Tuesday, Oct. 3rd, 2023

FWP seeking public comment on some environmental assessments

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on two environmental assessments (EAs). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.


Clearwater Fishing Access Site EA

The Clearwater Crossing Fishing Access Site is in the Blackfoot drainage along the Clearwater River, 30 miles east of Bonner on Highway 200. It is managed by FWP and is a highly popular site. Clearwater Crossing is used heavily by the public for river access and camping. The site is 16 acres in size and includes a day use area, one latrine, a pioneered hand launch, six campsites, and a gravel boat ramp with an undefined parking area.

The original design of the site located the camps directly in the riparian area of the Clearwater River. This has caused erosion and a corresponding decrease in streamside vegetation. There is a more suitable location for these campsites within the FAS boundaries. The project proposal would move the six campsites to the east into the treed area. The previous location of the campsites should be revegetated to improve aesthetics and stream health. A defined parking area for users of the boat ramp would also improve site vegetation and reduce erosion.

Comments due Oct. 10.


Arrington Ranch LLC Private Pond License Review Draft EA

A private landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond.

Comments due Oct. 13.


Laughlin Holdings Ranch LLC Pond License Review Draft EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond.

Comments due Oct. 13.


Double C Ranch Holding LLC Private Pond License Review Draft EA

A private landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond.

Comments due Oct. 13.


Translocation of Marten to the Bridger, Snowy, and Crazy mountains Draft EA

FWP proposes to re-establish or augment self-sustaining marten populations in portions of their historic range in central Montana. This project’s objective is to increase species diversity and facilitate marten range expansion back into the mountains of central Montana.

Comments due Oct. 14.


Lander Dam Fish Stocking Draft Checklist EA

FWP is proposing stocking fish in Lander Dam, a private pond near Baker in Fallon County. Public access to fishing in eastern Montana is limited, and private ponds stocked by FWP through our regional ponds program increases public fishing opportunity. Due to the abundance of interest in fishing, and the current lack of public access, recreational opportunities are cherished.

A draft EA checklist has been prepared and is available for comment. 

Comments due Oct. 15.

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Monday, Oct. 2nd, 2023

Bozeman Co-housing Begin Moving In

On Bozeman’s south side, homes in Montana’s first co-housing community are ready and residents are moving in. “It’s been a long process, but we’re excited that our vision is becoming reality,” said co-founder, Kathleen Owkes.

The development began in 2019 when Kathleen and Mark Owkes joined forces with Erik Bonnett to create a community of privately owned homes centered around shared common areas.  They envisioned spontaneous interactions and mutual support among neighbors who share a dedication to small-footprint, environmentally focused living.

Erik Bonnet was the lead architect. “The project is socially and environmentally groundbreaking. A net-zero community of this size is truly innovative, and it’s the first cohousing community in the northern Mountain West. The first of both in the region, in fact. That’s worth celebrating.”

Megan and Chad Welborn became members knowing that their daughter will have safe unstructured playtime with other kids in the community. “We’ve already developed personal relationships with our neighbors.  We know we’ll be there for each other and look out for all of our kids.”

Bozeman Cohousing provides a home base for Peter and Nancy Bryant’s retirement in Bozeman where their daughter and family live.  A future community- shared woodworking shop is of special interest to Peter. Nancy is excited about her involvement in designing and installing a landscape of native plants.

Community members will have the option to prepare and share community meals in the Common House, participate in spontaneous and planned activities with their neighbors, or just relax and enjoy the views of Frog Rock, Bridger Ridge, and Mt Ellis. 

While opportunities for social engagement abound, members’ privately-owned homes provide a space for pursuing one’s own interests and way of life.  Bozeman Co-housing homes are like any others in that way.  “I really like the community interactions and spontaneous activities. And I like having my own private home to come back to,” said Erika Share.  “It’s not just a neighborhood for extroverts. It’s a neighborhood for everyone.”

