DILLON – As part of a multi-year Targeted Elk Brucellosis Surveillance Project, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) staff recently captured elk in the Pioneer Mountains northwest of Dillon.
 
All 149 blood samples collected from captured elk tested negative for brucellosis. 

Capture operations were conducted in January along the eastern front of the Pioneer Mountains. A few elk were also captured south of Montana Highway 278 east of Bannack. Thirty elk were outfitted with GPS collars that will be active for one year to help wildlife managers better understand their seasonal ranges, migration routes and potential mixing with other elk herds.  

The goal of these operations is to evaluate the presence and understand the movement of brucellosis in Montana’s elk populations. The research also helps wildlife managers and animal health officials understand the overlap between elk and livestock on the landscape.  

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can infect humans, cattle, bison and elk and can result in abortion or the birth of weak calves. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected birth tissues and fluids.  

The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) administers a brucellosis surveillance program for livestock in an area of southwest Montana called the designated surveillance area (DSA). Requirements within the DSA protect the state and national livestock industry from the spread of brucellosis. Livestock within the DSA are at risk of exposure to brucellosis from infected wildlife and are therefore subject to additional brucellosis testing requirements for movement and change of ownership, as well as additional traceability requirements.  

Live elk captures in and around the perimeter of the DSA inform decisions on boundary adjustments by the DOL. The Pioneer Mountains are currently outside of the DSA.  

Montana’s Targeted Elk Brucellosis Surveillance Project is a joint effort between the DOL and FWP, with support from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In addition, this project and capture operation would not be possible without the generous support and permission from landowners to capture elk on their property. 

More information about brucellosis and the surveillance project can be found online at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/elk. 

On February 5, at 1:38 pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a skier that had sustained a lower leg injury approximately 1 mile up the trail at Upper Beehive Basin.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky section volunteers responded and skied to the patient’s location. The patient was assessed on scene and packaged before being transported to the Upper Beehive Basin Trailhead by stretcher sled. The individual was then transferred over to a Big Sky Fire Department ambulance who then transported to the next level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind winter recreationalists that even a casual trip out can become an emergent issue. He would like to commend the individuals for having the ability to quickly communicate the emergency to get help on the way and encourages recreationalists to have a fully charged cell phone or some other communication device in case of an emergency.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 3, 2023, at approximately 10:45 am, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a report of a semi-truck rollover on Interstate 90 near mile marker 284. The rollover partially blocked the eastbound lane of traffic. The semi-truck was carrying a load of cattle. Many of the cattle survived but some died as a result of the crash and some needed to be dispatched due to the severity of their injuries. To protect the first responders working at the scene and to protect the motoring public, all interstate traffic between Logan and Manhattan has been diverted onto the Frontage Road. As of 3:00 pm, operations to safely remove the cattle continue. Updates will be provided as they are available. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their patience as first responders work on this incident.

Agencies involved in this event include the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Manhattan Fire Department, Three Forks Fire Department, Gallatin River Ranch Fire Department, Department of Livestock, Gallatin Solid Waste Management, Montana Department of Transportation, as well as citizen volunteers and private tow truck companies.

Photos courtesy of nbcmontana.com

Responsible pet owner considers their dogs as family members. The U.S. has become a highly pet-centric nation nowadays with about 4 in 10 houses with pets. When building a house, why not choose a floor plan layout that works for you as well as your dogs? In fact, any home built in such a way is more valuable in the market as the majority of the renters or home buyers look for houses where their pets can lead a comfortable life and if that is not the case then it is a deal breaker. By designing a pet-friendly home, you will not just be making the stay of your pets comfortable but also add more value to the property.

Recently I bought a new house which I had to renovate based on my requirements, keeping in mind the golden retriever puppies in Montana that I had welcomed into my family recently. The house was planned in such a way that all life stages of the dogs were considered 

Based on my experience, here are a few layout planning tips we have shared below that will make your pooch really happy.

1. Room to Roam:

The floor plan should be designed such that the flow of the home is natural and open. Too many twists and turns are not preferable, especially with a pet inside the home. An open floor space is ideal when you live with furry friends as it gives them more space to move around the house.

2. Design a Mudroom:

As soon as the dog enters the home, you do not want them roaming the house with their muddy paws. Hence, a mudroom in the foyer area is a must where you can clean the dog completely before giving it access to your house to ensure it does not get dirty with its muddy claws.

