BOZEMAN — As the City of Bozeman looks to update its wetland code, staff invite all members of the public to learn more about the project and provide input. City staff will host two meetings on Thursday, Oct. 5 – one virtually on Zoom at 12 p.m., and one in person from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bozeman Public Library, 626 E Main Street. Meetings will begin with a presentation followed by breakout groups.

“Bozeman City Commission has determined that local mitigation of wetland impacts should be a priority in order to enhance quality of life and environmental protections across the city,” Nicholas Ross, Director of Transportation and Engineering, explained. “That’s why this update is so important. We know many in our community care deeply about our wetlands and it’s critical for us to be thoughtful about our ecosystem as we grow.”

The City began looking at an update to the wetland code years ago with the goal of encouraging local wetland preservation and creating a wetland bank, a large protected wetland area. Recent legal changes, including Montana Senate Bill 382 and Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, have impacted the city’s efforts. Notably, the Sackett decision removed federal protections for many of the nation’s wetlands and left management of these areas to states and local governments.

 
Wetland mitigation involves the creation, restoration, or enhancement of new wetlands to compensate for impacting these areas when developing on the land. The Wetland Code Update project will focus on how mitigation can occur around Bozeman rather than far outside city limits, with an emphasis on providing the greatest positive benefit to ecological resources.

 
The project aims to be wrapped up and approved by Bozeman City Commission by the end of the year.
 
For more information on the Wetland Code Update, visit engage.bozeman.net/wetlands.

Bozeman – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1,605,660 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to develop a Sustainable Organics Management Program which will provide year-round recycling and composting services for organics and food waste in Bozeman, Montana. EPA is also making $632,629 available to the state of Montana to improve solid waste management planning and data collection in communities across the state. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding to expand and create new waste management facilities in Montana is part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.

“EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funds are helping communities across the nation reuse waste and reduce local and global environmental impacts,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “We are proud to support a growing program that will serve Bozeman residents for many years to come.”

EPA’s grant award will help the city create a Bozeman Sustainable Organics Management Program with new residential collection infrastructure to provide single- and multi-family households with year-round diversion services for organic waste, including food waste. These investments include the purchase of carts, collection trucks, technology improvements and program education and outreach to residents and businesses. The city estimates the program will serve up to 7,000 households by 2026 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,950 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

“Our seasonal yard waste composting program is already popular with residents, so to expand this service year-round and offer food waste composting for the first time is truly exciting for our community,” said Bozeman Mayor Cyndy Andrus. “We’re grateful to have been awarded this grant and look forward to the many benefits this program will provide."

The grant award to the City of Bozeman is part f the agency's newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. As part of today’s announcement, EPA selected 25 communities across the nation to receive grants totaling more than $73 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $32 million for states and territories to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and plan implementation.

EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is advancing the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA’s National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal and will help build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products and services in circulation for as long as possible, what’s known as a circular economy.

Additional Background
Today’s announcement for states, territories and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. 

For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.

BOZEMAN – Montana State University Regents Professor Emerita of Earth Sciences Cathy Whitlock is one of 54 individuals recently elected as a fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the world’s largest Earth and space sciences association. It is the highest honor bestowed by the organization.  

Whitlock was selected for her outstanding scientific achievements and exemplary leadership, according to a statement from AGU. Fellows are also selected for exemplifying integrity, respect and collaboration while creating deep engagement in education, diversity and outreach.

Whitlock has produced groundbreaking research for more than 40 years in the field of past climate and environmental change. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, Joint Fire Sciences Program, National Park Service, Department of Energy, U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Upon joining the faculty in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in 2004, Whitlock established the MSU Paleoecology Lab, which supports postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students and visiting scientists from around the world. The lab focuses on reconstructing vegetation, fire and climate histories to understand how past ecosystems responded to climate change and how ecosystems may respond to ongoing and future changes. She also co-founded the Montana Institute on Ecosystems and served as its first MSU director from 2011-2017.

Whitlock’s scientific discoveries on past ecosystem dynamics during the 1988 fires in Yellowstone National Park have informed resource management decisions and conservation efforts and led to new methods for reconstructing long-term fire histories – techniques that are now used worldwide.

“MSU has been very supportive of my research, and Yellowstone provides a world-class laboratory for educating students,” Whitlock said. “I couldn’t ask for a better combination.”