To learn more about Bozeman Cohousing and stay informed about a future open house, visit bozemancohousing.com 

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Saturday, Sep. 30th, 2023

In Lewistown with Ken Burns

My resumé of Montana travels is strongest around Bozeman, and in southwest Montana in general. Been there, done that, in the mountains, valleys, canyons, and rivers. It is also extensive to the west and north, camping and exploring from here to the Idaho and Canadian borders. It is respectable along the I-90 corridor east and south to Wyoming. In addition, I have made a few trips to Glendive, Glasgow, Fort Peck, and Fort Union. Even driven parts of the Highline. But in the vast middle of the state, east of Lewistown, west of Miles City, north of Billings, and south of Malta, not so much. There are entire counties, whole grids on the atlas that I’ve not yet explored. Earlier this year, discovering some more of that area became a project to be undertaken.

By May, certainly June, I am ready to get outside. But from hard experience, I know that the mountains are still in winter mode. Postholing trails deep in snow wearing shorts is interesting but not necessarily fun. Better to head to the sunny plains. Our plan was to drive to Lewistown, gather some information, then head north into the Missouri Breaks. We thought that the American Prairie Visitor Center would be a good place to get some ideas. I got online to check their hours and found that Ken Burns was going to be there the next day. He would be giving a talk about his latest project, The American Buffalo.

Wow! The most renowned documentary filmmaker in the country, coming to Montana for a free presentation. Our plan had been to spend the day ‘summerizing’ the camper, packing and provisioning, then leave in the morning. Instead, my wife Ruth made hotel reservations in Lewistown, we jumped in the car, and left within an hour.

Ken Burns has been producing documentary films since the 1980s. His American history topics are as varied as the Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, and the National Parks. His technique of still photographs and vintage film interspersed with experts commentating on the subjects has become familiar and iconic in our culture. Burns’ list of accolades and awards covers an entire page on Wikipedia. He would be appearing at the American Prairie Center. We were on our way.

We had spent time in Lewistown when our nephew played in a state baseball tournament there a few years ago. I had heard the town praised as; “What Bozeman used to be.” I could see no connection at all. Bozeman is first and last a college town, and an outpost on the Interstate 90 cultural corridor that runs west to Missoula and then to the coast. Also, Bozeman serves as a gateway to Yellowstone and Big Sky, and many other recreational activities. Lewistown, on the other hand, is very isolated, the largest town in that vast area mentioned earlier, central Montana. It serves as a hub for myriad agricultural pursuits in several counties. It has a small town feel with a busy vibe.

As we approached Lewistown from the west, we noticed that the US 87/ MT 200 highways were lined with farm implements, and we passed farm-related businesses that make the community an agricultural hub. On the right, the Kiwanis Park is great for camping, and for views of the Big Snowy Range to the south. A jog in the road brings one down the hill onto Main Street (kinda like Bozeman). We were booked into the Calvert Hotel, a historic building just off downtown. Originally built as a dorm for high school students from the farms and ranches in the countryside, the Calvert has been a hotel for close to one hundred years. We enjoyed the old feel combined with modern amenities. Lewistown has a great trail system and a number of parks with towering cottonwoods. We explored them during our quick stay but first walked along Main Street, browsing the shops.

The American Prairie Visitor Center is located in a renovated stone building on Main Street. This seems to fit in with the community more than would a new facility somewhere on the outskirts. We toured the center and confirmed the times for the Burns presentation the following day. American Prairie’s mission is to restore an area of land to a previous ecosystem that existed for thousands of years. The plan involves purchasing and leasing land to link up the already extensive preserves of the Missouri Breaks National Monument and the CMR Wildlife Refuge with other public land. A large part of the proposal is the reintroduction of wild buffalo to the land. This specific portion of their goal, along with the overall project, has caused controversy with local ranchers and others. An initial issue of the possibility of disease spreading from the bison to cattle seems to have been solved by monitoring and vaccination of the herd, plus the absence of any of these problems in other areas where buffalo and cattle have cohabited in commercial operations. Those we spoke to at the center were very aware of the impact of their vision. They possessed an attitude of cooperation rather than coercion. They have introduced programs to help ranchers, rather than hinder their already difficult profession. Most importantly, they spoke of their jobs on the land; though they were in the building to prepare for the presentation, they longed to be at work outside.

