

I am a hands-on manager and will be working full-time, listening to your concerns, building relationships and working with you to find solutions. More than any other candidate, I bring the experience, leadership and strategic planning skills to professionalize and equip our county to tackle the challenges ahead.

MADISON COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE (NON-PARTISAN) Marc Glines Marc Glines and has lived in Madison County since 1989. He has served on several boards, and his wife, Brenda, has been a schoolteacher in Ennis for 30 years.

Why are you running?

Madison County needs a fair, compassionate and dedicated justice of the peace. I am that person.

Jordan Allhands Jordan Allhands has lived in Madison County for 20 years. She and her husband and their two kids reside in the Ruby Valley, where her husband also owns a business.

which is of the utmost importance. I am dedicated, strong, impartial and intelligent and wish to use those qualities in a position I am passionate about. After my employment in this office, I know the importance of the laws of our great state and hope to do a part in upholding them. Serving Madison County in this capacity would be a great honor.

Why are you running?

My respect for the justice system has given me the ambition to sit as justice of the peace. I want to be able to give the residents of Madison County an impartial Justice Court while following Montana Code Annotated,

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

My wife and I moved to Madison County in 1989 and raised two children here. I have been actively involved in the community from starting an outdoor program

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

I was employed by Madison County serving seven years in the Justice Court. I was the substitute judge

involving K-6 children that saw students from Sheridan, Harrison, Ennis and Cardwell called Discovery Days to being a CPR-first aid instructor for 30 years. I was a Montana state game warden for 20 years, director of security for Moonlight Basin for four years. I went to undergraduate and graduate school at Michigan State University, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and Justice of the Peace for Madison County since March.

and conducted bail hearings (misdemeanor and felony), sentencing, omnibus hearings and pre-trial conferences.

I have extensive knowledge of the duties in the Justice Court office, including finances/budget, filings, Full Court software and scheduling. Additionally, I have knowledge of criminal and civil law within Justice Court jurisdiction, pertinent to the position. I hold the duties of the court to high standards and will be dedicated to my job. I am confident in my experience and aptitude to sit as Madison County’s next justice of the peace and would be proud to serve its residents.

GALLATIN COUNTY ATTORNEY (DEMOCRAT) Bjorn Boyer Bjorn Boyer grew up on a cattle ranch in eastern Oregon and graduated from University of Oregon Law School in 2013. Boyer’s spouse, Shayla, is a Montana native and surgical technologist at Bozeman Health.

Why are you running?

For over seven years, I have served the citizens of Gallatin County as a deputy county attorney. I am a

proven prosecutor and want to continue to represent crime victims. I also have fresh ideas to effectively move the office into the future, protect the public by aggressively prosecuting violent and sexual crime, and reducing recidivism by implementing new programs to rehabilitate those in the criminal justice system due to addiction and mental health issues.

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

I have the experience to lead the County Attorney’s

Office. I have prosecuted all types of cases, ranging from DUI to sexual assault to homicides. I have been in the court room advocating for crime victims routinely over the last seven years. Court room advocacy experience is a qualification that the next county attorney must have.

I also have new ideas to decrease recidivism in Gallatin County. If elected, I will work to establish a mental health treatment court as well as a diversion program for low-level offenders. Such programs will address the root causes of crime to ensure that offenders can become productive members of society.

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11 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Audrey Cromwell Audrey Cromwell was raised in Billings and attended law school at the University of Montana. Cromwell is a mom and her husband, Charlie, is a U.S. Army veteran. She founded her Cromwell Law in 2011.

Why are you running?

The county attorney leads a large team of criminal and civil lawyers, advises county departments and sets policy for criminal justice enforcement and reform. While the county attorney must have an exceptional grasp of

criminal law, she must also possess the ability to build consensus among community stakeholders, implement complex civil and criminal justice policies and provide balanced legal advice to county officials.

I am running for county attorney because our county’s criminal justice and mental health systems need smart reform. My proven leadership will keep our community safe, wisely invest our taxpayer dollars and tackle the tough issues.

Why should voters elect you to advance to the general election?

Explore Big Sky

I’m the only candidate with experience in every legal aspect of criminal justice, having served the public as a judge pro tem, public defender, legal aid attorney, prosecutor and private defense attorney. I’ve represented thousands of people throughout my career, prosecuted and defended people in jury trials, overseen hearings as a judge and worked with law enforcement to keep our community safe. It’s time for a change in the County Attorney’s Office—not more of the same. I ask you to vote for proven leadership. Vote Audrey Cromwell for Gallatin’s next county attorney.

BALLOT ISSUES (ALL GALLATIN COUNTY BALLOTS) ​​Gallatin County voters will be asked to decide on two local-option marijuana taxes as part of this year’s primary election ballot including a 3 percent local-option sales tax on all non-medical (recreational) marijuana products sold in Gallatin County; and a 3 percent local-option sales tax on all medical marijuana products sold in Gallatin County.

In November 2020, Montana voters passed Initiative Measure 190, which allowed for the operation of various categories of marijuana businesses and taxation of marijuana retail sales in Montana counties in which a majority of voters approved the initiative. The initiative passed in Gallatin County with 65.6 percent of the vote.

State law does not allow county governments to impose similar taxes on any other product. The state already imposes at 20 percent tax on recreational marijuana and a 4 percent tax on medical marijuana.

“This is a really unique, brand-new feature in state law and that’s the reason we have this opportunity to even put this question in front of the voters,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown. “We’re not making this decision on behalf of the voters. The voters get to weigh in.”

If voters in an eligible county pass a local-option marijuana tax, 50 percent of the tax must be retained by the county, 45 percent apportioned to the cities

and towns in the county based on population, and the remaining 5 percent given to the Montana Department of Revenue to defray state costs associated with the tax.

State law allows counties or cities and towns that receive local-option sales tax revenue for any activity, undertaking or administrative service authorized by law, including costs resulting from the imposition of the tax.

If passed, the local-option taxes would go into effect on Oct. 1, 2022. Gallatin County Commissioners say that, if passed, they will use the county’s portion of the local taxes to fund mental health services.

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12 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

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Explore Big Sky

NATIONAL PROGRAM WILL SUPPORT BIG SKY WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS EXPERTS TO ADVISE EVACUATION PLAN

BY GABRIELLE GASSER BIG SKY – As concern over Big Sky’s preparedness for wildfires continues to smolder, local partners are taking advantage of a national wildfire planning program that will help guide efforts to develop an evacuation plan and other preventative measures.

The Big Sky Fire Department with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky applied to the national Community Wildfire Planning Assistance Program which provides Big Sky with access to a wide variety of experts who will provide recommendations and support local projects.

The two main projects stakeholders will focus on are: evacuation planning and modeling and communication strategies.

“I just feel really fortunate that Big Sky was able to qualify to get involved in this program,” said Brad Niva, CEO of the chamber.

CPAW, a program of Bozeman-based nonprofit Headwaters Economics, focuses on wildfire mitigation and public safety in the wildland-urban interface, according to Program Manager Doug Green. He added that CPAW recognizes fire is a natural part of the ecosystem, and the program’s goal is to prepare a community to weather that inevitability with minimal casualties.

“The CPAW team is excited to work with the Big Sky community,” Green wrote in an email to EBS. “We understand that there are tremendous challenges and risks to Big Sky. We also see the commitment and dedication the leadership and community of Big Sky possess and feel optimistic that we can decrease the wildfire risks to Big Sky and make it a more wildfire adapted and safer community for not only the residen[ts], but also for the visitors.”

BSFD Deputy Fire Chief Dustin Tetrault said he’s applied for this program three times in the past and received a small amount of assistance. This year, however, when the fire department applied jointly with the chamber and VBS, Tetrault said Big Sky’s focus on evacuation planning and education aligned well with CPAW’s goals.

BSFD installed a new fire danger sign up at Station #2 on the mountain. PHOTO COURTESY OF DUSTIN TETRAULT

“We’re just really excited,” Tetrault said. “This [program] is going to give us that extra horsepower to be able to get some of these big, low hanging fruit projects that are really going to be beneficial to the community, done.”

The fire department, the chamber and VBS will be working in tandem with CPAW on the two main priorities as well as a variety of smaller projects such as creating a best-practices manual for building in Big Sky. VBS is currently updating the wayfinding signage around Big Sky which includes adding information on evacuation routes for visitors, according to Niva.

“I just think it’s a really important thing that we start to look at how we communicate with our visitors and making sure that they have the resources to escape Big Sky if we had a fire,” Niva said.

During the summer on an average night, Niva said Big Sky hosts well over 15,000 people. He suggested residents would likely know where to go in an emergency, but visitors need to be educated.

This effort to communicate with visitors dovetails nicely with a shift that VBS is making to focus more on destination management rather than marketing.

“The chamber and Visit Big Sky are concerned about our visitors and our visitor economy,” Niva said. “This is where we should be working now.

[Wildfire is] the number one threat to our tourism industry in the summertime and to our residents.”

While the chamber and VBS can contact and educate tourists in the case of an emergency, the fire department’s focus will be defining evacuation routes and plans that can be shared with residents and visitors alike with help from contractors and experts.

“Evacuation concerns and wildfires is on the forefront of everybody’s mind,” Tetrault said. “They [were] identified in our community risk assessment as the No. 1 thing as well. There’s just so many projects that go along with that to try and reduce the risk of the community or maybe reduce the impacts to the community.”

Tetrault said the most important thing is for residents to sign up for the county’s mass notification system, Everbridge, and to follow relevant social media channels, like the Gallatin County Sheriff ’s Office, for the most up-to-date information.

CPAW started work with Big Sky on May 1 and Green said he expects the projects to continue at least into 2023.

Four other communities will be working with CPAW in 2022 including Estes Park and Grand County, Colorado as well as Woodside and Portola Valley, California.

Big Sky Fire Department participates in a tabletop evacuation exercise in 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF DUSTIN TETRAULT

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14 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

Explore Big Sky

BIG SKY EVENT OFFERS STORYTELLING TO DESTIGMATIZE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Q&A: MEILYN ORDAZ REVETE

BY BELLA BUTLER BIG SKY – The power of storytelling will bring healing, transparency and light to Big Sky at Bozeman-based nonprofit Haven’s End the Silence event on June 2. This will be the first event hosted in Big Sky by Haven, an organization that offers support, legal services, counseling and shelter for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking and stalking.