The AGU award is the most recent in a long line of high honors for Whitlock, who retired from MSU in 2021 but contracts with the university to conduct research in Yellowstone National Park and co-advise students. In 2018, she was named a Montana University System Regents Professor and in 2019 became the first Montanan inducted as a fellow into the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors a scientist can achieve. NAS members are elected by their peer scholars in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research, and membership is widely accepted as a mark of excellence in science. Two other MSU professors have since been elected as fellows to the NAS – Joan Broderick, head of MSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Dana Longcope, head of the Department of Physics, both in the College of Letters and Science.

Yves Idzerda, dean of the College of Letters and Science, said the recognitions that Whitlock continues to receive from her peers are impressive.

“We are privileged to have faculty members with prestigious international reputations, like professor Whitlock, working with students here at MSU and within the College of Letters and Science,” he said. “Cathy continues to do research and contribute to our understanding of the complex ecosystems of areas like Yellowstone, serving as an example for students and fellow faculty alike.”

AGU will formally recognize this year’s recipients at its conference in San Francisco in December.

“It is truly an honor to be elected as an AGU fellow and gratifying to have contributed to our understanding of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems,” Whitlock said.

On September 12, 2023, at 12:03 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a person who was hiking Ousel Falls Trail and became dizzy, sweaty, and was possibly having a heart attack.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section volunteers, Big Sky Fire Department and a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the patient’s location. The hiker was alert when rescuers arrived but could not walk out on their own. A one-wheel litter was utilized to transport the patient to the awaiting Big Sky Fire ambulance where they were then taken to the next level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind individuals the importance of having a means of communication in case of emergencies, even when going on relatively easy outings. He would also like to commend the hikers for realizing the situation could be serious and quickly calling for help, which allowed first responders to be with the patient 13 minutes after the call was placed.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BIG SKY – Bear specialists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have concluded a field investigation into a grizzly bear encounter that injured a man south of Big Sky last week.

The attack happened Friday, Sept. 8, in the Yellow Mule area of the Madison Range. During the encounter, one of the victim’s companions fired a pistol at the bear before the bear left. The victim suffered serious injuries from the bear and was flown to a hospital.

FWP staff flew over the area Saturday to look for a bear that may have been wounded. No bears were found during the aerial search, and no collared bears were nearby.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest implemented an emergency area closure for public safety following the incident and ensured that recreationists there were able to leave safely. The closure remains in effect.

FWP grizzly bear specialists and game wardens, as well deputies from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, revisited the attack site Tuesday. They searched the area near the attack site from the ground and with an infrared drone and didn’t locate a dead or wounded bear. However, they found signs of high bear activity, including the remains of a cached animal carcass, whitebark pine middens and bear scat. This evidence indicates the bear attacked defensively in a surprise, close encounter with the victim.

No further management action is planned.

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 such conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and 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.

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 be prepared to use it immediately.
• Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, 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. Make noise while approaching the meat. 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, resources and education events on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

HELENA – Montana game wardens from around the state, including Kalispell, Billings and Miles City, recently traveled to Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Kentucky to follow up on long-term investigations of violations committed in Montana. Violations included license fraud, hunting without licenses, hunting during a closed season, over-limits of game animals, waste of game animals, tag transfer and unlawful possession of game animals. 

“These cases involve complex, long-term investigations of the most serious type of violations of hunting laws in Montana,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Chief of Law Enforcement Ron Howell.

With the assistance of game wardens in the other states, Montana wardens seized seven elk, six mule deer, three white tail deer and two antelope. Charges are pending on all cases.

“Without the assistance of officers from the states involved, these cases would likely not be successfully investigated and prosecuted,” Howell said. “These investigations highlight the hard work and tenacity of our wardens to ensure that serious violations are investigated, and suspects are held accountable for those violations.”

BIG SKY —The National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS), the largest winter sports organization for African Americans, is proud to announce its 2024 partnership with Big Sky Resort for its annual summit in Big Sky, Montana. This highly anticipated event brings together ski enthusiasts from across the country for a week of skiing, snowboarding, networking, and celebration of the African-American snowsport community.

The National Brotherhood of Snowsports is dedicated to promoting and increasing diversity within winter sports. Since its founding in 1973, the organization has been committed to providing opportunities for African Americans to enjoy and excel in snowsports. The NBS Summit serves as the centerpiece of the organization's efforts, offering a unique platform for skiers of all levels to come together and share their passion for the sport.

The 2024 Summit, held from February 24 to March 2, will be hosted by Big Sky Resort, one of the premier winter destinations in North America. Big Sky Resort offers world-class slopes and the most technologically-advanced lift network in North America to make the NBS Summit a truly memorable experience. With 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, a brand new tram to the summit of Lone Peak, four bubble chairs with heated seats, and the most consistent snowfall in the Northern Rockies, the 2024 Big Sky summit will be one not to miss.  