That evening we walked the streets and trails of Lewistown. It began to rain, a series of spring showers that continued into the night, and intermittently throughout the following day. I realized that my original plan to camp would have been impossible. The roads up in the Breaks are gumbo. At times, people have been stuck for days. In town was the place to be. In the morning, the Calvert provided a delicious breakfast buffet in their basement dining room, always a plus for me.

Ken Burns was accompanied by his longtime collaborator, Julie Dunfey, and by Dayton Duncan. In the early 1980s, Duncan had traveled the Lewis and Clark Trail in a van, and had written the book Out West. I had been interested in the Expedition in college and had written a couple of term papers on that subject. Reading Duncan’s book had brought that interest back for me years later, and it has never waned. I felt that he was a kindred spirit. He had begun working with Ken Burns on the Lewis and Clark film; the two of them had written and collaborated on many other projects.

When we arrived at the visitor center, there were less than two hundred people gathered. There were several showings of a trailer for the film that lasted about ten minutes. It featured familiar Burns themes. There were majestic scenery shots of the prairie and the Missouri country, and film of the buffalo herds on the land. Intimate talks from experts in the field including Native Americans and wildlife scientists followed. Afterward, we all filed into the Clyde Aspevig Event Center, which displays a huge painting of the prairie by this world famous artist, a Montana native. Aspevig had also come for the presentation.

On the dais, Ken, Julie, and Dayton were seated, and spoke informally. Ken stated that the story of the American Buffalo comprised three eras; first, the historic development of the species and the interaction of the buffalo and the Indian until the demise of both in the 1880s; second, the task undertaken by varied persons to save the buffalo from extinction, and, lastly, the future. His film covers the first two periods. The future, he said, is up to the public and organizations like American Prairie. There was a humorous dialogue between Dayton Duncan and Burns as Duncan explained why the film used the word buffalo rather than the official scientific name, bison. He spoke at length, and Burns wryly admonished his too long, too technical monologue. It was fun to listen to their interaction.

The Ken Burns documentary film, The American Buffalo airs on PBS on October 16th, 2023. Viewers will benefit from his unique combination of entertainment and education. The film can also provide a forum for evaluating the mission of American Prairie. One of their objectives is complete public access to all of these lands.

After the presentation, I did something I rarely do. I approached Dayton Duncan, introduced myself and praised his book for the positive effect it had for me. We shook hands and I turned to go. Ken Burns was a foot away, I smiled and walked away; bothering one person a day is my limit. We left Lewistown that afternoon, enjoying the rolling green look of the spring prairie as we drove home to Bozeman. I was already planning a trip up into the Missouri Breaks when the rains passed.

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Friday, Sep. 29th, 2023

The Benefits of Aqua Shoes: Enhancing Your Swimming Experience


Whether you're an avid swimmer, an aquatic athlete, or just someone who loves a day at the beach, the right footwear can make all the difference. Designed specifically for water-based activities, aqua shoes offer a plethora of benefits ranging from enhanced protection to better swimming performance. In this post, we'll dive deeper into the world of this footwear, outlining how they've revolutionized the aquatic experience.

Enhanced Protection
When engaged in water-based activities, whether it's swimming near a rocky coast or simply strolling on a pebbly beach, feet are vulnerable to sharp, often unseen hazards. Water shoes serve as a safety barrier, guarding against potential injuries caused by jagged rocks, shards of shells, or even broken glass below the waterline.

 
Fortified soles provide an added defense against harmful organisms that thrive in aquatic environments. The water you're wading in might teem with microorganisms, posing the risk of fungal infections or other skin conditions. Pools, for example, are a common breeding ground for athlete's feet, while natural water bodies could harbor parasites. Swimming shoes significantly reduce the risk, providing a safe barrier between your feet and the watery world beneath. You can find a wide variety of these shoes at https://threo.nz/t/aqua-shoes/ and make an informed decision about the best fit for your aquatic adventures.