End the Silence offers survivors the opportunity to explore and workshop their personal story in a cohort for eight to 10 weeks. This experience culminates in an event, where survivors have an opportunity to share their story.

EBS sat down with Haven’s prevention coordinator, Meilyn Ordaz Revete, ahead of the Big Sky event to discuss stigma around domestic violence, the power of story and Haven’s engagement in the Big Sky community.

End the Silence will take place at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center in Big Sky on June 2 at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The following Q&A has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Explore Big Sky: Tell me about the stigma and culture of silence related to domestic violence. What are the implications?

Meilyn Ordaz Revete: There can definitely be a lot of stigma surrounding domestic violence in general … A lot of the times we see people not wanting

to disclose. Just a lot of stigma, just in terms of ‘will people believe me? Is this something that if I reach out to support will someone be there for me?’

Bottom line, it could be anyone and it could happen anywhere. And any person can cause harm as well.”

EBS: Haven serves the greater Gallatin County area, including Big Sky. What are stigmas or challenges related to domestic violence that might be unique to the Big Sky community?

M.O.R.: Stigma for domestic violence just in general is really big. There can be institutional barriers, there can be personal barriers, there can be so many different barriers for each different person.

And so it really comes down to each individual … For example, we could be going through the same exact situation, but we’re kind of focusing on different ideas or different things are affecting us differently … Whether it’s in Big Sky or just in Bozeman or Belgrade or Livingston, Montana, the whole world, there is generally some stigma associated with domestic violence.

EBS: Haven’s End the Silence series aims to use story as a mechanism to deconstruct that stigma and culture of silence. Tell me about how this works.

M.O.R.: Really, we just believe in the power of story sharing, to bring and shed some light onto these situations. Just kind of highlighting that there is light, or there can be light, but we just have to share it … The more examples we’re able to provide, the more information we’re able to put out, the more equipped communities become, the more aware we become as well. Sometimes it’s about providing examples. So a lot of what we talk about [at Haven] can be very broad. And sometimes there

is that missing connection piece of when you have a face and a story … Yes, it is happening all over the place. But it’s also a lot closer to home than you think … It’s definitely a two-fold situation. I have heard that it is very liberating to share stories.

And so from a speaker or writer perspective as well it can be very healing in and of itself, to get to share stories.

EBS: The June 2 End the Silence event will be Haven’s first event in Big Sky. What do you hope to achieve?

M.O.R.: It’s kind of bringing it back to ensuring that folks in Big Sky know that we are here, we are available, that we’re here for them. Really just trying to create those connections with the Big Sky community so that folks know that we’re here, know that there’s support, know that they don’t have to go through things on their own. We’re right next door, but sometimes it can be whole worlds apart. So just ensuring that folks know that they’re not alone. And that we’re here, we’ve got services, there’s support.

EBS: What long-term goals does Haven have for engaging in the Big Sky community?

Meilyn Ordaz Revete, Haven’s prevention coordinator, speaks at the nonprofit’s storytelling event in Bozeman in December of 2021.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAVEN

M.O.R.: In terms of long-term goals, I know we have an additional workshop that we will be advertising at the June 2 event, it’s a healing workshop … We’re also planning on having a service provider workshop … And really just trying to create connections is the biggest piece. We’re just trying to, again, just create connections with folks in Big Sky. So whether that’s through service providers, whether it’s community members, but really just trying to make sure that folks know that we’re here is the biggest long-term goal. We just want Big Sky to know that we’re here for them.

15 May 19 - June 1, 2022

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Explore Big Sky

LPHS SENIOR NAMED US PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR Chadwell’s busy career as a student at LPHS saw him attend American Legion Boys State and Nation, participate in the mock trial team, act in school musicals and play on the varsity basketball team, among other activities.

BY GABRIELLE GASSER BIG SKY – Out of more than 5,000 candidates, Lone Peak High School senior John Chadwell was selected on May 12 to join an elite group of students as a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Every scholar is asked to name their most influential teacher and each teacher is honored with a personal letter from the secretary of education.

Chadwell named Tony Coppola, middle and high school social studies teacher, as his most influential teacher.

Chadwell is one of 161 high school seniors chosen this year and one of three scholars from Montana.

Brooke Janyne Bothner of Bozeman High School and Ashton Reed Blake of Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls were also named to the prestigious group.

“I’m extremely humbled and it’s an honor,” Coppola said. He described the 18-year-old as a hardworking student who was genuinely interested in coursework and “very intellectually curious.”

Scholars are selected based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals, according to a U.S. Department of Education press release.

“I am truly grateful for the scholarship and its acknowledgement of my scholastic endeavors,” Chadwell said. “Further, I am also grateful to all those who have helped me along the way. For God, my parents, teachers, my friends, community members, and many more, I am grateful.”

Coppola added that Chadwell is deserving of the honor and pointed to his standout academic performance, community service and involvement in extracurricular activities as further qualifications.

“He’s going to be on a path for great things,” Coppola said. “It’ll be cool to see what he does with his academics outside of high school moving into that university level.”

John Chadwell was named a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar on May 12. PHOTO BY PAUL BUSSI

Chadwell plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall to study political science.

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17 May 19 - June 1, 2022

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LONE PEAK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE

BY GUS HAMMOND EBS CONTRIBUTOR

BIG SKY – Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there has been a domestic blood shortage in the United States including rural hospitals in Montana and Wyoming.

On May 31, Lone Peak High School, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host its first blood drive in three years to do its part in alleviating this shortage.

“We are doing this because there is a massive blood shortage throughout all of Montana,” said Student Council President Luke Kirchmayr, who helped organize the event. The current shortage is the worst in over a decade, according to the Red Cross, which calls the situation a “national blood crisis” on its website.

“Since this is normally a tradition for us, we are attempting to re-establish our relationship with the Red Cross so we can contribute to the greater area of Big Sky,” Kirchmayr said.

LPHS Student Council is renewing its longstanding tradition of holding blood drives and doing its part to help address the national shortage on a local scale.

The blood drive will be held at LPHS in the Bough-Dolan Athletic Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 31. Visit redcrossblood.org to sign up for a donation time or visit the front office at LPHS for a form.

The most common donation collects approximately a pint of blood and usually takes about an hour.

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19 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

BUSINESS

NEW MED RESTAURANT BRINGS FRESH CUISINE, COCKTAILS TO BIG SKY

BY TUCKER HARRIS BIG SKY – A platter full of colorful, fresh vegetables, falafel and sauces appears too beautiful to ruin with my large appetite. The sun is shining through the second-story window at The Independent, further highlighting the selection of bites. The phone eats first, they say, and the Med Platter is the perfect plate photo opportunity.

Perch, the new restaurant on the second floor of The Independent officially opened May 18 for service from 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

With a local and healthy Mediterranean-inspired menu curated by Ousel and Spur’s Jen Ketteridge and Head Chef Alec Storer, Perch will offer quick, refreshing appetizers and meals for passersby through Town Center, movie attendees and guests of the many events curated daily at The Independent, which General Manager Ruth White calls a “community hub for entertainment.”

Ketteridge from Ousel and Spur Pizza Co. has partnered with White, general manager at The Independent, to expand her culinary operations upstairs from the pizza and pasta restaurant.

“Mediterranean food is naturally gluten free and vegan so it hits those people that can’t have those options downstairs at a pizza shop,” Ketteridge explains.

Mediterranean was an easy choice for Ketteridge.

“I love this food,” she says as I dive into the rainbow platter full of rich flavors. “I think anything driven

with lots of herbs creates just really good flavors.

The food speaks for itself: It’s nothing’s really fully processed, everything’s made from scratch and it’s so good.”

The foundation of the menu was aimed at offering something different, new and diet-friendly this summer in Big Sky, Ketteridge said. After the warner months pass, she said they may look to heavier and warmer food options.

White and her team at The Independent will be running the upstairs bar. The bar’s summer season theme will be “citrus,” while highlighting a tropical mountain flare, according to Zachary Lowenstein, co-head bartender for The Independent.

Lowenstein served me a delicious citrus-heavy cocktail that looked as appetizing as it tasted.

The Silver Monk features tequila, yellow chartreuse, lime, cucumber and mint—refreshing on a hot summer day. Another specialty cocktail, Shipwrecked in Montana, is made with dark rum, lillet (a fortified white wine, he informed me), lime, lavender syrup and oregat served in a large Tiki glass and topped with a tiny tropical umbrella.

“Downstairs is a little more like classic bar in a sense that it’s what people are used to—focusing on the classics and with Montana twists,” White said.

“Up here, it’s always going to be our place to be a little more inventive and creative. So, if you want to step out of your comfort zone, I suggest you come to the bar upstairs.”

The upstairs bar will rotate themes each summer and winter season.

All food orders can be placed at either of the bars or at the register upstairs. Cuisine is served on packaged-to-travel trays with disposable cutlery for convenience as patrons move about the different areas and offerings at The Independent.

The name “Perch” was inspired by the restaurant’s location that includes some of the best restaurant views in Town Center looking out over Yellow Mountain and the Spanish Peaks.

“We’re perched up here on the second level,” Ketteridge said. “[The name] brings in the Ousel bird logo which kind of notates that we’re connected.”

The menu offers a wide range of food options including spicy lemon and cilantro shrimp skewers, quinoa tabbouleh packed with parsley and mint flavors, crispy garlic fries served with harissa ketchup, a yogurt-marinated chicken entrée, and Ketteridge’s favorite: a local 406 beef burger with harissa ketchup and a toum-toasted bun to pull in Mediterranean flavors.

In mid-June, The Independent will be expanding once more, offering patio seating and a walkup bar outside. Guests can order local beer and wines, as well as a special frosé and frozen huckleberry lemonade to keep cool in the summer months.

Food orders must be placed inside but you can bring it outside to the patio to enjoy in the sunshine.

Visit theindependentmt.com/dining for more information.

