Abby Butler, Daniel Bierschwale, Ashley Dodd, Jeremy Harder, Rachel Hergett, Ian Hoyer, Benjamin Alva Polley, Steve Randall, Ann and Max Scheder-Bieschin CONTRIBUTORS
In addition to the skijoring, a pair of freestyle snowmobilers launched off a thirty-foot ramp, performing backflips and tricks for the audience.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTERS BRIEFS
THE COVER:
The Best in the West Showdown brought crowds to Big Sky in early February. Pictured here, Richard Weber, well known and involved in the skijoring community, helped to start Big Sky’s skijoring event seven years ago and still contributes to the annual event. His entire family competed this year. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
EDITORIAL POLICY
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THRIFT STORE GRANTS $150K FOR ANIMAL SHELTER
Big Sky Thrift has granted $150,000 to help build Big Sky’s first animal shelter as part of a new facility with Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital. The 7,600 square foot shelter will serve as a vital resource for both veterinary care and animal shelter services in the area.
ENNIS, BIG SKY CITIZENS TESTIFY IN HELENA
On Feb. 12, residents from Madison Valley and Big Sky traveled to Helena to attend the hearing on Senate Bill 260, which seeks to establish guidelines for special district withdrawal in Montana. Local concerns such as Jack Creek Road access, school district costs and medical services took center stage.
GROW WILD’S JEN MOHLER WINS STATE AWARD
Jen Mohler, executive director of the nonprofit Grow Wild, was recognized in late January with the Cooperative Weed Management Area of the Year by the Montana Weed Control Association in Missoula. Grow Wild’s mission is to conserve native species in the Upper Gallatin Watershed through education, habitat restoration and collaborative land stewardship.
BIG SKY SKIJORING RETURNS
Big Sky’s seventh annual Best in the West Showdown featured three days of skijoring, snowmobile stunts and faux fur fashion. Over the weekend, athletes showcased their skills and spectators cheered on their favorite teams. All proceeds help support the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation.
LONE PEAK SENIOR SIGNS FOR COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL
Claire Hoadley has committed to play volleyball at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, earning an athletic scholarship while considering a future in occupational therapy or business management. Hoadley thanked her parents for supporting her and pushing her to pursue her goals, her brother Nick for cheering the loudest at games, and her close friends and teachers for supporting her.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor allow EBS readers to express views and share how they would like to effect change. These are not Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, accurate, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters and will not publish individual grievances about specific businesses or letters that are abusive, malicious or potentially libelous. Include: full name, address, phone number and title. Submit to media@outlaw.partners.
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For the March 5th issue: Feburary 28th, 2025
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OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@theoutlawpartners.com
In the heart of southwest Montana, where the mountains meet the sky and the rivers carve their timeless paths, our stories unfold. From the slopes of Lone Peak to the winding trails of the Gallatin River, the people, places and experiences of this extraordinary region shape the fabric of our community. At Explore Big Sky and Outlaw Partners, our mission has always been to bring you the news that matters—stories that inform, inspire and celebrate this remarkable place we call home.
Local journalism is more than just reporting the news—it’s about connection. It’s about shining a light on the issues that shape our communities, sharing the triumphs and challenges of those who live here, and preserving the rich history and culture of southwest Montana. Our team works tirelessly to uncover the stories that define our region, from the evolving landscape of conservation and development to the voices of local businesses, athletes, artists and entrepreneurs. We believe that a well-informed and engaged community is the foundation of a thriving one.
But we can’t do this alone. The future of independent, local journalism depends on you—our readers. Your support comes in many forms: by staying engaged, sharing feedback on how we deliver content and helping us navigate the everchanging ways people consume news and storytelling. Most importantly, it comes from a shared commitment to keeping our region special.
Southwest Montana is a place of unparalleled beauty, adventure and opportunity. But it is also a place that requires stewardship. As we continue to grow, it’s up to all of us to protect, preserve and conserve the very things that make this region extraordinary. Let’s celebrate our good fortune in living here by taking an active role in shaping its future.
So, keep reading. Keep exploring. Keep speaking up. And most of all, keep finding inspiration in this incredible place we call home.
With gratitude,
Eric Ladd Publisher, Explore Big Sky Founder, Outlaw Partners
BSRAD's ongoing commitment to shaping our community INVESTING IN BIG SKY’S FUTURE
Dear Big Sky Community,
In April 2023, Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) introduced the Infrastructure Investment, Funding, & Voter Representation Roadmap—a product of years of discussions and collaborative e orts. This roadmap was designed to:
• Align available public funds with community infrastructure investment.
• Ensure property tax equity and access to publicly funded government services.
• Align voter representation with governance over services provided in our own community.
• Leverage philanthropy and other funding sources for strategic investment in alignment with public funds.
• Educate voters to inform and promote civic engagement.
BSRAD remains fully committed to this roadmap and the vision we developed together. We prioritize transparency, sharing our progress in public meetings, and ensuring that every action we take aligns with our shared goals.
Our commitment is reflected in the way we invest in infrastructure, expand fiscal tools, advocate for legislative progress, and lead initiatives such as exploring governance options. Public investment is ultimately about people, and by staying the course, we can build a sustainable model that strengthens our community for generations to come.
Progress takes time, but together, we are making a di erence. Stay engaged, ask questions, and help shape Big Sky’s future.
Thank you for being part of this journey,
Kevin Germain Board Chair kevin@resorttax.org
Daniel Bierschwale Executive Director daniel@resorttax.org
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LOCAL THEATER TROUPE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR SPRING PRODUCTION
Dear editor,
Big Sky Community Theater is holding auditions this month for a spring production, the first time since the organization was formed in 2013 that it has hosted a two-show season after producing “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” in November of last year.
Auditions will be held on Feb. 27 from 6-8 p.m. at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. No preparation or experience required. Local Renaissance men Jeremy Blyth and Jonathan Gans are preparing to helm a collaborative ensemble of vignettes about mountain town life. The show (with working title “On the Face of It”), will feature a through-line of mountain mayhem, while focusing on moments of humor, tragedy and the everyday beauty of small-town alpine life. The performance is slated for stage at WMPAC on Wednesday, May 21.
The themes in “On the Face of It” will resonate with both locals and visitors; additionally, theater is an opportunity to connect with the community during the area’s colder months.
In the long, dark weeks that seem to stretch out over a Big Sky winter, people can opt to retreat to the coziness of home and hearth. There may be ski days or the occasional trip to somewhere warmer, but many locals tend to take this time for rest and (relative) solitude, or a time to work and be productive before the spring sun starts to thaw the icy season’s grasp. But is this isolation a blessing or a curse?
With the polarization of our nation adding to winter gloom, it’s easy to withdraw to that which is familiar and safe; to double down on friends and family that we hold close and comfortable, and to protect ourselves from a larger society’s dangers and possibilities. But as we isolate, our bonds with the wider world are weakening. A recent article from The Atlantic, called "The Anti-Social Century," made note of the changing social atmosphere atrophied by smartphones and hastened by the pandemic. People simply aren’t as social, nor do they feel the need to be. Families teach us love, the article said. Close friends, or the “tribe,” teach us loyalty. But the village—that broader scope and community created by interacting with our surrounding neighbors, coworkers and strangers—is what teaches us tolerance.
As Big Sky Community Theater initializes plans for its 13th production this spring, all are invited to be a part of this larger village. The opportunity to be creative onstage is only a fraction of what community theater can provide. Even in this small town, participants remark on how much they enjoy getting to know new faces, or fresh components to a familiar neighbor’s persona. Shelley Henslee, who was part of the cast for “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding,” stated that she
“joined BSCT to meet new people and have a fun adventure. The experience did not disappoint! Great fun with great people!”
Backstage opportunities are also available for those who don’t wish to memorize lines or appear in the spotlight, and the troupe is always seeking suggestions for shows they could create or produce in the future.
Looking for fun and a chance to step out of isolation and meet new people? Want to dip your toe into the world of theater? Consider joining BSCT for this season’s production—the ensemble rejoices in welcoming new faces into this community. Please reach out to ashleyhegseth@gmail.com for further information.
Ashley Dodd Big Sky, Montana
SHOUTOUT TO A LOCAL JOURNALIST
Dear editor,
One of the best parts of living in Big Sky is all the community collaboration and support my wife and I regularly witness. As Montanans, we are ruggedly independent, for sure. But, as those who know homesteaders (as was Ann’s family), we have also heard stories of how our ancestors not only survived because of the kindness of and endless help from their community but how many thrived because of community connection and support.
Today, we see how so many Big Sky nonprofits step in to address community issues, and garner support from BSRAD. And, how the Big Sky Chapel serves as a space for so many denominations and community groups.
But, sometimes we have to remember to call out someone who may not get the recognition they deserve. They represent the meaning of community, bringing
us together with laughter and camaraderie. That is why we are giving a “shout out” to Jack Reaney of Explore Big Sky. He writes so many great articles about the achievement of so many others in Big Sky. Yet, he has built an incredible community around Wednesday Night Trivia at The Waypoint. How we all laugh, grunt, cheer and compete!
Thank you, Jack, for building community and camaraderie that is so needed in today’s world.
See you again on Wednesday!
Ann and Max Scheder-Bieschin Big Sky, Montana
NEWS IN BRIEF BRIEFS
POND SKIM RETURNS TO BIG SKY RESORT, AMONG OTHER APRIL HAPPENINGS
EBS STAFF
With the halfway mark of this winter’s ski season in the rearview, spring skiing is now on the horizon. In anticipation of what they’re calling "Big Sky’s best-kept secret,” Big Sky Resort announced a lineup of spring-skiing-centric activities through the month of April, including the return of Pond Skim after a five-year hiatus.
On April 5, DJs Rell & Rose and their electric beats will be at Mountain Village Plaza, featuring shot skis at the Umbrella Bar, a “spring skiing rite of passage,” quipped a Feb. 17 press release from the resort. April 12 will move the party to the bowl of Lone Mountain, where Lavern will perform live in the natural amphitheater. Bakermat will play the bowl April 19, promising “a proper mountain dance party with 11,166 feet of Lone Peak towering above you,” according to the release.