Improved Grip and Traction
Stepping onto a wet or slippery surface while engaging in aquatic activities can pose a risk of slips or falls, potentially leading to injuries. Aqua shoes, with their specially designed, non-slip soles, excellently address this issue. The high grip they offer can make a significant difference when walking on slick pool decks, rocky riverbeds, or the sleek surface of a boat. Operating much like the tread on your car's tires, the textured soles provide the traction needed to navigate securely over slippery terrains.

Increased Comfort
Their specially designed build ensures a snug fit, hugging your feet without restricting movement. The materials used in aqua shoe production are typically lightweight and breathable, facilitating ease of movement both in and out of the water. Additionally, specially designed footbeds provide supportive padding, helping to alleviate stress and tension on your feet during prolonged water activities. This cushioning effect serves a dual purpose: it eliminates discomfort and reduces fatigue, allowing swimmers to fully enjoy their water activity for a more extended period.

Swimming Performance
Interestingly, their streamlined design has the potential to enhance a swimmer's speed in the water. Their snug fit and lightweight materials help minimize drag, an important factor in maintaining or elevating one's swimming pace. Another aspect to explore is endurance. The supportive design and comfort of swim shoes can help reduce foot fatigue, enabling you to engage in water activities for longer durations. This extended comfort can result in improved overall stamina and further enhance your enjoyment of the water. Additionally, the stability provided by the strong grip of this footwear cannot be overlooked, especially in activities that require balance, such as stand-up paddleboarding or water aerobics. By firmly anchoring your feet, they allow for confident maneuvers and movements.


Temperature Regulation
Wetsuit socks, fabricated with insulating materials, offer a valuable solution for swimmers braving colder waters. Thermal properties inherent in these footwear options confer an additional layer of protection, safeguarding against the chill frequently experienced in less temperate bodies of water.

Versatility
Swim shoes stand out in their flexibility, catering to a wide array of activities beyond just swimming. Whether you are participating in water-based activities like snorkeling and kayaking or land-based outdoor activities like hiking and trail running, they have your feet covered, literally. Their unique design combines features like quick-dry materials and sturdy soles that work well on both wet and dry terrains. If your aquatic adventure calls for transitioning between water and land frequently, swimming shoes shine by providing an effortless switch.

 
For instance, during beach outings, the transition from sandy shores to salty waters is made seamless. They mitigate the need for switching shoes or going barefoot over potentially rough or hot surfaces. In bustling locales like water parks and public pools, these beach shoes offer an additional layer of safety. Wet, tiled surfaces pose a slipping risk, but the soles of footwear provide traction.

Therapeutic Applications
A less-known but incredibly valuable application of water shoes lies within the field of therapy and rehabilitation. Specifically, in aquatic therapy, they have proven remarkably useful. The water resistance and added balance they offer can play a pivotal role in conducting safe and effective rehabilitation exercises, especially for individuals recovering from surgeries or injuries. Furthermore, for individuals with mobility issues or special needs, their anti-slip properties can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, providing a safer and more reassuring environment. In addition to this, they also serve well in facilitating low-impact water exercises for seniors, ensuring a secure footing and reducing strain on joints.

 

In conclusion, aqua shoes offer a wealth of benefits that greatly enhance the swimming experience. From providing essential protection against unseen hazards underwater to augmenting grip and traction on slippery surfaces, they serve as a versatile asset. All these elements combine to elevate the experience of any water-related activity beyond the ordinary. Investing in a pair can bring about major improvements in safety, performance, and overall enjoyment, making them indispensable to any water enthusiast.

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HRDC Announces Exciting Streamline Service Expansions Beginning October 2nd, 2023

BOZEMAN — HRDC has announced a series of service enhancements for its Streamline bus service beginning Oct. 2.

For the first time in three years, HRDC will provide half-hour frequency service, a move designed to provide more flexibility and options to passengers traveling throughout the community. This return to shorter intervals between Streamline buses represents a significant step forward in meeting the transit needs of Bozeman residents.