The Med Platter is a colorful array of bites available on Perch's menu. PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

The Silver Monk is one of the many citrus-focused cocktails available at the upstairs bar at The Independent. PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

The Skewered Shrimp highlights lemon, cilantro and spice flavors. PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

Zachary Lowenstein, co-head bartender, serves a Shipwrecked in Montana cocktail. PHOTO BY TUCKER HARRIS

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20 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

Explore Big Sky

Want your piece of the 406 this winter?

Talk to the Evertz Team!

Brett Evertz

bevertz@oppbank.com 406.629.0132 NMLS #523473

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BUSINESS

21 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

MAKING IT IN BIG SKY: MOUNTAIN HOME TECHNOLOGY

BY MIRA BRODY BIG SKY – If there’s one common theme amongst the Making it in Big Sky series, it seems to be business owners’ positive expressions on the overwhelming support of the Big Sky community.

Lee Shaler, journeyman electrician and co-owner at Mountain Home Technology, is no exception to vocalizing these praises.

Shaler did not hesitate to take an interview with the electric wiring service company while on vacation with his then-girlfriend (now wife) back in February of 2008, and they moved here shortly after. He now co-owns Mountain Home Technology alongside Mark Tedsen and together they have been adapting to the area’s construction demands with their solid team of nine employees.

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: I’d like to start with a little background information on you. When did you arrive in Big Sky and what brought you here?

Lee Shaler: I arrived in Big Sky in February of 2008. My wife (girlfriend at the time), and I had come out on vacation about a couple weeks prior to visit family and check out the area. The economy had already taken a huge hit back in Michigan, and I was curious to what the job outlook looked like here in Montana. My uncle Jim [ Jim Anderson, former owner of Anderson Enterprises] had set up an interview for me at Mountain Home Technology while we were here on vacation.

Right then and there I was offered a position as an apprentice electrician for Mountain Home Technology. When I asked how soon do you need me, I was told tomorrow! Needless to say I asked for two weeks, went back to Michigan, loaded up my stuff and moved to Montana.

EBS: Tell me about the history of Mountain Home Technology. When did it first open? How/when did you become involved?

L.S.: Mountain Home Technology first opened its doors on Feb. 15, 2003. It was originally started as an integration company, and through the years has found itself more as an electrical contracting company.

“

… thank you so much for the continued support of local businesses like Mountain Home Technology throughout the years. In an area that feels like it’s growing and changing so much from year to year, Big Sky seems to have this uncanny ability to hang onto its small-town glamour.

”

– Lee Shaler, co-owner, Mountain Home Technology After high school I pursued a college education as an electronics technician and realized after a year that the work environment wasn’t really suited for me. I had always done excavation work and enjoyed doing it. I figured the perfect blend of careers to me at that point would be to become a construction electrician. After about four and a half years [with Mountain Home Technology] I took the journeyman exam and received my journeyman

electrician license. From there I was the lead electrician in the field for a few years at Mountain Home. At about this point I was approached by Mark Tedsen (owner at Mountain Home) to see if I would be interested in owning the company one day. I was slightly hesitant at first since I was raised in a family-owned business, but after taking that first step I haven’t looked back. Mark and I have successfully been working on the succession since, and it’s been a blast.

EBS: With the growth of Big Sky, how have you grown over the years to meet need?

L.S.: I’ve had to add a couple employees here and there to keep up with the demand. Luckily the people in Big Sky are generally patient and willing to wait for services if it’s not an emergency.

EBS: Tell me about the different services offered by Mountain Home Technology.

L.S.: Mountain Home offers residential, commercial and industrial wiring services from new construction to remodels and service calls. We sell and install Briggs & Stratton standby generators, Lutron lighting systems, SONOS, etc.

EBS: What is the best part of working at Mountain Home Technology?

L.S.: I feel the best part of working at Mountain Home is the relationships I’ve grown and established with customers/coworkers.

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

L.S.: This one applies to a few different aspects of what I do, but by far my favorite: “It’s always better to be looking at it, than looking for it.”

Lee Shaler, journeyman electrician and co-owner at Mountain Home Technology took the interview for his job as apprentice while on vacation in Big Sky in 2008 and has lived here ever since.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE SHALER

EBS: Anything else you would like to tell the Big Sky community?

L.S.: I would love to tell the people of Big Sky thank you so much for the continued support of local businesses like Mountain Home Technology throughout the years. In an area that feels like it’s growing and changing so much from year to year, Big Sky seems to have this uncanny ability to hang onto its small-town glamour. You stay classy Big Sky!

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23 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

OP NEWS

WILDLANDS FESTIVAL PLEDGES DONATIONS TO AREA CONSERVATION GROUPS

OUTLAW PARTNERS WILL GIVE BACK TO BIG SKY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, GALLATIN RIVER TASK FORCE AND GALLATIN VALLEY LAND TRUST OUTLAW PARTNERS BIG SKY – Outlaw Partners, producer of this summer’s Wildlands Festival, is proud to announce that it will be donating a portion of proceeds from the event to three southwest Montana nonprofits, all of which focus on stewardship of the scenic and natural gems that surround Big Sky and Bozeman. The selected nonprofits share the same ethos as the Wildlands Festival and its goal to bring attention to the wild and open spaces that surround the community in southwest Montana.

Outlaw Partners has chosen Big Sky Community Organization, Gallatin River Task Force and Gallatin Valley Land Trust as the three nonprofit beneficiaries for this year’s Wildlands Festival.

“Protection of the natural resources in southwest Montana is of paramount importance and we are using the Wildlands platform to help create awareness and raise money for the groups and causes that are doing vital conservation work,” said Eric Ladd, co-founder of Outlaw Partners. “The Wildlands Festival will be an event to celebrate incredible musicians in one of the finest music settings in the Rockies, and also a moment to create

a collective focus on preserving this incredible landscape in which we are all lucky to live, work and play.”

With the widespread real estate and commercial development that is taking place in southwest Montana, it’s important that residents take pause and make commitments to events and causes that will help protect and preserve the surrounding natural resources for this generation and others to follow.

Outlaw Partners announced that it will offer a limited number of Champion of Conservation tickets to the event. These tickets, priced at $2,000, offer admittance to both nights of music in a special reserved area that provides the best view of the stage in the entire venue, access to VIP bars and food service and a special gift. Fifty percent of the ticket price will be donated directly to the nonprofit beneficiaries.

“These tickets are for individuals who are extremely committed to and passionate about conserving the wild and scenic places that surround us in Southwest Montana,” Ladd said. "They can feel good about attending a night of Grammy award-

winning music while knowing that they’re also giving back to our local rivers and open spaces.”

Additionally, $5 from every general admission or VIP ticket sold will be donated to the event’s beneficiaries.

“One of BSCO’s priorities is to protect open and green space in Big Sky while advancing our mission of providing year-round recreation to residents and visitors,” said Whitney Montgomery, CEO at BSCO. “The natural environment in Big Sky needs to be protected for generations to come. We’re honored to be a part of the Wildlands Festival to help promote our message.”

“Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re just visiting for a weekend music festival, it’s easy to get lost in the natural grandeur of the town under the Big Sky,” said Chet Work, executive director at GVLT. “In some way, we all came here because of the unique recreation opportunities and natural resources of this special place. By attending Wildlands Festival and supporting conservation efforts and organizations like ours, ensures that these most attractive qualities of Big Sky will last for future generations to enjoy.”

“When we find the connection to the places we love, we are more often likely to support the initiatives and efforts that are required to keep them healthy, accessible, and maintained into the future,” said Kristin Gardiner, a long time Big Sky resident and chief executive and science officer at GRTF. “As a community, we have a responsibility to make that connection for ourselves, and for the people who visit. Wildlands Festival will bring together a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about protecting our local waters and open lands.”

Gardiner, Montgomery, Work and their teams are all honored to be a part of the Wildlands Festival, its charitable ethos and the community that supports their efforts.

The Wildlands Festival will take place Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Big Sky Events Arena, an iconic outdoor venue that sits beneath the famed backdrop of 11,166-foot Lone Mountain. This exciting music event will bring people together who have a mutual love for wild and scenic lands, outdoor recreation, parks, trails and the enjoyment of what makes this part of the world special.

Gallatin Valley Land Trust is one of three beneficiaries of the Wildlands Festival’s devotion to supporting local conservation efforts. PHOTO COURTESY OF GVLT

The lineup includes six-time Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter, performer, producer and New York Times Best Selling author Brandi Carlile; Grammy-winning and 15-million-recordselling duo Indigo Girls; Outlaw Partners’ friend, music legend and Grammy-winning artist Lukas Nelson & POTR; and four-time Grammy award winner and past Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum artist in residence Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

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25 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

A&E ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEAUTIFUL IMPERMANENCE

WIND AND THE WILLOWS RELEASES FINAL ALBUM BEFORE PARTING WAYS

BY BELLA BUTLER BOZEMAN – The paradoxical story of young adulthood is that of heartbreak and opportunity, dreams and transitions, blooming and wilting.

Impermanence is the thesis of youth, and it is appropriately that of the vernal band Wind and the Willows’ final triumphant album, “Chamomile & Kerosine.”

After rising from coffee shop performances to regional celebrity in the five years since its formation, the Bozeman folk band is facing such impermanence as each of the five 20-somethings and one 30-yearold find themselves churning in a different cycle of life. Their third and farewell album is their parting gift to the world, they say, all in one a vulnerable reflection on the trials and tribulations of youth and a celebration of an internal bond fused by sound.

They tell me about “Chamomile & Kerosine” over a Zoom call on May 17. Last time I met them to discuss their second album, “Ode to Shady Grove” in 2020, we were together in Jereco Studios in Bozeman’s northeast neighborhood. It feels somberly fitting that this time, while talking about the out-of-state moves, new jobs and engagements that are drawing them apart, we aren’t sharing a couch but instead a screen.

As an outsider, it feels like the beginning of the end.

“I think there is something beautiful … about ending something at its height,” said percussionist Sarah Budeski, who grew up in Bozeman. After graduating this spring, she’ll head to Nashville for a print-making summer internship.