During the week-long event, participants will have the opportunity to join ski clinics, workshops, and competitions tailored for all skill levels. This year, NBS will join forces with Women of Winter and PSIA-AASI to offer Level 1 Alpine and Snowboard certification scholarship opportunities to 12 of its female members to coincide with the Summit. The NBS Summit also features social events, including live music performances and film screenings. With a focus on fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, the summit allows attendees to forge lasting friendships and connections with fellow snowsports enthusiasts from all walks of life.

"We are thrilled to partner with Big Sky Resorts and bring the 2024 NBS Summit to Montana," said Henri Rivers, President of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports. "This event not only showcases the skills and talents of our members but also highlights the progress we have made as an organization in promoting inclusion and equity in winter sports. We invite all enthusiasts to join us for an unforgettable week in Big Sky."

"We can't think of a better way to celebrate Big Sky Resort's 50th anniversary season than by hosting the NBS 2024 Summit. Sharing the joy of snowsports is in our DNA, and we look forward to a summit filled with camaraderie, shared passion, and the pursuit of a more inclusive future for snowsports," said Troy Nedved, General Manager of Big Sky Resort. 

As the NBS Summit continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a testament to the dedication and passion of snowsports enthusiasts. With each passing year, more individuals are discovering the joy of snowsports and the opportunities offered by the National Brotherhood of Snowsports. The 2024 Summit at Big Sky Resort promises to be a landmark event in the organization's history, bringing together generations of skiers united by their love for the slopes.

For more information about the National Brotherhood of Snowsports and the 2024 Summit, please visit www.nbs.org.

BOZEMAN – The planning effort for the City of Bozeman’s parks, trails, and recreation system reached a conclusion last night as Bozeman City Commission adopted the final draft of Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation (PRAT) Plan. The City will now kick off efforts to put the document into action.

“Bozeman’s green spaces are a big reason why people choose to live here, so it’s critically important that we thoughtfully strategize and care for our parks and trails as we grow,” Mitchell Overton, Parks & Recreation Director, explained. “This plan will help us do that and ensure that we’re creating spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

A key part of the PRAT Plan involved engaging community members who have not traditionally been represented in local government decision-making processes to better understand specific experiences and ensure a safe, inclusive, and accessible system for all.

Other elements of the document include growing and improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities for enhanced connectivity across the city and maintaining natural resources so that residents can recreate in outdoor spaces that are sustainable and nestled in Bozeman’s natural landscape.

The Plan kicked off in 2021 with a series of engagement opportunities. In 2022, consultants began drafting the document based on feedback and delivered the draft plan in the fall. Over the last few months, Commissioners and the Urban Parks and Forestry Board members have incorporated their edits to the draft resulting in the plan that was approved last night.

The PRAT Plan replaces the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Plan, which has been in place since 2007.

“The Bozeman of 2023 is a vastly different city from Bozeman circa 2007. We’re dealing with rapid growth, increasing demand on our current parks and trails, and a changing climate, so this plan comes at a critical and needed time. Now the real work begins,” said Overton.

More information on the PRAT Plan, including the final draft, can be found at https://engage.bozeman.net/pratplan.

Medicare Part B Defined

Medicare Part B is a premium-based program that can pay for certain services. To qualify, a person must be 65 years old and be eligible for Social Security benefits. In most cases, you must be a U.S. resident. However, exceptions can be made for those coming into the United States who have established permanent residence after living for 5 consecutive years after applying for the program. In some cases, you can qualify if you receive disability benefits under Social Security or SSI.

To be enrolled, you must receive Social Security benefits for a minimum of 4 months and receive Medicare Part A. Part B is voluntary, but it requires a monthly premium to stay active. Monthly premiums are income-based and require consistent payment to remain eligible.

Part B offers free services to those who qualify. The secret is to find a doctor or specialist who is willing to participate in the program. Some doctors only accept payments from private insurers, but others will accept Part B coverage. A list of doctors can be found on Medicare's official site. You can search by specialty and location.

How Much Does Part B Cost?

The current premium for Medicare Part B is $164.90 per month, but it is subjected to change at any time. This change could happen as an individual's monthly income fluctuates. The more you make, the more you might need to pay for your coverage.

Payment works like this: Your monthly premium is automatically deducted from your Social Security, so you don't need to worry about sending it in by mail. Plus, you can opt for a supplemental plan if you decide you need additional coverage.

What Does Part B Cover?

