Explore Big Sky - May 2 to 15, 2024

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BIG SKY RESORT FINISHES 50TH WINTER SEASON

BSRAD AGREES TO PURCHASE $10.4M PARCEL TO IMPROVE 191/64 INTERSECTION

LOREN BOUGH’S LEGACY ON BIG SKY EDUCATION

SKYLINE BUS CONSIDERS RAISING FARES

BIG HORN BASEBALL BEATS EAST HELENA PLUS: WILDLANDS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NONPROFIT BENEFICIARIES

Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL

VP MEDIA

Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com

DIGITAL PRODUCER

Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com

CREATIVE

LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ME BROWN | maryelizabeth@theoutlawpartners.com

SALES AND OPERATIONS

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Josh Timon | josh@theoutlawpartners.com

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

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VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com

DIRECTOR OF RELATIONSHIPS

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MARKETING MANAGER

Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTENT MARKETING LEAD

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SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Kaley Burns, Mario Carr, Rachel Hergett, Lauren Myli, Merrick Parnell, Benjamin Alva Polley

Please join us in wishing ourselves a happy 350. Since October 2010, Explore Big Sky has been tracking down local stories with a focus on building community. This week, we proudly printed our 350th newspaper.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BSRAD AGREES TO PURCHASE $10.4M PARCEL TO IMPROVE 191/64 INTERSECTION

The Resort Tax board voted unanimously on April 17 to sign a buy-sell agreement for land adjacent to the intersection of U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64. The purchase, set to close July 1, follows months of collaboration with the Montana Department of Transportation. A roundabout has been discussed to possibly improve traffic flow, but only now can MDT begin engaging with serious plans and possible designs.

BIG SKY RESORT FINISHES 50TH WINTER SEASON

On Sunday, April 28, Big Sky Resort spun public chairs for the last time this season, wrapping up its season-long 50-year celebration. Skiers donned fun outfits and shredded the softening snow, and EBS captured smiling moments on the hill.

SKYLINE BUS CONSIDERS RAISING FARES

The Skyline Bus route between Bozeman and Big Sky hasn’t seen a fare increase since 2016. In an April 18 Big Sky Transportation District board meeting, board members discussed an increase from the eight-year-old $5 one-way fare, to help keep up with operational costs of the growing transportation district.

LOREN BOUGH’S LEGACY ON BIG SKY EDUCATION

Loren Bough has spent 20 years supporting education in Big Sky, including the past 14 years as board chair of the Big Sky School District. He was showered with appreciation in his final school board meeting on April 15. Bough emphasized the importance that BSSD schools maintain their academic rigor and extracurricular involvement.

BIG HORN BASEBALL BEATS EAST HELENA

In Lone Peak High School’s second varsity baseball season, the team continues to learn and grow. With an April 23 win over East Helena, they had won three of their past four games, and have a lot to look forward to in the next few years. A core of freshman and sophomore players will look forward to 2026, when the Big Horns expect to begin hosting high school baseball games in Big Sky—for now, they play “home” games in Belgrade. Players and coaches shared their optimism for the future.

PLUS: WILDLANDS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES

NONPROFIT BENEFICIARIES

Outlaw Partners, publisher of EBS, announced that Wildlands Festival has chosen three local organizations dedicated to preserving wild and open spaces as the beneficiaries for the 2024 event, Aug. 1-3. The Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Wild Montana and Gallatin Valley Land Trust will benefit from the festival’s donations, auction proceeds, ticket sales and generous contributions from sponsors. This year’s festival will be headlined by Maren Morris and Dierks Bentley, and additional artists include Lukas Nelson and Wyatt Flores.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL POLICY

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

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

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

ADVERTISING DEADLINE For the May 30th issue May 22nd, 2024

CORRECTIONS Please report errors to media@outlaw.partners.

OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@theoutlawpartners.com © 2024 Explore Big Sky unauthorized reproduction prohibited

NEWS IN BRIEF BRIEFS

FUNDING FOR PUBLIC OPEN LANDS PROJECTS APPROVED BY GALLATIN COUNTY COMMISSION

On April 23, Gallatin County Commissioners voted unanimously to spend $648,158 to help fund nine projects that support open space in Bozeman, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon and waterways across the Gallatin Valley as a part of the Public Open Lands Project. The money comes from the voter-approved Gallatin County Open Space Levy, which passed in 2018. This year, there is about $3.5 million total available for the program.

“This is a really fun exercise to be reminded of all the great work that’s happening out there in the community in providing conservation and recreation infrastructure across the county,” Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown said in an April 24 Gallatin County press release. “They all add incredible richness and value to our communities.”

A list of the projects funded include:

• Headwaters Trail System – A network of about 12 miles of paved trails that runs along the former Milwaukee Railroad bed through the city of Three Forks – $100,000

• Big Sky Owners Association – Little Coyote Pond Fishing Access and amenities – $100,000

• Gallatin River Task Force – Greek Creek streambank restoration and river access improvement project – $50,000

• Gallatin Watershed Council – Cleanup of streams and rivers in the Lower Gallatin Watershed – $10,308

• Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter – Improvements at Maxi Park, an 18acre off-leash dog park at the shelter – $17,850

• Trout Unlimited – Third phase of the Dry Creek restoration project that would restore 14 additional stream banks – $50,000

• West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation – construction of the Rendezvous Operations Building to serve as a base for the Rendezvous Trail System – $100,000

• Crosscut Mountain Sports Center – construction of 3 kilometers of paved trail for roller-skiing – $100,000

• Gallatin County Regional Park – construction of a 1,200 square-foot shop to store park supplies and equipment, and a connecting trail to the park and an asphalt walkway along Vaquero Parkway – $100,000

YELLOWSTONE BIOLOGISTS TO BEGIN BLACK, GRIZZLY BEAR RESEARCH

EBS STAFF

Biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team and Yellowstone National Park will be conducting field captures of black and grizzly bears between May 1 and Oct. 31. These captures are a part of an ongoing research and management project to monitor their population as required under the Endangered Species Act.

Although none of the capture sites will take place near popular hiking or camping areas in the park, visitors are asked to heed signage should they come upon a trap site, as all trap sites will have posted warnings for the closure perimeter.

Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, explained an April 24 press release from Yellowstone Public Affairs. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST. Those interested in learning more about this project can call the IGBST hotline at 406-994-6675 or visit their website.

CLASSIFIED

Optometry - Office Manager in Big Sky

Big Sky Eyes: 99 Town Center Avenue, Big Sky, MT 59716

$18 - $28 an hour - Expected hours: 28 – 36 per week

We are a small, professional optometry office in Big Sky Town Center. Our office emphasizes excellence in patient care by providing state-of-the-art medical eye care along with a unique designer optical boutique.

We are in search of an eager, upbeat, multitasker who is excited to start a career as an optician and medical office team-member. Due to the small office size, the team-member will have a variety of tasks, making the job exciting and challenging.

Responsibilities:

• Optician: helping patients choose frames and lenses, make frame adjustments

• Front desk: greet patients, answer phones, schedule appointments, general office duties

• Billing: verify insurance benefits, bill medical and vision plans

• Medical Assistant: pretesting patients with medical equipment

Qualifications:

• Professional and outgoing personality with the ability to connect with a diverse group of people

• Dependable with a strong work ethic

• Efficient, organized, and resourceful

• Eager to learn

• Experience in a medical office is preferred but not necessary

We are open to working with you and your schedule and are excited to educate you about eye health, optical skills, and all other required knowledge for the job. We are passionate about our team members learning and growing with the office and are committed to providing continuing education and career development.

Compensation based on experience and will include PTO and holidays. Please respond with a resume and cover letter to ericaperlman@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

PUBLIC NOTICE

His commitment has left a lasting legacy on our community. Public service was a core value demonstrated by Steve and his background in finance, infrastructure investment, and governance makes filling his seat a tall order. The Big Sky Resort Area District is seeking resumes from qualified citizens who have similar backgrounds and are interested in filling this gap in leadership. As outlined in District Bylaws, the remaining Board shall appoint a replacement Board Member to fill the vacancy. With an active election underway and a newly seated board starting in May, the District will delegate the appointment to the newly elected board who are expected to take action promptly following the election. Interested parties shall submit a letter of interest and resume by May 15th and the new board will hold a special meeting to make a decision on appointment prior to the June nonprofit grant meetings. The remaining term for this seat expires in May of 2026.

Send letters of interest and resumes to daniel@resorttax.org.

Board Vacancy

Big Sky is deeply saddened by the passing of community member Steve Johnson.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Why preserving Big Sky’s economy matters

Wednesday, May 8

@ The Wilson Hotel

Eggs & Issues

8:00am - Breakfast 8:30am - Presentation

Start the morning with economist Jackie Haines as she shares the important ripple e ect that our community has on the region. She will take us through the Big Sky 2023 Economic Impact Analysis and outline opportunities for community-wide infrastructure updates that help preserve economic vitality.

Spring Joint County Commission & BSRAD Board Meeting 10:00am - Meeting

Join our locally elected o cials as they discuss and take action on topics that directly a ect our community, from public services and government collaboration to environmental conservation and infrastructure investment. Be part of the conversation that shapes our future.

LEARN MORE

John Alexander Ethen passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family. John was born March 22, 1940 in Duluth, Minnesota and is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Heather, son John, son in law Greg along with his grandkids Olivia and Max.

John grew up in Duluth as the son of Christy (Mclean) and Eugene Ethen, a nurse and police officer. Growing up, John enjoyed the typical Minnesota activities of fishing and

playing hockey with friends. And keeping his parents on their toes.

John went on to college at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with degrees in both business and industrial engineering. John had many professional accomplishments, culminating in his role as President of Midwest Energy Resources Company, a position he held for 22 years, until he retired in 1997.

John met his wife Janet in 1966 in Syracuse, New York while working as a safety engineer and Janet as a nurse. They met through a mutual acquaintance. John would often comment that any of his success in life was due to Janet’s support. His love for her was endless.

John and Janet both loved the outdoors. Some of their favorite more recent memories together are from the many hikes and travels they did throughout Europe. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary last December.

John’s youthful energy and outgoing demeanor made it easy for him to meet people, who often became longtime friends. He loved to talk on the phone to check in regularly with the people in his life. Friends and family were extremely important to him.

John and Janet retired to Big Sky, Montana in 1997 where they built their dream home, dubbed the Lazy J Ranch. They enjoyed 25 years in Big Sky, making more close friends and having incredible days enjoying the beautiful outdoors. John loved everything about Big Sky. And you couldn’t go far in town without someone shouting his name to say “Hello.” Oftentimes, daily small talk with friends around town would lead to trip planning and mischievous outdoor adventures. These adventures included river rafting, fly fishing, hiking and perhaps some out-ofbounds skiing.

John was also a proud member of the Big Sky Ski Patrol for 17 years. He enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie with his fellow patrol on

the mountain, enjoying a beer in the locker room at the end of the day.

Early in his professional career, while working as a plant manager for Huron Cement, John was transferred to Green Bay, Wisconsin. This move would be the start of his fandom for the Green Bay Packers. He was a very devoted fan of “The Pack”, showing tribute through his license plate (“GOPACKGO”) and clothing choices. All the way to the end of his life, Sundays in football season were the best of times. It was always a good day if the Pack won.

There will be a mass in the Big Sky Chapel on May 11 at 11 a.m. with a reception following at BYWOM.

In lieu of a gift or flowers, the family would ask donations be made in John’s honor to Eagle Mount at Eaglemount.org, a nonprofit based in Bozeman that is committed to providing quality therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people with cancer.

Dead Editor,

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Are we underutilizing our newcomers?

I purchased a home in Big Sky two years ago. With the exception of receiving some email solicitations from nonprofit listservs that I proactively signed up for, I have never been personally asked to donate to a local nonprofit, support a county initiative or do anything to support our community. This has left me wondering whether other newcomers are being overlooked and if there are ways to better engage our new residents. I have been pondering possible opportunities. I would like to hear others’ perspectives. Please email me at elizabeth@mergelane.com or attend the Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day on April 26 to share your thoughts.

These are a few of the questions I am pondering:

Have other newcomers been overlooked? If you are new to Big Sky, I would love to hear if and how you have been invited to support the community.

Can we ask newcomers to opt-in to local communication channels?

Like most new residents, I was unable to obtain a post office box when I first moved here, so local organizations could not reach me by mail.

I shared my email address and phone number with my realtor and BSOA. Can we better utilize those two or similar touchpoints? At a minimum, I think all new residents should be encouraged to sign up for Explore Big Sky’s Town Crier so they can stay apprised of local news and events.

Can we organize community welcoming events? I am helping to organize the Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day as well as a few organized hikes for newcomers this summer. Are there existing community welcome events I should know about? Newcomers, would you attend community welcome events? What kinds of events and during what time period would you be most likely to attend?