The band released its first album, “Bloom and Fade,” in 2019. The debut composition is a love story told through the metaphor of blooming and wilting flowers, and in reflection, songwriter, mandolin player and vocalist Ryen Dalvit says her lyrics about falling in love for the first time feel more like a description of infatuation.

Now, Dalvit is engaged and her fiancé is an active duty officer in the military. That relationship has required more depth than what’s described in the tracks on “Bloom and Fade,” and often more consequential decisions.

The song “Gray and Green” explores Dalvit’s personal reckoning on if that relationship was worth it, knowing her fiancé would be deployed, knowing the sacrifices she would need to make. Throughout the entire track, Budeski performs a steady snare drum beat that places the listener in the ode’s true context.

The snare is one of several new percussion pieces Budeski was able to include on this album, alongside maintaining her traditional post at the djembe, a West African drum.

“Emotionally and lyrically, it’s just more of a complicated experience that I had never had before,” Dalvit said about the subjects of the new songs. “But it’s much more developed, both musically and from a life perspective this go around than it was when we first started.”

They all characterize the new album as “layered” and “textured,” and it certainly is. It would be impossible to listen to any song performed by the Wind and the Willows passively. You don’t listen to their music,

Wind and the Willows, a Bozeman-based band, performs at the Silver Dollar Bar in Jackson, Wyoming. The band will play a farewell show on May 26 in Bozeman at the Filling Station. PHOTO BY FLIP DALFANSO.

you inhabit it. Originally an eight-member group now down to six, the swell of trance-inducing vocals, nontraditional folk percussion and various strings surrounds you. This is entirely intentional, according to the band’s sound engineer for all three albums, Luke Scheeler.

“I know when I’m sitting here mixing the album, I almost want it to feel like … you’re getting hugged by the sound of this band, because it’s really immersive,” Scheeler said. “It kind of envelops you because there’s so many instruments, and so many layers of parts and counterparts that are happening all at once.”

The band members themselves describe their unique spin on folk “as if you were sitting in the clouds listening to it.” To say the least, it’s an experience.

The final album may, indeed, be the height of the band’s sound complexity, the group suggests.

“What struck me those years ago when I first started working with them is that they’re tremendous songwriters and very talented in all their respective instruments,” Scheeler said. “…Now [all] these years later, every album, the songwriting and a level of production just increases.”

Maren Stubenvoll, the band’s other vocalist and songwriter, tapped into some of her own emotional depth when penning tracks for “Chamomile & Kerosine.”

One good example, she says, is the song “Hot Air Balloon,” a love song in a nontraditional sense.

In a slithering, trance-inducing tone, Stubenvoll opens the song singing, “Take me on a hot air balloon ride.

I’ll fantasize about the fall.”

“When you listen to it,” she said, “you’re like, ‘Are you’re talking about jumping out of a hot air balloon, or is it a love song?’ And it’s both.”

In contrast from the dewy ballads of the first album, Stubenvoll said this song is about the beauty of being your most vulnerable, complete self in a relationship.

She says the song is equivalent to a sort of proclamation. “I’m not perfect,” she said. “I have depression and anxiety. And it’s part of me for the rest of my life. So, buckle up boy, we’re going on right together.”

The song is periodically punctuated by a line that touches on the complex reality of relationships and life that marks the band members’ self-proclaimed personal evolution since they started playing together: “Is there anything that’s more romantic than to wish to spend my darkest days with you?”

The title of the album itself, “Chamomile & Kerosine,” named for one of the tracks, is a metaphorical expression of that same complexity.

From Montana State University students playing jam sessions together to young adults navigating personal evolution and consequential decisions alongside one another, the album title is a picture of the polarizing beauty and intensity that is life.

Even over Zoom, the band members tear up talking about their brief but legendary time together. While reminiscing over sold-out shows, recording together and the group chat they say will never die, they’re the picture of that beautiful impermanence of youth; the flame that burns bright and brief.

They joke about reunion tours, and its clear if any band were to make it happen, it would be them. But mostly they’re just grateful; for the opportunity to make music, first for themselves, then for others, they say, and grateful for the chance to find community, as they told me years ago when I first met them, among other “misfits of folk.”

Wind and the Willows will play their final show on May 26 at the Filling Station in Bozeman.

A&E

26 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

ARTS COUNCIL KICKS OFF MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS JUNE 23 ARTS COUNCIL OF BIG SKY BIG SKY – The Arts Council of Big Sky is pleased to announce another incredible summer of Music in the Mountains at Center Stage in Len Hill Park in Big Sky. Starting on June 23 and ending on Sept. 8, there will be 15 free events, including 12 Thursday night concerts, the annual Fourth of July celebration, the 11th Annual Bravo! Big Sky Classical Music Festival and a performance from Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. All of these performances are free and open to the public.

“We’re excited for another summer of Music in the Mountains,” says Brian Hurlbut, the arts council’s executive director. “We think we have a great lineup and are looking forward to showcasing these artists to our audience.”

The popular series will again present a variety of genres to appeal to all tastes. From blues to classical, Americana to funk and soul, this summer will surely be another memorable one in Big Sky. The full schedule includes Satsang with special guests Cole and the Thornes on June 23; Fireside Collective on June 30; the Tiny Band on July 4; Jeffrey Foucault on July 7; New Orleans Suspects on July 14; Chancey Williams on July 21; Will Hoge on July 28; Southern Avenue on Aug. 4; Tommy Castro and the Painkillers on Aug. 11; Caitlin Krisko and the Broadcast on Aug. 18; The Nth Power with Jennifer Hartswick on Aug. 25; the Last Revel on Sept. 1; and Pinky and the Floyd to close out the season on Sept. 8.

In addition, the 11th Annual Bravo! Big Sky Music Festival, with special guests Abigail Kent and the Rhythm Future Quartet, will take place Aug. 5-6. A free performance of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will take place in the Town Center Plaza on Aug. 8, and the sixth annual Mountainfilm in Big Sky event caps the summer Sept. 9-11.

The family friendly events take place at Center Stage in Len Hill Park, one of the best outdoor venues in the state, right in the heart of Big Sky. The park opens at 6 p.m. each week, and there Pinky and the Floyd lights up the crowd at a past Music in the Mountains concert.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTS COUNCIL OF BIG SKY. will be food and beverage vendors including alcohol and a free arts activity tent for kids. Music designed to highlight the amazing talent we have typically starts at 6:30 p.m. with an opening band, right here in Montana. but check the arts council website for more details on these events.

In addition, the arts council is committed to making the concert series tobacco free. In These free community concerts have been a staple partnership with Bozeman Health and the Big Sky in Big Sky for nearly 15 years, and this summer Community Organization, this will be a focus of should add to a lengthy list of established artists making this event safe and accessible for everyone that have thrilled Big Sky audiences every week. by discouraging smoking.

New for this summer will be the Emerging Artist Series, presented by the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation, which will showcase a local or regional band as an opening act for each concert. This is

Visit bigskyarts.org for more information on the summer lineup and to check out what other events the Arts Council of Big Sky has planned.

STACY OSSORIO Broker, Private Office Advisor 406-539-8553 bigskybozemanrealestate.com stacy.ossorio@evrealestate.com

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Let me be your community connection. ©2021 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.E&OE. Published by REAL Marketing (REM) | www.REALMarketing4You.com | 858.254.9619

A&E

27 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR Thursday, May 19-Wednesday, June 1

If your event falls between June 2-15, please submit it by May 25 by emailing media@outlaw.partners.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship

Big Sky Christian Fellowship

Ousel Falls Trailhead, All Day

MONDAY, MAY 23

Monday, May 30, Memorial Day

Bear Talk: Bear Country Skills

Big Sky Chamber, May 23-29

THURSDAY, MAY 19

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

Ousel Falls Closed for Trail Repair, May 19-20

Membership Appreciation Week

BASE, 5:30 p.m.

Film: “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – Extended Version” The Independent, 7 p.m.

Live Music: DJ Swamp Moose

The Monk at Blue Buddha, 9:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 20 Craig Hall Trio Jazz Night The Independent, 8 p.m.

Live Music: Raise the Roof The Jump, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 TAP into Ennis Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival

Lion’s Club Park, Ennis, 12 p.m.

Film: “A River Runs Through It” The Ellen Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 24 Bozeman Teen Book Fest

Bozeman Public Library, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 Trivia Night

The Independent, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 26 Big Sky Serenity Seekers Al-Anon Meeting All Saints Chapel, 4 p.m.

Film: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – Extended Version” The Independent, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

Live Music: Martin Taylor & Bruce Forman The Independent, 7:30 p.m.

Live Music: Chandler Huntley The Independent, 8 p.m.

Live Music: Kayli Smith Tips Up, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 22

SATURDAY, MAY 28 Live Music: Peter King

The Independent, 8 p.m.

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

Memorial Day Parade

W. Main Street, 9:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 31 Living History Farm

Museum of the Rockies, 11 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 Trivia Night

The Independent, 7 p.m.

FEATURED EVENT: 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF ‘A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT’ AT THE ELLEN Robert Redford’s Oscar-winning classic, “A River Runs Through It” will return to The Ellen on Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m., 30 years after its world premiere at the very same theater. Starring Brad Pitt, Craig Sheffer and Tom Skerrit, the film won the 1993 Academy Award for “Best Cinematography” and sparked a surge in anglers, recreationalist and visitors to the Gallatin River to experience the cool flowing waters for themselves.

Live Music: Aaron Banfield Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Open House Art Party

Big Sky Barn Gallery, 2 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

All Saints in Big Sky

Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 29 St. Joseph’s Mass

Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

All Saints in Big Sky

Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

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29 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

ENVIRONMENT

2016 STUDY: BIG SKY’S GROUNDWATER HOLDING STEADY

BY GABRIELLE GASSER BIG SKY – A three-year assessment of Big Sky’s groundwater resources found that the water table remained relatively stable between 2013 and 2016 thanks to spring snowmelt recharging the system after peakseason pumping draws down the water.

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology report providing data on Big Sky’s hydrogeologic system and a groundwater model was just completed last month. The study, which will be used by local organizations to inform future decisions, identified five objectives which included summarizing the aquifers in Big Sky, developing a groundwater model and evaluating the potential for development of other groundwater sources.