To close out the winter 2024-25 season, Big Sky Resort is bringing back its Pond Skim on April 26, this year in a new venue. Spectators will make their way to The Bowl to watch brave souls attempt to ski or board across frigid waters, a beloved tradition of closing weekend.
VOLUNTEERS RESCUE SNOWMOBILER IN TAYLOR FORK
EBS STAFF
On Monday night, Feb. 17, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue located a missing person last seen snowmobiling in the Taylor Fork area.
A family member of the missing person contacted Gallatin County 911 Dispatch at 6:11 p.m., reporting that the person had gotten stuck in a lower basin area, but the group had believed they had made it out. After a couple hours of unsuccessful searching, the family called for help and GCSSAR’s Big Sky section responded, according to a Gallatin County press release.
The missing person eventually contacted 911 themselves, which provided coordinates for their location. A team of GCSSAR volunteers embarked from Sage Creek Trailhead on snowmobiles, with another team standing by at the trailhead. They located the missing person at about 8:43 p.m., and with no injuries or health concerns, escorted them to safety.
“Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind all who recreate in the backcountry that not only is it a good practice to go with another person but also make sure to plan how you are going to keep in contact with each other in areas without cellular service such as a two-way radio, or GPS messaging device,” the release stated.
GRAVITY HAUS BRINGS VISION TO BIG SKY TOWN CENTER
EBS STAFF
A Colorado-based hotel and social club will renovate the River Rock Lodge into guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, fitness center and coworking space. Gravity Haus acquired the River Rock Lodge from Lone Mountain Land Company on Dec. 20, 2024, adding Big Sky Town Center to its eight locations across the U.S. Mountain West.
Gravity Haus Big Sky is expected to open in the summer of 2025, including membership amenities and public taco restaurant, Terrain Taco, and cafe, Unravel Coffee.
“Gravity Haus Big Sky will become a ‘center of gravity’ for locals and a regional hub for members and guests,” a Jan. 29 Gravity Haus press release stated.
Big Sky locals can pay standard monthly rates of $200 a month for individuals and $400 for families, or $140 a month for people under the age of 27, to join the Gravity Haus social club.
Benefits of a membership include access to a gym, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, and “world-class” gear. Members can also use a coworking space equipped with desks, meeting and conference rooms, and can participate in skill-building workshops and networking events. Member events will allow individuals to meet others in “adventure, community development and personal growth” events. Lastly, members can access hotel and excursion deals and restaurant discounts.
PEDIATRICS DOCTOR PROVIDES SERVICES TO BIG SKY
EBS STAFF
Big Sky residents no longer need to travel for pediatric care. A Feb. 11 Bozeman Health press release announced that Dr. Bill Allen, a decade-long pediatrician with Bozeman Health will provide pediatric care to Big Sky families every Thursday in-person.
Allen is fluent in Spanish and will treat kids at the Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center so that families don’t need to travel to Bozeman to access treatment.
“Big Sky families will benefit tremendously from this additional service offering,” Kelly Reynolds, Big Sky Medical Center administrator and nursing director, stated in the release. “We are so fortunate to have Dr. Allen’s expertise available here locally at Big Sky Medical Center.”
The addition means that Bozeman Health can offer specialty pediatric care such as cardiology, orthopedics and hematology to its clinics across Gallatin County, including Bozeman and Belgrade.
Residents can make appointments with Dr. Allen at the Big Sky Medical Center by calling 406-414-4570 or scheduling online.
BIG SKY THRIFT AWARDS $150K TO HELP RUFF BUILD BIG SKY’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER
BY CARLI JOHNSON
BIG SKY—Big Sky Thrift awarded its largest-ever annual grant of $150,000 to help build the first animal shelter in Big Sky. Local nonprofit Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends (RUFF) is responsible for building the animal shelter within Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital’s new facility.
Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital plans to build the 7,600 square foot facility on a vacant parcel behind Caliber Coffee. It will be the only veterinary hospital and animal shelter facility in Big Sky, West Yellowstone and Ennis. Additionally, the two-story building will have five residential units on the second floor. These residences are slated to be deedrestricted and leased or sold to Big Sky locals.
“We are excited to take this next step in serving the Big Sky community,” Dr. Stephanie “Syd” Desmarais, owner of LPVH and RUFF, stated in a Jan. 31 press release. “Our new facility will enable us to better meet the growing demand for veterinary services in our community while ensuring we continue to provide compassionate, high quality care that our clients and their pets have come to expect.”
Big Sky Thrift, a nonprofit thrift store operated by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation
in retail space donated by Lone Mountain Land Company, is in its third year of annual grant giving, a process that allocates profits from the sale of used goods in the store to benefit local community groups. The grant selection process is led by the Thrift Store Grants Committee and the shop’s dedicated volunteers.
Historically, the annual grants have been distributed among multiple recipients. However, this year’s shift to a project-based grant model
enables larger investments in impactful, community centered initiatives, according to the release.
“In our third year of granting, we realized that the bigger grants make a larger impact in the community,” Emily Burke, associate director of Big Sky Thrift, told EBS. “When we talked to Sydney, we were so impressed at how well she had it all planned out that the thrift committee truly felt that this was the best place to give the grant to this year.”
GALLATIN CANYON CHASE RESULTS IN FELONY ARREST
BY JACK REANEY
On the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 11, a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to make contact with a 47-year-old suspect, Ian Blaylock from Three Forks, with outstanding felony warrants
totaling more than $50,000. The suspect fled in his vehicle from Casey’s Corner gas station in Four Corners toward Gallatin Canyon with law enforcement in pursuit along U.S. Highway 191.
Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputies used a device called a “stop stick” to deflate the suspect’s tires
at mile marker 53 in the canyon. The suspect’s vehicle stopped shortly thereafter at Portal Creek, where deputies completed a “high risk traffic stop” to complete the arrest, Gallatin County Sheriff Sergeant Dan Haydon told EBS in a phone call Wednesday.
The driver and passenger, Blaylock’s wife, 38-yearold Christiana Blaylock, were charged with criminal endangerment, criminal possession of dangerous drugs or controlled substances—tests indicate methamphetamines were contained in plastic bags discovered in the truck, in addition to roughly 16 hypodermic needles—and fleeing from or eluding a peace officer, according to a sworn affidavit from Gallatin County. The suspect reached a top speed of 90 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone in Four Corners.
Nobody was injured as a result of the Feb. 11 chase, although the suspect caused multiple vehicles to swerve out of the way, and another to drive into a snowbank to avoid being struck, according to the affidavit.
Both suspects were transported to Gallatin County Detention Center, and held on existing warrants and charges from Feb. 11.
A digital rendering of the proposed veterinary hospital and animal shelter. PHOTO COURTESY OF LONE PEAK VETERINARY HOSPITAL.
A green Dodge Ram led law enforcement on a chase into the Gallatin Canyon on Feb. 11. COURTESY OF JAYDE PAGE
BIG SKY SHEDHORN SKIMO RACE RETURNS ON MARCH 1
COURSE DESIGNED FOR
BY CARLI JOHNSON
BIG SKY—Big Sky Resort’s annual Shedhorn Skimo race will return to the resort on March 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Athletes have the option to choose from one of four courses, with difficulty ranging from skimo beginners to mountaineering experts.
The most difficult course, the Shedhorn, summits Lone Mountain twice, descending the classic Big Couloir. At 16 miles, 8,000 vertical feet, four alpine climbs, four 45-plus-degree descents, this course is a test for the most advanced athletes, according to a press release.
A shorter, yet still difficult course summits Lone Mountain, descends the Big Couloir, then continues up and over the Headwaters Ridge. The Pronghorn course is a shortened version of the Shedhorn and covers seven miles and 4,500 vertical feet.
New this year is the Ramshorn course. This course is for those curious about skimo and want to test the waters. The route includes a skin track, a bootpack and a double-black diamond descent down the Headwaters bowl.
The final race, the Shedling, is for kids 14 and under, encouraging young mountain athletes to pick up the sport. Covering three miles and 720 vertical feet, the course travels up a skin track, then to a bootpack and a descent to the base area.
Athletes ascend Lone Mountain in last year’s 2024 Shedhorn Skimo race. PHOTO BY ETHAN SCHUMACHER / BIG SKY RESORT
ENNIS, BIG SKY RESIDENTS TRAVEL TO CAPITOL FOR DISTRICT FOR BOUNDARY HEARING
PUBLIC COMMENTS INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS, CONCERNS FOR RURAL SERVICES AND POSSIBLE EMINENT DOMAIN OF JACK CREEK ROAD
BY JEN CLANCEY
HELENA—Local issues like Jack Creek Road access, school district costs and medical services were the main topics of conversations in a Montana Senate Taxation Committee hearing Wednesday morning. Madison Valley and Big Sky residents traveled to Helena on Feb. 12 for a committee hearing on Senate Bill 260, a bill that would define parameters of special district withdrawal in Montana.
Dozens of people in the hallway outside of the committee room peered at the meeting’s livestream as residents, local government officials, teachers and administrators gave public comments on a local withdrawal issue that’s led to lawsuits and impassioned Madison County Commission hearings. SB 260 would allow for changes in service district boundaries if homeowners can’t access services due to geographical barriers, legal access to roads, or lack of county-maintained routes. With a qualified petition, homeowners within a withdrawal area would then elect to leave one service district to enter a different one.
The bill addresses Big Sky residents’ unsuccessful attempts to withdraw from the Madison Valley Hospital District, in which a portion of Big Sky resides and supports through property taxes. MVHD’s medical center is located in Ennis. Big Sky residents who wish to access these services and travel the shortest distance must travel on Jack Creek Road, a private route that requires a pass. The closest public route is through the Gallatin Canyon and onto Montana Highway 84, about an 85-mile route.
While most conversations have discussed hospital district concerns, proponents of the bill emphasized the need for change in the relationship between Ennis and Big Sky school districts too.