Do we need to create a culture of proactive outreach? While I understand why it may be difficult for local organizations to identify new residents, I have not been contacted even when I have shared my information. I helped to organize the Big Sky Community Ski Day hosted last year. I shared with the group that I was new and eager to support the community. My email was shared with nine nonprofits. I did not receive a single direct solicitation to donate. When I asked some nonprofit leaders why I was not directly solicited, some shared that they were afraid of turning me off by appearing too aggressive. Nonprofit leaders, do

you share similar fears? Newcomers, have you been turned off by aggression or passivity?

As someone who has lived in more metropolitan areas for most of my life, I am accustomed to a more direct and assertive approach. I admire bold and proactive outreach, and passivity actually makes me less likely to lend support. Do others feel the same?

I am open to the possibility that the approach I’ve seen work in other cities may not work here. I know that the approach that works best for me may not work for others. I hope to hear your thoughts. I can be reached by email at elizabeth@mergelane.com. I also hope you will join our Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day so we can continue a lively discussion on the chairlift.

Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day

A collaboration of several nonprofits will be hosting the Big Sky Community Ski and Snowboard Day on April 26, 2024. Participants will be assigned to groups of no more than eight skiers based on ability, speed, and terrain preference. Groups will leave from the base of the Swift Current chairlift at 10 am sharp. These events are open to intermediate to expert skiers, age 16+.

Elizabeth Kraus

Big Sky, Montana

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my support for Kevin Germain’s continued service on the Big Sky Resort Area District Board. I have had the privilege of knowing Kevin and his family for nearly fifteen years and in this time, I have witnessed Kevin evolve into one of Big Sky’s greatest advocates.

During this tenure, we collaborated with others to build Camp Moonlight, I taught or coached all three of his children in various capacities, we cheered on countless LPHS basketball games together, and he has led me through the forests of Montana in search of elusive ungulates. I can attest to Kevin’s exceptional qualifications, commitment, and integrity both on the tax board and as a human.

Throughout his most recent term on the tax board, Mr. Germain has significantly contributed to our community. His ability to drive informed decisions has directly impacted our community’s financial health, outdoor recreation opportunities, conservation, and access to basic needs for our thriving community.

Kevin consistently advocates for the interests of all people in Big Sky while upholding the highest ethical standards. His impartiality, attention to detail, and willingness to listen to diverse viewpoints make him a valuable asset to the tax board and the community. Throughout the years, I have often sought Kevin out for guidance, advice, and direction. His word is honest, caring, and reliable.

I have complete confidence in Kevin’s ability to continue making sound decisions that benefit our community and uphold the principles of fairness and accountability. His track record of service and dedication to Big Sky is a testament to Kevin’s commitment and devotion to this community.

Thank you for considering my endorsement of Kevin Germain. I am confident that his continued service will contribute to the tax board’s success and our community’s well-being.

Jeremy “JJ” Harder

Big Sky, Montana

LOCAL

BIG SKY RESORT WRAPPED UP ITS 50TH SEASON ON SUNDAY, APRIL 28, WITH A FEW INCHES OF WARM SPRING SNOW AND PATCHY SUN.

EBS GIVES A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF BIG SKY’S HARDWORKING WINTER SEASON EMPLOYEES, AT THE RESORT AND BEYOND. SEE YOU NEXT WINTER!

BSRAD SIGNS BUY-SELL AGREEMENT

TO PURCHASE PROPERTY AT 191/64

INTERSECTION FOR $10.45M

FUNDING REQUESTS RISE FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS, RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS REMAIN SLUGGISH

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—During the April 17 Big Sky Resort Area District board meeting, members voted unanimously to sign a buy-sell agreement for a parcel of land that will allow the Montana Department of Transportation to construct improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail).

Negotiations have been ongoing since February between BSRAD and the selling party, which maintained that the property price is valued at $10 million. However, the seller did agree to provide a small discount if BSRAD accepts its financing terms versus more costly options through First Security Bank.

The board opted for the seller’s financing scheme, which discounts the land to $9.05 million, but includes an additional $1.4 million in total interest and financing charges.

In past meetings, BSRAD board members and Executive Director Daniel Bierschwale have emphasized the importance of acquiring the land now, while it’s available, to improve the flow of daily commuter traffic. In a January interview, Bierschwale and engineers with MDT discussed the possibile improvements if the land was purchased— including a roundabout.

Now, the land will be owned by the Big Sky community, purchased using resort tax revenues and reserves. David O’Connor, executive director of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, gave public comment in favor of owning community land.

“This is a big investment for our community,” O’Connor said. From his housing trust role, he said Big Sky is unique because “we don’t have as a community, any land assets. So many communities are leveraging community-owned land to address their housing concerns, for example.

“So, while this is a big hit, and this is gonna be definitely impactful on organizations for the next couple of years, I think it’s the right thing to do.”

O’Connor said it’s a regrettable reality that the Big Sky community did not purchase more of its own land in the past, especially when it was more affordable.

“It’s a big hit. But I think it’s smart money for us to spend,” O’Connor said.

The purchase includes commercial leases for buildings on the property. Stillwater Architecture and Christy Sports were named as businesses operating in the vicinity of the intersection, and those tenants may need to be removed at some point for intersection construction. Christy Sports’ lease would not expire until November 2026, and includes two five-year options after that.

“But the seller is working with us, and working with Christy Sports, to see if there’s an alternative where the seller could move the tenant to a different location,” BSRAD attorney Kim Beatty explained. “… You just need to know that, if you purchase this [property], you do purchase it subject to the seller’s obligation under each of the leases.”

Board member Kevin Germain expressed concerns about the longevity of those leases, but Board Chair Sarah Blechta said they feel confident that the timing will not pose a significant threat to intersection construction.

Expenses mount as collections drop

This year, BSRAD is facing a resort tax revenue shortfall of nearly $3 million.

On April 17, board members faced an action item to approve the fiscal year 2025 budget, its total based on projected collections in fiscal year 2024.

Forecasted 2024 collections were $23.6 million, but eight months in, the projection is trending toward roughly $20.8 million.

Blechta said BSRAD collections have been down for five of the eight months.

“So I would like everybody in this community to understand, we are consistently down at Resort Tax this year,” Blechta said. “Despite being consistently up in requests.”

The 2025 budget includes $4.99 million in debt service for the 191/64 intersection. BSRAD would pay the remaining $2.74 million in 2026, and $2.72 million in 2027.

However, Bierschwale recommended that this year, BSRAD deploy its entire capital reserve of $4 million to cut into the first year of debt service, which would reduce the total debt for fiscal year 2025 to $991,000 for the 191/64 land acquisition.

Blechta gave credit to board member Ciara Wolfe for asking an important question:

“What happens if we completely drain the capital reserve, don’t put any money back into it, and then something else comes up that’s really, really important that we couldn’t otherwise have done,” Blechta said.

Even after exhausting capital reserves, BSRAD would still have $2.5 million reserved for high-stakes emergencies.

Wolfe emphasized that capital reserves have provided flexibility and opportunities in the past. She also suggested that if capital reserves are deployed to limit this year’s “hit” from the 191/64 intersection purchase, BSRAD should also budget to pay off more of the remaining $6.45 million.

“For me, it feels healthier to wean… Just because you’re saving some this year, are you just putting off the harder decisions [until] next year,” Wolfe asked. “… Don’t just try to make this year the easy year, because it’s gonna be hard no matter what to acquire this parcel.”

Wolfe did not vote—being the final session in her term as a Resort Tax board member—and the remaining board voted unanimously to approve the budget as originally proposed.

Bierschwale pointed out that BSRAD is being careful to keep its own operational costs down in a tight budget. Last month, Office Manager Sara Huger left her role and BSRAD opted not to fill her position, to cut operational costs.

“We have a solid team right now with high performers, and we’re gonna use ‘em,” Bierschwale said.

BSRAD asks government service providers to improve forecasting

As part of a three-year cycle, BSRAD funds operational costs for government services including fire, water and

sewer, parks and trails, transportation, law enforcement and public school. BSRAD also funds one-year capital requests. Board members expressed disappointment with forecasting, particularly for capital requests.

In last year’s forecasts, none of the districts forecasted funding requests for capital projects. However, actual requests totaled $910,000—the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District listed three projects, $535,000 in total, and the Big Sky School District an additional $375,000 for teacher and staff housing.

Providers also forecast three-year operational costs, funded by BSRAD to offset local property taxes.

In total, the government service providers requested $4.5 million for operations, but had forecasted only $3.3 million.

“There was a very significant amount of things that were not forecasted from some of these entities. And that can create a huge issue across the community,” Blechta said.

“We’re setting budgets based on your forecasts,” Bierschwale said.

The board was especially surprised by the extent of requests from the water and sewer district.

“Up until two years ago, no resort tax went to water and sewer. And you guys were on your own,” Kevin Germain said. “And then we sat down and negotiated a wonderful agreement over the construction of the new plant. And now fast forward to today, you guys are in here with huge asks… To me, it’s pretty troubling on the trend that we’re setting.”

BSCWSD representatives explained that costs have skyrocketed, unforeseen repairs have emerged, and litigation against the district has cost $2.1 million in the past few years, depleting their cash reserves despite the district winning every case thus far.

Ciara Wolfe asked how much those legal fees are costing each customer, and Smith said it equates to roughly $600 per year for each ratepayer.

The district does plan to increase user rates to offset need for resort tax funding.

“Our ask here is to soften the blow to the ratepayers. The blow is not going to be soft, because the rate increases over the next four years are going to be shocking,” said Terry Smith, BSCWSD finance officer.

BSRAD will make actual funding decisions based on government service requests, at the Madison-Gallatin Joint County Commission meeting on May 8 in Big Sky.

With the land (pictured right of intersection) now acquired, BSRAD and MDT can begin planning an improvement to traffic flow at Big Sky’s keystone intersection. PHOTO BY MICHAEL RUEBUSCH

RIVERVIEW APARTMENTS TO TAKE FIRST OCCUPANTS FOR SUMMER

TWO BIG SKY COMMUNITY HOUSING TRUST BUILDINGS WILL OPEN FIRST, FIVE

LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY BUILDINGS PLAN TO OPEN IN FALL

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—Since various partners broke ground in May 2023, seven buildings have sprung up along the south side of Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail), called the RiverView Apartments. The first pair of buildings will house local workers this summer.

Five green-wrapped buildings are now being covered with dark gray siding. That’s the portion of RiverView being constructed by Lone Mountain Land Company, a $65 million investment totaling 24 units of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and 36 units of four- and eight-bedroom shared suites. LMLC’s buildings are expected to be complete in the fall.

To the west, the other two buildings are tan, a $10.5 million project led by the nonprofit Big Sky Community Housing Trust and funded largely by the federal LowIncome Housing Tax Credit program. The housing trust’s buildings are ready to welcome the first RiverView occupants in June.

All seven buildings will be powered by solar energy. The two housing trust buildings are solarized with funding and guidance from Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (SNO). Renewable energy will help minimize utility costs for renters—equity is an important sustainability goal, according to Lizzie Peyton, director of community sustainability for SNO.

“You could tell everybody to transfer to solar and put a new heat pump in, but not everybody could necessarily afford it,” Peyton said. For housing trust renters, the solar panels will offset roughly eight months of annual electrical costs based on average power consumption. Each individual apartment will have its own solar electricity meter and panel source—a complicated loophole in Montana renewable energy law, which does not allow communal sources of solar power, Peyton explained.

Big Sky SNO funded solar for two buildings through local grants: $210,000 from Resort Tax, roughly $40,000

from private donors, $20,000 from Big Sky Thrift and $15,000 from the Moonlight Community Foundation.

Lone Mountain Land Company will fund its own solar fixtures on the remaining five buildings.

For the tan housing trust buildings, eligible renters must meet strict, federal income qualifications. Households must earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income—for example, one Big Sky worker in 2024 would need to earn between $22,890 and $61,040.

The housing trust buildings include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, leased on one-year terms by the housing trust according to federal guidelines and oversight. Rent and utilities will not exceed 30% of each household’s income.

The project is “on budget, on time,” and well ahead of the federal LIHTC deadline to welcome occupants by December 2024, according to David O’Connor, executive director of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust.

“It is absolutely, 100% targeting year-round residents,” O’Connor said. “This is definitely not designed for seasonal [workforce].”

He said there’s about a dozen funding sources behind the tan buildings. The largest is federal LIHTC tax credits, which contributed $6.49 million. The Big Sky Resort Area District funded the land acquisition by the housing trust and made a “substantial” investment in preconstruction expenses, O’Connor said, totaling about $2.5 million. The housing trust also won a federal ARPA grant through Gallatin County.

“For any affordable housing project… there has to be a multiple-layered stack of revenue sources to bring to a project in order to get to the affordability targets we need to get to,” O’Connor said.