The bureau gathered data during that three-year period for a study that was part of its Groundwater Investigation Program after the Gallatin River Task Force nominated the area for a study in 2012. The goal was to gain a picture of where Big Sky currently stands with water resources and to equip the community to plan for the future as more development increases demand.

“There’s not a great big aquifer here that you can draw hundreds of gallons of water a minute from,” said bureau

Hydrogeologist James Rose. “It’s much smaller aquifer sources, water sources, and they’re also broken up into small segments.”

Because of the complex geologic history of the Big Sky area, locating new water supply wells can be challenging amongst the various formations ranging from shale, which holds very little water, to sandstone which comprises the best aquifers.

In a May 17 presentation to the Big Sky community, Rose highlighted the extremely varied nature of the hydrogeology of Big Sky, describing the groundwater as being scattered rather than concentrated in one main aquifer. He said too much drilling of one area would deplete that aquifer.

Rose referred to the situation as a “balancing act,” saying that Big Sky needs to spread its water use across the multiple aquifers and take into account the fact that the area relies solely on groundwater, which is recharged solely by snowmelt each year in April, May and June.

As Big Sky continues to grow and use more water, it will be more difficult for the system to rebound, Rose says.

“As you draw water for a longer period of time, you definitely impact more and … snow melt in the spring is really the only time you get recharged,” Rose said.

The task force, in cooperation with the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, originally proposed this study out of concern for the growth of Big Sky and the additional water needs that come with it.

Now, equipped with a deeper understanding of Big Sky’s groundwater system, the task force will use the model provided by the study to understand how the changing climate will affect Big Sky’s aquifers and work to address some of the high nutrient concentrations contributing to harmful algae blooms in the Gallatin River.

“We’re working with the Gallatin Local Water Quality District to do some additional groundwater monitoring, and some tracers to better understand [nutrient concentrations and sources,]” said Kristin Gardner, chief executive and science officer of the task force.

Moving forward, the intention, according to Rose, is to have the Big Sky community take the information provided by the study and use it to make informed water management decisions. His organization laid the groundwork to characterize the groundwater system in Big Sky and gather three years of data, he said, now it’s in the hands of the community.

“I just hope there’s a commitment with our community to move forward with the monitoring,” Gardner said.

“It is such an important part to better understand how growth is impacting the groundwater.”

Join us for a delectable blend of food and drink with a festive atmosphere that explores western heritage, fascinating paleontology, and this summer’s acclaimed changing exhibit, Apsáalooke Women and Warriors.

Thursday, June 23, 2022 6 – 9:30 p.m. | Age 21+ Tickets: $125 to $300 Lead Sponsor:

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30 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

ENVIRONMENT

Explore Big Sky

BIG SKY PARKS AND TRAILS DISTRICTS RENEW INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

BY GABRIELLE GASSER BIG SKY – Ten years after its initial creation, an updated interlocal agreement extended the lifespan of the joint Big Sky parks and trails district board last month.

The agreement links the Gallatin County Big Sky Meadow Trails, Recreation and Parks Special District and the Madison County Big Sky Mountain, Trails, Recreation and Parks District under one board. Now renewed, the two parks and trails districts can continue creating and maintaining parks, trails and other recreation opportunities in the Big Sky area under unified governance.

The two districts, along with both county commissions, worked for almost a year on the new agreement which was signed on April 12 this year. Originally founded in February of 2012, the districts were formed to prevent a portion of Big Sky from being included in a proposed parks district in Madison County so Big Sky’s recreational resources could be managed by the community itself.

“The ILA is what binds us together and empowers our board to function,” said parks district joint board Vice Chair Steve Johnson. “So staying in business is important and it was critical that we get that renewed.”

The lengthy process to create this new agreement included review and approval of the document by both counties. A new stipulation in the updated agreement adds an automatic renewal at the end of another 10-year period, expediting the process in the future.

“We’ve got a better document than existed for the first 10 years, so it was likely well worth the wait,” said parks district joint board Chair Al Malinowski.

The five-member board is comprised of two representatives from each county and one joint

Kids enjoy the skate park at the Big Sky Community Park. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

member who can live in either county. The board has primarily worked to provide commentary on any new developments in the Big Sky community in either Madison or Gallatin County.

more properties extending south to include Ophir Schools and Lone Peak High School. The new boundary, according to the expansion resolution, matches that of the Big Sky Resort Area District.

Johnson said the board has largely operated in the background so far but sees its role in maintaining and expanding essential community resources growing in the future.

“We’re looking for ways to be more visible and make sure that the community knows: one that we exist and two what we’re working on,” Malinowski said.

“I think it would be difficult to find somebody in our community who doesn’t utilize something under that [parks and trails] umbrella that’s been fortunately preserved in our community,” Malinowski said.

At the May 11 resort tax board meeting, Malinowski raised the question during the public comment period of the best way to maintain trails and recreational assets in Big Sky moving forward.

Two years ago, the joint board expanded the boundary of the district to include most of the canyon portion of Big Sky, adding about 800

Right now, the Big Sky Community Organization does the bulk of the parks and trails operations and maintenance, according to Malinowski, as well as staffing and providing programming at the BASE community center. Each year, BSCO applies to resort tax for funds to support these efforts but at the meeting, Malinowski said he sees an opportunity for the parks and trails board to partner with BSCO and potentially generate revenue outside of resort tax requests to help maintain parks and trails in the community.

Johnson suggested that revenue could come in the form of a property tax assessment, a possibility that was allowed for in the original ILA written 10 years ago. Though the district was originally formed as a non-taxing entity, the district’s founders built in the capacity for the district to implement an assessment, an allowance that had future community changes and growth in mind.

Malinowski said at the May 11 meeting that the joint parks and trails board intends to engage with the Big Sky community and open up further conversation with both BSRAD and BSCO about different funding options.

A group of hikers enjoy the Uplands trail in 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

Moving forward, the joint parks and trails board will look into a variety of different possibilities that could help it maintain the valuable community assets that are Big Sky’s recreational resources.

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32 May 19 - June 1 , 2022

ENVIRONMENT

Explore Big Sky

PART 1: GRIZZLY 399’S FOUR CUBS WILL SOON REACH A LIFE-OR-DEATH CROSSROADS MOST WYOMING GRIZZLIES ARE NOW KILLED, NOT RELOCATED, FOLLOWING THE TYPES OF HUMAN INTERACTIONS THE SOON-TO-BE-SEPARATED SUBADULTS ARE CONDITIONED FOR

BY MIKE KOSHMRL WYOFILE.COM

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Two of the beloved, embattled grizzly bear cubs took the lead, pushing down through the stillsnowy flank of Signal Mountain ahead of their famous mother, grizzly bear 399.

The grizzlies—five, in all—poked through the timber at 8:42 a.m., ambling across Teton Park Road and proceeding down to the receded shoreline of Jackson Lake. They came through the trees less than 100 yards from where Tom Mangelsen expected.

The 76-year-old Jackson Hole photographer has practice patterning the movements of the 26-year-old matriarch bruin of Grand Teton National Park, a bear he’s tracked since she started raising her litters roadside in 2006. He also knew where to head for the shot.

“They’ll go this way,” Mangelsen said.

He flipped a U-turn in his Ford SUV, pointed toward Jackson Lake Dam, and eased to a stop where the grizzlies, framed by the Teton Range, padded down the snowy shoreline in view of a roadside pullout.

Mangelsen and a handful of fortuitous fellow photographers were silent, save for the clicking of camera shutters. But word spread quickly.

Within a few minutes, a caravan of photographer-filled vehicles that had been staged nearby rolled into view.

Soon there was a frenzy: scores of photographers and tourists jostling for a close look.

Tyler Brasington, a Grand Teton bear management ranger who waited at the dam, had experience with “bear jams” here. He predicted the swelling crowd would next glimpse the grizzlies near

“John’s Pond,” just above the dam.

“They’ve come through there before,” Brasington said of the bears. “That’s a very difficult area to manage a jam, just because there’s no place for people to pull off.”

Less than a minute later, the five grizzlies ascended from the lake, crossing the road exactly where the ranger predicted.

“We can all stop right here,” Brasington told frantic photographers and grizzlywatching passersby.

A few folks momentarily heeded the guidance. But most proceeded onward, following five grizzly bears. For the next hour the crowd kept growing, cameras clicking and memories amassing as the fivesome swam the Snake River and the cubs dutifully played their parts: adolescent, charismatic animals, wrestling in view of the highway.

Those same youngsters, accustomed to admiring throngs and adept at putting on a show, will very soon arrive at a perilous crossroads. Turn toward the unfamiliar remote expanses of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and the up and comers might just carve out a living. But if they choose, instead, to stay on the path that runs near humanity, they’ll likely be caught and killed.

Soon to split The May 4 sighting might be one of the last times bear 399 and her cubs are visible together as a family unit.

“They’ll still potentially be traveling together for another week or two,” said Dan Thompson, who oversees large carnivore management at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “Anytime between now and June, when breeding starts, she’ll really kick those 2-yearolds out.”

Dozens of photographers and wildlife lovers on May 4, 2022 awaited the arrival of bear 399 and her four 2-year-old cubs, pictured here off the bank of the Snake River just below Jackson Lake Dam. PHOTO BY TOM KNAUSS

Once that happens, the independent subadult grizzlies will be on their own, facing a number of factors stacked against them.

Wildlife managers have been clear: the subadults will lose the special treatment afforded to their mother, the subject of an intensive around-the-clock surveillance and conflict-reduction operation during 2021, a year when the famous sow spent more time on private land than within the protective borders of Teton Park. Due to their upbringing in a national park that attracts 4 million-plus visitors each year, the subadult bears also lack a fear of humans. Worsening their prospects, the youngsters know to associate ranches and residential yards with food, the result of deliberate wildlife feeding and unsecured livestock feed and apiaries the famous brood of bears managed to get into.

In short, after a lifetime being conditioned to misbehave, the bears will be suddenly subject to a wildlife management regime that is more prone to kill problem grizzlies than to relocate them.