Sen. Greg Hertz (R-Polson), the primary sponsor of the bill, stepped out of his role as Senate Taxation Committee chair to present SB 260 and discuss what he learned from serving on the Governor’s Property Tax Task Force.
“ What we found out was in counties across the state, some school districts have created district boundaries to grab a certain asset that might be high taxable value to help out their school district,” Hertz said. According to Hertz, a $500,000 Ennis home comes with about $70 a year in taxes to the Ennis School District.
“That was the information I got. When I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning thinking about how to help both these communities solve a problem, I’m like … I need to go look at that,” Hertz said. He said he learned from a Madison County cadastral that a $1.3 million Ennis home pays about $176 in annual taxes to Ennis schools.
“It’s important to note that this year, the Ennis School District has the lowest local tax burden for any school district in the entire state of Montana,” said John Zirkle, a Big Sky Resort Area District board member and Big Sky School District teacher.
Jackie Haines, the director of economic and strategic development for BSRAD, noted in her public testimony that in 2024, $3 million in Big Sky resident tax dollars went to Ennis schools, and in return, the Big Sky School District received
about $70,000 from Ennis schools to educate 26 children who live in the Madison County portion of Big Sky.
The superintendent of the Ennis School District, Jared Moretti, was glad to hear concerns from both sides at the Senate hearing. Formerly working in Cody, Wyoming, Moretti has lived in Ennis and worked as a school administrator for one year. He hopes that both school districts can meet to find a mutually beneficial solution, separate from discussions of the hospital district boundaries.
“Even though there are some similar concerns, I really do see this as kind of almost two separate issues,” Moretti said. “I would like us to sit down and see if there is a way that we could work through this without having to go up to Helena.”
He believes it’s important to make sure tax dollars are supporting both Ennis schools and the Madison County students that attend Big Sky schools.
In the hearing, Moretti spoke about the need for $3 million in repairs in Ennis schools. The projects include roofing, boiler and water and sewer repair. He expressed concern over the difficulties in completing the projects without ongoing taxpayer support. Bonds to improve facilities have failed in the past, including two recent bonds in 2022 to help fund facility upgrades.
Big Sky School District Superintendent Dustin Shipman expressed the need for parents to be involved in their kids’ school districts, through voting on Big Sky school board members and having a say in their children’s education.
More than 60 people populated the hallway outside of the small committee room, and surrounding corridors for the Feb. 12 Montana Senate Taxation hearing. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
“Montana school districts pride themselves on local control and the basic fundamental of local control isn’t available to these residents,” Shipman said. Hospital budgets, bill language and eminent domain discussed.
A gap in hospital revenues became a focus for SB 260 proponents. According to documents shared by BSRAD, the Madison Valley Hospital District budgeted for about $2.1 million to be placed in cash reserves for both fiscal year 2022 and 2023.
BSRAD Executive Director Daniel Bierschwale noted that this revenue is not mirrored at the Bozeman Health Big Sky Regional Medical Center. “Our hospital runs at a $1 million deficit,” Bierschwale said. According to Haines, Big Sky residents send $3 million each year to MVHD.
Allen Rohrback, CEO of the Madison Valley Medical Center, noted that MVHD is interested in continuing services for Big Sky residents by expanding to a physical center in Big Sky.
“We believe that the best benefit for Big Sky is to have two active hospitals in the community,” Rohrback said. Several opponents of the bill, including health care workers and residents, expressed concern about SB 260’s effects on rural health care services in their community and others in the state.
Lance Melton, the chief executive officer of a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen
LOCAL
school districts in the state called the Montana School Boards Association, expressed concern with language in the bill that could have consequences beyond Big Sky and Ennis conflicts.
He noted during the questioning portion of the hearing that a section of the bill would allow corporations to be considered as qualified electors and initiate petitions. As an opponent of the bill, he emphasized working more on the bill’s language to filter out concerns about geographical barriers, bonding, and lending power to property owners that do not reside on land in a withdrawal area.
Bierschwale said that next steps include revising the aforementioned section. “ Petitioners who own property in Big Sky, or taxpayers in Big Sky that have those under an LLC, in the original bill text would have been able to sign the petition. But in the revised amendments, we’re going to keep that strictly with just taxpayers that are also voters that reside in Big Sky,” Bierschwale said in a phone call with EBS.
Legislators also had questions about Jack Creek Road, which Madison County Commissioner Bill Todd answered.
“Right now it is privately owned and there is an element of access for emergency services. One of the things that we are going to explore is the eminent domain of that road,” Todd said. “I could say that any remedy and solution is on the table as far as Madison County is concerned, and especially any remedy that would improve access to workforce
housing, for public safety purposes, for educational needs or for just tourism which is the life blood of our counties.”
“That’s literally the first time I have ever heard Madison County is exploring eminent domain for Jack Creek Road, and what that means, I have no idea,” Bierschwale told EBS.
“It would be helpful, if that’s a conversation going on, for the community to be aware of that,” Bierschwale added.
In a written comment to EBS, Bill Todd described further what he introduced in the meeting about eminent domain. “Madison County is actively exploring the seizure of Jack Creek Road via eminent domain. Public facing discussions will begin during our Commission’s work session on Monday, February 24th, which begins at 10 a.m.,” Todd wrote in an email.
Overall, Bierschwale noted that the hearing was a good showing for both sides of the debate. “I felt like both communities were very respectful,” Bierschwale said.
Supporters and opponents can expect a vote on SB 260’s movement to the Senate floor sometime next week. The nearly three-hour hearing left lawmakers and residents with lots to think about as southwest Montana residents filed into carpools from the capitol, including an Ennis Mustangs bus.
SPANISH AND ENGLISH LEARNERS PRACTICE AT BIG SKY ‘BILINGUAL MINGLE’ SESSIONS
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—Big Sky residents are invited to practice their Spanish and English in “bilingual mingle” sessions hosted by World Language Initiative Montana. The free one-hour events start at 7 p.m. weekly on Wednesdays in the community room at the Bozeman Health Big Sky Regional Medical Center.
Since 2022, WLI, a language and culture education organization in Gallatin Valley, has provided language programming in Big Sky. The new inperson mingle sessions will run until March 12.
Kristina Allison, director of programs at WLI, explained that the Big Sky community had been
requesting language class options in Big Sky for years. She sees the importance of teaching and practicing languages in places like Big Sky.
“I think a lot of people recognize that language is really a bridge—not just communication, but understanding and connection with the people around us,” Allison told EBS on the phone. Allison described language as a “tool of connection” and said that six people—four English-learners and two Spanish-learners—participated in the first mingle session on Feb. 5.
In addition to free mingle sessions, WLI also holds drop-in English classes in Big Sky at no charge on Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m. at the medical center. Drop-in classes began on Feb. 9 and will run weekly for six weeks.
Big Sky residents interested in learning Spanish in-person can sign up for beginner to intermediate sessions that kick off at the medical center in May. There are also online class options in Spanish, German, Japanese and French.
Allison thanked the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Moonlight Community Foundation and the Big Sky Resort Area District for supporting language programming in Big Sky. The funding allows for Big Sky classes to have lower rates, or free programming for learners.
“We’re lucky to have that support, and not just in financial support, but also just the belief that this is important work,” Allison said.
World Language Initiative Montana began offering language programming in Big Sky in 2022. PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTINA ALLISON
THE FINAL PHASE OF 17 LOTS BIG SKY, MT
Pricing Starting at $650,000
Nestled in the heart of Big Sky, Montana, Gallatin Foothills Phase 2 offers a rare opportunity to own a homesite that combines natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and convenient access to local amenities. With spacious lots ranging from 1 to 2 acres and over 75 acres of open space, this neighborhood is designed to provide privacy, stunning mountain views, and a connection to the outdoors. Residents will enjoy a professionally built trail system by Terraflow, sledding hills, open space for XC skiing, and nearby trail access to public lands for activities like snowmobiling, ATV riding, and hiking. The Gallatin River is just 5 minutes away, while Big Sky Town Center and Big Sky Resort are a 10- and 15-minute drive, respectively, creating the ultimate home base for your year-round recreation.
JEN MOHLER, GROW WILD RECOGNIZED WITH STATE AWARD FOR NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—Jen Mohler, executive director of the nonprofit Grow Wild, was recognized in late January with the Cooperative Weed Management Area of the Year by the Montana Weed Control Association in Missoula.
Formerly known as the Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance, Grow Wild’s mission is to conserve native species in the Upper Gallatin Watershed through education, habitat restoration, and collaborative land stewardship. That takes shape through volunteer opportunities, weed pulls and gardening events, children’s education programs, and Grow Wild’s traveling wildlife education trailer, with more “exciting irons in the fire” including partnerships and collective efforts, Mohler explained.
“Invasive species is actually a really uphill battle,” Mohler told EBS in a phone call. She explained that the 2023 rebrand to “Grow Wild” was intended to reframe beyond just the negative aspect of noxious weeds. “Our goal is to also understand what makes [an ecosystem] healthy.”
The cornerstone of Grow Wild’s work is helping landowners, with free site visits and land stewardship advice to any willing property owner in the area—dealing with invasive species are a legal responsibility for landowners, she explained.
She recalls spending her first couple years as a property owner in Belgrade working to set her land up for long-term success. Eventually, a nesting pair of red-tailed hawks moved in.
“If you plant it, they will come. If you create the foundation for a healthy ecosystem, and you know it takes work, it takes time, but then you start to see your labor pay off,” Mohler said. “And it’s just so heartening.”
The Montana Weed Control Association award came as a surprise for Mohler. She was nominated by the Galatin County Weed Board.
“It really is a tremendous honor to be recognized, because there’s so many people doing great work that just don’t get recognized,” she said, adding that nobody fights invasive species for the money or the accolades.
Dr. Jane Mangold, Montana State University professor and extension specialist, has been studying and teaching about invasive plants in Montana for 25 years, working with organizations like Grow Wild, private landowners, and state and federal agencies. As a member of the Gallatin County Weed Board, she supported Mohler’s nomination.