In addition to the increased frequency, HRDC is adding more than 30 new bus stops across the existing Streamline routes, strategically located to improve access to key destinations and serve a broader portion of the community. These additional stops are part of HRDC’s ongoing commitment to making public transit more accessible and convenient for everyone in the Valley.

One of the highlights of this expansion is the extension of the Brownline route to cover more neighborhoods in west Bozeman. This extension will improve connectivity to downtown Bozeman. Moreover, HRDC is adjusting the Brownline route schedule to align seamlessly with the class times at Gallatin High School to better serve students.

HRDC also is relocating a portion of its Blueline route to provide direct service to the Arrowleaf and Perennial Park apartments, home to 232 long-term affordable housing units, including 96 units specifically dedicated for seniors. This route adjustment will also provide convenient access to Community Health Partners and Family Promise, furthering Streamline’s

goal of enhancing the accessibility to essential services, such as healthcare, childcare, and housing.

HRDC is also delighted to announce the return of Streamline’s seasonal Livingston commuter service, offering a convenient and reliable weekday morning and evening option for those commuting between Bozeman and Livingston.

"We are excited to bring these significant service expansions to our community," said Sunshine Ross, HRDC’s Transportation Director. "Our goal is to create a more robust, user-friendly, and accessible transit system that meets the diverse needs of Gallatin Valley residents. Streamline is committed to fostering stronger connections between people and places and enhancing the overall quality of life for all."

HRDC remains dedicated to collaborating closely with community members and stakeholders to ensure that these service enhancements address the evolving needs of the community, while making it easier for everyone to access essential resources, employment opportunities, education, healthcare, recreation and community services.

For more information about Streamline's services and updates, please visit Streamline's website at StreamlineBus.com.

HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Agency focused on building a better community through nearly 50 different initiatives aimed at combating poverty in southwestern Montana. Streamline is a program of HRDC with a proven track record of benefiting all area residents through the provision of bus transportation. Streamline promotes equity, fosters economic development, and advances sustainability goals.

More information about HRDC’s Streamline can be found at https://streamlinebus.com/

Donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more about HRDC at https://thehrdc.org/

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Hunter kills grizzly bear in encounter in Beattie Gulch

GARDINER – A hunter killed a grizzly bear Tuesday in an encounter in Beattie Gulch, an area north of Gardiner.

The hunter was reportedly charged by the bear before shooting and killing the bear at close range in self-defense. The hunter was not injured.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks received a report of the incident the same day. FWP staff and staff from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service visited the site and confirmed the bear mortality. An animal carcass was found nearby, and FWP bear specialists and game wardens determined the bear was likely acting defensively.

This incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

This time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

  • Carry bear spray and practice to be prepared to use it immediately.
  • Make noise to alert bears to your presence and travel in groups.
  • Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
  • Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
  • Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
  • Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.
  • If you are attacked by a bear and you are without a deterrent or the deterrent hasn’t worked, stay face down on the ground, protecting your face and neck with your arms. Stay still until you’re certain the bear has moved away. 

People who hunt in places that have or may have grizzly bears—which includes areas of Montana west of Billings—should take special precautions:

  • Carry bear spray and practice to be prepared to use it immediately.
  • Look for bear sign and be cautious around creeks and areas with limited visibility.
  • Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can help alert bears to your presence.
  • Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
  • Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible.
  • If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.
  • Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

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Thursday, Sep. 28th, 2023

Two new exhibitions set to open at Museum of the Rockies

An exhibition featuring the work of Barbra Van Cleve's work is set to open at the Museum of the Rockies. Photo provided.


BOZEMAN
– The Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University has announced the opening of two exhibitions, "Unbridled Spirit: The Photography of Barbara Van Cleve" and "Zoo in You: The Human Microbiome," running from Sept. 30 to Jan. 7, 2024.

Museum members can attend a preview of both exhibits Friday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., where they can explore Barbara Van Cleve’s works and delve into the world of the human microbiome before the exhibitions open to the public.