Without public subsidy, O’Connor said the most affordable project the housing trust could construct would result in rent rates considered affordable at about 150%

area median income—for one Big Sky worker, that’s over $114,450 based on 2024 data.

A home for families

O’Connor and his housing trust staff, Stewardship Coordinator Jennifer Boutsianis and Program Manager Becky Brockie, took a walk through the site with Explore Big Sky in early April. They peeked through a door left ajar, stepping into a nearly finished apartment.

“Couple hours with a broom, carpet, wood trim and cabinets. Less than a week, and really, this is finished. All the electric’s done—this goes fast,” O’Connor said. It’s a three-bedroom apartment. Most of RiverView’s threebedroom units are built on the ground floor for the safety of those with children.

“We’d love to see families move in,” Brockie said.

Under income rules, combined earnings from a household of three would need to fall between $29,430 and $78,480, based on the 2024 data, so it’s unlikely that three skibumming young adults would qualify.

“A single mom with two kids—that’s a household of three on one income,” O’Connor said. It’s very likely that kind of family would qualify.

The housing trust has been keeping a preliminary, selfqualified waitlist for RiverView units. Although potential renters have not been qualified according to federal rules, most appear eligible.

RiverView applications opened on May 1 through the housing trust website.

While some community members may take issue with the location, directly beside the highway, or the appearance and style of housing projects like RiverView, Brockie challenges that view.

“Where else should we put it?”

These modular-unit buildings, currently green but being covered with dark siding, are being constructed and managed by Lone Mountain Land Company. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

The tan buildings are operated by the Big Sky Community Housing Trust. PHOTO BY JACK REANE

O’Connor added that land with access to utilities and community amenities is scarce in Big Sky.

“It’s a piece of land that was difficult to develop under other conditions… I would make the case that it’s not a great use for anything else,” O’Connor said.

RiverView is being built for function and purpose, like the nearby Powder Light apartments. Like many mountain towns, Big Sky is hungry for solutions to its workforce housing crisis.

“We feel we have an obligation to the community to fulfill this mission. So this project is dead-square fulfilling the mission,” O’Connor said.

Brockie said the LIHTC income range includes critical community members—teachers, nurses, sheriff’s deputies; the list goes on.

“Without those people, we have no community,” Brockie said.

The housing trust looks forward to seeing how RiverView may ease pressure on Big Sky’s overall rental market, in which rent rates have followed high demand for apartments and short-term rentals.

But even this project won’t meet Big Sky’s demand. Boustanis said the community still needs another 1,354 homes for workers by 2028, according to BSCHT’s housing needs assessment.

The housing trust is continually evaluating land opportunities for similar projects, with an internal motto of “no stone unturned,” O’Connor said. The Cold Smoke project, announced by Lone Mountain Land Company

on April 2, looks to be an upcoming opportunity on undeveloped land adjacent to RiverView.

The housing trust is collaborating with LMLC on plans to acquire a portion of the Cold Smoke development, for further affordable workforce housing development by the housing trust, O’Connor explained in a follow up. For RiverView, sharing site development costs with LMLC has allowed the housing trust to preserve affordability.

From ‘unbuildable’ to 97 apartments in four years

On the RiverView campus, buildings west of the Big Sky Thrift store are all apartments. Buildings east of the thrift are shared-living suites, otherwise known as singleoccupancy dorms, Brockie said.

The housing trust will have leasing agent access to 20% of Lone Mountain Land Company’s units, and they are figuring out which units those will be.

“LMLC has 60 doors total. So we’ll get 12 of them,” Brockie said. That’s on top of the 24 apartments in the housing trust’s tan buildings.

The housing trust has been advocating for apartments to be rented to individuals, as opposed to master-leased through businesses to their employees. This is an effort to break the connection between residents and their employment.

“We think of that in the realm of stability,” O’Connor said. “Employer-attached housing erodes housing stability.”

All seven RiverView buildings must house Big Sky workers. Short-term rentals are prohibited, and rent must be affordable, although at varying degrees.

Brockie said when she joined the housing trust in July of 2020, RiverView was only a whisper. It was formally announced in January of 2021.

“For me, it’s four years of the housing trust that’s finally coming to fruition,” Brockie said.

For the tan buildings, O’Connor said BlueLine Development—a Missoula-based company with regional experience building tax-credit-funded, low-income housing—has been a great partner.

“They’re extremely competent at building projects like this. They’ve really gotten to know the Big Sky community and the various challenges of building at this elevation, and this distance from town… and they have kept every promise they’ve made,” O’Connor said.

He credits the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce for creating the housing trust in March 2016.

Eight years later, seven buildings occupy land that O’Connor said was considered unbuildable due to setbacks from the road and the river—both were granted variances before the land was annexed by the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District.

“Between what was necessary to get the land buildable, and what was necessary to assemble the funding stack, it took so many partners to make this project a reality,” O’Connor said. “And that’s going to be the case for affordable housing moving forward.

It really does need to be a community effort, because we can’t build it unless it is.”

10TH ANNUAL HARBOR’S HERO RUN

SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, MAY 19

BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY—On May 19, Big Sky students will don capes alongside participating community members in the annual Harbor’s Hero 5K color run.

Honoring Harbor deWaard, a Big Sky kindergartner who passed away in 2015, the run celebrates his amazing life in Big Sky, and raises money for Wellness in Action and the Harbor deWaard Scholarship Fund. The fund awarded its first full scholarship in 2015 to a Big Sky student to participate in Camp Moonlight’s summer camp program.

The run has been organized by Lone Peak High School’s chapter of the National Honors Society since 2014. The 10th anniversary will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 19 at Big Sky Community Park. Registration is $20, available ahead of the race online and on race day starting at 8:15 a.m. The first 125 people to sign up will receive a t-shirt.

It’s tradition for participants to don a cape or superhero gear for the annual color 5K, in memory of Harbor’s love for superheroes. The race will be timed by Muddy Dog Sports for the competitive folk who plan to fly through the finish line.

Participants should also be prepared for weather.

“We always say to come, rain or shine,” said Vera Grabow, a student and member of Lone Peak High School’s chapter of the National Honors Society.

Last year the event raised about $2,000 for Wellness in Action. Since its first year, the event has raised $13,489 for WIA. Usually occurring on a Saturday morning, organizers told EBS last year that a Sunday morning start time might avoid

conflicts including soccer and get more of the community involved.

“The club is really excited to have been doing this event in Harbor’s memory for 10 years now,” Grabow said, speaking on behalf of the organization which is led by co-presidents Astrid McGuire and Beckett Johnson and guided by Dr. Kate Eisele, NHS’ faculty advisor.

On Wednesday, April 17, students at Ophir Elementary School recycled t-shirts from past Harbor’s Hero runs, creating and decorating capes in Harbor’s memory and to celebrate the event’s 10th year.

Participants dress up in superhero garb for the 2019 Harbor’s Hero Run. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

Ophir Elementary students decorated recycled t-shirts turned capes on April 17. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

LONE PEAK SENIORS HONORED IN COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY

BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY—On April 2, Lone Peak High School awarded 25 seniors with community scholarships. Organized by Friends of Big Sky Education, 51 scholarships from Big Sky community members, businesses and organizations brought the total value of post-secondary support to over $100,000.

Two Johns emceed the event, and alternated welcoming students to the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center stage on Tuesday morning, April 2. John Zirkle, the founding director of the WMPAC and music and theater teacher, and John Hannahs, the district’s athletic director, offered brief descriptions of each student’s involvements and passions in front of a crowd of parents, scholarship donors and Big Sky students.

To be selected for a scholarship, students must submit a transcript, essay and letter of recommendation. Melissa McKeithen, the vice president of Big Sky Youth Empowerment and president of the Arts Council of Big Sky board, appreciates that scholarships can be any type of post-secondary education, whether that be a fouryear university or trade and technical schools.

“I think to communicate as a community that we value education, and encourage post secondary education … if you decide to do something after high school, there are lots of opportunities, and we as a community want to support you,” McKeithen said.

“I think it’s just a really great message.”

Behind the scenes, Friends of Big Sky Education takes months to collect and organize scholarship donations, and review applications from high school students. Community donors range from local businesses like the Hungry Moose Market and Deli and nonprofits like Big Sky Thrift.

The retirees who dreamt of supporting high school seniors

In the FOBSE program’s first year awarding scholarships, Lone Peak High School seniors

received $32,000 in scholarships. Anne Marie Mistretta and Jerry Mistretta dreamt up the idea of supporting Big Sky students in their posthigh school education. The couple had worked in schools before moving to Big Sky, Anne Marie as district superintendent and Jerry as a high school principal.

The Mistrettas moved to Big Sky for their retirement, but found roles in the community that delayed those plans. Anne Marie worked as the school superintendent for Big Sky from 2005 until 2010, and Jerry worked as a fly fish guide. After a true retirement in 2010, Anne Marie continued volunteering time toward Big Sky education by writing grants for the school and helping build the FOBSE scholarship program.

To see the program thrive after its first year in 2015 has made it all worth it for Anne Marie.

“It’s very satisfying. It’s heartening to me to know that I really made the right decision and came out

of retirement and went back to work at Big Sky,” Anne Marie said on the phone with EBS.

“And it tells me that I made the right decision to help that community.”

From textbooks, technology and all the costs that go into attending college and paying tuition, McKeithen believes the tradition uplifts families in Big Sky.

“The kids and their families, really, really appreciate the level of support in this community for education,” McKeithen said. And when it comes to who donates and participates, it’s clear that in supporting Big Sky students, the community comes together.

“It’s a really great mix of different, you know, community members and organizations that are supporting that.”

Seniors awarded with scholarships applaud community donors at the April 2 Friends of Big Sky Education scholarship ceremony. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

Seniors shake hands with scholarship donors at the WMPAC. Debbie Bagby stood in for donors who could not attend and award recipients in person. PHOTOS BY JEN CLANCEY

Help honor and support long-time Post Commander and Local Legend Kenny “Cuz” Alley as he navagates ongoing medical issues.

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BIG SKY TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT DISCUSSES FARE INCREASE FOR SKYLINE LINK

BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY—Covering the trek from Bozeman and through the roughly 25 miles of Gallatin Canyon, Skyline’s Link service has a $5 price tag for one-way rides, and a $2.50 cost for punch card holders. That may change soon.

At the Big Sky Transportation District meeting on April 18, board members discussed fare increases for the bus service, which is primarily used by seasonal employees and commuters. Just a day prior on April 17, the Big Sky Resort Area District reviewed applications for threeyear funding for local government operations, including transportation. Funding amounts will be finalized in May.

For this coming cycle, the transportation district applied for $1.48 million in fiscal year 2025, $1.53 million for 2026 and $1.58 million for 2027. BSRAD board members reminded the transportation district that Skyline is long overdue for inflation-adjusted fare increases.

“You guys provide a critical service, I really do see this as what helps our workforce, I really appreciate all you do,” said Kevin Germain, BSRAD board member. “When I look at funding you guys this year… You guys need to increase your rates.”

“You gotta stay on top of that,” Germain said. “Because you’ll shock people. And you’re gonna have to have a shock this go-around.”

The next day, board chair Ennion Williams reflected on the feedback from BSRAD at the April 18 transportation meeting. “Right now

I feel as though we’re kind of playing a little catch up, because we haven’t increased fares since 2016,” Williams said.

“At about the time we were talking about implementing a fare change, the pandemic hit, and so it was like, ‘Oh no, now is not the time to be raising the fare,’ but I think we are in a position to make that change,” said Darren Brugmann, executive director of the transportation district.

Board members discussed a change in fare to $10 per one-way ride, citing eight years of inflation and easy change for drivers to handle when picking up passengers. They added that punch cards could have different, discounted prices to incentivize repeat commuters to use the punch card system.

Board members look forward to meeting with large employers in Big Sky to hold conversations about a need for increased fares. In their funding application to BSRAD, the transportation district stated that roughly 80% of riders are associated with Big Sky businesses and resorts, the remaining 20% would likely be locals and visitors.

“I know that with the link that … when we increase rates for the link, the majority of the burden of that goes to the resorts … because they are the ones who are buying the fare cards for their employees,” Williams said.

In a tidbit of bus news, Dennis Sines, general manager for Karst Stage, the bus company that services the Link, added that the Skyline bus stop sign at Four Corners had vanished.

“Somebody decided they liked it enough,” Sines said. “They took it home. It’s gone.”

Other than the local theft, Sines noted that things are moving smoothly during Link trips.

Ridership on Big Sky Connect

The Big Sky Connect Service in Big Sky has been operational for over a year and is run through a mobile app to provide flexible and fare-free rides to locals and employees. On the app, riders can request a lift around the Big Sky Town Center and Meadow Village areas.

From Nov. 29 to April 18, the service logged 60,633 total miles in rides for 58,272 passengers. The average length of a ride was five minutes and the average distance was 1.4 miles. Evan Simpson, operations manager for Downtowner, the service that orchestrates Big Sky Connect’s app, added that the service completed more than 47,200 rides in that time span.