“Jen has a record of really effective education and outreach to the Big Sky community, and… the Gallatin River watershed community,” Mangold said. “... Grow Wild under Jen’s leadership has really shifted the focus from just getting rid of something we don’t want, like killing weeds, to actually shifting the focus on healthy aspects of the landscape and how we are called to be good stewards of the land so we can improve and conserve the landscapes we love and cherish.”
Mangold said Grow Wild’s educational and promotional materials are “the envy of all of us who work in this realm of noxious weed management” for their artistic flair, and said Mohler is a resource for people to better understand the environment that they’re living in and that they love so much.
“[Grow Wild] really has so much to share in terms of stewardship and conservation of the beauty that really has drawn all the people to the Big Sky area,” Mangold said.
She praised Grow Wild’s outside-the-box approach, specifically with the native demonstration garden at Crail Ranch and bighorn sheep habitat restoration project, to which Mangold contributes research.
“We love our bighorn sheep herd here in Big Sky, and they are iconic,” Mohler said. “Doing everything we can to improve their winter range is critical.”
Mohler explained that invasive species are a sign of an unhealthy ecosystem, affecting everything from water quantity and quality to wildlife habitat. Bighorn sheep are losing habitat and forage, in part due to an overgrowth of trees.
“We kind of forget that healthy wildlife habitat is a mixture of land types,” Mohler said. With more open space, bighorn sheep could find more forbs, grasses and shrubs.
Grow Wild is trying to work with the Forest Service, but logging projects are challenging in the area due to power lines, wildfire concerns, and the steep terrain right above roads and water.
“It’s a really difficult place to do anything to benefit bighorn besides controlling invasives, and seeing if we can really rejuvenate the native population of grasses and forbs,” she said.
Mohler is also excited about Alpenscapes, a partnership between Grow Wild, the Gallatin River Task Force, the Big Sky Fire Department and Big Sky SNO. In the past year, Mohler said the program directly boosted the number of Grow Wild’s site visits, especially for property owners who were initially concerned about wildfire but didn’t know about noxious weeds.
“That’s what I love the most. Is seeing people learn more, and doing more, and the results when they call me up,” Mohler said.
For local property owners wanting to learn more, Mohler encourages them to visit Grow Wild’s website.
She enjoys watching her community partners become inspired.
“Once you see invasive species, you can’t unsee,” she said. “Once you see the impacts it has on our recreation, on our agriculture and all that, you can’t not act.”
Mohler accepts her award in Missoula with Dr. Jane Mangold (far left), Danielle Jones and Larry Holzworth. COURTESY OF JEN MOHLER
SPORTS
BIG SKY HOSTS SEVENTH ANNUAL BEST IN THE WEST SHOWDOWN
BIG SKY SKIJORING COMP JOINS FIRE AND ICE FOR THREE-DAY STUNT-FILLED EVENT
BY CARLI JOHNSON
BIG SKY—Locals, visitors, athletes and skijoring groupies crowded into Big Sky this weekend for the seventh annual Best in the West Showdown. The event took place over the course of three days—Feb. 7, 8 and 9—with seven different divisions, splitting competitors up between experience, age and skiing or snowboarding.
Hundreds of spectators filed in to the event wearing colored retro snowsuits, fluffy faux furs and customized cowboy hats.
“This is our Super Bowl,” said spectator Helen Grace Hutchins. “The energy is just amazing.”
In between skiers being pulled through flames and over jumps, the Big Sky Skijoring Association brought two snowmobiling athletes to perform stunts to keep the action rolling between rides. The stuntmen rode their snowmobiles up a thirty-foot ramp, performing backflips and tricks for the audience.
Blue skies and sunshine met the crowd on Saturday, where junior skijoring athletes Addalee Williams, riding Milo and pulling Sedona Kilgore-Karp on skis, secured third place overall in the junior division with a combined time of 01:14:00.
During each race, a skier is pulled by a horse and rider along a preset course with gates. Penalties are added to the team’s time if the skier misses any gates. Most teams have two attempts at scoring the fastest time and then these times are added together. The team with the fastest combined time wins their division.
“The funnest part was switching from riding to skiing,” said Kilgore-Karp. Williams and KilgoreKarp competed in the junior switcharoo division, where they swapped rider and skier so both athletes could participate in each activity.
Novice competitor and local school librarian Ashley Jenks competed for her second year. New to the
sport, Jenks commented on how welcoming the community is.
“The sport is so inclusive and everyone is just here to have a good time,” Jenks said.
Colder temperatures and snow sprinkled in Big Sky on Sunday, but did not stop the dedicated spectators from cheering on the final races. Athletes left it all out on the course competing for the title of “Best in the West.”
The highest-skilled athletes with the fastest and most skilled horses compete in the open division; those signed up in the open division can not compete in any other division. Richard Weber, riding Juicy Fruit and pulling Jim Ryan, won first place in open with a combined result of 37.26 seconds.
In the sport division, athletes have an intermediate skill level riding horses that may not have the experience to be in the Open Class. Kimber Cook, riding Spanky and pulling Jack Plantz, won first place in sport with a combined result of 39.86 seconds.
In the switcharoo division, team members must switch spots from Saturday to Sunday—if you ski or snowboard on Saturday, then you must ride horseback on Sunday, and vice versa. The same horse must be ridden each day. First place winners in this division had a combined result of 45.71 seconds, with Dennis Alverson riding Raven, and pulling Phoebe Alverson.
All proceeds from the event go towards event costs and benefit the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation. The full results are available online.
Big Sky Skijoring Association hosted the Best in the West Showdown in the Big Sky Town Center from Feb. 7-9. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
Addalee Williams and Sedona Kilgore-Karp smile after their third place winning performance in the junior division. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
Spectators donned their fur coats and retro snowsuits to stay warm on the cold weekend to cheer on skijoring athletes. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
LONE PEAK SENIOR CLAIRE HOADLEY SIGNS FOR COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—On Feb. 12, a signing ceremony recognized Lone Peak High School senior Claire Hoadley’s commitment to play volleyball at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.
Hoadley received an athletic scholarship to attend Rocky Mountain, and will apply for further scholarships from the Friends of Big Sky Education. She is deciding whether she’d like to study occupational therapy or business management, and may consider a Rocky Mountain program that would allow her to play volleyball while studying abroad.
“It feels so amazing,” Hoadley said after posing with friends and family on Feb. 12. “I’m beyond excited and just feeling blessed that I can keep playing the sport that I love, and getting to meet new people who are also playing the sport that they love.”
She was recruited after gaining experience and exposure with the Big Sky Volleyball Club in Bozeman, and traveling to out-of-state tournaments. In her exploration, including visits to a few schools’ volleyball programs, she realized she’d prefer to stay in Montana.
“Rocky was actually the first camp that I went to last summer, and I immediately loved it,” Hoadley said. After a few emails, the coach set up a call and offered her a spot.
Hoadley thanked her parents for supporting her and pushing her to pursue her goals, her brother Nick for cheering the loudest at games, and her close friends and teachers for supporting her. Claire’s parents, Dan and Vanessa Hoadley, said she was most excited about Rocky Mountain College, so it was an easy choice once the offer came across the table.
“We’re so proud of her,” Vanessa said. “This was her light-up sport all along… when she decided she wanted to go to school for it, she just went for it.”
“It’s just so good to have a kid who knows some of her passions, and has a plan to go chase them down,” Dan said.
Athletic Director John Hannahs remembers Claire as a student in his first second-grade class when he started a job in Big Sky. Years later, he said she became a calm and collected volleyball player and a natural leader who carries her team through highpressure moments.
“It’s always a really special thing to see somebody who has worked so hard all through school in any given program, or any given sport, to have that opportunity—and more importantly the drive and passion—to continue on to the next level… To see her come this far, it’s really special,” Hannahs said.
Hoadley credited her Lone Peak coaches for encouraging her to test her skills at the college level. Assistant coaches Steven Reid and Gavin Dean attended the signing day.
Reid said her pure volleyball talent is dominant and that she can carry the team on her back. Beyond her skills, he said she’s impressively personable and a confident leader who can engage genuinely with any teammate.
Dean said her teammates always gravitated to her and rallied behind her, and it was easy for players and coaches to rely on her.
“Just having her on the court at all times, you know, we could trust somebody out there,” Dean said. “… I’m just super excited for her. Hopefully we can get her schedule and go check out some games. Definitely looking forward to her success in the future.”
Head coach Ashley Muckway moved away after the season, but wrote a statement to EBS to celebrate her former player.
“One of the most driven and dedicated players I’ve had the pleasure of working with. No matter what was going on, Claire would walk into practice ready to give 100%,” Muckway wrote. “… Not only is she a great player, but her attitude and leadership are going to propel her into a stellar future. I have no doubt we will hear of all the great things she will accomplish both on and off the court.”
After college, Hoadley is open to the possibility of turning pro if she continues to develop, seeing many new leagues in the U.S. and abroad. “I really want to explore those and see if I could make that happen,” she said.
“She’s gonna do great things, whether it’s volleyball or wherever she goes,” Reid said. “She can do whatever she wants, ‘cause she’s got it under control. That’s one kid you can point at and say, ‘she’s probably gonna do great things.’”
Hoadley plans to start her undergraduate career at Rocky Mountain this coming fall.
Claire with her family in the front row, in front of her coaches, teachers, principal and friends.
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Lone Peak High School senior Claire Hoadley will play volleyball at Rocky Mountain College.
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
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LONE PEAK HANGS WITH THREE FORKS IN TIGHT SENIOR NIGHT LOSSES
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—Moments into the boys’ senior night game, the Lone Peak High School gymnasium erupted in celebration of an unusual hero: senior Kael Gilbert nailed a 3-pointer to open the scoring against a Three Forks High School team ranked No. 4 in Montana Class B with a 14-1 record.
Gilbert, who admits his basketball background is limited since starting as a sophomore, said it feels great when coaches give him the opportunity to shoot in a meaningful game.