“It would be tough to relocate them successfully,” Thompson said. “The only other option is, they would likely be [killed].”

Grand Teton National Park bear management ranger Tyler Brasington keeps watch on a growing crowd that lined Jackson Lake Dam on May 4, 2022 in anticipation of bear 399’s arrival. Word had spread the 26-year-old bear and her four cubs were on the move, headed toward the impoundment. PHOTO BY MIKE KOSHMRL/WYOFILE

That jibes with the long-term trend.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ultimately calls the shots on what becomes of federally threatened grizzly bears, but the Wyoming Game and Fish Department makes recommendations about their fates, and lays out the numbers on captures, relocations and removals in annual reports. A decade of data in those reports show that the number of grizzlies captured has been stagnant, at approximately 40 animals annually. But the agencies have generally moved away from relocating bruins that do get trapped. Between 2012 and 2016, 34 percent of trapped

grizzlies were killed, according to WyoFile’s calculations made from agency data. But in the five years since, fatal outcomes were more likely: 55 percent of captured grizzlies were put down.

“We’re learning from our management actions in the past,” Thompson said.

“With the potential and amount of human injuries, and worse, we’ve had the past several years, we’re just very reluctant to move a bear involved in a conflict, especially after October, but even into September.”

The reason fewer bears are being relocated during hunting season, Thompson explained, is public pressure.

There’s “no data,” he said, that suggests a moved grizzly is more dangerous to people or less likely to survive in its new environment.

“It’s just not tolerated anymore by the public,” Thompson said.

Wyoming Game and Fish intends to take the lead in managing bear 399 and her offspring if and when those bears depart Teton Park this year, together or independently. That’s a departure from 2021, when the state agency pulled back its on-the-ground management during the family group’s extended stay in southern Jackson Hole. The federal government dispatched its own wildlife officials instead, running up a big bill in the process, according to Fish and Wildlife Service’s grizzly bear recovery coordinator Hilary Cooley.

“We spent $60,000 last year, the Fish and Wildlife Service in Jackson,” Cooley said. “We can’t do that, and we shouldn’t. We’ve got 2,000 bears in the Lower 48 states.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jackson Hole News & Guide reported that as of May 12 Grizzly 399 and her cubs have started to separate.

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35 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

SPORTS

LPHS SPRING SPORTS ENTER POSTSEASON • • • • • • • •

The tennis team played in a windy divisional tournament in Missoula on May 13 and 14. Left to right: Vera Grabow, Addy Malinowski, Maddie Miller, Charlee Sue Dreisbach and Charlie Distad. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBBY GRABOW

BY GABRIELLE GASSER BIG SKY – After an abbreviated regular season characterized by challenging conditions and cancellations due to weather, the three Lone Peak High School spring sports teams competed in district, divisional and state tournaments around Montana.

Below are results as of EBS press time for each sport.

Track and Field The Big Horns continue to set records and improve their performance. Six athletes set school records at the district tournament on May 14 in the following events: • Sophomore George Helms in the men’s 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100 relay • Junior Orrin Coleman in the men’s 3200-meter • Junior Pierce Farr, sophomore Juliusz Shipman, junior Gus Hammond and Helms in the 4x100 relay • Freshman Aubrey Farr in the women’s 100-meter hurdles Eleven athletes also qualified for the divisional tournament on May 20-21 at Frenchtown High School including: • Junior Ben Saad for men’s high jump and long jump • Junior Orrin Coleman for men’s 800-meter, 1600-meter and the 3200-meter • Junior Pierce Farr in the 4x100

Freshman Addy Malinowski and sophomore Maddie Miller competed in the state tennis tournament on May 18. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBBY GRABOW

Junior Jessica Bough in the women’s 800-meter and the 4x100 Freshman Haley Hodge in the women’s 400-meter and the 4x100 Helms in the 100, 200 and 4x100 Sophomore Astrid McGuire in the 800, 1600 and 4x100 Hammond in the 200 and 4x100 Sophomore Bryce Houghteling in the 100 and men’s high jump Freshman Grady Towle in the 800 and 3200 Shipman in the 4x100

As a team, the Big Horns placed seventh and eighth overall in total points for the boys and girls respectively. Head Coach James Miranda congratulated Houghteling, Hammond and Helms for their standout performances. He also praised Coleman for his record-breaking effort in the men’s 3200, which was his only time running that event this year.

“I am excited to see how our athletes compete this coming weekend (May 20-21) with the hope of breaking more school records and getting more athletes to State,” Miranda wrote in an email to EBS. The state tournament will take place in Great Falls on May 27-28.

Tennis The tennis team headed to Missoula on May 13 and 14 to compete in the southwest division tournament. The Big Horns battled through tough conditions during the tournament, said Head Coach Libby Grabow.

Five athletes competed including lone boy sophomore Charlie Distad playing singles, sophomores Charlee Sue Dreisbach and Vera Grabow playing singles for the girls, and freshman Addie Malinowski and sophomore Maddie Miller teaming up to play doubles.

The three singles players each played three matches on Friday, fighting hard and even going to a tiebreaker in a couple of them. None of the singles players were able to claim a spot in the state tournament, though Dreisbach came close, Libby said, coming within one match of placing in the top six.

The doubles team, Malinowski and Miller, beat a team they initially lost to in the divisional tournament to claim fifth place and advance to state. This is both

Three freshman boys competed at the divisional golf tournament in Shelby. Left to Right: Garin Staudt, Cameron Pecunies and Walker Bagby. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY WILCYNSKI

girls’ first year playing tennis and Grabow said it has been great to watch them both come a long way as tennis athletes.

“I’m really proud of everyone’s performance,” Libby said. “I’m proud of our players for enduring windy conditions, every match we had was crazy weather.

They hung tough in the tournament.”

The state tennis tournament was moved up due to weather and took place in Bozeman on May 18 and 19. Libby said the tournament was a good opportunity to see different teams that the Big Horns had never played before.

Malinowski and Miller played two matches on the 18 against teams from Forsyth High School and Chinook High School. The girls lost both matches and did not advance to the second day of the state tournament.

Golf The Big Horns golf team competed in the Western C Divisional Tournament at Marias Valley Golf and Country Club in Shelby on May 9.

Six athletes, three boys and three girls, golfed the challenging course, battling windy conditions.

Results from divisionals are below: • Junior Josie Wilcynski: 108 • Junior Myla Hoover: 141 • Junior Skylar Manka: 118 • Freshman Garin Staudt: 129 • Freshman Walker Bagby: 132 • Freshman Cameron Pecunies: 109 Head Coach Jenny Wilcynski said the three freshman boys gained some great experience at the tournament and she was proud of all the athletes. Josie and Manka both finished in the top 25 and claimed spots in the state tournament in Sidney on May 17 and 18.

“Both girls had their best rounds to date,” Jenny said.

The State C tournament includes about 110 golfers from across the state representing 29 different schools.

On May 17, Josie finished the first day with a 106 and Manka shot a 121 in her first state tournament.

In day two of play on May 18, Josie shot a 129 bringing her two-day total to 235 and Manka ended the second day with a 124 bringing her total in the state tournament to a 245.

(Left to Right) Juniors Myla Hoover, Skylar Manka and Josie Wilcynski competed at the Western C Divisional Tournament.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY WILCYNSKI

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37 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

OPINION

WRITERS ON THE RANGE

PLENTY OF FOOD, BUT NOT FOR ALL FARMWORKERS

BY ASTRA LINCOLN WRITERS ON THE RANGE On a summer morning in southern Idaho, the day breaks early, before 6 a.m. The air is stale, never fully cooled from the heat of the day before.

In the indigo hour when night becomes morning, dozens of people—most from Mexico— queue for the van that will shuttle them to the picking fields. For the next 15 hours, they harvest. Ladders teeter on the uneven, parched earth. Cherries are quickly pulled from high branches by the handful.

The fruit isn’t for them. Like most regions in the country whose economies rely on exporting food, little of what’s picked here makes it onto the plates of the people who harvested it.

At the end of the daylight hours, a company bus returns and drives the farmworkers to the Walmart, on the far side of town, where they can shop for groceries and gloves.

Farmworkers forced to shop late at night have frequently been met with depleted shelves ever since the early days of the pandemic. They buy what little they can, then re-board the van that brings them home. Many fall asleep hungry.

In 2020, when the pandemic began, organizer Samantha Guerrero drove across the low, parched hills of Idaho’s Canyon County to a neighborhood she calls Farmway Village. First built as a labor camp, the low-income

housing complex has become home to many of the county’s agricultural employees. Guerrero had planned to distribute information about the new virus. But what she found wasn’t a lack of information; It was a lack of good groceries. She’s been working to change that ever since.

For immigrant farmworkers, food is in short supply: “The only thing close to that place is a gas station,” Guerrero told me. “That means they only have access to the processed foods sold there.”

Guerrero works for the nonprofit Idaho Organization of Resource Councils, which is trying to change things.

Recently, it started distributing culturally relevant foods, like masa for corn tortillas, and some local, organic farmers let volunteers glean produce like tomatoes and pumpkins to redistribute.

Yet the need is widespread—in Idaho and elsewhere where farmworkers are needed—and even the best-organized mutual aid projects can’t meet the demand. Nonprofits try to help, but they aren’t equipped to make the systems-level changes needed to end the lack of nutritious food and the hunger suffered by farmworkers and other immigrants.

Local food pantries try, but they’re not always an answer.

Many farmworkers come from agricultural communities south of our border with Mexico, Guerrero says. They’re used to fresh fruits, home-raised meats or hand-pressed tortillas. Even though these immigrant communities are the primary audience for many food pantries, the canned and boxed food they provide can be unrecognizable to the people they serve.

This holds true across the West. I’ve spoken to other farmworkers and organizers in Montana, Oregon and the Dakotas, and all echo those sentiments. We haven’t diminished the hunger of the workers who feed us.

There are 3 million migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. For more than 20 years, migration from Mexico has been largely driven by economic hardship that began in 1994, when the NAFTA treaty crashed the value of the peso. Now, migrants from that country and Central America are increasingly coming north to escape drug violence, or when landslides, hurricanes and other disasters hastened by the changing climate force them to flee.