3. Add Dog Gates Where Required:

You would like to keep off-limits for the dog in a few areas of the home. Installing a dog gate in those entrances makes it easy. You can plan and design it so that it integrates with the home design and does not look out of place. Installing a barrier at the bottom of the staircase or the kitchen entry can be done to ensure your dog does not enter these areas without your permission. Also, you can plan on adding a dog gate at the house's entryway so that when you open the door, the dog does not escape outside.

4. Plan a Cabinet at the Entryway to Store Pet Essentials:

When you take the dog outside, you will need access to the leash, harness, pooper scooper, etc. A cabinet dedicated to those can make accessing these essentials easier and also, once used, you can easily store it away out of sight, keeping the entryway look mess-free.

5. Design a Pet Area:

Not every guest that comes into the house will be comfortable around your dogs. You need to plan a pet area where the dogs can go when you need uninterrupted time. This can be an entire room or an area that is blocked by the dog gates where the dogs can be restricted until you let them go. Keep space to place the water bowl and a toy basket in the restricted space. 

6. Chose Material Wisely:

Choosing the right flooring is a major decision in itself, but when you have pets, it becomes more important to make the right choice. Using wooden flooring means recipes of scratches and also your dogs will slip frequently, which may cause joint injuries. If your dog is allowed access to most of the home, try to carpet most areas as it is the best floor for their joint health. Yet again, maintaining carpet can be tough and you will have to vacuum it frequently. This can be a choice in the bedrooms and in the living area. Go for a low-pile carpet that is easier to clean. You will want to invest in a vacuum cleaner if you choose to carpet. 

Tiles are a great option, as maintaining them is easy, and it does not get easily scratched as well. Mopping the tiles, especially when there is a young puppy at home, is so much easier than cleaning spills on carpets. You can choose tiles for the kitchen and high-traffic areas in the home. You should place your dog's food and water bowl in an area where there is tiling as this area is going to get messy for sure. It is very easy to clean when the floor is tiled.

7. Don't Overlook the Outside:

With pets at home, planning a well-designed outdoor area for their play is a must which helps them calm down when they are tired later in the day. Fencing cannot be avoided as your pet is going to be outdoors and the most well-behaved dog may also not be able to resist all distractions. Also, it is safer for the dog too, as no one can lure the dog out of the house. The fence should not just be high but also deep enough so the dogs can't dig below the fence. Keep the grass shortened at all times so that it is easy to clean to avoid any injuries. An enclosed space for the dog outside is a must that should have water available all the time.

You can plan on adding a dog passage in the door for the backyard if you let your dog independently go outside and pee when needed. Make a shed to store away gardening tools that can be dangerous for the dogs.

The Bottom Line:

A home is designed and planned for the entire family members that should include your furry friend, too. This not only makes their lives comfortable, but you also will not struggle as much. When a home is planned as per the people living inside, it only makes the lives of each family member better. 

I love love. The 1889 Barn is love. I followed my heart and restored her. I led with my heart too, bravely dealing with the challenges of my budget exploding. My heart protected her. The energy inside her and around her has always been a magic that isn’t something you can put words to, but something you feel. Before the restoration she had the high vibration we all want to connect our hearts to. Now, being able to enjoy time at the 1889 Barn connecting with art, well, the space lifts you. The 1889 Barn is now yours to enjoy. She’ll stand for at least another 133 years. She has generations more of love to share.

Because I was also led by doing the right thing and thought, “If you have an 1889 Barn on your property…. then you must restore it. It is the only right thing, right?” 

Enter: The girl who saved the barn! Hi, I’m Patty Boyd and I saved a piece of history because I want to share it with others. Please come for a tour of this special space – a small events venue just South of Bozeman that sits on 21 acres in beautiful Gallatin Gateway. We will host an Open House on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 12-3 pm. 

Whether you’re looking to host a family reunion, a birthday party, an anniversary, a work lunch, a rehearsal dinner, a small wedding, a bridal shower, or any other celebration, the 1889 Barn will provide an unforgettable experience. Special events begin this month with tickets available to purchase at 1889barn.com.

We kick off our first of five Monthly Couples Dinners on Feb. 10. These dinners will be a unique and unforgettable experience. Each evening will begin upstairs in the 1889 Barn loft, moving to the main level, via a spiral staircase, for a seated dinner and then finishing with dessert fireside under the stars in the garden listening to the creek. It is perfectly fitting that From the Heart Foods is our first caterer for Monthly Couples Dinners. Check back to our website to learn who will be catering for the upcoming months. This food fills you and comforts you. It is made with love.