“It felt great. I don’t have a whole lot of opportunities to do that, at all. And it was really nice to see everybody show up,” Gilbert said after the Wolves earned a 59-43 victory.
The fact that he was starting was no coincidence— head coach Al Malinowski was sure to start all three seniors in their final home game—and the play was designed to get the ball in Gilbert’s hands.
“We ran a specific play to try to get him that shot, just hoping that he’d knock it down. When he’s set, he’s a good 3-point shooter,” Malinowski said. In two games against Three Forks, Gilbert is now twofor-three from beyond the arc.
Fellow senior Grady Towle followed up with a basket to extend the Big Horns’ lead to 5-0, and after a scoring run by the Wolves, senior Isaac Bedway tied the score at seven points—all three Big Horn seniors scored each of the team’s first three baskets.
“Kind of what you hope will happen when you give them their opportunity to get their start on senior night,” Malinowski said.
The game stayed close and became increasingly physical until halftime. Sophomore Ryan Malinowski made a pair of tough baskets and added a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send the Big
Horns to the locker room with a 26-23 lead. He’d finish with 11 points.
The Wolves surged in the third quarter, scoring seven unanswered points and eventually extending their lead to 39-30 as the Big Horns lost their rhythm for a stretch. By midway through the fourth, the Wolves led, 53-39 and burned the clock as the Big Horns scratched and clawed.
“We had a really good game, we couldn’t close it out really in the second half, but that is a team that has lost, I think, one game this year,” said Bedway, the game’s team-leading scorer with 13 points. He said the team brought better energy than in their revious loss to the Wolves.
Three Forks sophomore Kanon Reichman and senior Drydan Frisinger used their size advantages to combine for 29 points in the Wolves’ win.
Coach Malinowski said the Wolves are big and experienced, with four seniors and one sophomore in their starting five as opposed to Lone Peak’s typical tip-off, featuring one senior, two juniors and two sophomores.
“So, we’re pretty young. And to watch our team battle, I thought we played much better defensively through most of that game than we did the last few games,” Malinowski said. “The one challenge was, their size and their depth kind of caught up to us in the second half.”
The Big Horns led narrowly at halftime in both games against the Wolves this season, but the second half has been more of a struggle. Still, the Wolves scored 84 against the Big Horns on Jan. 17, and this time the Big Horns held their districtleading opponent to 59 points.
“This time, we battled right to the end. I was really proud of that effort from our guys,” Malinowski said. “…We’re bummed that we lost but I’m incredibly proud of our effort.”
Gilbert said this year’s team has improved its composure, compared to last year when the young team often fell apart as opponents surged. “We’ve not given up, and it’s won us a lot of games,” he said.
Malinowski said depth continues to be the main area to improve—Three Forks exposed Lone Peak’s lopsided offense by pressuring Grabow, Bedway and Ryan Malinowski, who typically carry the scoring.
“We need contributions from other scorers… We need more situations where guys are taking advantage of other opportunities,” coach Malinowski said. Overall, he’s proud that in both matchups against a powerful team, the Big Horns have shown they can play with the Wolves. “We just need to find a way to continue that for 32 minutes, not just the first 16.”
The team will focus on its remaining games against Whitehall and Ennis, before shifting their attention to making some noise in the district tournament.
Girls celebrate a season of growth
Before the boys took the floor, the girls team played the Wolves tight at times. Still without a win this season, head coach Jessica Bedway was pleased with her team’s performance after falling 65-48.
“They’re just so much better than they were at the beginning of the year. And I hope they will continue to work so that we improve over the summer,” Bedway said, adding that in past years the team has taken steps back in the offseason, making for a rough start to recent seasons. “I really didn’t have huge expectations as far as wins, but I did have expectations about them learning and improving, and they definitely have done that.”
Bedway said the team will miss seniors Addy Malinowski and Anna Masonic.
Lone Peak senior Isaac Bedway is second all-time in Lone Peak High School career points, first in 3-pointers, second in rebounds, and first in blocks. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Malinowski is “the quiet heart and soul” of the team, Bedway said. With her team trailing 13-7 in the first quarter, she hit back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the score and swing momentum. She scored 10 points in her final home game.
Masonic is “definitely the giver,” Bedway said, always caring for the team and asking how players and coaches are doing. She scored two points in the fourth quarter.
“Addy really has been a leader, and Anna really has been the support for everybody. And she’s always there,” Bedway said.
Addy Malinowski said she was proud of how her team played in their final home game.
“It’s really bittersweet. I’ve been playing here for so long, that it’s just sad to leave my team who I’ve been playing with since middle school,” Malinowski said. “… I just wanted to leave everything I could possibly give out on the court.”
She said this year, the team has grown and will only continue to become more competitive. “We’ve really come together this season, and hopefully they’ll continue that bond.”
Anna Masonic will remember this senior night game as the culmination of hard work and improvement as a team.
“The progress we’ve gotten since game one has been really cool… I think in the next few years we’re gonna start seeing incredible improvement
as they start figuring out how to play in Class B,” Masonic said.
Junior Harper Morris led the games scoring for the Big Horns with 21 points. Junior Maddie Wilcynski scored 11 in the loss.
Three Forks junior Maddy Tesoro scored 30 points, including seven 3-pointers—Bedway praised Tesoro’s dominance on the court.
“I was pleased. I was really pleased in the first half, and I was really pleased in the fourth quarter… The fact that they didn’t give up and they kept fighting until the fourth quarter, I was proud of them,” Bedway said.
As the girls prepare for the district tournament, Masonic said anything can happen.
“I think we have a chance at districts,” she said. “It’s gonna be tough, but we’ll play hard.”
Senior Addy Malinowski scores in the fourth quarter of her final home game. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
ENVIRONMENT
THRIVING LANDSCAPES: A LANDOWNER CALL TO ACTION
BY ABBY BUTLER EBS COLUMNIST
What image does the phrase “natural landscape” evoke? Maybe it’s a field of wildflowers nestled deep in the backcountry or the expansive view from the top of a mountain you just trekked up, something pristine and untouched by human hands. What if I told you that the definition of a “natural landscape” is much more holistic? What if the pockets of green scattered in backyards, along roadways, and throughout cityscapes could be as valuable collectively as a piece of wilderness?
To better understand how this could be possible, let’s establish some context.
Landscapes experience disturbances from both natural processes and human activity. Climatic events such as floods and droughts, along with processes like erosion and wildlife grazing, occur without human involvement. However, humans have long been managing the land. Before European settlers colonized North America, Indigenous peoples hunted, farmed, and used prescribed burns for cultural practices as well as vegetation and wildlife management. With colonization came the forced removal of Indigenous peoples from their land and the establishment of an entirely new disturbance regime.
Jump forward to the present day where population growth and demand have carved out the landscape to make way for development and recreation opportunities. This growth has had major consequences for the health of the ecosystem. In the last 400 years, humans have introduced approximately 30,000 new plant species to North America. Of those 30,000, around 5,000 have escaped cultivation and over 500 have negatively impacted the ecosystem to a degree in which they are considered invasive.
According to a 2023 report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, invasive species are a major driver of degradation, causing biodiversity loss, accelerating soil erosion and degrading water quality. The establishment and spread of invasive species is facilitated by humancaused disturbances such as altering fire regimes, disturbing soil through recreation and development, and altering the flow of water for agriculture and energy production.
These environmental impacts spill over into the economy. They decrease the value of land, reduce recreation opportunities—an industry that at minimum generates $6.7 million annually in Big Sky and makes up 5.4% of Montana’s workforce— and cost governments and private citizens billions of dollars.
In 2019, global costs related to invasive species exceeded $423 billion, with only 8% of that cost related to actively managing them. At the state level, according to a 2024 report by the University of Wyoming, infestations of cheatgrass, an invasive annual, alone resulted in losses of $32 million on affected rangeland with a 13% reduction in total agricultural value across Wyoming. While it may not seem like you are personally affected by invasive species, you are. If you recreate outside, purchase food from the grocery store or drink water from your tap, you have interacted with a resource that has—or will be—impacted by invasive species.
So, what does your yard have to do with the health of the ecosystem? While it may consist of nonnative grass with a smattering of annoying weeds you can’t seem to get rid of, those weeds may
actually be invasive plants that have the potential to spread onto other landscapes and public land, and further degrade our beloved landscape. And that nonnative grass? While it looks tidy, it provides very little if any benefit to local wildlife.
Native plants are the foundation of our ecosystem. They support a plethora of insects (whose populations have declined by 75% in the past 50 years) who in turn, pollinate more plants, supporting a rich tapestry of resources for organisms all the way up the food chain. By managing weeds and planting native species on your property, you are providing intentional support for wildlife facing habitat degradation and loss while also protecting the natural resources for your own wellbeing. Limitations exist for us all, which is why Grow Wild offers free landowner site visits to those living in Big Sky and the Gallatin Canyon where we advise you on how to manage your land—whether that’s removing noxious weeds or understanding how best to incorporate native plants for the benefit of wildlife. You can request a site visit and find more relevant resources on our website at growwildmt.org.
Abby Butler is the conservation program manager for Grow Wild, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to conserve native species in the Upper Gallatin Watershed through education, habitat restoration, and collaborative land stewardship.
Home in Big Sky utilizing native plants and water-wise landscaping for the benefit of wildlife and landscape conservation. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALPENSCAPES
A native bee at the Moose Pair Pollinator Garden makes use of new habitat a month after planting.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GROW WILD
Hillside in Big Sky filled with the noxious weed, oxeye daisy and not much else. PHOTO COURTESY OF GROW WILD
GNFAC: HOW STEEP IS THE SLOPE? ENVIRONMENT
BY IAN HOYER EBS COLUMNIST
If you can reliably answer that question, you’re well on your way to staying safe from avalanches.
There are four elements needed for an avalanche: a cohesive slab of snow, a weak layer, a trigger and a steep slope. If you’re missing any of those elements, you can’t get an avalanche.