When many workers land at large, corporate-owned farms, they sometimes find harsh conditions; This February, for example, the U.S. Department of Labor found that one large Idaho farm had shortchanged its 69 workers by $159,000.

Ninety-one percent of counties with the highest rates of overall food insecurity are rural, and workers there face soaring costs of food and a declining number of grocery stores, as consolidation and rising real estate values close outlets. Although farmworkers harvest fruit and vegetables all day, it is odd, but true, that they are living in “food deserts.”

“I have to say,” Guerrero says, sighing, “that there is a lot of abundance (in Idaho). There is enough to go around. It’s just all going elsewhere.”

Astra Lincoln is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to lively debate about Western issues. She writes in Oregon.

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OPINION

38 May 19 - June 1, 2022

Explore Big Sky

THE NEW WEST

REMEMBERING THE ‘COWBOY CONDUCTOR’-TURNED-CIVIL-RIGHTS ELDER

BY TODD WILKINSON EBS COLUMNIST

Six years ago, after Robert Staffanson penned his award-winning memoir at the ripe young age of 94, veteran journalist Ed Kemmick from Billings posed this question after giving the book a rave review: “Is Staffanson the most interesting man in Montana?” he asked.

Staffanson’s three-part tome, “Witness to Spirit: My Life with Cowboys Mozart and Indians,” which I helped edit, chronicled his life as a rancher’s son who underwent several different phases of reinvention.

Born in Sidney astride the badlands and prairie country of the Lower Yellowstone River, raised on a cattle ranch in the mountainous Deer Lodge Valley on the other half of the state, then trained in music at the University of Montana, Staffanson, who would become known as the “cowboy conductor,” was on an unlikely trajectory.

Upon college graduation, Staffanson helped establish the Billings Symphony and was subsequently tapped, based upon the recommendation of one of the most famous conductors in the world, to lead the Springfield Symphony in Massachusetts. Then, in the prime of his career, he gave it all up as he entered midlife to embrace the role of activist.

Returning home to his beloved West, he played a catalytic role in establishing the American Indian Institute while becoming a tenacious and formidable advocate for Native rights, cultural preservation and imploring society to recognize the ancient wisdom of Indigenous People.

Staffanson died on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at age 97 in Bozeman, and at a memorial celebrating his life, Indigenous elders from across the country attended the service.

Staffanson came into the world on Nov. 11, 1921, the son of parents George and Julia Staffanson. He credited his father with being “an agrarian man of the earth” who was good with animals and filled the space of their modest farmhouse playing live fiddle music—the nucleus for Bob learning to master several different instruments.

After graduating from the University of Montana, a headstrong Staffanson went to Billings and established its first symphony, stubbornly defying critics who claimed that enough talent could never be harnessed there to do justice to the works of great composers.

It was during a trip back east, amid a clinic hosted by the eminent Eugene Ormandy, the Hungarian-American violinist and conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, that his life took another dramatic turn. In a telltale moment captured in his book, Ormandy took a liking to the 30-something Staffanson, whom he fondly dubbed the “cowboy conductor from Montana.”

Impressed by the kid’s spirit, Ormandy opened doors for Staffanson, helping him land a prestigious post as conductor of the Springfield Symphony in the Berskshires of western Massachusetts. During his decade-and-a-half tenure there, he became friends with many of the giants, including Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Fiedler, all of whom adored Staffanson’s wife, Ann. Every summer during symphony recess and when they weren’t traveling in Europe, the Staffansons returned to Montana and enjoyed taking road trips to places where history happened. Staffanson had high praise for the Grand Teton Music Festival and knew many of its musicians.

Half his life ago, Staffanson had grown increasingly appalled by the marginalization of Indigenous People and he became a lifelong student of tribal lifeways.

“Any conscientious human who becomes awakened to injustice cannot pretend it does not exist once he or she becomes aware,” he said. “As decent people, we can’t close our eyes. My conscience, as a Christian, wouldn’t let me do that, but this is a

Robert Staffanson, the “cowboy conductor,” in midlife wrangling cattle. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STAFFANSON FAMILY

value embraced by any religion.”

Staffanson savored friendships that he cultivated in the classical world; with musicians, other conductors, their families and innumerable fans who turned out to hear performances of his orchestras. But he held a special place in his heart for the thousands of Native People he met, not only from North America but around the globe. And he founded the Bozeman-based American Indian Institute.

“You can travel the world over and among Indigenous Peoples there is a deep mutual knowing that transcends any language barriers,” he said.

“There’s this perception that people love the image of the cowboy. Yes, it’s true, but I can tell you the world loves Indians more. Everywhere we went, I saw how well-regarded Indigenous People from this continent were. They were viewed, embraced, as the first real authentic Americans.”

Just when you thought you had Staffanson pegged, he would amaze you again. While working on his book—he dreamed of being a writer, penning “Witness to Spirit”—he divulged that he quietly had carried on correspondence with two of America’s greatest nature writers, Wendell Berry and Barry Lopez. He gained admiration from them and others. Berry told Staffanson he needn’t worry.

He was a writer, and a damned fine one.

“Robert Staffanson has created a story that honors his own evolution from cowboy to symphony conductor before abandoning wealth and fame to work with indigenous people and learn the ways of wisdom,” wrote author Terry Tempest Williams.

“This is a book that reminds us our lives are blessedly made of stories. Gratitude is the word that remains after reading ‘Witness to Spirit.’”

An earlier version of this story was published in a June 2019 edition of EBS. Todd Wilkinson is the founder of Bozeman-based Mountain Journal (mountainjournal.org) and is a correspondent for National Geographic. He’s also the author of “Grizzlies of Pilgrim Creek” about famous Jackson Hole grizzly bear 399, which is available at mangelsen.com/grizzly.

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40 May 19 - June 1, 2022

OPINION

Explore Big Sky

AMUSE-BOUCHE CURVE VS. CORNER, WHO KNEW?

BY SCOTT MECHURA EBS COLUMNIST

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Sometimes, our lives are made better, easier or more enjoyable by the unlikeliest of people.

Take for example the Kingsford charcoal empire being a direct byproduct of the scrap wood from Henry Ford’s assembly line Model T, or perhaps the popular children’s toy, the slinky, being the end result of engineer Richard James’ pursuit of a spring to soften tension and noise on U.S. warships.

Such was the case for Mary Temple Grandin, an autistic child born into well-to-do Boston parents.

Imagine growing up with autism in the 1950s urban-sprawl America.

We knew so little about autism in those days, so trying to assimilate with other kids, in any way an elementary pupil knew how in 1950s Boston, had to be very difficult under regular circumstances.

But moderate wealth allowed her parents, and more so her mother, to cure her daughter of what was being diagnosed as “brain damage,” a diagnosis that stuck with her until the age of 63, when cerebral imaging at the University of Utah put that to rest and fully embraced her condition as autism.

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Young Temple Grandin underwent extensive speech therapy and special education and was able to not only overcome some of her challenges, but go on to earn a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s in animal science and a doctoral in animal science.

So why am I telling you about this autism pioneer in an Amuse Bouche column?

Well, every time you enjoy a steak, specifically for its tenderness, there is a good chance that Temple Grandin had something to do with it.

Cattle are curious animals by nature but they are also cautious and skittish. They are naturally afraid of humans in kind of an “it’s not you it’s me” sort of way.

Couple that with a human’s own natural tendency to force the issue and coerce a cow to go where they want them to go, often against the desire of said cow, and it’s a recipe for a tough steak.

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Cowboys and corners are abrupt. Abrupt is change. Change is stress, stress is adrenaline and other amino acids quickly getting released into the muscle tissue.

When these flood the muscle tissue, it tightens it, readying it for fight or flight.

Whether a predator, a blizzard, intense heat, navigating deep river water, the prod of a ranch hand or even the sight of watching their newborn calf get restrained for an ear tag, adrenaline doesn’t know the difference.

Cattle didn’t want to go around a corner they didn’t know, particularly if they couldn’t see their brethren. So naturally they got prodded, which makes them stressed both psychologically and physically. They then either scurry frantically or they freeze and stand there. So, more prodding. Temple Grandin helped show that this was an unnecessary catch 22.

But at its core was her discovery that corners stress cattle out far more than curves do.

This is similar for sheep, lamb and pigs, but not to the same degree as it is true for cattle. That’s to say that the wiring in a cow’s brain is at its calmest when it meanders; when they have a natural flow to the direction in which they walk, particularly in a group or herd.

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Temple Grandin herself designed pens and shoots with no corners and distances proportionate to two to three body lengths before making another turn. They also generally tend to almost end very close to where they started.

Livestock handlers at first thought this to be silly and a waste of money. But what few bothered to notice was that a cow also has a natural instinct to return to where they were, once their curiosity is satisfied.

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After successful demonstrations of her pen and shoot designs, the entire industry began making changes to their physical spaces.

Cliché, I know, but Mary Temple Grandin is a livestock whisperer.

Scott Mechura has spent a life in the hospitality industry. He is an executive chef, former certified beer judge and is currently the executive chef for Horn & Cantle at Lone Mountain Ranch.

41 May 19 - June 1, 2022

OPINION

ILLUSTRATION BY CY WHITLING

BIG SKY

BEATS MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS 2022

BY TUCKER HARRIS Every Thursday evening in the summer, rain or shine, Len Hill Park fills with lawn chairs, blankets and coolers as Big Sky music fans prepare for the free Music in the Mountains concerts. This summer’s lineup is full of talented artists bringing to the stage everything from blues to classical, Americana to funk, all in an intimate venue. New this year, Spanish Peaks Community Foundation will showcase local and regional artists as part of the Emerging Artist Series to open each concert on the Center Stage. Get ready for a season of outdoor live music by listening to Big Sky Beats: Music in the Mountains 2022 playlist from EBS featuring tracks from this summer’s performers.