Board members discussed the possible implementation of a small fare for riders, proposing a flat rate per-ride, but appeared hesitant due to its use in transporting employees to workplaces during times outside local bus service trips.

“We don’t want people to be riding it instead of the bus, but we don’t want … people to have to pay that to work every day,” said board member Amy Fonte.

Board members decided that a possible fare for Big Sky Connect requires further discussion at future meetings.

The Skyline Link has several stops in Bozeman, including Walmart and MSU, before heading to Big Sky. Here, Skyline buses are parked in Karst Stage’s downtown Bozeman lot and garage. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

LOREN BOUGH MOVES ON FROM BIG SKY SCHOOL BOARD AFTER 14 YEARS

BY JACK REANEY

BIG SKY—When Loren Bough served his final school board meeting with the Big Sky School District after 14 years as board chair, and prior efforts including the creation of Lone Peak High School, it’s safe to say he received a hero’s farewell.

The April 15 school board meeting took place in a fitting environment. Adults filled colorful tables in the Ophir School library, emotions taking hold of their farewell statements. Superintendent Dustin Shipman set the tone with a “data rundown” of Bough’s time on the board:

“We have 14, that represents the number of years that Loren has served on the school board,” Shipman said.

“We have 196, that’s the number of graduates who you shook hands with at graduation.

“We have a million, that’s the number, in dollars, of the staff scholarships for master’s degrees, housing allowances, and student loan payback distributed through the Ophir School Fund, which you were instrumental in securing for the district 15 years ago.”

Shipman kept rattling off numbers: Approximately 500 New York Times education articles sent to Shipman and 24 bottles of wine donated to teachers at a 2016 staff retreat. Thousands of hours spent “visioning and delivering on Lone Peak High School’s creation” and volunteering across the school district. Bonds and levies worth $37 million, used for maintenance, operations, and construction of academic and athletic facilities since 2010. Approximately 300 middle and high school basketball games spent coaching or watching—last winter, his final season coaching, he led the Big Horn girls basketball team to its first-ever divisional tournament.

“Between 150 and 420, that’s students per year impacted under your trustee leadership of asking the right questions, seeking the right programming, and keeping the dial moving forward on educating students in Big Sky,” Shipman said.

Bough, who has spent his career as a private investor and entrepreneur, has been volunteering with the Big Sky School District for 20 years. The first six, he said, were focused on “creating a foundation.” He helped create the nonprofit Friends of Big Sky Education in 2004 and led the effort for the legislation that created Lone Peak High School in 2009.

“It took two legislative sessions to get the Montana Legislature to lift the moratorium on high school creation, and we were the first to do that,” Bough told EBS.

In 2010, he joined the school board and served 14 years as board chair. Now, he leaves a proud legacy of high standards.

“It’s very hard to be accountable as a school district,” Bough said. In 2017, Lone Peak High School opted to become an International Baccalaureate school which enforces standards through constant compliance requirements and assessment. Roughly half of Lone Peak seniors go for the full IB diploma, which requires passing an exit exam—at most peer schools, only a small percentage of students attempt it.

He’s proud that Lone Peak High School now ranks in the top 400 high schools in the country and No. 1 in Montana for college acceptances—measured by the percentage of students accepted to top50 institutions. To Bough, families should either move to Big Sky for the school, or stay due to their satisfaction with it.

“There were 80-some students when I moved here, in the district. And during COVID, there were 440,” Bough told EBS. “…People live in Big Sky by choice. And one of the reasons they choose Big Sky is because we have agreat educational opportunity, even though we’re a rural school in Montana. I think that distinguishes us… Great education will attract great families.”

Bough grew up in Highwood, Montana, an unincorporated community in Chouteau County, and graduated from Highwood High School in 1986.

“Highwood High School was absolutely formative to me,” Bough told EBS. It was one of the smallest high schools in the state, with six students in his graduating class and 40 total. Still, Bough knew it was a high-quality experience.

“I wanted to replicate that experience for Big Sky kids. The ability to participate in everything and still get a high-quality education,” he said.

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Board Chair Loren Bough smiles to a standing ovation after 14 years of school board service, and 20 years supporting education in Big Sky. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Lone Peak Principal Marlo Mitchem said Bough’s efforts have made Big Sky’s school the best in Montana.

“If I had my druthers, you’d stay on the board forever,” Mitchem said. “… I hope you and your family will always stay connected to the school, knowing we will do our best to honor your legacy.”

Ophir Elementary School Principal Brittany Shirley said Bough and his family have been supportive of her since she arrived in 2008, teaching Loren’s second grade son, Kolya.

“I never imagined that we would be in a place like this. Just with your vision and your words… I think what we have now is a testament to when somebody has a vision, and has the dedication and time to put that forward,” Shirley said.

“I am so excited that I get to raise a family here, and have my kids benefit from everything that you and your family have really worked to develop, so thank you,” she added.

Tim Sullivan, music teacher and IB director, said Bough’s impact can be felt through the district’s strong academic offerings, facilities and school pride.

“It’s going to be hard to imagine the district without your leadership, however the resounding impact of your work as a trustee will support our success in years to come,” Sullivan said.

“You’ve given so many incredible opportunities to countless people,” added Athletic Director John Hannahs.

Kevin Germain, speaking as a parent and community member, said Bough has been a tireless champion for the district and for LPHS, and that the future board has big shoes to fill.

“It’s your untiring and relentless vision that has brought this to reality. It’s the high school, it’s the IB program, it’s basketball. This is the best school in the state, so a big thanks to you, Loren, for everything you’ve done for us,” Germain said.

Ciara Wolfe, another community member and parent, said her family would not have moved from Bozeman nine years ago if not for the promising school system. Moving to Big Sky has changed the trajectory of her family’s life, she said.

Wolfe also thanked Bough for serving on a public board. “It’s so much harder than everyone thinks. It’s so much easier to be the critic on the sideline than the leaders who are sitting at the table, making the hard decisions, trying to do the best they can.”

Public service takes leaders like Bough, “who can think strategically and execute,” Wolfe said.

She commended Bough for his focus on keeping kids involved with extracurricular activities.

“That belief in the combination of the two is what is helping our kids be so successful in the world today.”

As a surprise, two of Bough’s children, Dasha and Kolya, joined the board meeting online. They graduated from Lone Peak in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Dasha, now 24, said she was 13 or 14 years old before she realized the school board wasn’t her dad’s full-time job.

“He put it above all else, above any other job,” she said. “… I’ve seen you go through hell working on behalf of kids, and teachers, and the community.”

Loren wiped a tear as his son Kolya, 22, popped onto the Zoom screen. Kolya said his father is an inspiration.

“There’s plenty of very accomplished people in Big Sky, and around the state of Montana, around the country, but there just aren’t that many who have done what you have done. Whether that’s coaching basketball or navigating small-town politics, to bring a larger goal and a larger idea to fruition,” he said.

An honorary scholarship for students who serve

Matt Kidd, managing director of Lone Mountain Land Company, read a letter from Sam Byrne, managing partner with CrossHarbor Capital, “to recognize the service of Loren Bough” to the district.

“Simply put, Big Sky would not be the community it is today without Loren’s selfless commitment to building the school district into one of Montana’s most academically successful and dynamic education systems,” Byrne wrote. He listed the creation of LPHS and the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, expansion of academic and athletic facilities, and implementation of IB curriculum as evidence.

“To say that Loren Bough has changed the face of education for the Big Sky community would be a gross understatement,” Byrne wrote.

Inspired by Loren Bough’s “extraordinary history of volunteerism,” CrossHarbor and Lone Mountain Land Company will create an endowed annual scholarship fund for two graduating students “who have shown a commitment to excellence and service to the community of Big Sky,” according to Byrne’s letter.

The Bough Family Scholarship for Community Service will be endowed through FOBSE and awarded annually to a pair of graduating seniors to support pursuits for an undergraduate or technical school degree.

“That’s a wonderful tribute to keep paying it forward, and I really appreciate that,” Bough responded. “It’s actually something the school district does really well, and now it’s going to be even better.”

Bough thanked everyone for their kind words, and in his own statement, challenged the community to carry on the momentum.

“It will depend on how committed you are to a rigorous academic foundation that you’re inheriting. The fate of the kids in Big Sky depends on you, and your commitment to retain our standing as the best academic school in the state,” Bough said. “The issue of how to provide the best academic program, and the best opportunities for our kids, kept me up at night… If that does not keep you up at night, with all due respect, then you should not be on this board.”

Bough said all decisions should prioritize academics. Distractions will emerge, such as bus route discussions and high school coaching decisions, “and they need to be dealt with. How many eighth-graders play up to varsity will soon be forgotten.”

Prioritizing academic rigor will make other problems go away, he said.

“Whether it’s enrollment, or cost of housing—if you just focus on academic rigor and being the best academic school in the state, people will move here because it’s that school.”

Andrew Blessing, technology director, tinkered for hours at Lone Peak’s new technical facility to create a custom farewell gift. Bough told EBS that Blessing’s skilled presence is “one of the best things that has ever happened to the school.” PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Superintendent Shipman reads from a book of letters to Bough,including one from a graduate who found success and fulfillment in lighting design, a career path enabled by LPHS and WMPAC. PHOTO BY JACK REANE

SPORTS

BASEBALL: LONE PEAK DEFEATS EAST HELENA

NOW ONE OF LONE PEAK’S LARGEST ATHLETIC TEAMS, THE BASEBALL PROGRAM ANTICIPATES GROWTH AND A NEW HOME FIELD BY 2026

BY JACK REANEY

BELGRADE—Big hits carried the Big Horns to their third victory of the season on Tuesday, April 23, as Lone Peak High School took down the East Helena High School Vigilantes, 11-6.

Lone Peak is playing its second-ever season—baseball became a high school sport in Montana in 2023—and Tuesday’s win is just the program’s fourth in total. East Helena won the first matchup on March 29, 8-6, but the Big Horns brought momentum from wins against Columbus and Sidney in the week leading up to Tuesday’s rematch in Belgrade, where Lone Peak plays home games.

Sophomore Ebe Grabow kept the Big Horns in the game, pitching five and two-thirds innings in relief, a scoreless effort until his final frame. Grabow entered in relief of sophomore Oliver McGuire, who allowed four runs through the first inning and a third. Grabow inherited a bases-loaded jam with one out in the second, but pitched his way out of it with an infield fly and line drive to center field, caught by senior Aidan Germain.

Sloppy defense didn’t help the Big Horns in the early going, but they held the Vigilantes to four runs.

“We were struggling a little at the start with just overall errors, but then everyone picked it up. I just threw strikes, and everyone made the plays,” Grabow told EBS after the game.

The Big Horns had scored two runs in the first inning, when Grabow grabbed an RBI on a ground out, and sophomore Eli Gale added a sacrifice fly to center. The game remained 4-2 until the Big Horns broke it open in the bottom half of the fourth.

“We got down, things didn’t go in our favor,” said coach Matt Morris. “And in the past, we fold—give up. This was a great example of us fighting through that… That’s all we’re looking for from these guys, is that kind of attitude where they know they can win a game no matter what the score is at any point.”

With one out in the fourth, Germain reached on an error by the pitcher. Freshman Ryan Malinowski lined a single between third and short, and senior Keelan Grupe followed suit with a single to right. Germain scored.

A two-out error by East Helena’s second baseman would cost the Vigilantes six defensive runs—freshman Sid Morris reached on the error and Malinowski dove headfirst to score the tying run, and the damage would continue.

Sophomore Brady Johnson walked to load the bases, and with two outs, Grabow smacked a line drive single into center field, delivering two runs to give the Big Horns a 6-4 lead.

Gale extended the two-out rally with an infield single, loading the bases and prompting a pitching change. And up stepped McGuire, keen for redemption after a rough start on the mound. Redemption he got.

McGuire hit a deep fly ball, out of the left fielder’s reach. McGuire’s double cleared the bases and extended the Big Horns lead to 9-4.

“I’m just glad it got down and scored some runs,” McGuire said.

The Big Horns batted through the lineup in the bottom of the fourth, scoring seven runs—six of them with two outs—in their big inning.

Momentum swung. Grabow retired the Vigilantes in order in the fifth, and the Big Horn bats remained

confident. Grupe walked and took scoring position on a wild pitch.

With two outs, again, the Big Horns capitalized. Morris pushed an opposite-field single down the right field line, scoring Grupe. Brady Johnson slugged a hooking line drive, one-hopping the left field wall and scoring Morris from first.

Pitching behind an 11-4 lead, Grabow stranded a pair of Vigilantes in the sixth, and finished the job in the seventh. He allowed two runs that inning and punched out the final batter.

Coach Rothing said it’s great to see Grabow on the mound controlling ballgames.