Medicare Part B covers two types of services:

Part B covers a broad range of vital services, from emergency ambulatory care to routine blood work. Additional services covered by Part B include:

However, Part B will not cover for other services. Eye exams, glasses, routine dental care, dentures, and routine physicals must be paid for by you or another provider. Other services such as routine foot care and cosmetic surgery are also excluded from Part B coverage.

What Factors Impact Coverage?

Part B benefits are influenced by three major factors:

For example, federal and state laws may decide which services to keep, what to add, and what should be cut. Private claims processors may reject coverage under Part B if it's been determined that a specific treatment or service isn't medically necessary, as in the case of routine dental and eye care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are mental health services covered under Part B?

Part B covers mental health services. Inpatient coverage includes doctor's services during your stay. Treatments from other providers are also eligible. Plus, you pay nothing for your first 60 days. However, an extended stay of 61-90 days requires a copayment of $400 per day. After 90 days, an $800 copayment is required, and anything beyond requires full expenses paid out of pocket.

Outpatient mental health services covered by Part B include professionally led individual and group psychotherapy, diagnostic testing, and limited prescription coverage as allowed by state law. Annual wellness checkups are also included in the plan.

2. What about adaptive or medical equipment?

Adaptive or durable medical equipment (DME) is any type of device that improves quality of life for those who live with a chronic or preexisting condition. All supplies must be prescribed by your doctor for home use.

Your Part B plan should accept claims for any adaptive equipment you may need. Canes, lifts, wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers are included with your Part B benefits. Glucose monitors, nebulizer treatment supplies, and glucose test strips also make the list. Your doctor and medical supply company must be registered under Medicare for you to qualify.

3. What are the guidelines for Medicare deductibles?

Costs that you pay before services are covered by insurance are known as deductibles. Medicare beneficiaries who receive Part B may be billed if they fail to meet an annual deductible. Hospital claims under Part A may also be denied until the deductible is paid in full.

4. If I need transportation to an appointment, will my plan pay for it?

If you need help making it to appointments or treatment clinics, Part B may be able to help. Transportation by van, bus, or taxi must be ordered by your doctor and can only be used for medical appointments. Certain legal restrictions may apply.

5. Do my Part B benefits include clinical trials and research studies?

New treatments and medications that are being introduced require clinical research participation for testing. Each trial asks participants to join to help test new drugs or therapies for safety, efficacy, and efficiency. Hospital stay is usually required for observation.

Part B may cover some of the costs for diagnostic testing, medication, and other procedures. Overnight hospital stays should be covered under Part A, but if you don't qualify, you may want to look into a supplemental plan. Otherwise, get ready to pay for additional fees.

It is strongly advised that you check with your doctor before you embark on a clinical trial. Be wary of any risks involved, including anything that might interfere with any medication you're currently taking. Do some research on what the study entails and consider the pros and cons.

BOZEMAN —Later today, City of Bozeman Economic Development and Housing staff will provide an update to the Bozeman City Commission on their progress in implementing the Bozeman Community Housing Action adopted in 2019. Since this time, 1,774 new units of housing have entered the pipeline, including 592 income-restricted units and 11 affordable developments.

“Housing is top of mind for many in our community and understandably so given the rising costs,” David Fine, Economic Development Manager at the City of Bozeman, explained. “While more work is to be done in this space to increase affordability across the city, much has been done as well, and we continue to use every tool available to increase our number of affordable units.”

The Community Housing Action Plan uses a partnership framework to advance strategies addressing housing affordability. Within the plan, staff have prioritized the strategies where the City can create more units of long-term affordable housing.
 
In 2021, the Montana Legislature prohibited cities from requiring affordable units in new developments, a policy known as inclusionary zoning. As a result, the City innovated with financial and regulatory tools to incentivize affordability. This has resulted in a significant pipeline of projects and community housing units.

Staff will review substantial resources that Bozeman City Commission has dedicated to affordable housing, including increasing the Community Housing budget from $1.2 million in fiscal year 2023 to $3.5 million in fiscal year 2024, and granting $1 million to the Gallatin Housing Impact Fund at Neighborworks Montana, which leverages 9 private dollars for every 1 public dollar granted to the fund for community housing developments. Commission also approved $11.3 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance to support the public infrastructure necessary for workforce housing projects.

Other changes include the city adopting new development codes to encourage affordability through density and infill, which makes it easier to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Additionally, the city created density bonuses to incentivize affordable units in projects, and a new planned development zone (PDZ) process that encourages providing affordable housing in exchange for modifying development standards.

For more information on community housing, contact David Fine at dfine@bozeman.net.