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“I Am” by Satsang “And the Rain Came Down” by Fireside Collective “Cheap Suit” by Jeffrey Foucault “Ev’ry Wind in the River” by The New Orleans Suspects “Rodeo Cold Beer” by Chancey Williams “Little Bitty Dreams” by Will Hoge “What Did I Do” by Southern Avenue “Lucky in Love” by Tommy Castro “Don’t Waste It” by The Broadcast “Only Love” by the Nth Power “Blind in the Fray” by The Last Revel

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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.

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

REWILDING CHILE AND ARGENTINA

KRIS TOMPKINS HAS PROTECTED 13 MILLION ACRES, AND SHE’S NOT DONE YET. want to run a business like everybody else’s. We broke a lot of the rules, and she’s more than happy to do that. That’s what makes her a successful person, really.”

BY EMILY STIFLER WOLFE The first time I try to call Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, she’s in Santiago, Chile. It’s a Sunday afternoon in September, and after three days with little sleep, she lies down for a nap and misses our scheduled Skype call. But I don’t really care: I’ll get to talk to Kris Tompkins.

That, and she’s a very effective leader.

“She could see through all the crap,” said Richard Siberell, a clothing designer who worked at Patagonia in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. “She was your big sister and your best friend and kicked you in the ass and [would suggest], ‘You got work to do. You’re going to work all weekend until you get this shit done. If you won’t, you’re not going to be demoted—the whole company is going down in flames.’”

As CEO of Patagonia, Kris helped lead the company from a small climbing gear manufacturer to an outdoor apparel titan and a pioneer for corporate responsibility. In 1993, age 43, she retired from Patagonia, married Doug Tompkins, founder of The North Face and co-founder of Esprit, and moved to a remote farm he’d bought in Chile’s Lakes District.

Tompkins Conservation—the umbrella organization for the nonprofit foundations the Tompkins established—has purchased roughly 2 million acres of private land for conservation in Chile and Argentina. It has taken on ambitious ecological restoration projects including reintroduction of native species, has donated most of its land as national parks and other protected areas, with the remaining acreage pledged for donation. Since Doug’s death in 2015, Kris and her team have also helped protect another 10 million acres of new national parklands in Chile and helped establish three new national parks in Argentina.

Kris is a world leader in large landscape and species restoration. Someone who gives all her energy, time and wealth to restoring functioning ecosystems. If you believe the idea that we need biodiversity to survive—and you should—you’ll quickly realize she’s not just saving wildlife, she’s trying to save humanity. If she needs a nap, she’s earned it.

In the meantime, I call her former boss from Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard.

PHOTO BY JAMES Q MARTIN

“She was a juvenile delinquent like the rest of us, in that she didn’t want to take the straight and narrow path,” he says. The two met when Kris was a 15-year-old surfer, and Yvon, 28 at the time, gave her a summer job packing boxes at what was then Chouinard Equipment. “She went to school barefoot, and her teacher would tell her to go to home. The next day she’d show up with leather shoelaces wrapped around her toes.”

After college, where she ski raced for the College of Idaho, Yvon and his wife Malinda hired Kris to help them launch Patagonia Inc., the clothing company. “None of us knew how to run a business,” Yvon said. “We all learned together. And we didn’t

When Kris calls from Patagonia Park in Chile the following week, she and Malinda Chouinard (whom Kris describes as “beyond my closest friend—she’s like family”) are reviewing materials for a new visitor center and museum set to open in November. They’re also prepping to turn management of the land and infrastructure over to the Chilean park service in April 2019.

Roughly the size of Yosemite, 765,000-acre Patagonia Park is a seven-hour drive on a gravel road from the nearest commercial airport. It’s spring, and the buds are just emerging, Kris says.

They’re working from a guest house Tompkins Conservation has already donated with the rest of the park. Kris describes life-size photos of pumas in the living room, and windows overlooking grassy foothills into the Andean peaks. They leave for New York in three days, and the energy through the phone line is palpable.

During our two-hour conversation, I ask about topics ranging from a childhood in Venezuela and on her great-grandfather’s ranch in Santa Paula, California, about the farms she and Doug bought in Chile and Argentina, and her 2018 meeting with Pope Francis. But first I ask about the news from the Greater Yellowstone: Two days before, grizzly bears were returned to the Endangered Species List in the Lower 48, and Malinda, whom I can hear in the background, was involved in the fight.

“We’re really excited, but we also realize these things are so fragile, and the next day you have to get up and face something else,” Kris tells me.

“You’re never finished. Truly never. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, that’s the story.”

Moving from grizzlies to South American carnivores, Kris describes the local animosity toward pumas, the same species as North American mountain lions. Here in the southern cone, massive estancias, or ranches, reign, and the animals have a price on their heads.

In 2017, Kris Tompkins and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet signed a pledge to expand Chilean national parkland by 10 million acres. PHOTO BY JIMMY CHIN

To form Patagonia Park, another nonprofit Kris established bought 220,000 acres of private land to connect two federally protected reserves. The majority of that land was part of a large sheep ranch in the Chacabuco Valley, and the organization, Conservacion Patagonica, has removed 400-plus miles of fencing and restored overgrazed grasslands,

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allowing native wildlife, including pumas, to repopulate.

Tompkins Conservation has worked from the southern tip of Chile, establishing Yendegaia National Park in 2014, to northern Argentina, where the organization helped create El Impenetrable National Park and is now doing groundbreaking species restoration in the upcoming Iberá National Park. Since purchasing 340,000 acres there in 1997, the organization has reintroduced giant anteaters, tapirs, macaws, collared peccaries and pampas deer. It hopes to release jaguars by early 2020, which would be the first large carnivore reintroduction in Latin America, according to Ignacio Jiménez Pérez, who directed the Iberá rewilding program until mid-2018.

“The biggest challenge for reintroducing any large predator is about the reaction of society,” Jiménez Pérez said. “The response of the neighbors, and the provincial and national society, has been phenomenal. They are really excited about getting jaguars back.” The largest feline in the Americas, jaguars are gone from 95 percent of their original Argentinian range and were extirpated from the Iberá area in the 1960s. Because they’ve been gone so long, the big cats aren’t seen as a threat, even among local cattle ranchers. The region is already benefitting from ecotourism, with a million annual visitors to nearby Iguazú Falls; plus, jaguars are part of the native Guarani folklore, considered a lost relative. “There is no mythology of hatred,” Jimenez said, contrasting them to wolves in the Northern Rockies.

The Tompkins didn’t start as rewilders: Their first projects, Pumalín and Corcovado parks in Chilean Patagonia, both had fairly intact ecosystems. It was a sea change in their work—a massive commitment that’s been the most difficult part, Kris said.

As with many new conservation efforts—John D. Rockefeller’s efforts to expand Grand Teton National Park comes to mind—the Tompkins’ work received opposition initially. Although they often bought from absentee landowners, some residents worried the changes threatened the gaucho way of life. Others doubted their intentions: Like the U.S., these countries had relied on aggressive extraction, logging and hydro damming, and at the time Doug and Kris were beginning their work, many largescale natural resource development projects were being proposed.

Chile also lacked a culture of philanthropy, wrote Tompkins Conservation spokeswoman Erin Billman in an email: “It simply seemed unthinkable that a wealthy foreign businessman purchasing huge tracts of property (even through nonprofit foundations) had benign intentions.”

The Tompkins were accused of planning to introduce North American bison, setting up a nuclear-waste dump or a new Jewish state (even though neither were Jewish), and were cited as a threat to national security when their purchase of the land that became Pumalín National Park stretched from the Argentine border to Corcovado Gulf, in the Pacific.

“It took us donating a few parks before people said, ‘Hey, this is real. They’re doing what they said they were going to do,’” Kris told the United Nations Dispatch in an interview following her 2018 appointment as UN Environment Patron of Protected Areas.

Kris credits her team for much of their success.

There are around 200 employees, and dozens of volunteers and interns. The staff in Argentina

In addition to protecting entire landscapes, Tompkins Conservation has restored native wildlife in some of the parks it has created. In Chile’s Patagonia Park, the return of pumas and guanacos has caused an ecological cascade that’s strengthened the health of the region’s biodiversity. PHOTO BY JAMES Q MARTIN

are nearly all Argentine; in Chile, they’re mostly Chilean. The majority have been with the organization for years.

Partner organizations have also been key, helping leverage new land acquisitions; effecting groundlevel change like the dam proposals recently shut down on Chile’s Baker River near Patagonia Park; and helping build powerful collaborations with other conservation leaders including preeminent biologist E.O. Wilson, whose Half-Earth Project is working to protect half the planet for biodiversity.

Kris sits on Wilson’s Half-Earth Council, a small group of thought-leaders that includes Montana State Senator Mike Phillips. A wildlife biologist who led the effort to return wolves to Yellowstone National Park, Phillips now directs the Turner Endangered Species Fund.

“The real lingering value of Kris’ work, beyond the ecological impacts of her holdings in South America, is to inspire others to rise up and do the work of Half-Earth,” Phillips said.

Kris always led with Doug, although they fulfilled different roles in the organization. Doug was an outspoken visionary, driven by beauty and involved in every detail of their work. In 2015, following a kayaking accident in Lake General Carrera near Patagonia Park, he died of hypothermia. A grieving Kris poured herself into work, accelerating the effort they’d started together.

Tompkins Conservation has donated almost all of its conservation property, including working with former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who in January 2018 decreed 9 million acres of new national parkland alongside Tompkins Conservation’s 1-million-acre donation.

“It was Kris talking to another woman, the president of Chile, working together, and she got it done,” said Yvon, also a longtime friend and climbing partner of Doug’s.

Moving forward, Kris and Tompkins Conservation are working to connect wildlife corridors, including one between the Chilean Patagonia Park project and Argentina’s Patagonia National Park. They’re also advocating for marine protection adjacent to their terrestrial projects. In 2018, they launched a friends’ group to fundraise and advocate for Chilean parks, as well as a tourism campaign to promote the 1,700-mile road-and-ferry route connecting what will soon be a chain of 17 national parks.

“We’re trying to encourage other individuals, whether they have great assets or not, to sit up and realize they have a great responsibility toward this,” Kris said. “Forty years ago, we didn’t know what we know today. There’s a moral imperative to act.”

An earlier version of this story first appeared in the winter 2019 edition of Mountain Outlaw magazine.

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