“Ebe has been our guy all year. He’s been throwing strikes, he’s been living ahead, living low in the zone… He’s got a calm presence about him, and the guys rally behind him,” Rothing said.

“We needed that win to move up [in the standings],” Grabow said. The Big Horns improved to 3-4 with Tuesday’s win and remain in playoff contention. Last year, they finished 1-11 at the varsity level.

Oliver McGuire said there’s still room for improvement, but this season has been promising.

“I can’t say I expected to really do that much better than last year,” McGuire said. “But I think there’s definitely a vibe that we can do better and can make the playoffs now.”

Coach Rothing called out Brady Johnson for his solid defense at shortstop. He gave props to catcher Eli Gale’s toughness, and said he can’t wait to see a strong guy like Gale manifest his power at the plate.

“Ryan Malinowski, young guy that continues to perform, continues to get the job done,” Rothing said. “Keelan Grupe [had a] big knock, scored an RBI on that.”

For freshman and sophomore players including Johnson, Malinowski, McGuire, Morris, Gale and Grabow, they see two or three seasons ahead of them and a lot of potential for the young program. Grabow said more field time and training will help the entire team.

“Everything will come together in the next two years, I think,” Grabow said.

The future of Big Horn baseball: home field advantage

In time for the current sophomores to play their senior season, the program should experience a major change: construction of a home field.

Big Sky lacks an adult-sized baseball field, so the Big Horns play “home” games at Edward Medina Field in Belgrade. But that’s a temporary arrangement—the Big Sky Community Organization’s construction of a multiuse turf field at Big Sky Community Park should allow Lone Peak to host opponents by 2026.

“For a Friday night baseball game in Big Sky, I think it would be well-attended and people would have a lot of fun,” coach Morris said.

“How much fun is that gonna be,” coach McGuire added.

Speaking at Wednesday’s practice on a softball field at Big Sky Community Park, coach Morris looked over his shoulder at the Big Sky Royals holding little league practice on the other field. He said the growth of baseball in Big Sky has been “awesome” since he helped get the Royals started, back when the current high school freshmen were seven years old playing T-ball.

“It was just one team, selfishly my son and his friends, and it’s grown into a whole Big Sky baseball organization,” Morris said. Big Sky now has roughly 60 baseball players across all age groups. The Big Horns program has 21 total players, and has quickly caught up to the popularity of football and boys soccer, Lone Peak’s largest team—soccer also continues to thrive across all ages in Big Sky.

“It’s just fitting that these guys are now at a level where they need the 90-foot bases and this bigger field, and BSCO and the community is coming up huge and trying to do that for us,” Morris said. He emphasized that it will be a multi-purpose field, not just for high school baseball but other activities that will benefit from a more weatherresilient playing surface.

“That turf is going to allow us to get out on the field much earlier in the season,” coach McGuire said—on April 24, the Big Horns practiced on real grass for the first time, even in such a dry spring. They usually practice at the school, where artificial turf melts and drains significantly faster.

It’s all coming together like clockwork for Big Sky baseball—the Montana High School Association began offering baseball as a varsity sport just in time for Big Sky’s pioneering little leaguers to reach high school, and BSCO was able to integrate field construction into its other planned improvements to the Big Sky Community Park.

For the players, it’s more simply a privilege.

“I’m happy to be able to still play baseball,” Oliver McGuire said.

The Big Horns have won three of their past four games, and Tuesday’s win was the third in eight days.

“The guys are gelling, we’re laughing, we’re having fun,” coach Rothing said. He looked over at Lone Peak’s largest spring team, warming up to practice a high school sport that did not exist two years ago. “So it’s really cool to see that the guys want to come out and be a part of what we’re doing out here.”

Morris scores from first on a Brady Johnson double. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Sophomore Ebe Grabow lines a two-run single during a seven-run fourth inning rally. Grabow’s pitching helped the Big Horns improve to 3-4 with Tuesday’s win. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

BRIDGER SKI FOUNDATION REFLECTS ON FOURTH PLACE NATIONAL FINISH IN 2023-24 SEASON

SENIORS FINISH STRONG IN JUNIOR NATIONALS, PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASES

BY JEN CLANCEY

In March, the Bridger Ski Foundation sent 18 athletes to Lake Placid, New York for the U.S. Cross Country Skiing Junior National Championships. Despite varying conditions of slush, heavy wind and race delays, the Bozemanbased Nordic program’s training shone.

Placing fourth overall in the junior national championship overall, and securing All-American finishes, the competition brought together teams from all over the Northern Rockies in the Intermountain Division, which placed second nationally against other U.S. divisions.

“We have some really strong young athletes,” said Andrew Morehouse, BSF’s Nordic program director. “We … had the second best women’s team in the country. Which is awesome.”

On that women’s team was Natalie Nicholas who finished fourth in the U18 Women 7.5K Freestyle. “I’m really proud of our ski organization,” Nicholas told EBS.

On top of securing an All-American title at junior nationals, Nicholas also traveled to Falun, Sweden in January for the Nordic Nation’s Cup, representing Team U.S.A. alongside 12 other stateside athletes.

Nicholas looks back fondly at her last season with BSF, where her career began in sixth grade after a move from Wyoming.

“I feel lucky,” Nicholas said. “[BSF] fostered my love of the sport, not just my success.”

Another athlete who traveled internationally and finished strong at junior nationals was Landon

Wyatt. Earlier in the year, Wyatt traveled to South Korea for the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics and finished 18th in the 7.5KM classic.

At junior nationals, Wyatt finished fourth in the U18 Men 7.5K Freestyle and 10th and ninth in the U18 Men Classic Sprint and U18 Men 10K, respectively.

Wyatt also finished second place with teammate Callahan Waters on the Intermountain Division U18 relay team.

“It’s definitely a little sad stepping away,” Wyatt said of his career with BSF. He described the program as a close-knit family.

Other impressive finishes came from Callahan Waters and Necia Nicholas in the U18 category,

and Tula Higman and Isabella Waters in the U16 age group.

Wyatt noted that coaches and training prepared the team well for dicier conditions in Lake Placid. Julia Hayes, BSF’s Nordic competition coach, added that she was proud of the way BSF athletes pushed through sticky snow and variable weather.

“Within our training, myself and Andrew, we work really hard to be like, 'Okay, … this is something we have to work through, we can’t go around it, we can’t go under it, these are the cards that we are dealt,' and … if we figure a way to cope with it, it’s going to make us better athletes and better people,” Hayes said.

“I think that shows when [the athletes] encounter hard conditions and they can still perform really well.”

Hayes said that the group of graduating seniors will be missed by the program, noting that she has seen them grow from eighth grade, when she first joined BSF’s coaching squad. She thanked the “incredible community” that allows athletes to excel in the sport and have fun, as well as an ongoing relationship with Big Sky Ski Education Foundation’s program.

Morehouse appreciated the leaders within the 10-person senior class. “With such a big senior class, there was a lot of the leadership that came from that group, a lot of the culture was driven by that group,” Morehouse said.

Both Nicholas and Wyatt are excited about the next steps in their skiing career. Natalie Nicholas will compete with the University of New Hampshire next year, but plans to return to Bozeman in the summer for training. Landon Wyatt will ski at the University of Denver.

Seniors race in the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association/ Intermountain Division Ski race at Crosscut Mountain Center in February 2024. Natalie Nicholas, pictured far right, competed in two races and a relay. PHOTOS BY JENNY WHITE COURTESY OF JULIA HAYES

Group photo of graduation seniors in the Bridger Ski Foundation Nordic program. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE NICHOLAS

OP NEWS

OUTLAW PARTNERS ANNOUNCES WILDLANDS FESTIVAL BENEFICIARIES

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

Wildlands Festival is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We are honored to participate in the Wildlands Festival," said John Todd, executive director of Wild Montana. "This celebration of Montana's

iconic landscapes aligns perfectly with our commitment to conserving our state's public lands and waters. The festival will provide a unique opportunity to connect with friends who are equally passionate about the outdoors, and to raise funds and awareness for protecting our wild places for future generations.”

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

"Our work to protect the 22 million acres of America's most vibrant and wild ecosystem wouldn't happen without the support of people who care deeply about Greater Yellowstone," said Greater Yellowstone Coalition Executive Director Scott Christensen.

"The Wildlands Festival is a great example of people coming together to celebrate this special place, and we are honored to be chosen by Outlaw Partners as one of this year's nonprofit beneficiaries. These funds will support our efforts to work with all people to protect the lands, waters and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem."

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

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

Tuesday, March 19, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

OUTDOOR RECREATION: DEVELOPING SHOULDER SEASON EXPERIENCES

Tuesday, April 23, 9 a.m - 2 p.m.

SUPPORTING THE TOURISM WORKFORCE

Monday, May 6, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

ARTS, CULTURE, AND HERITAGE: DEVELOPING SENSE OF PLACE

Tuesday, May 7, 9 a.m - 2 p.m.

A&E

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A COLORFUL JOURNEY

MONTANA-BASED CHILDREN’S AUTHOR VISITS BIG SKY TO SHARE HER NEWEST PICTURE BOOK WITH LOCAL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

BY LESLIE KILGORE EBS CONTRIBUTOR

Janet Fox first began writing children’s books and young adult novels more than 20 years ago when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, with the hope that her stories would help him learn to read better. She continued writing and honing her craft for years after her son had grown. Now, she’s an accomplished and award-winning author, and her son is too.

“I am my son’s copyeditor now,” Fox told her audience at a meet the author event at the Big Sky Community Library on April 24. "And I really enjoy doing it. His novels are very good."

While Fox is loved for her fantasy novels and young adult series, she has also written several picture books from her cabin that she and her husband own in Livingston. Her newest picture book, “Wintergarden,” was released in 2023, and she visited Big Sky to share the story with students at Ophir Elementary and others at the Big Sky Community Library.

“‘Wintergarden’ was born in 2020 when we were so tired of sequestering in our cabin during COVID,” Fox said. “I needed a feeling of light and hope and green growing things. That’s where all my stories are born—from my emotions. And that’s what readers relate to as well.”

As Fox read “Wintergarden” to local children at the library, it was apparent that she’s experienced in sharing her stories while also answering entertaining questions from young readers about her books.

“I love being with the kids; they are everything,” Fox said. “They are curious and funny and energetic and often so surprising. You can’t predict which kid will do what, and I love being surprised.”

Fox shared stories and photos of her own winter garden and how she was inspired by her most recent book, while also telling the audience that writing picture books can be the most challenging for her. She writes all of her stories without pictures first, and then her publisher finds accomplished artists to illustrate the pages. The illustrations for “Wintergarden” portray colorful and vibrant plants, vegetables and herbs while portraying the beauty of what can be grown inside during a winter in Montana.

“All of my recent books are based in Montana," Fox said. “That includes my next novel, ‘The Mystery of Mystic Mountain,’ which is a super fun mystery, treasure hunt and riddle book.”

During her library presentation in Big Sky, Fox was also asked some meaningful questions by the older aspiring writers in the audience.

“The burst of generous applause after I told my story about my son with dyslexia—and finished with the fact that now, in his early 30s, he’s the author of four published novels and more coming—stood out for me,” Fox said. “He’s an inspiration to me, and a testament to the idea that if you want to do something badly enough, keep going.”

As Fox ended her visit to Big Sky by autographing copies of her picture books and young adult novels for visiting fans, she shared bookmarks featuring some of the colorful artwork from several of her most popular stories, including the story she is most proud of, her award-winning novel “Carry Me Home,” about the journey of two young sisters in Montana who are homeless, parentless, and have to rely on each other to grow and keep going.

When asked what she likes most about writing stories for children and young adults, Fox said, “I love the ability to play—to write fantasies and things about magic. Because that’s where kids live, in a world of imagination.”

For more information on Fox’s stories, her book tours and her writing workshops, visit janetsfox.com

Erica Oglevie and Laine Hegness of the Big Sky Community Library and author Janet Fox. PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE

Author Janet Fox visited the Big Sky Community Library last week to speak about her new book, “Wintergarden.” PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE

THE

BIG

ECONOMY

8AM - 10AM | EGGS & ISSUES

Start the morning with Resort Tax Economist, Jackie Haines, as she shares the important ripple effect that our community has on the region. She will take us through the Big Sky 2023 Economic Impact Analysis and outline opportunities for community-wide infrastructure updates that

10AM - 12PM | JOINT COUNTY COMMISSION

Join our locally elected officials as they discuss and take action on topics that directly affect our community, from public services and government collaboration to environmental conservation and infrastructure investment. Be part of the conversation that shapes our future.

LPHS STUDENT-ARTIST WINS REGIONAL GOLDEN KEY AWARD

BY MARIO CARR EBS CONTRIBUTOR

BIG SKY—Elise Daugherty, a sophomore at Lone Peak High School, was taking photos in fall of 2023 when she came upon some lichen covered rocks. She photographed them.

