CARDWELL – Three women were injured by an otter Wednesday evening while floating on the Jefferson River.

About 8:15 p.m., the three women were floating on inner tubes about 3 miles upstream from Sappington Bridge when they observed one or two otters. An otter approached and attacked them. The women got out of the water, and the otter swam away.

The women then called 911, and several agencies responded, including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Life Flight and a local landowner.

All three women were injured during the encounter and received medical treatment in Bozeman. One of them, whose injuries were more serious, was taken to the hospital in a helicopter.

FWP staff have posted signs at several fishing access sites in the area advising recreationists of otter activity. No further management action is planned at this time.

While attacks from otters are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances. They give birth to their young in April and can later be seen with their young in the water during the summer. They may also be protective of food resources, especially when those resources are scarce. Otters are members of the weasel family.

FWP advises recreationists to keep a wide distance, giving all wildlife plenty of space. In drought conditions, low water levels can bring recreationists closer to water-dwelling wildlife. Being aware and keeping your distance can help avoid dangerous encounters, reduce stress for wildlife, and promote healthy animal behavior. If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away and out of the water, and seek medical attention.

HELENA – So far this year, FWP and its partners have inspected 66,000 watercraft for aquatic invasive species. Of those, 35 were mussel-fouled and more than 200 were found with aquatic weeds.

FWP and partner agencies, which include tribes, counties and conservation districts, operate more than 17 road-side watercraft inspection stations across the state. To find a watercraft inspection station or to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

A July survey for Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) in Beaver Lake near Whitefish found no EWM. Another follow-up survey will be conducted later this month. Eradication of EWM is the goal for Beaver Lake through persistent survey and removal.

Eurasian watermilfoil in Nilan Reservoir (near Augusta) was treated with herbicide by FWP in 2022. Surveys conducted last month found no evidence of EWM in the lake. Nilan is the only location of EWM on the Rocky Mountain Front and EWM eradication is the objective for that system.

All boaters and other water recreationists need to follow the rules to prevent aquatic invasive species from affecting Montana’s waters.

Those rules include:

• All boats must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $500. 
• Always be sure to clean, drain and dry your boat.
• All watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species. An inspection is required before launching on Montana waters.
• Non-residents transporting watercraft into Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launching. The fee is $30 for motorized and $10 for nonmotorized watercraft. The pass is valid until Dec. 31.
• Inspection is required for Montana residents before launch IF: the boat is entering the state, crossing west over the Continental Divide or entering the Flathead basin. 

On August 1, 2023, at 1:20 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call for an injured horseback rider on Lizard Lake Trail approximately 2.5 miles from the Cache Creek Trailhead. The injured rider was bucked from the horse and then stepped on. The rider reported injuries to the hip, lower back, leg, and hand.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section deployed a hasty team on e-bikes as well as ground litter teams. The Heli Team was also requested to access and evacuate the patient. The helicopter was able to land near the patient, load them in the helicopter, and fly to the Sage Creek Trailhead where they were transferred into the care of Big Sky Fire Department for ground transport to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center.

Sheriff Springer wants to remind residents and guest of Gallatin County that horse accidents can be a common occurrence in the backcountry. This rescue was expedited because the group had a GPS device to provide an accurate location, radios to allow for communication with rescuers, and were able to provide clear and accurate information on the condition of the terrain, condition of the patient, and patient needs.

The Downtown Bozeman Association and Cancer Support Community Montana along with our gracious Sponsors present the 23rd Annual “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show on Sunday, August 20th. The show will run from 9 AM – 2 PM and is located on Main Street between Willson and Rouse Avenues in Downtown Bozeman.
 
“Since 2001, the Downtown Bozeman Association has hosted the “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show in historic Downtown Bozeman.  It has become a premier, state-wide event celebrating classic cars, trucks & motorcycles.  Since 2011, we’ve partnered with Cancer Support Community (CSC) to raise awareness of the support offered to all people affected by cancer. We’re proud to report that together we’ve raised over $150,000! 

The mission of CSC is to “ensure that all participants are empowered with knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by communiy”. All the programs at CSC are offered free of charge and this community event helps make that possible!”
 
First, on Saturday afternoon, August 19th, join us for our Pre-Packet Pick-Up and Main Street Cruise from 3-5 PM at the Soroptomist Park, Corner of Rouse and Main. Don’t forget to take a cruise down Main Street to show off your coooool ride before or after you register! Then, on Sunday morning, we will close Main Street to make room for hundreds of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Same-Day Registration begins at 8 AM at the south intersection of Black Avenue and Main Street.

 
All car classes are welcome; all registered cars will receive a complimentary dash plaque and gift bags filled with fun goodies and business coupons. There is also over 15 trophies awarded in various car classes as well as the treasured “Best in Show” and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in “People’s Choice.”
 
During the car show also enjoy live music from Kate & the AlleyKats, food, and fun throughout the day! There will also be prize drawings, a 50/50 raffle, a showcase display, and a chance for everyone to vote for their favorite vehicles! Come check out the best car show in the state!
 