If you’re nearby, there is always a potential trigger: You! Ninety percent of avalanche accidents are triggered by the victim or a member of their party. In Montana, it’s usually a pretty safe bet that there will be a slab and weak layer of some sort in the snowpack. Then, it’s a question of whether or not that slab or weak layer combination is unstable. That is tricky to figure out. You can learn techniques to assess the snowpack, but there is no way to be 100% sure. That leaves the choice of whether or not we go near steep slopes as the element we can most reliably control.
Except for very rare circumstances, avalanches don’t happen on slopes less than 30 degrees steep. If you keep off of and out from under all hills steeper than 30 degrees, you won’t get caught in an avalanche. If you are happy riding trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or otherwise recreating in the flats, avalanche safety can be as simple as that. Just be really really sure to stay far out from underneath steep hills, as avalanches can run surprisingly far distances.
If you do want to ride on steeper slopes, it’s still important to be able to identify avalanche terrain, so you can know when you’re exposing yourself to potential danger and can decide if that’s an appropriate decision for the day.
Learning to identify slopes steeper than 30 degrees is a skill that takes practice to develop. To stay safe, you need to be able to determine the steepness of a slope without getting onto it (because at that point it may be too late if the snow is unstable).
The best way is to “guess and check” while you’re out in the mountains on safe days:
1. Stop near a hill. Small hills work great, especially if you have any questions about snow stability.
2. Have everyone in your group guess how steep the slope is.
3. Say your guesses out loud.
4. Go over and measure the slope angle. You can use an app on your phone or carry an inclinometer.
5. See who guessed closest to the right answer. (Furthest off buys the evening’s refreshments?)
6. Keep doing this until you’re good at it.
If you commit to doing this at least once every time you get out, your guesses will improve quickly.
Focusing on slope angle is the simplest and most reliable way to avoid avalanches. Still, give yourself an extra big margin when there are dangerous
avalanche conditions and if you’re going anywhere remotely near steep hills in the winter, carrying rescue gear (avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe) and bringing a partner are a wise insurance policy.
Hoyer is a forecaster wit the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
Ian
A slide in Cooke City. PHOTO COURTESY OF GNFAC
A slide in the Bridgers. PHOTO COURTESY OF GNFAC
DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: THE LAND TRANSFER MOVEMENT RESURRECTED UTAH
FAILED, WYOMING IS TRYING. MONTANA IS NEXT?
BY BENJAMIN AVA POLEY EBS COLUMNIST
On Jan. 13, the Supreme Court emphatically rejected Utah’s attempt to seize federal lands. Utah’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management sought to transfer 18.5 million acres of public lands to state control, arguing that the federal government could not indefinitely hold onto this land without designating it for specific uses such as a national forest or monument. Conservationists and environmentalists hailed this decision as a victory. However, the assault on public lands is far from over; it will persist throughout this administration across the West.
On the first day of its new session, the U.S. House of Representatives made a significant move: Altered its rules to facilitate federal land transfers to state governments. Republican leaders have long favored this power transfer to the states, and in light of Project 2025, the administration’s guiding manifesto, this is even more alarming.
Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, has long been a sworn enemy of public lands and is now the chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and is helping to lead the charge in the massive land grab.
Currently, the federal government manages nearly 50% of the West’s landscape on behalf of the American people. Yet, many Republican-led states are pushing to take control of these lands to prioritize extractive industries and real estate development. These legal battles impose a significant financial burden on taxpayers, costing millions per state.
The amendment to the House rules means they are no longer required to account for the budgetary impacts of transferring land from the federal government to the states. Previously, they had to demonstrate the substantial fiscal implications of such transactions. Most of these land transfers result in significant financial losses for the federal government when the land is given away. This
change will facilitate the sale of public lands to states, clearing the way for opportunistic exploitation. They will no longer have to consider the land’s worth to the American people.
Some may argue that the administration’s layoffs of federal employees bolster the case that the federal government lacks the resources to manage public lands effectively. However, this is a deliberate strategy by the current administration, which has slashed budgets and laid off thousands, only to claim that states would perform better in management. They are starting the fire and masquerading as saviors. The inevitable outcome will be the transfer of these lands to states, which, lacking the budget for responsible management, will be forced to sell them to the highest bidder—billionaires and corporations—leaving the American people with nothing.
Environmental groups view this maneuver as a tactic to sidestep federal environmental review for leasing these lands to extractive industries. BLM lands serve multiple purposes, all with equal footing, including providing space for wildlife and recreation and mining or logging. States may fail to recognize or preserve these vital uses, prioritizing a revenue stream over environmental stewardship. This power move on American public lands is a means to undermine the Endangered Species Act, which only applies to federal lands. Once these lands are handed over to states, habitat protections for endangered species will be critically weakened.
On Feb. 6, the Wyoming Senate narrowly voted for a resolution demanding that Congress transfer 30 million acres to the state. A celebrated 46% of Wyoming comprises federal land owned by the American public. Wyoming is following Utah’s reckless lead in advocating that drilling, mining and logging interests should have more favor than conservation on BLM lands. Advocates for this transfer even seek to strip Grand Teton National Park from the American people. Fortunately, Senate Joint Resolution 2 died in the Wyoming Senate on Wednesday, February 12.
This situation, originating in Utah, has ripple effects in Wyoming, Montana and Alaska. Alaska senators and its governor want to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to energy dominance. According to Land Tawney, co-chair of American
Hunter and Anglers, on Outdoor News Radio, “Energy independence and increasing energy development is good, but energy dominance means someone loses.” Biden denied the Ambler Road project in Alaska, but it will be back on the table with this administration. This road would jeopardize Indigenous lifeways and one of the largest caribou herds in Alaska and harm many rivers that fish and native people rely upon.
Montana lawmakers also irresponsibly support a dangerous resolution supporting Utah’s anti-public lands lawsuit. Many Montana legislators endorse LC 2912, a reckless resolution attempting to seize control of over 18.5 million acres of BLM land. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s dismissal of the case, the possibility of its reopening looms, posing a direct threat to Montana’s public lands.
LC 2912 escalates the misguided narrative, declaring that federal land ownership in Montana is “unconstitutional” and undermines the state’s sovereignty. This represents a direct assault on Montana’s public lands, which we depend on for hunting, fishing, hiking, and recreation. The BLM manages 8.1 million acres within Montana’s borders.
If Utah’s lawsuit succeeds, it could pave the way for privatizing millions of acres in Montana and the West, threatening cherished areas in Montana like the Missouri Breaks, Lee Metcalf Wilderness and the Pryor Mountain Wilderness. This fight is not just about land; it’s about the future of public resources and the rights of the American people.
This administration also aggressively pursues opening other National Monuments, such as Bear’s Ears, Chaco Canyon, and Grand Staircase.
“Anybody who hunts and fishes, this is a time to hold our elected officials accountable, and that means both at a congressional and administrative level,” Tawney said. “We should demand what we want…Public lands stay in public hands.”
Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller. His stories have been published in Audubon, Esquire, Field & Stream, The Guardian, Outside, Popular Science, Sierra, and other publications on his website. He holds a master’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana. Follow him on Instagram.
Missouri Breaks and the American Prairie Reserve. PHOTO BY STEVE RANDALL
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
If your next event falls between March. 6 - March 19 please submit it to explorebigsky.com/calendar-event-form by March 14
As of Jan. 20, Explore Big Sky’s online event calendar is under repair. We appreciate your patience as we work to get the calendar back online soon.
BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL
FEB. 27 9:00 P.M. THE WAYPOINT
On Feb. 27, The Waypoint will screen the Backcountry Film Festival's 11 films celebrating winter recreation. This year’s showing is the Winter Wildlands Alliance’s 20th annual Backcountry Film Festival. Tickets are $15 and will support Wild Montana. Film topics include epic adventures, conservation efforts and personal stories. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for attendees. Interested film fans can purchase tickets at wildmontana.org.
Read the full events calendar, or submit your own community event
Do You or Someone You Know Need Help Getting Sober?
Mary Howard, CRPC® Portfolio Manager First Vice President Financial Advisor 2200 West Main Street | Bozeman, MT 59718 406-522-2046 • mary.e.howard@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/mary.e.howard MT Insurance Lic.#3000567640 NMLS #1842860
The Backcountry Film Festival includes work from artists like Jessa Gilbert and Justin Taylor Smith in “Drawn In.” PHOTO BY JESSA GILBERT AND JUSTIN TAYLOR SMITH/ BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL
BUSINESS
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: POSTAL PROBLEM SOLVER
BY SARA SIPE EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Starting in 2016, Lynda Laas started making the five-hour drive from the family ranch in Chester, Montana, to Big Sky. Initially she was here to spend time getting to know her newest grandchild. Those trips became more frequent and her stays in Big Sky lengthier. By the summer of 2021 she was here full time.
It was when her grandchild started preschool that she first decided to look for something to do outside the home. That’s when she discovered, and fell in love with, the Big Sky Post Office. She was happy to find that her background in social work, ranching in a small town and community building were such a great fit for what many would consider the most social and community focused business in town. That was the fall of 2021. Fast forward to July 2024.
“The old post office closed and went from a too-small contract facility to a new, larger federal facility. Our jobs were all ending, which in many ways was good, but it was also hard to say goodbye to coworkers and the community [members],” Laas wrote in an email to EBS.
When asked why she did not take a job at the new post office, she indicated a lot of it had to do with knowing it was going to be a complicated transition.
“They told us in advance what classification the United States Postal Service was assigning to the new facility, and we all knew three employees was not enough to get the job of day-to-day tasks done for the customers,” Laas said.
It’s that concern for the community that first started Laas on her journey to create a courier service in Big Sky. Noting the long lines and
extensive wait times due to limited staffing and shortened lobby hours at the new, federal post office, Laas saw an opportunity to fill a need.
“I began setting up Tumbleweed Delivery LLC over this past summer because I saw the need and knew I could fix at least some of the issues that were coming up for individuals and businesses in our community,” she said.