In addition to the new exhibits, the museum will hold "Zoo in You Family Day" on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is a celebration of the human microbiome and will feature activities, exhibits and educational programs for all ages.

“Unbridled Spirit: The Photography of Barbara Van Cleve” asks visitors to step into the world of beauty and tradition of the American West through the lens of internationally acclaimed photographer Van Cleve, whose connection to ranching began at birth in Montana’s Crazy Mountains at the Lazy K Bar Ranch. Her photography has garnered global recognition and has been featured in over 60 solo exhibitions nationwide and beyond. On display with her photographs will be ranching artifacts from Van Cleve and the museum’s collections.

“Zoo in You: The Human Microbiome” invites visitors to explore the complex world of the human microbiome and to discover who our microbial companions are, where they live, their diversity and how scientists are learning their importance to human health. Produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, “Zoo in You” was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institute of Health.

Both exhibitions are included with museum membership or general museum admission.

For more information, visit www.museumoftherockies.org or call 406-994-2251.

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Wednesday, Sep. 27th, 2023

BCBSMT Contributes $250K in Partnership with National Fitness Campaign to Bring Outdoor Fitness Courts® to Montana

HELENA, MT — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) and National Fitness Campaign are increasing access to fitness and reducing barriers to physical and mental health by collaborating to bring free, outdoor Fitness Courts® to communities across Montana.

BCBSMT is contributing $250,000 in grants to help fund 10 new Fitness Courts across the state. The sites will begin construction as early as fall 2024 with the goal of being available for use in spring 2025.

“Starting physical activity and staying active is at the heart of our physical and mental well-being, and it’s a fundamental driver in our quest to help positively influence Montana’s population health,” said John Doran, Divisional Vice President of External Affairs at BCBSMT. “That’s why we are so grateful for the opportunity to join the National Fitness Campaign to bring free and accessible outdoor physical fitness sites to communities throughout our great state. Together, we can continue our work to make Montana a healthier place to live, work, and play.”

The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations. Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users may also download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.

“The National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome BCBSMT as they join the growing network of leading healthcare partners across the country prioritizing equitable fitness across their state,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of the National Fitness Campaign. “This program will deliver tremendous resources to contribute to the important mission of improving health outcomes as the network of Fitness Courts grows across Montana. We look forward to working with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana to make this campaign a great success.”

Municipalities, schools, and other organizations in Montana can apply for grant funding through National Fitness Campaign to assist in joining the campaign. National Fitness Campaign works with grant recipients to assist in planning, funding, and launching their Fitness Court and community wellness programming.

Grant applications are currently being accepted. To learn more about funding, visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/montana.

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‘M’ trail to close Oct. 3 for airlift of construction materials

                                                                                                                      Photo: Joey Wishart

BOZEMAN – The iconic “M” on the face of the Bridgers north of Bozeman gets spruced up every fall, with the infill of approximately 4 tons of rock carried up the trail by volunteer hikers and a new coat of white paint applied to the stony surface by Montana State University students.

That annual facelift, “Rockin’ the M,” took place as usual on Sept. 17, but it wasn’t the last work scheduled for the notable Bozeman landmark before winter sets in. The first phase of a projected multi-year “M” improvement effort will commence Tuesday, Oct. 3, when timbers needed to construct a retaining wall at the base of the “M” will be airlifted to the worksite by helicopter.

Kathryn Barker, recreation program manager for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, said the trailhead and trails leading from the “M” parking lot will be closed for safety reasons on Oct. 3 while the airlift, conducted by Central Copters Inc. of Belgrade, is underway.

The chopper will transfer 60 treated timbers, weighing in total about 2 tons, to a worksite near the platform at the base of the “M,” and the public will not be permitted in the area until the helicopter operation is finished.

“We understand the temporary closure is inconvenient for folks, but it will be pretty brief,” Barker said. “The new retaining wall will ultimately bring lasting benefits to the resource and to all the people who love to visit the ‘M.’”