A huge thanks to our 2023 “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show Sponsors!
 
Premier – Bos Tint & Sound
Hotrod – Bozeman Health, Les Schwab, Yellowstone Harley Davidson
Classic Car – State Farm, Napa Auto Parts, Cloud 9 Cycles
Checkered Flag – Air Controls, Bozeman Brokers Real Estate Group, Little Stinkers, Mobi Tires, Bridger Mountain Ford Club
Pit Crew – SwissDetail, SCS Wraps, Personalize It, Lehrkinds Coca-Cola, BlueCross BlueShield of Montana, First Security Bank
 
There is no admission fee for spectators at “Cruisin’ on Main”, so funds for our charity come from sponsorships, entry fees, merchandise sales, raffle tickets and most importantly – your donations! Stop by Cancer Support Community booth near the registration area on the corner of Black to donate, pick up a calendar or learn more.

 
The 2023 “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show will take place rain or shine.
 
For more information about the “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show, please visit www.downtownbozeman.org/carshow or contact Downtown Bozeman Association at 406-586-4008 and Cancer Support Community at 406-582-1600 and www.cancersupportmontana.org.

BOZEMAN -- The Bozeman Symphony is pleased to announce the appointment of Maren Haynes Marchesini to the position of Interim Symphonic Choir Conductor. A Bozeman native and choral conductor since 2008, Maren brings a passion for artistry and interdisciplinary collaboration drawn from experience in diverse musical ensembles and choirs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Maren to the artistic team. She comes with incredible experiences that I think will be valuable to our organization,’ says Music Director Norman Huynh. “I look forward to working with Maren to develop the Bozeman Symphonic Choir over the next two seasons.”


About Maren Haynes Marchesini: Maren grew up in Bozeman (playing with the Bozeman Symphony from 2000-2002) and returned in 2022 to serve as Director of Music and Worship at Hope Lutheran Church. She holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Washington where she studied with advisor Dr. Christina Sunardi and many diverse expert musicians. While at UW, she studied choral conducting under Dr. Geoffrey Boers and Dr. Giselle Wyers, also singing with the UW Chamber Singers. Prior, she earned a BA in Cello Performance from Whitworth University. To learn more about Maren Haynes Marchesini, visit bozemansymphony.org/conductors.

“Shaping choral sound, developing vocal technique, and connecting to our shared purpose and passion fill me with joy. Thus the opportunity to direct the Symphonic Choir, an excellent ensemble with capable and committed singers, is a dream,’ says Haynes Marchesini. “The Bozeman Symphony's exciting artistic vision brings together a passion for the tradition of Western art music, as well as a commitment to its future, supporting living composers, young artists, and unique, diverse collaborations. I look forward to working with Norman and the many talented, committed musicians in the choir (and orchestra) as we bring this vision to life!”

For anyone interested in joining Maren and the Bozeman Symphonic Choir, auditions will be held on September 7 starting at 7:00 PM. Experienced singers of all voice types are welcome and encouraged to email maren@bozemansymphony.org to schedule an audition. Auditions will include vocalizations and sight reading, but no prepared repertoire is required.

During the 2023/24 season, audiences can hear the Bozeman Symphonic choir at the annual Holiday Spectacular December 15-17, 2023, “O, Fortuna” Orff’s Carmina Burana May 18 & 19, 2024, and At the Movies: The Music of John Williams June 7-9, 2024. Tickets can be purchased at bozemansymphony.org or by phone at 406-585-9774.

The Gallatin County Clerk of District Court’s Office is resuming regular public office hours this week. 

Since September 2022, due to short staffing, the Clerk of District Court’s Office has been closing to the public at 3 PM each business day to enable staff to catch up on office work. 

The department is now up to staffing levels that will allow it to resume normal public office hours. 

Beginning Aug. 1, the office will be open Mondays through Fridays from 8 AM to 5 PM. 

The Clerk of District Court’s Office is located on the second floor of the Law and Justice Center (615 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman). 

Duties for this office include keeping records for District Court, providing marriage licenses, keeping minutes for court proceedings, filing all actions for every case filed in District Court, and more. 

We thank the public for their patience during these months as the Clerk of District Court has worked to hire and train employees. 

Training season with wild birds on public lands begins Aug. 1 for residents

HELENA –Anyone training bird dogs using game birds not raised in captivity needs to hold a bird dog training license, whether on private or public land. If you are training dogs with captive-reared birds, a license is not required.

These licenses can be purchased online through the FWP Online License Service, any FWP regional office or any license provider. The license is $5 for residents ages 18 and over and $10 for nonresidents 18 and over. For residents and nonresidents ages 12 to 17, the license is free.

Bird dog training season with wild birds on public lands begins Aug. 1 for residents and Aug. 15 for nonresidents and ends March 31, 2024.