Soon after, Laas officially began standing in line for local businesses and residents. For a small fee, she will collect your mail and your packages at the post office and then deliver your items to you at home
or at work. Tumbleweed Delivery can be engaged for daily, weekly or custom service schedules, and can help part-time residence with issues getting mail forwarded properly. She even began delivering documents and other small packages between businesses in Big Sky.
When asked how the residential and business community of Big Sky is responding to Tumbleweed Delivery, she said, “People have been very encouraging. The concept has been well received and has already grown. People experiencing issues at the new post office are contacting me to see what I could do to help.”
At the end of the day, Laas wants a satisfying job that helps contribute to the betterment of the Big Sky community.
“Working for the [old] post office was the least stressful and often most rewarding job I’ve done over the years,” she said. “I’m looking forward to taking what I was able to do there and bring it to the next level.”
For more information about Tumbleweed Delivery services, Laas can be reached at (406) 450-9716 or tumbleweeddeliverybs@gmail.com.
Big Sky Community Spotlight is a short column that is meant to shine a light on those in Big Sky doing important work. Whether it be a profession, hobby or volunteer work, Big Sky is home to interesting people that do interesting things and as our community grows, it is important to stay connected to our neighbors and local businesses. This is more easily done if we know more about one another. We hope you enjoy getting to know your neighbors!
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNDA LAAS
PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNDA LAAS
BY ELLIE BOESCHENSTEIN
MAKING IT IN BIG SKY: NEWMAN RESTORATION AND CLEANING
Newman Restoration and Cleaning is a restoration company that specializes in fire and water damage, mold removal and other cleaning services. It is a family business that is owned and operated by Andrew Newman. Andrew and his team take pride in quality over quantity in their work and to maintain their personal approach to their services. They are professionals that are detail oriented, courteous and deliver on their promise of 100% customer satisfaction.
Explore Big Sky got a chance to speak with Andrew Newman, to learn more about his passion for his business and team.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: First off, tell me about yourself. What brought you to Montana?
Andrew Newman: My wife Rebecca and I moved to Billings, Montana, in 2014 from Sheridan, Wyoming, where we both grew up. I was working in Public Relations for Montana-Dakota Utilities and Rebecca is a graduate from Montana State University and taught science at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. We have four beautiful children: two boys and two girls. Our children are very busy with school, sports and lots of other extracurricular activities. We enjoy staying active and consider ourselves very blessed. Sometimes we try and slow down to smell the roses!
EBS: Can you share the story behind Newman Restoration and Cleaning? What inspired you to start this business?
AN: At the beginning of 2016 I resigned with Montana-Dakota Utilities and pursued my dreams of being an entrepreneur. Now the good part … sharing my plan with my wife and my parents didn’t quite go over as easy as I’d hoped. Apparently resigning from a career with growth opportunities and good benefits to chase a dream in a volatile industry doesn’t provide much stability for a spouse who thrived in a stable environment. So that’s when I decided to appease my family and start Newman Restoration. I knew people were always going to be insured and disasters would happen no matter what state the economy was in. Again, Newman Restoration grew quickly, and I had to decide between building homes or restoring them. In 2020 we took a leap of faith and expanded our operations to Big Sky. We have since purchased a shop and a condo for employee housing so we could provide quick, local services to the community.
EBS: What specific restoration and cleaning services do you specialize in?
AN: We have two sides to the business, scheduled cleaning services and disaster restoration. Our scheduled cleaning services vary a bit depending on location. In Big Sky, we specialize in textiles, chimneys, dryer vents, rodent infestation, heat treatment for bed bugs and basically anything that your house cleaner refuses to clean, we will clean that too! Our disaster restoration services include all types of water damage, sewage, mold, fire and smoke damage, and trauma and biohazard. Our certified techs live in Big Sky, our equipment is located in Big Sky, which allows us to have incredibly fast emergency response times. It also means that a good portion of the money we earn is re-invested in the Big Sky community through restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, resorts and so much more.
EBS: Can you walk us through your process when responding to a water or fire damage emergency?
AN: We have learned that being consistent, and following our proven process, will make for an exceptional customer journey. We follow the same steps on every project no matter how tired or how busy we get. We have learned that when we fall short it’s because we missed a step. The process holds us accountable to the quality of service we thrive to provide. We feel the most important factor we can provide when we first respond to a loss is compassion and empathy. We want to know what is most important to our client at that moment. That changes for the client as the project progresses and we constantly ask the question to understand their needs. We are there to serve and build a partnership.
EBS: How do you approach customer service, especially when clients are dealing with stressful situations?
AN: Serving people in a time of need is very rewarding and we take great pride in doing so. The experience with people who need us when they have a flood or fire is much more intimate than the experience of someone who wants us when building a home. When a disaster strikes unexpectedly, property owners must make quick decisions and act fast. You are opening your personal space to complete strangers, not because you want to, but because you must. This can be terrifying. We understand that, which is why we are a clientfocused company. Everything we do is based on what we named “the customer journey.” Our first core value is to “lead with love.” Our leadership team leads the company with love, our entire team leads our clients and community with love and in return we build lifelong relationships.
EBS: Do you offer any preventative services to help homeowners and businesses avoid major restoration needs?
AN: Our marketing team is doing a great job with our social media platforms, weekly blog and
monthly newsletters. We work hard to educate the community on ways to prevent avoidable disasters from happening. We don’t hope that disaster strikes, but we do hope you choose Team Newman in your time of need.
EBS: How does your company contribute to the Big Sky community and why is this important?
AN:We have always believed in philanthropy and being involved heavily in the communities we serve. We get our team and family involved in the community as much as we can. Serving others builds character that aligns with our core values, it gives our team something to be proud of personally and a company they are proud to represent. In Big Sky we get involved with fundraisers, sponsor community events, sponsor the ice skating rink and we are supporters of the Big Sky Chamber and Big Sky Housing Authority.
EBS: What is the biggest challenge in this industry?
AN: Overall, the industry is very challenging, especially in a specialized market like Big Sky. We work in homes where it’s common to see building materials that are rare and irreplaceable. This level of service and attention to detail takes committed team members that care and thrive in outside-thebox thinking. It’s hard to find those individuals and even more of a challenge to keep them. We take pride in providing a level of service that is changing the industry standards. All restoration companies aren’t equal or provide the same customer care that we strive for. We are seeing big franchise companies moving into smaller markets that focus on quantity, not quality. Insurance companies are motivated to work with these franchise companies because of their pre-negotiated rates nationwide, which saves insurance companies lots of money. Insurance companies are trying to standardize all pricing, no matter the level of care or customer service you provide. This makes it difficult to get paid by insurance for the service you provided. Often, it leaves homeowners with an outstanding balance owed to their restoration company. At Newman Restoration, we embrace constant improvement and are dedicated to delivering top quality service— anything less leads to mediocrity, unfulfilled teams and unhappy clients.
EBS: Is there anything else you would like to add?
AN: My wife joined the company in 2017 and earned a 50/50 ownership in 2020. She has brought so much value to areas that I didn’t even realize we were missing. Because of her, we have brought on invaluable team members that have helped write a playbook to build something incredible. Our team is very passionate about our work and life. We are constantly challenging each other to learn and grow. We hope that you give us the opportunity to serve you if you find yourself in need of our services. Your customer journey is our life’s work.
3
5
Listed at $6,500,000
Listed
3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 1,717 Sqft
Listed at $3,450,000
Listed with Michael Pitcairn
Buck
Heated Warehouse & Storage
7 Total Units | Inquire For Pricing Listed with Michael Pitcairn
Listed with Eric Ladd & Michael Pitcairn
4
A LA CARTE: LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH’S SLEIGH RIDE DINNER IS
THERE MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS?
BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST
Lone Mountain Ranch describes its sleigh ride dinner as “a magical experience complete with a sleigh ride through snow-laden pines, cowboy entertainment and a family-style three-course prime rib dinner served under the warm glow of lantern light.”
I must admit I was a bit of a skeptic. Part of me loved the idea: What could be more winter wonderland than a sleigh ride? I kept picturing the moment at the end of “White Christmas” where it finally starts snowing and they throw open the big barn doors and wave at people on a passing sleigh. The scene is not entirely realistic without a base of snow, but it is, like the description promises, entirely magical.
Plus, there was the promised prime rib, the best of all forms of beef, in my humble opinion.
But I also had it in my head that this should be a romantic experience, and I was sans date or even anyone I knew. Would I feel the magic flying solo? Would the whole thing feel hokey?
At home, I contemplated my choice of outfit—a dress and tights. Though I worried my legs may get cold, I also correctly assumed the sleigh would have blankets.
I was shuttled to Lone Mountain Ranch’s Outpost after parking—a gift shop, bar and lounge that serves as a sleigh-ride gathering place. Outside, goats from the ranch’s goat yoga offerings surrounded a fire pit. Drinks are available in the Lytle Bar (and must be procured before heading toward the cabin). There was also a sideboard with a lineup of warm beverage options—mulled wine, tea, coffee and hot chocolate with mini marshmallow options from plain to peppermint.
BY RACHEL HERGETT
The sleigh ride is only around 20 minutes each way, including a few stops to rest the horses so they don’t get too sweaty and then chilled while their passengers are inside eating a meal. With the impatience of our team—horses named Tom and Jerry—I also suspect this move is taken in part to extend the sleigh ride segment of the experience.
In the bleak midwinter, I was glad to have chosen the earlier dinner with a 4:30 p.m. gathering time. We’ve caught the fading light and I marvel at its beauty as we glide through the trees on three sleighs, each with room for 16. I learn about the people around me and lean into the experience.
We’re heading toward the North Fork Cabin, named after the nearby North Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River, which was purpose built for these dinners 44 years ago from trees felled on the Lone Mountain Ranch property and transported to the cabin location by horse and mule—much like the dinner guests are now, notes Ian, the teamster acting as the evening’s host.