“I like moss, mushrooms, and lichen; they are so cool!” Daugherty wrote in an email to EBS about her award-winning photo.

Daugherty’s piece is titled “Are You Lichen It?” and she said that she chose that name due to her love of “dad jokes.” Her art teacher, Kate Riley, suggested that she enter the photo into a competition a couple of months after she took it, and Daugherty couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Students all around the country in grades seven through 12 can submit their best work to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. When considering the art that is submitted, the organization focuses on originality, skill and the emergence of personal voice from the art. After obtaining a regional Golden Key Award, students are then eligible to submit up to five works to be nominated for the American Visions or American Voices awards.

“The Regional Gold Key Award means so much to me, and I am honestly surprised that I got it,” Daugherty said. After taking her photo she said that she only slightly edited it for contrast, and sent it in to the competition.

“I am so proud of her, this is our District’s first time winning a National Scholastic Gold Key Award for Art. This prestigious award that started in the 1920s has been won by artists like Andy Warhol when he was only 17, Robert Indiana and John Baldassari, just to name a few,” Riley said.

Riley is hopeful that having this award will open doors for her students in the future. Daugherty is a well-rounded art student that has also made some paintings that her teacher finds fascinating. Riley says that Daugherty plans to continue submitting art pieces for the next two years while at LPHS, and Riley is also excited about how the arts are growing there.

Riley has been teaching at Lone Peak for two years now and has always encouraged her students to submit their pieces for these kinds of competitions. Daugherty and more than a dozen other students will be enrolled in the school’s higher-level, twoyear International Baccalaureate art course next year, a course that has more than doubled in size since Riley joined the school district. Riley is hopeful that Daugherty’s success will encourage others in the school to continue pursuing their art goals. Daugherty’s passion for art has grown greatly with just two entry-level art courses, and her teacher is excited for what this IB art course is going to do for her students by allowing them more time to dive deep into all things art.

“The National Scholastic Gold Key awards have a pretty incredible history of talented artists and writers, I don’t know if students always understand the magnitude of winning a Gold Key award,” Riley said.

AWARD-WINNING PHOTO BY ELISE DAUGHERTY

COURTESY OF KATE RILEY

COURTESY OF ELISE DAUGHERTY

‘SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA’ PREMIERES IN BIG SKY AHEAD OF NATIONAL RELEASE

BY JEN CLANCEY

BIG SKY—A Montana rancher, John Alexander, faces the loss of his family’s ranch when a film crew approaches him with an offer: to shoot a movie on his land. This is the story of “Somewhere in Montana.”

On Friday, April 26, The Waypoint hosted the premiere of the Montana-made film in Big Sky. “Somewhere in Montana” played at The Waypoint through May 1.

Written and directed by Brandon Smith,and set in northwest Montana, the film was entirely filmed in Polson and made by a crew of Montana residents. Smith expressed excitement about having Montanans see the movie ahead of a national release, which will occur later this year.

“It’s a love letter to Montana. So it’s fun to share that privately before the whole world sees it,” Smith said.

The movie brings Scotsman Graham McTavish, best known for his roles in “The Hobbit” and the television series “Outlander,” into the character of gruff and loyal John Alexander.

“I took two men who are completely opposite and tried to put them in an impossible situation,” said Smith. He’s referring to Alexander’s challenging counterpart, a passionate film director named Fabian Verdugo, played by Matt Drago, who refuses to give up on his project.

What follows is an at-times humorous, then vulnerable, look at legacy and change in what’s known as the Last Best Place.

Among the Hollywood-ites that arrive in the small fictional Montana town is co-director Kat, played by Michelle Hurd, star actress Dhalia, played by Kate Orsino, and actress Rebecca, played by Tashia Gates.

Gates’ journey to “Somewhere in Montana” is a full-circle moment. She grew up in Anaconda and attended the University of Montana, graduating with high honors with a bachelor of fine arts in acting. Eventually Gates moved to Los Angeles to continue her career as an actress.

“Yeah, it’s just a full circle experience that … I’ve only dreamed about until now,” Gates told

EBS at The Waypoint bar ahead of the second Friday showing.

“John’s story being on the ranch, the depths of grief that he experiences with [the loss of] his wife, the loyalty he has to his ranch and wanting to do the right thing for his daughter, and his family, is unanimous for most Montanans,” Gates said of the film.

In one moment early in the movie, Gates’ Rebecca sees Flathead Lake for the first time. Even though she grew up in the state, Gates described still being struck by Montana’s landscapes—so much so that she leaned into her own sense of awe when filming the onetake scene.

Smith has a simple hope for what audiences think of the film: “That made me feel something.” Both Smith and Gates thanked the Big Sky community for supporting the film and allowing them to tell this story.

When Fabian and his crew arrive at the ranch for day one of filming, John insists on killing a calf in view, perhaps as an unfriendly welcome to the filmmakers. A shot of the pair staring each other down begs the question, can these two find something to agree on? It perhaps poses that broader question about changing communities across the U.S., which Smith and his crew respond to in this feature film.

At the end of Friday’s showing, Smith, Gates and producer Joe Borden answered questions from the audience about how certain scenes were shot, the film’s inspiration and what’s next for the film crew. Some friends of the producers embraced while others asked followup questions one-on-one, in the way only a small town premiere can provide.

“Somewhere in Montana” will have its final showings at The Waypoint at 5 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY

“Somewhere in Montana” stars Scottish actor and author Graham McTavish. IMAGE COURTESY OF JOE BORDEN

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR

Thursday, May 2 - Wednesday, May 15

If your next event falls between May 16 - May. 29, please submit it to media@theoutlawpartners.com by May 8.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Give Big Gallatin Valley All Day

Music in the Mountains Lineup Announcement Party

The Waypoint, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Bozeman MADE Fair

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse (MSU), 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Bozeman MADE Fair

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse (MSU), 10 a.m.

Board Game Night

The Wilson Hotel, 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

St. Joseph’s Mass Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

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

Big Sky Futbol Club Pickleball Tournament Community Park Pickleball Courts, 10 a.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Service Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 7

Lone Peak Invite: High School Tennis

Big Sky School District, 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

Joint County Commission & BSRAD Meeting

The Wilson Hotel & Online, 10 a.m.

Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

Country Dance Nights

The Jump, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Gallatin River Task Force: Runoff Cleanoff

Big Sky Community Park, 9 a.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Gallatin River Task Force: Runoff Cleanoff

Big Sky Community Park, 9 a.m.

Gem, Jewelry and Fossil Show

Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

Spring Clean-Up & BBQ

Red Cliff Shooting Range, 12 p.m.

Board Game Night

The Wilson Hotel, 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

St. Joseph’s Mass Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

Mother’s Day Brunch The Jump, 9 a.m.

Gallatin River Task Force: Runoff Cleanoff

Big Sky Community Park, 9 a.m.

Gem, Jewelry and Fossil Show

Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

All Saints Big Sky

Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Service

Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

American Legion Bingo Riverhouse BBQ & Events, 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Community Art Class: Wood Burning Arts Council of Big Sky at BASE, 6 p.m.

Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

Country Dance Nights The Jump, 7 p.m

FEATURED EVENT:

GIVE BIG GALLATIN VALLEY All Day, Gallatin Valley

On May 2, 2024, Give Big Gallatin Valley will begin its 10th year raising money for Gallatin Valley nonprofits. In honor of the annual 24-hour fundraising event, The Waypoint invites the Big Sky community to meet leaders of local nonprofits, learn the lineup for 2024’s Music in the Mountains and enjoy live music.

DINING

A LA CARTE: BRING ON THE BULLWHIP KELP

HOT SAUCE IS INTRIGUING, ADDICTING

BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST

I can’t claim to be a hot sauce connoisseur. My life seems spicy enough. I used to be a one-hotsauce-at-a-time type of girl, keeping a lonely bottle of Cholula in my kitchen to spice up eggs or biscuits and gravy. I was satisfied.

Now, there is a hot sauce I can no longer live without. It came into my life unexpectedly, in a box of Alaska-themed Christmas gifts from my family in Juneau. Nestled with a limited-edition rhubarb Juneauper Gin from Amalga Distillery, a beautiful raw-edge red alder handled cutting board, an abstract mountain mug from a local artist and some locally-roasted coffee beans, was an unassuming bottle of hot sauce.

Enter Bullwhip, a hot sauce that has completely changed the game. Bullwhip, a kelp and piri piri hot sauce, is made by Barnacle Foods. Yes, kelp. When I first read the bottle, I was both concerned and intrigued. My mind struggled with the idea of seaweed in a hot sauce. It seemed like such an odd choice. Does odd mean delicious? Piri piri, however, is something my palate knows and loves. It’s a wonderfully flavorful pepper, one I, like so many others, was introduced to by Nando’s, the South African chicken chain.

I opened the bottle and it was love at first bite. Together, these ingredients do something magical. The kelp adds an incredible depth and that unctuous hug of a flavor profile that we call umami, and the pepper brings both heat and a little sweetness.

The spice level is perfect for me. What this means for you depends on your own taste. If you can’t handle any spice, I’m guessing you already know hot sauce is not your friend. I am no stranger to foods that turn my face red and start the waterworks from my eyes. And I will continue eating if the flavor comes through the heat. I feel a little bit of heat, a slight numbness on my tongue in the most pleasant way possible. It doesn’t impede my taste buds, and I’m not reaching for water. But I am reaching for the bottle. While writing this, I have been putting dollops on my finger and licking it off.

To me, Bullwhip is the perfect hot sauce. It is an upgrade to anything it touches. I rationed that first bottle for about a year and each use was a special treat. Then I begged my sister to send another.

Bullwhip was like a gateway drug to the rest of Barnacle Foods’ offerings. The small business,

started by a Juneau couple, uses kelp as a main ingredient in most of their products. Turns out, kelp is an incredible ingredient. Kelp, including the hot sauce’s namesake bullwhip or Alaskan bull kelp, is as nutritious as it is flavor packed. Plus, it’s sustainable. The Barnacle Foods line started with salsas, crafted from recipes handed down from the founders’ families and has expanded to include seasonings, jams and jellies. Then there are the collaborations, a BBQ sauce with Alaskan Amber Ale, a sweet and smoky rub in collaboration with indigenous design house Trickster Co., and a chili crisp created with chef Taku of Outdoor Chef Life.

While the bullwhip reigns supreme for me, other offerings have become staples. Try spreading a spoon of the chili crisp in a pan and frying eggs on top of it. Pour the Japanese-inspired furikake on rice, or veggies or anything your heart desires. Mix up the hot sauce game with the green version, featuring kelp and serrano peppers, or the spicier habanero version.

Luckily, a love for Barnacle Foods and its signature hot sauce seems to be spreading in the area. In Bozeman, the Bullwhip hot sauce is available at Mischa’s. World Market carries the chili crisp. Joe’s Parkway did not currently have any in stock, but has carried the furikake, the Bullwhip and serrano hot sauces, and the spruce tip jelly in the past.

When I called the Gourmet Cellar in Livingston, I got manager John Potenberg on the phone. Barnacle Foods hot sauces have been a staple in

the shop’s hot sauce section for about three years, he said. I also learned that the hot sauce may have some local ties and one of Livingston’s native sons who moved to Juneau had a hand in the recipe. The Gourmet Cellar currently has the habanero and limited-edition barrel aged versions of the hot sauce on the shelves, though I am assured the classic Bullwhip will be back in the next round of ordering.

The store locator lists the South 11th Avenue Town and Country in Bozeman and Wheatgrass Gifts in Livingston as possible sources for the manna that comes out of Barnacle foods, though my calls to verify what products they carry went to voicemail. No Big Sky shops were listed.

However, all of the salsas, hot sauces and other goodies are available online at barnaclefoods.com.

My family knows what they have done. When I visited Juneau last summer, my brother and I bought out a local gift shop and my step mom had to send me home with an extra suitcase to pack the lot. This Christmas, two boxes arrived from Alaska. Both were stuffed with goodies from Barnacle Foods.

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

PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

|

SOLD |

AT

HYALITE RANCH, BOZEMAN, MT RECENTLY SOLD

LISTED AT $2,800,000

RAINBOW RANCH, BIG SKY, MT

HEALTH BUZZ: FOCUS ON HEALTHSPAN

BY KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST

The new focus for our aging society will be an extended healthspan, or the period of life spent in good health, and focusing on health creation, not just adding years of suboptimal living. Small tweaks can mean significant changes to your physical and overall wellness.

Your health foundation is built on a variety of things you do each day; all of which have a significant impact on your optimal health and wellbeing.

What led me to my profession as a naturopathic physician is that unfortunately, patients are often prescribed medications without addressing the underlying causes or driving factors of imbalance. Some patients can be told they are fine simply based on a normal blood test result, when their health is really suboptimal. Personally, I aim to practice knowing that patients know their body better than anyone else and their insight into their health is key to our relationship and treatment plans.