The license is a new requirement that that came from the 2023 Legislature. While the license requirement is not included in the printed 2023 Upland Game Bird Regulations booklet, it is included in the online version. Please contact your nearest FWP office for questions about dog training relative to this new license requirement.

For those commercially training bird dogs on state trust land, a special recreational use license (SRUL) is required from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

HELENA – Dead trout. Sick trout. Trout with fungus on their skin. What is going on with the fish of the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby Rivers?

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in partnership with the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit (MCFRU) at Montana State University wants to find out. Together, they are launching three studies to determine what is affecting fish abundance in these streams. A fourth study, conducted by FWP, will look at fish health and building capacity to sample fish for diseases.

“Those who work and recreate on these rivers are troubled by what they see happening to the trout populations,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “FWP is troubled, too, and staff have a plan in place to figure out what’s driving the decline in trout health and abundance.  FWP along with private and public partners have a long history of effective conservation work on these rivers. This plan is the first next step towards understanding how those same partners can turn the current circumstance around.”

FWP fisheries staff in southwest Montana and MCFRU are finalizing how best to tackle this challenge. While the details are new, this collaborative is a familiar one. The research unit is a long-standing collaboration among FWP, MSU, U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Its mission is to conduct fisheries research, educate future fishery professionals and provide technical assistance to fisheries biologists working for state and federal agencies, nonprofits and industry.

“We’ve worked with FWP on hundreds of projects since our inception in 1963,” said Dr. Al Zale, the leader of MCFRU and a professor at MSU.

Those projects included native species restoration, fish diseases – especially whirling disease, catch-and-release mortality, predation, Missouri and Yellowstone river fisheries and much more.

FWP’s Region 3 fisheries manager Mike Duncan and his staff are comparing notes with MCFRU.

“We all met several times to come up with a plan of what knowledge gaps to fill,” Duncan said.

The three studies with MCFRU will focus on adult mortality, juvenile origins and survival and fish diseases.

Since 2011, trout numbers in these rivers have steadily declined and are now near historic lows. While those declines can be linked to low flows and warm water temperatures, the research projects will take a more in-depth look at other factors that may be affecting these fisheries.

The adult mortality study will involve tagging and tracking fish, Duncan said. FWP staff will capture and tag fish on the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers, along with the Madison River. The project will assess how flows, water temperatures, angling and disease influence survival.

As part of the study, fish biologists Matt Jaeger and Jim Olsen are developing adaptive management plans that will inform fishing regulations on the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. “This could include spawning closures and catch-and-release as examples,” Duncan said.

The juvenile study will look at where fish are born and their spawning and rearing habitat. “We’ll mainly be looking in tributaries,” Duncan said. Biologists will sample the fish’s otolith, or ear bone, to determine where the fish has lived and traveled during its life. This work will help focus and direct potential habitat projects.

The third project will examine the level that disease is impacting trout populations on these three rivers. It will include testing for novel pathogens and help determine better ways to routinely sample fish for disease in the future.

Some of these projects will involve recruiting graduate students to work with MCFRU. “These usually take four or five years in fisheries science because of the seasonal cycles that regulate nature,” Zale said.

To accompany these projects, FWP will increase fish health monitoring and reporting resources. “We want to get a better handle on environment triggers and how pathogens are affecting the fisheries,” Duncan said.

The public can participate in fish health monitoring by reporting dead and sick-looking fish on the new web portal fwp.mt.gov/sickfish.

For more information and to follow the progress of the research projects, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/fisheries-management/trout-mgmt-sw-mt

As Montanans and visitors head to local ponds, lakes and reservoirs for late summer fun, public health official urge citizens to know the health risks of Harmful Algal Blooms, or “HABs”. 

 HABs are caused by blue-green algae that are native to Montana’s freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Not all varieties of blue-green algae are harmful, but some can produce dangerous cyanotoxin, including microcystin.  Blue-green algae blooms often look like pea soup, grass clippings, or green latex paint. The algae are usually suspended in the water or appear as floating mats; they do not grow from the bottom with roots like other water plants.

On July 26, 2023, a Harmful Algal Bloom was identified and microcystin was detected at the boat launch area at Hyalite Reservoir in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Elk Grove Park Pond.

Zoot is committed to championing the Montana art community. The corporate exhibit space is open to the public and hosts rotating works by Montana artists for the enjoyment of employees and the community. The gallery has an expansive open area for sculpture and boasts over 100 square feet of vertical exhibit surfaces. One exhibiting artist described it as “…arguably the finest gallery space in the area.”

All work sold through the gallery is commission-free, and underwriting is provided for opening receptions. The exhibits of Montana-only artists rotate approximately every three months and are selected by the Zoot Committee for the Arts.

Public hours are 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, visit the Zoot art gallery website at zootartgallery.com or contact Carol Lehmann, Gallery Coordinator, at carol.lehmann@zootweb.com.

Call Deadline: August 25th, 2023
Notification of Acceptance: On or before September 29th, 2023
Accepted Mediums: All
Application: zootartgallery.com