We’re on a first-name basis here, apparently. Logan is the teamster at the lead of my assigned sleigh. Bruce is the cowboy musician providing entertainment in the form of songs about homegrown tomatoes, fresh-baked bread and Charles M. Russell. I learn his full name is Bruce Anfinson when I buy the album on vinyl.
Now to the food, curated by the chef of the ranch’s Horn and Cantle restaurant. A potato and leek soup was already on the table when I sat down, with a basket of sourdough bread and ramekin of honey butter ready to be passed around the table. Once the bowls were licked clean and cleared, the second course started to arrive. A smoked turkey pot pie was passed around the table, as were crème fraîche mashed potatoes, giving them the distinctive tang of the fancy French version of sour cream. Then came mushrooms cooked up with bacon and a whole heap of vegetables in garlic and butter. Each felt more delicious than the last. However, things changed once the prime rib was served, with staff placing a slab in front of each person—then coming around and offering more.
I have to admit I left some of the sides on the plate in favor of gorging myself on prime rib. It was one of the best I’ve ever had, given a slight smoke from the more than 100-year-old wood-fired cast iron oven and cook stove that dominates the back of the cabin.
I thought I was stuffed, really, until they served an ice-cream topped huckleberry and apple cobbler and I again cleared my plate.
Throughout the evening, I made new friends and leaned into the experience. I left both incredibly full and incredibly happy, and when our cowboy musician joined our assigned sleigh home, the entire group joyously sang what we could recall of the chorus to his own song about warm bread back to him.
It was indeed magical.
PHOTO
PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT
OPINION
THE BIG SKY WAY: INVESTING IN HOUSING, INVESTING IN COMMUNITY
THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC INVESTMENT IN HOUSING
BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST
Big Sky is our home—a place with thousands of acres of skiable terrain, nearly 40 miles of trails, and endless fly-fishing opportunities making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s where neighbors gather for community events, to support local businesses, and to celebrate the adventures and connections that define our life here in Montana.
But let’s face it: living here is becoming harder for too many of us. The locals who keep this place running, who make it a community, are struggling to stay. Housing costs have skyrocketed, and it’s driving our families and friends away. According to the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, the average home price in Big Sky has surged past $2 million, far outpacing what local workers can afford. Rental prices have also skyrocketed, with median rents increasing by nearly 40% over the past five years, making it increasingly difficult for the workforce to remain in the area. Big Sky needs 1,354 additional homes by 2028 to meet the growing demand and ensure local workers have stable housing options.
Right now, about 80% of our workforce commutes to Big Sky. Those who teach our kids, care for us when we’re sick, and make our local economy run are driving in from far away. It’s not just an inconvenience for them; it’s a strain on our infrastructure and our sense of community. We’re seeing fewer families staying here, and school enrollment is declining in part because families
can’t afford homes. We’ve made strides with housing trust programs like Good Deeds, Rent Local, MeadowView and RiverView, but it’s not enough—we need larger-scale solutions to ensure housing affordability for local workers.
Minneapolis provides a powerful example of how strategic public investment in housing can curb rent inflation and stabilize communities. The city implemented a series of housing policies under the Minneapolis 2040 plan, which aimed to increase density, expand affordable housing options and eliminate single-family zoning restrictions. This comprehensive approach helped slow rent growth since 2017 to just 1%, compared to the national average increase of 31%.
The plan focused on increasing the supply of multifamily units, leveraging public-private partnerships, and utilizing inclusionary zoning policies to require new developments to include affordable units. Since 2018, the City of Minneapolis invested more than $360 million into affordable rental housing and homeownership programs. By expanding the supply of affordable housing and implementing measures to keep rents in check, Minneapolis has demonstrated that proactive housing policies can create lasting benefits for residents.
However, mountain towns like Big Sky have unique challenges—limited land availability, a high volume of second-home buyers, and extreme desirability that drives up real estate prices. According to the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, the price of a single-family home in Breckenridge, Colorado, has increased by 300% in the past two decades, demonstrating that without substantial intervention by local governments, affordability remains out of reach in resort communities. Unlike
limitations.
The only way to make affordable housing a reality in Big Sky is through public investment. Ensuring that our workforce can afford to live where they work is critical to maintaining a stable local economy and a thriving community. Investing in housing isn’t about giving a handout—it’s about joining hands to support one another and preserve the fabric of Big Sky.
Our community is actively working to address these challenges. A bill currently in the Montana legislature seeks to include workforce housing in the definition of the 1% for infrastructure resort tax, which would allow public dollars to be used for housing solutions. Additionally, Big Sky residents will vote this May on a ballot measure to determine whether public funds should be allocated to support Cold Smoke, a proposed local housing neighborhood. This represents a pivotal moment where we can decide to take meaningful action toward addressing our housing crisis, or if we choose to maintain the status quo.
In May, your vote will be your voice.
Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.
urban areas, mountain towns cannot simply increase density at the same scale due to environmental constraints and land-use
COURTESY OF BSRAD
HEALTH
LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH: FOR 2025, LOVING YOURSELF IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
HOW MEN CAN OPEN UP ABOUT CHALLENGES AND IMPROVE WELLBEING
BY JEREMY HARDER GUEST COLUMNIST
Let’s be real, bruh; men find asking for emotional or psychological support or assistance is shameful and weak. We were taught from a very young age to “suck it up, buttercup,” “be a man and toughen up,” and “push through; you got this.” In actuality, we often don’t “got this.” Coupled with this, we live with a wild sense that we need to fix things, take care of stuff and man up.
This year will have a profound awakening for us, gentlemen. Rather than focusing solely on fixing things around the house and at work, while filling materialistic voids for others, we should first discover the true importance of loving ourselves. Let me introduce to you, Man’uary 2025 (and don’t worry, it extends beyond the month of January).
I love you, brothers. You need to love you. Let’s take a few minutes to recognize our feelings, set our boundaries and seek the things that bring us happiness. Sometimes, it’s about practicing selfcompassion and being gentle with ourselves, even identifying our flaws and imperfections. I know it sounds a little woo-woo, but a little woo works.
I am learning through wide-open curiosity that Man’uary can help us become emotionally intelligent, prioritize self-care, and highlight personal transformation. Imagine a world where men feel strong when asking for help, a world where we can stop denying our pain, and instead of saying, “I’m fine,” express the places where we feel insecure and vulnerable.
Emotional IQ
How do we recognize our feelings and be emotionally intelligent? One way is to learn to live “into” our feelings. We can recognize where the feelings are in our bodies, feel them shamelessly, and name them. By doing this, we actively pay attention to the physical sensations within our bodies that correspond to an emotion. This also helps us access our innate wisdom for the next round of feelings, which will be right around the corner.
Write stuff down. Journaling has many names, and there are 1,000 ways to do it, but simply write something somewhere: on a beer napkin, on your phone, using a voice recorder, or in the snow with your ski pole.
Read and listen to what others are doing. You are not the only one going through something. Share your feelings and what you are learning with others. What you may think inconsequential could awaken someone’s soul. Consider joining a men’s group in Big Sky where we tap into man things and explore our messy stuff.
Self-care
How do we honor our boundaries and promote self-care? First, we can recognize our weakness in saying “no” and discover the power of it. When I say “yes” to everyone and everything, my anxiety and stress rise. My friend Koy introduced me to “JOMO”—the joy of missing out. It’s okay, we don’t have to do it all!
Doing things for others all the time does not make you a better person. The key is finding a balance between serving yourself and others. Setting boundaries helps us put into perspective what is essential to our wellbeing. There are many tools to access and learn from; one tool that may help is asking yourself, “What habits, relationships, or stories am I holding onto that no longer serve me?” Let go of them, set boundaries, and begin to rewrite those harmful narratives.
Personal transformation
How do we pursue things that bring us joy and promote personal healing? Let’s stop beating ourselves up. Instead, let’s lead with compassion, starting with ourselves. I find motivation rooted in curiosity to be a helpful tool. When I walk into a conversation, I think about how much I can learn from it instead of thinking I already know everything.
Find the courage to do things that bring you joy. Take out the garbage—not just on Mondays and Fridays. Start with honesty and lean into the hard stuff, sit with it, mash it up, and then let go of it. We tune our bikes and skis when they need it. Consider self-care a tune for yourself. Don’t let the edges get dull and rusty and the chain eroded.
I’m discovering some wisdom in Oliver Burkeman’s book “Meditation for Mortals.” One of his chapters,
which are small three-to-four-pagers, helps us learn about our imperfections and not being our own worst enemy. This small book in stature is anything but meditations; it is a grab-and-go book that should be on everyone’s shelf. If you need something even more brief, try Tiny Buddha’s wisdom.
Man’uary 2025
Man’uary is about prioritizing inner work and opening the door to deeper, more meaningful relationships. When we love and accept ourselves, we equip ourselves to love and support others genuinely and more sustainably. Every person you meet, ski by, work with, and interact with is going through something. Help a brother and sister out!
Let’s celebrate tiny shifts this year. Let’s shower our manly selves with the care, attention, and affection we deserve. Let’s commit to nurturing our most important relationship—the one with ourselves. This year, let’s embrace every moment as Man’uary!
Consider thinking that things are happening for you instead of to you. Notice how these tiny shifts in perspective feel. Remember to feel all the feels; it’s okay to be a little bit broken—that’s essential to being human. And if you don’t want to go it alone, look out for more info about Big Sky’s Men’s Group, starting in March.
Jeremy ‘JJ’ Harder is a teacher, father, husband, friend, coach, and advocate who desires to foster vulnerability and create pathways for more candid discussions about the stigma we face regarding mental health, substance use, and wellness. He is a Big Sky community member and a Wellness Navigator for Be Well Big Sky. He has floundered with mental health and substance use but is in 100% Man’uary mode to transform his narrative! Join him.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Become a Friend of the Gallatin
Join us! Show your support for protecting and restoring the Gallatin River. There’s an option for everyone, from our free Midge Membership to our new Bronze, Silver, and Gold River Champion Business Memberships.
SCAN ME!
$10 from each item purchased goes directly to the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and their Hwy 191 Wildlife Crossings Project.