After the timbers have been deposited at the worksite, Montana Conservation Corps and Forest Service trail crews will spend about two weeks building the retaining wall to prevent further erosion of the “M” slope. The parking lot and trails will be open during wall construction, though Barker said signs will inform people of the project and advise caution while work is in progress.

MSU holds a special use monument permit with the U.S. Forest Service, and both agencies are committed to preserving the landmark and enhancing its safety, officials said.

“We recognize that this is an area for public enjoyment and public awareness,” said Chris Pruden, MSU engagement and leadership program manager.

This fall’s work is being funded by MSU Student Success, which will cover the work done by the Montana Conservation Corps and the helicopter. Pruden said he expects that fundraising will take place to finance future efforts.

Both Pruden and Barker said additional infrastructure improvements are being considered and discussed by stakeholder agencies, including, possibly, construction of another retaining wall on the slope beneath the “M” platform, which also has shown signs of erosion.

“This is probably one of many future projects for the ‘M’ area,” Barker said. “We’re looking at the next 100 years of how we manage the resource to be sustainable.”

Pruden added that the “M,” which was built by then-Montana State College students more than 100 years ago, is an important symbol for the university and an important element in the community.

“We want to be leaders in ensuring a future where it has access, is well-kept, and is emblematic of the university,” he said.

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Fishing closures during spawning to begin for sections of Big Hole, Ruby, Beaverhead rivers

BOZEMAN – Fishing will close starting Oct. 1 for sections of the Big Hole, Ruby and Beaverhead rivers to protect trout during spawning season.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted emergency fishing regulations in June in response to struggling fish populations in the three rivers. These restrictions limit fall angling during the brown trout spawning season in some stretches of the rivers.

Trout abundances in several areas of the three rivers have steadily declined since 2011 and are at or near historical lows. Meanwhile, fishing pressure in these areas has increased. The emergency fishing regulations aim to be responsive to fish populations in accordance with Montana’s draft statewide fisheries management plan.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is also beginning new research with Montana State University to better understand and manage trout mortality, recruitment and health.

The current fishing regulations for the three rivers are as follows:

Big Hole River

  • Entire river
    • Catch and release for Arctic grayling
  • Headwaters to Dickie Bridge
    • Combined trout: five daily and in possession, no size restriction
  • Dickie Bridge to the mouth
    • Open April 1 through Sept. 30
    • Catch and release only
    • Artificial lures and single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut off the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.

Beaverhead River

  • Entire river
    • Catch and release for rainbow trout
    • Brown trout: five fish daily and in possession, all fish must be less than 18 inches, except for Clark Canyon Dam to High Bridge Fishing Access Site (see special regulations below)
    • Artificial lures and single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut off the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
  • Clark Canyon Dam to Pipe Organ Bridge
    • Open third Saturday in May through Sept. 30
  • Clark Canyon Dam to High Bridge FAS
    • Catch and release for trout
  • High Bridge FAS to Henneberry FAS
    • Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day
  • Henneberry FAS to Pipe Organ Bridge
    • Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Sunday from the third Sunday in May through Labor Day
  • Barretts Diversion to the mouth
    • Open April 1 through Sept. 30
    • Catch and release for trout
  • Highway 91 South Bridge (Tash Bridge) to Selway Bridge
    • Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day

Ruby River

  • Upstream from Ruby Reservoir
    • Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout
  • Downstream from Ruby Dam
    • Catch and release for rainbow trout.
    • Angling is closed the entire year just below Ruby Dam, from its confluence with Ruby Dam outlet channel upstream to the dam, including the outlet channel.
  • From Ruby Dam to Alder Bridge (Ruby Island FAS)
    • Catch and release for brown trout
    • Open April 1 through Sept. 30
  • From Alder Bridge (Ruby Island FAS) to the mouth
    • Brown trout: one daily and in possession, must be less than 18 inches

For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov/fish.

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News Comments

This is so typical of a sign in, which we should not have to do to check if we or some one in our party got a permit. I have been working or "creating an account" for 30 minutes and just get the same ...

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