Holistic wellness is a departure from how we have traditionally seen health. Particularly in Western society, wellness is typically associated with physical health and classically has been defined as the absence of illness or disease. However, we all know that this is only part of the story.

Our physical health is what most people think about when they think of health, because it is the physical body that often shows us physical signs and symptoms of either optimal or suboptimal health. Furthermore, physical signs and symptoms are easier to track and measure, versus other non-physical signs

and symptoms that can feel more abstract—and can leave some feeling invalidated in their struggles. Physical well-being is sometimes thought of as merely being free from illness. However, simply “not being sick” doesn’t really make for much quality of life.

Maintain and improve daily life

The morning is a great time to start habits that can set the tone for the day. All too often we get out of bed already thinking of all the things we need to do and stress levels begin to climb. Not a good way to start the day.

If you wake to an alarm, try not to hit the snooze button, as this can send a mixed message to the body and brain. Similarly, making your bed sends a clear signal to the brain that you’re up and active. Even more beneficial is to wake up naturally, because it helps the natural body rhythms. If you can get natural sunlight as part of your morning routine, bask in the sun and take a few deep breaths to oxygenate the blood.

This leads me to nutrition. The food we eat is the number one thing that determines our healthspan. This is our foundation of health and any medication or prescription will be more effective if we optimize what we put on our plates.

When it comes to fighting inflammation, getting to the root of symptoms and ailments, and improving overall health, nutrition is one of the best tools you can use. Try to incorporate seeds into your diet for healthy fats, fiber and minerals, cook meals at home regularly—not only saves money but also allows for healthier meals—and have a regular eating schedule, which has been shown to prevent risk of metabolic syndrome.

Getting enough quality sleep is non-negotiable when it comes to optimizing health longevity. Studies found that a lack of sleep can increase risk of dementia and chronic disease, as well as weight gain or resistance to weight loss, inflammation and

associated blood sugar dysregulation, mood disorders and other negative outcomes. If you aren’t sleeping enough, staying up too late, or are waking up in the middle of the night, it will take a toll on the body mentally, emotionally and physically.

Prioritizing quality sleep is key for keeping your mind and body well, so be sure you have healthy sleep habits that set you up for success. Go to bed at the same time each night, practice gratitude before bed, reduce screen time, and try to be done with the last meal about two to three hours before bed if possible.

Do something that you love. Juggling work, personal relationships and professional development consumes our days, but it’s important that we make fun activities and passions a priority too. Time spent doing something fun directly correlates to how efficient you are in your work time. It turns out that the better you are at play, the better you are at work.

An important question to ask yourself is: what does “healthy” mean to you?

The word “healthy” has a different meaning for everyone. I encourage you to base your answer on your own version of health rather than someone else’s.

It is about what you’re going to eat, who you are going to spend time with, what you watch, and your actions for the rest of your life. It’s okay to make small, manageable tweaks rather than a major overhaul. It is not knowledge that ensures good health, but action.

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

BUSINESS

Whether you’re on your way to shred powder at Big Sky Resort from Bozeman, or heading to Bozeman to visit with friends, there’s one convenient halfway point that never fails—The Jump Gastropub & Deli. Since arriving in Gallatin Gateway a couple years ago, The Jump has filled a vital hole in the community. They serve up house-made meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as live music and swing dancing, trivia and BINGO nights. For this Making it in Big Sky, Explore Big Sky chatted with co-owner Lynn Shanahan about how The Jump got its start, and even learned her favorite menu item.

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: Let’s start with you, Lynn— what brought you to the area initially?

Lynn Shanahan: My wonderful Aussie husband John was the CEO of the Black Butte Mine in White Sulphur Springs. While I was born and raised in Oklahoma, my career was in New York City, so I came to join him when the mine was permitted.

EBS: When did The Jump come into your life? Since the building had been there for quite some time, what potential did you see in its next chapter?

LS: Sadly, John passed away the week I moved to Bozeman. He gave me the gift of Montana as COVID came quickly upon New York City and the country. My home is up the canyon from Buffalo Jump, “the gentleman’s club.”

It has a storied history but when it went up for sale, I thought it was the right place to be transformed into a place for the community to come together and enjoy each other through good food and dancing!

EBS: Tell me about all the different events The Jump offers?

LS: The Jump offers delicious approachable food and drink from morning ’til night. We have something for everyone: our Western Swing night with lessons from country renegades, DJ Habes, is a highlight, along with BINGO on Thursdays and live bands and dancing each Friday and Saturday nights.

EBS: What’s your favorite item off the menu?

LS: Our new pork chop—thick and juicy with huckleberry glaze!

EBS: How has public reception been in your first few years in the area?

LS: So welcoming! We have regular customers from the area, lots of families, and now friends.

EBS: Do you find a good mix of regular locals vs. visitors passing through?

LS: Absolutely! Our mission of being a community gathering place only grows and wordof-mouth has been phenomenal. Visitors have found The Jump and come back often. We also have an amazing group of locals and regulars.

EBS: Any exciting plans or additions for the future?

LS: Yes of course! We are always cooking up something new. Look for the coming announcements for the summer!

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

LS: Build a team around you that knows more than you do and empower them to be creative with new ideas.

EBS: Anything else you’d like to tell the Big Sky and Gateway community?

LS: Come join us, and meet old friends and make new ones!

Lynn Shanahan is the co-owner of The Jump, home to a gathering space for game nights, dance nights and breakfast, lunch and dinner.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JUMP

ENVIRONMENT

TASK FORCE PROVIDES UPDATE ON THE GALLATIN RIVER IMPAIRMENT DESIGNATION, ALGAE BLOOMS

BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY

EBS CONTRIBUTOR

On March 31, 2022, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality received a petition to assess the middle segment of the Gallatin River to determine if recurrent nuisance algal blooms required a listing as an impaired water on Montana’s 303(d) list. The Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Montana Trout Unlimited, Gallatin River Task Force, American Rivers and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition brought forth the petition, finding numerous algal blooms along the middle segment of the mainstem Gallatin, specifically between the boundary of Yellowstone National Park down to the Gallatin confluence with Spanish Creek.

The DEQ reviewed all relevant data and proposed to list the middle segment of the Gallatin River for excess algal blooms. Impaired streams require review and approval from the Environmental Protection Agency. On May 9, 2023, the EPA approved an official impairment designation due to excessive algae growth that affects aquatic life and recreation.

“This listing brings more attention and resources to determining a path to improvement,” said Gabrielle Metzner, a water quality monitoring scientist with the DEQ at a presentation on April 22 put on by the Gallatin River Task Force. The presentation focused on updating the public about the river’s impaired status.

The DEQ is in the second year of a six-year study to understand the causes and evaluate sources of excessive algal growth. As a part of this study, they aim to implement plans outlining strategies to improve water quality.

The study’s objectives

The DEQ is extensively monitoring different sources throughout the study area and collaborating with local partners like the Gallatin River Task Force to focus on the 39-mile stretch, or middle segment of the Gallatin, to find sources causing the algal bloom. So far, they have 34 monitoring sites. At some sites, sampling is being conducted across all seasons and hours of the day to pinpoint specific places along the river where solutions might be applied.

Many variables influence algal growth, including changes in light availability, water temperature, stream flow, groundwater inputs, nutrients from natural and human landscapes and interactions with aquatic plants and animals.

“Numerous factors can contribute to algae growth, including groundwater interactions that bring nutrients and different water temperatures. Spring rain events can scour or remove the algae from rocks. Still, they can also add nutrients to the riverine system through the addition of soil from the landscape, which is high in phosphorous,” said Christy Meredith, water quality scientist. “Nitrogen is found naturally in soils, but a significant nitrogen

source is often from manmade sources such as septic systems.”

The study considers multiple drivers of algae growth and pollutant types and will apply applicable water quality standards in future assessments. It also looks at smaller water body segments to capture changes throughout and to assess sources of pollutants. Over the last decade, nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, were generally below the standard threshold.

“When discussing excessive algae growth, we usually see excessive nutrients. For this segment of Gallatin River, that isn’t the case,” Metzner said. “In our assessment process, we didn’t see significant nutrient exceedances over the recommended thresholds to protect beneficial uses and what we would expect to limit excess algae growth.”

To understand what’s going on, the DEQ creates water quality models that help quantify sources of nutrients and determine how nutrients and other factors interact to influence algae growth. The models are used to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads, which are essentially a pollution diet that identifies the reductions needed to achieve water quality standards. This study will help DEQ understand the causes of excess algal growth.

“DEQ presents the math quantifying sources of pollution, but we also outline possible methods to achieve reductions,” said DEQ water quality scientist Troy Clift. “We like to say it’s the map and the path within the document.”

A TMDL document is a data-driven effort led by the DEQ that identifies point (permitted, "end of pipe") and nonpoint (dispersed) sources of pollution. It outlines the reductions necessary to fully achieve beneficial uses, such as fishing, swimming and healthy aquatic life.

Last year’s findings

The first sampling year of the study was 2023, and the DEQ’s water quality monitoring team observed high water flows, frequent storms with large pulses of sediment, high turbidity and low algae growth compared to previous years. These storms created pulses of sediment and nutrients throughout the Gallatin River, with the highest pulses observed just upstream and downstream of

the confluence with the West Fork of the Gallatin River, as well as downstream of Swan Creek—the highest concentrations of nutrients were observed during May with run-off. The team also saw higher concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus near the border of Yellowstone National Park and downstream of Swan Creek, where geological maps indicated natural sources of phosphorous.

Community partnerships

When it comes to local river health, the community can be most involved in watershed planning and restoration. The primary funding source is section 319 of the Clean Water Act, which the EPA distributes to states and tribal programs. The EPA requires a watershed restoration plan for local communities to tap into that funding.

“Community stakeholders can use that information from this study to develop a Watershed Restoration Plan, allowing them to apply for funds to address pollution issues with on-the-ground projects,” said Torie Haraldson, a Water Quality Specialist with the Nonpoint Source and Wetlands Section.

A watershed restoration plan is a communitydriven effort often led by a local watershed group such as the Gallatin River Task Force in Big Sky. Watershed groups have local knowledge about particular priorities, challenges, and community opportunities. Watershed Restoration Plans extend on the findings of TMDLs and put them into action with additional detail for specific projects and a local roadmap for water quality improvement.

The Gallatin River Task Force is already working on projects to improve the watershed, including supporting community-wide efforts to install new septic systems and connecting them to a centralized wastewater treatment plant. They are supporting an initiative on the local ballot for Firelight Meadows to create a new water and sewer district, allowing access to funding. This will reduce air and water pollution by 900 pounds per year. They are also trying to reduce sediment erosion into the rivers and pinpointing where this is occurring the most.

Ultimately, the Gallatin River Task Force is hoping for a federal designation of the Gallatin River as Wild and Scenic. For this to happen, they hope for a hearing at the Senate Committee of Energy and Natural Resources this spring.

The Gallatin River flows north near Storm Castle in the Gallatin Canyon. PHOTO BY DAVE PECUNIES

ENVIRONMENT

GALLATIN VALLEY LAND TRUST: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS THAT WORK

BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS CONTRIBUTOR

Editor’s note: In the coming weeks, Explore Big Sky will highlight three local nonprofits devoted to protecting our local lands and waterways who have partnered with our publisher, Outlaw Partners, on this summer’s Wildlands Festival. Meet our first, Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

For over 30 years, Gallatin Valley Land Trust has been a nonprofit grassroots conservation organization standing on the shoulders of its volunteers, partners and supporters who love southwest Montana.

Since 1990, GVLT has been working to connect people, communities, and open lands through conservation in Gallatin, Park and Madison counties. They have conserved working farms and ranches, saved critical wildlife habitat, and protected healthy rivers. They have also built nearly 100 miles of trails with their partners in the Gallatin Valley, working hard to preserve what makes Montana so special.

The history of GVLT

After moving from Missoula to Bozeman in the late 1980s, Chris Boyd, a true visionary, foresaw the development coming to the valley and founded GVLT in 1990. His love and passion for the valley were instrumental in his efforts and the support he received from the community. As the city of Bozeman grew, he worked to preserve open space, setting aside pathways to the nearby public land alongside a group of volunteers, board members, staff and donors—all of which have grown in the decades since.

Who’s behind it all?

GVLT has a permanent staff of 17, and two seasonal team members hired through Montana Conservation Corps’ Big Sky Watershed Corps Program. They have a 14-member board of directors as well as a NextGen Advisory Board, which comprises young and mid-career professionals, consisting of 22 people.

What goes into preserving the valley

GVLT has partnered with landowners to forever conserve more than 65,000 acres of what they consider the most highly productive, scenic and wildlife-rich lands in southwest Montana. These lands, teeming with diverse flora and fauna, are a testament to their commitment to preserving our region’s natural beauty and character.