Also launching are Art Showings at the 1889 Barn on the first Wednesday of every month at 6 pm, all are welcome to view the artwork in our gallery. 

In celebration of our launch, you can enter to win a couples dinner AND an overnight stay at the vacation rental on our property. The contest begins on Valentine’s Day!

If you hurry you can book the Yellow Farmhouse with your couples' night dinner now. Only one couple gets to do this…..full breakfast included. An unplug, breathe, and smile overnight escape.

Wasn’t Kevin Costner directed from above in the “Field of Dreams”: “If you build it they will come.” I’m counting on you to come and explore this historic property restored with love.

On Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 6:54 pm, the Gallatin County Dispatch Center received a Garmin Device Activation requesting assistance for two lost snowmobilers that had become separated while recreating together.  The Garmin device put them in the area of Slide Creek off Taylor Fork Rd, south of Big Sky. Volunteers from the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section responded to assist the snowmobilers.

Volunteers deployed two teams and quickly located the first individual on the trail. One team remained with the first snowmobiler and warmed them in an enclosed Snowbulancewhile the other team went on to locate the second individual.  The second individual was found shortly after and both were returned safely to the trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that having communication and knowledge of your location is crucial information in the event of an emergency.  These two individuals prevented a prolonged scenario by being capable of providing their location and status to GCSSAR responders.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Playing a musical instrument has many benefits beyond the mere pleasure of making music. Even those who never plan on becoming professional musicians can still benefit from learning how to play an instrument. No matter what type of instrument you decide to pick up – whether it's a guitar or a piano – rest assured that it will bring numerous benefits into your life that go beyond just the joys of making music. Notably, with the help of contemporary technologies such as chords finder, learning instruments like the piano and guitar has become much more manageable. The technology helps learners find the chords to any song they wish to learn to play. It helps save time and energy in identifying the right chords to a song. So, what are some of the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument?

Enhanced cognitive abilities

Learning to play an instrument can have a positive impact on your cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that playing music can improve memory, concentration and problem-solving skills. It also helps multitask and increases the ability to focus on complex tasks. Additionally, playing an instrument has been linked to improved language skills, such as reading comprehension and verbal fluency. Playing music also encourages creativity and self-expression, which can help boost confidence levels. Furthermore, it has been found that playing music can reduce stress levels and increase overall happiness. All these benefits make learning to play an instrument a great way to enhance your cognitive abilities while simultaneously having fun.

The social and emotional benefits

Playing an instrument can profoundly affect a person's social and emotional well-being. It can help them develop better communication skills and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem. Playing an instrument also helps people express themselves in ways that words cannot, allowing them to explore different emotions and feelings. Furthermore, playing a musical instrument can be a great way to connect with others, whether it's through joining a band or orchestra or simply jamming with friends. This connection can lead to increased social interaction and improved relationships. Finally, playing music is often seen as a therapy for many people struggling with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. By engaging in this creative activity, people can focus on something positive while healthily expressing themselves.

Economic/career-related advantages

Learning a musical instrument can provide numerous economic and career-related advantages. For starters, it can help you develop highly sought-after skills in the job market, such as creativity, problem-solving, discipline and teamwork. These skills can be applied to any field of work and make you more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, learning a musical instrument can open up opportunities for freelance work or teaching music lessons. It could be a great way to supplement your income or even become your primary source of revenue if you can build up enough clientele. Furthermore, knowledge of music theory and reading sheet music is an invaluable asset when working in the entertainment industry or with audio engineering software programs like Pro Tools. Finally, playing an instrument can also give you access to networking opportunities that otherwise may not have been available.

In conclusion, learning to play a musical instrument can have numerous physical and mental health benefits, as well as providing an enjoyable hobby and a potential career.

Damaged railway bridge removed

LIVINGSTON – A closure on an 8-mile section of the upper Yellowstone River has been lifted now that a damaged railway bridge near U.S. Highway 89 has been removed. The Highway 89 Bridge Fishing Access Site, which was part of the closure, has also reopened to public access.  The river closure extended from Mayor’s Landing Fishing Access Site to Sheep Mountain Fishing Access Site. It was in place since July after significant flooding damaged the railway bridge, causing a safety hazard.  

For a current list of waterbody restrictions and closures, visit fwp.mt.gov.