Last year, their total expenses were $2.3 million, all of which went toward expanding trails and conserving land for their community. The revenue for these expenses was primarily generated by generous donations from individuals, grants from private foundations and grants

from local, state and federal agencies. This support enables GVLT to create exponential impact. Last year, they secured an additional $8.2 million in public funding to pay landowners for their development rights and place a conservation easement on their land. A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a private landowner and a land trust for perpetuity, such as GVLT, that limits development on a property. That piece of land is the key to the partnership.

GVLT’s strong partnerships

As a nonprofit, GVLT depends on strong partnerships with public and private organizations and landowners to

protect what’s important to the community. They believe that leaning on one another helps build solid connections and makes their work possible.

“As I reflect on GVLT’s 30-plus years of work, I am humbled by the collaboration and partnership at the core of every single enduring conservation or trails project,” said EJ Porth, associate director of GVLT. “While we bring unique skills to the table, we rely on our community’s expertise, passion and vision to get things done. Whether working with a farmer who wants to conserve their land or a newcomer to the valley who wants to invest in its future, our job is to catalyze people around a shared goal, our literal common ground.”

Spotlight projects

One of the first projects GVLT started was working with the City of Bozeman to purchase land from the Burke family to protect open space and develop trails on an iconic plateau within city limits known as Peets Hill. Peets Hill is much like Bozeman’s Central Park in that families take their children to sled there in winter, watch sunsets, and walk their dogs, and many others take visiting family or friends to overlook the city and the surrounding vistas. Over the last 30 years, GVLT has continued to enhance and expand this park. Most recently, with the generous support of nearly 700 donors, they purchased what they call Peets’ Final Piece, a 12acre extension along the southern end of the park. Their efforts saved this piece from development and today the entire parcel is under the ownership of the City of Bozeman.

Projects in progress

GVLT believes trails help build community. This summer, GVLT will continue to expand and enhance the nearly 100-mile-long Main Street to the Mountains trails system in the Gallatin Valley. Since its inception, GVLT has partnered with the City of Bozeman and other landowners and land managers on this trail system.

In recent years, growth has continued to explode in this region, threatening access to trails, open space, the area’s agricultural heritage and wildlife habitat. GVLT acknowledges that development can and should happen in areas suitable for housing in our growing community. Their strategy is to prioritize conservation projects adjacent to public and protected lands, along rivers, or in the areas of the highest agricultural productivity.

Nonprofit organizations like the Gallatin Valley Land Trust are vital to preserving the relationship between nature and the community. With the energy of their supporters, they can keep nature’s heart pulsing through ours.

Peets Final Piece connected the south end of the beloved Peets Hill with Sourdough Road. PHOTO BY LOUISE JOHNS

A Paradise Valley conservation easement is a fan favorite among local elk herds. PHOTO BY BLAIR SPEED

An easement at the base of the Bridger Mountains made possible by GVLT and their partners. PHOTO BY LOUISE JOHNS

LMLC COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Q&A

On the afternoon of Tuesday, April 2, Lone Mountain Land Company hosted a Community Open House and Town Center Update at The Wilson Hotel. Nearly 300 were in attendance with great engagement and questions as part of the discussion. Thank you to all who engaged!

The next Madison-Gallatin Joint County Commissioner meeting with the Big Sky Resort Area District Board will be on Wednesday, May 8 at 10am-12pm at The Wilson Hotel in the Ballroom in Big Sky where you can bring up additional community concerns and questions.

LIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

What is the plan for Buck’s?

We are delighted to share that the restaurant at Buck’s is set to reopen! After putting in extensive efforts to maintain parts of it as a hotel while also running the restaurant, we faced challenges. As a result, the restaurant had to close during the last winter season. Currently, the property is undergoing significant renovations towards transitioning into a workforce housing project. Despite this transformation, we are thrilled to announce that the restaurant will be opening its doors to the public once again. Our commitment to preserving the history of Buck’s T-4 remains and we eagerly anticipate welcoming back all our guests. Please do join us when we reopen!

You’ve done a good job of putting solar on your projects. What might we expect for future projects?

We believe it’s important to maximize our use of renewable energy in all of our facilities. First we work to reduce the amount of energy each of our buildings consume. Architects and engineers work to understand our standard-operating energy usage, and then how to reduce that usage by designing buildings that are better insulated; position windows and doors to help with passive heating and cooling; incorporate more efficient mechanical systems; and use sensors and controls to manage indoor temperatures and lighting. In one of our active construction projects, this approach is expected to yield an approximately 60% reduction in the building’s energy use. We then apply solar panels to try to generate as much of the energy onsite as we’ll consume in the building.

Will the Jack Creek Road to Ennis ever become a public road? Would the road be able to handle the traffic in an emergency?

Jack Creek Road operates as a private road and there are no plans to pave it or make it a public road. The area is an incredibly important wildlife corridor between the two sections of the Lee-Metcalf Wilderness. To date, LMLC and Moonlight Basin have put 2,460 acres around the Jack Creek Road into a permanent conservation easement to protect this wildlife corridor. While the Jack Creek Road is never going to be an alternative route to and from Big Sky, it is available to this community in the case of an emergency. If you are ever concerned for your safety in Big Sky, the Jack Creek Road will be open to you. We do believe that the road would be able to handle a lot of traffic as a one-way exit to accommodate an evacuation if necessary.

What is the plan for continuing events like PBR and Skijoring?

The immediate answer is that the current arena is not going anywhere for many years. The section of residential we have planned for that area will be one of the last to be developed. We’re working with the teams at Outlaw to figure out where the best location may be for the long run. We hope that PBR and the rodeo can be a part of Big Sky for a long time. We are also working with Skijoring to find a more permanent location, such as Lone Mountain Ranch, where it can be successful here in Big Sky for years to come.

What do you have planned for future residential in Town Center and with the Cold Smoke project? Would there be limitations on second homes or short-term rentals?

In the residential area south of Aspen Leaf, there will be a mix of different types of housing units, with some areas having higher density. The buildings will all be two stories high, with some attached and some detached units. The detached residential will have smaller lots and higher density than what is found in South Fork. In The Town Center residential area, efforts are being made to determine the appropriate balance of vacation rentals, long-term rentals, and properties for sale to best meet the needs of both the tourism industry and the Big Sky community.

For the Cold Smoke community housing project, the focus is on providing year-round housing without allowing short-term rentals.

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: SPRINGTIME AND ALL

WELCOMING BACK THE SUN IN THE NORTHERN ROCKIES

BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST

After the vernal equinox in March, the earth’s axial tilt is such that the sun extends beyond the celestial equator above northern latitudes like Montana. The days grow longer and the nights shorter. The hush of winter is replaced with birdsong as bluebirds, meadowlarks and robins return. Honking Canada geese and snow geese arrow northbound. Dirty-laundry-looking clouds pass, dropping graupel, rain and snow before the sun reappears only minutes later. This is springtime in Montana.

Snow peels back from around tree wells, the smell of Earth’s tannins stirs in the sunshine, and sap begins to flow again as the world awakens with steady temperatures above freezing. The warmer days bring an unstable atmosphere, with moisture in storm clouds spilling rain. The smell of rain after it first falls is called petrichor, the chemical compounds of water, ozone, and geosmin that mix together. Geosmin is dying micro-organisms in the soil mixing with oils from plant leaves, which helps to create that wonderful smell of spring rain. Snow melts on the valley floor, and violet-colored crocuses, yellow daffodils and tulips sprout and blossom from the damp soil.

Human travelers feel the pull of spring as they return north after spending their winters in warmer climates. A mass migration of Sprinter vans, RVs and Westphalias march up the highway and back to the summer homes.

The russet and burgundy willows lining creeks and rivers lighten their red anti-freeze properties for different shades, and furry pussy willows pop, lining the thickets in alternating fashion. Tawny,

dead-looking grasses slowly vibrate with life, turning green. Insects, including bumble bees, flies, moths and mosquitoes, solar-charge their batteries before buzzing from flower to flower, while other insects hatch in the warmth. Trout have been relatively dormant since fall but become hungry and increasingly active in early spring. However, once trickling creeks transform into torrents and rivers swell with snowmelt and become blown out, trout again slumber until the water becomes clear, level or drop. Once water temperatures increase, more insects will hatch, and trout will become aggressive again, just in time for ospreys and egrets to come home.

Western Montana’s hillsides exchange winter’s white skirts—stenciled with animal tracks and

matted-dull brown thatch—for spring’s brighter attire. Spring lays down flower garlands, welcoming the return of the sun’s heat and a return to life’s abundance. Like little yellow suns, buttercups, yellow bells, dandelions, glacier lilies, and arrowleaf balsamroot mimic their celestial father. Bitterroots, mountain bluebells, larkspur, lupine, nine-leaf desert parsley, phlox, prairie smoke, shooting stars, and violets rise to the occasion and begin marching up the hillside.

Flowering fruit trees blossom in scented perfumes carried on the breeze. New cottonwood buds unfurl in a sticky golden resin resembling honey caramel—a spicy-sweet pungent smell. Life again thrives in the Northern Rockies.

Above the tree-lined ridges, snow-covered mountain ranges of the Absarokas, Beartooths, Beaverheads, Bridgers, Boulders, Crazies, Gallatins, Madisons, Spanish Peaks, Tobacco Roots, and Ruby Mountains tower above in jagged smiles. Throughout spring and summer, animals return to the mountains’ higher regions with the vertical greening of plants. In late April and May, rain showers and solar rays peel back a meadow’s white carpet and a floral bouquet of biodiversity blooms.

Spring’s colors in Montana are a welcoming sight after winter’s dull grays. And young or old, Montanans again begin to get a skip in their step.

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

PHOTO BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY

PHOTO BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY

“SAV

Ryan Coombs Operations Director

Photo by Whitney Kamman

EVERY DROP COUNTS WHAT’S THE SCOOP ON YOUR DOG’S POOP?

BY LAUREN MYLI GUEST COLUMNIST

Spring is once again in the air—warmer sunnier days, fresh green buds starting to pop on trees and shrubs, and the slow thaw of winter’s white blanket raising the Gallatin’s water flows higher once more. The trails and river are beginning to beckon us back, but standing in our way is…dog poop?

That’s right, once the snow begins to melt, pet waste that has been left behind over the winter is exposed and can get carried along with the snowmelt into the river and its tributaries during spring runoff.

Other than being unsightly, pet excrement has other undesirable impacts that we can do something about. Our pets’ waste can contain harmful fecal coliform bacteria and parasites that cause serious health issues in people and wildlife such as giardia, salmonella, and other viruses and diseases. Leftover dog doo also contains high levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that we know can contribute to harmful algae blooms in the river. These algae blooms affect aquatic organisms by reducing available oxygen and can negatively impact recreation experiences.

Let’s break down the dirty details: the average dog produces around 340 grams (.75 pounds) of waste per day, and just 1 gram of dog waste contains 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. So, if just 10 dogs defecate, and it’s left to settle into the ground, the total waste for the day along a stream that feeds the mainstem Gallatin and its tributaries will equate to 7.5 pounds of pet waste in one day. Factor in many more four legged friends, and the magnitude of all that waste in one area, carrying all that harmful bacteria into the river, becomes a problem.

It may seem harmless to leave your dog’s poop in places that aren’t subject to being unsightly, and you might ask, why can wild animals poop in the woods, but my dog can’t?

Not all poop is equal! According to Leave No Trace, scat from wildlife provides an essential benefit to the ecosystem. Wild animals consume resources and nutrients from the ecosystem, and then promptly return those same resources and nutrients. When we start adding in nutrients from pet waste, the ecosystem balance of nutrients is thrown off. Our dogs likely aren’t eating solely native plants from the ecosystems where their waste is left. They are more likely eating nutrient-heavy pet foods designed to give them a complete and healthy diet. Unfortunately, these same fortified pet foods that keep our furry friends healthy also result in excess nutrients in our river if the waste isn’t picked up.

What can you do to help?

According to Leave No Trace, pet owners should immediately pick up the waste and immediately take the bag away from the area for proper disposal in a trash or compost bin.

You can also help us protect the Gallatin and its tributaries, keep our pets and wildlife healthy, and clean up our beloved community trails at an upcoming volunteer event.

Join the Gallatin River Task Force and our partners—the Big Sky Community Organization and Big Sky SNO—for our annual Runoff Cleanoff on May 10, 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will be meeting at the Big Sky Community Park and will provide all the supplies necessary for cleaning up Big Sky’s trails and community spaces.

Individuals and teams with the most waste picked up have a chance to win a gift basket valued at $100 from Dee-O-Gee! Whether you grab some friends, come alone, or build a team, just come on out and participate in a day out on the trails helping to keep the Gallatin River clean! Check out details and register here: gallatinrivertaskforce.org/event/runoffcleanoff-2024/

Lauren Myli is the Big Sky Watershed Corps member with the Gallatin River Task Force.

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RON SEHER 406-580-3363