Changes coming for the 2024 season

HELENA – Floaters hoping for a Smith River permit can apply Jan. 2 through Feb. 14. However, a few changes are coming this year that applicants should be aware of.

Celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent trout fishing, the Smith River is one of Montana’s most sought-after outdoor recreation experiences. Permits are required to float the 59-mile section of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge and are issued each year through a lottery. Parties of up to 15 people can float with one permit. A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their permit application.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will remove pit toilets at the float-in campsites along the Smith River during the spring of 2024. All float parties, private and commercial, will be required to pack out their human waste from the Smith River corridor. This requirement is similar to many other river systems in the West and necessary to keep the corridor pristine for visitors now and for decades to come. The rules implementing this pack-out system were passed by the Montana Parks Board in late 2023.

Floaters will need to pack portable toilet systems. To see a list of FWP-approved, portable, hard-sided toilets that will be allowed, click here. Alternative waste disposal systems, including bag systems, such as Clean Waste and RESTOP2, will not be allowed. 

Floaters can clean and sanitize their portable toilet system with a SCAT (Sanitizing Containers with Alternative Technology) machine, which has been installed at the Eden Bridge take-out.

“Removal of the pit toilets will not only help reduce impacts to natural and cultural resources, but also allow more time for the river rangers to focus on other duties, such as public safety and recreation ecology projects like noxious weed control and stabilizing erosion at boat camp landings,” said Colin Maas, FWP Recreation Manager for the Smith River.     

2024 is the first year applicants can buy a bonus point for the Smith River Permit. A bonus point is essentially an extra chance you can purchase for the permit drawing. These points accumulate year after year if you are unsuccessful in the drawing. Residents can purchase a bonus point for $5; nonresidents can purchase a bonus point for $50. The bonus point is applied to your application the year it is purchased. You can apply for a permit through FWP’s online licensing system. For more information on bonus points, click here.

Finally, starting in 2024, the number of permits available for nonresidents may not exceed 10 percent of the available permits. This new law was passed as part of House Bill 846 in the 2023 Legislative Session.

Starting a business in Bozeman, Montana, is an exhilarating venture that presents both opportunities and challenges. Gaining the support of the community is essential for long-term prosperity. It involves more than just opening your doors and waiting for customers to find you. 

This overview will guide you through various strategies to weave your business into the fabric of Bozeman life, setting the stage for a thriving enterprise amidst Big Sky Country’s residents.

7 Ways to Gain Community Support in Bozeman, Montana

Embarking on a business venture in Bozeman? Discover 7 ways to cultivate invaluable community support and ensure the flourishing success of your entrepreneurial dream.

1. Connect with Local Influencers
In Bozeman, forming connections with local influencers can strongly boost your business's visibility. Start by identifying influential people in the community, such as popular bloggers or respected business owners. Forge relationships by inviting them to your store for events.

Remember to keep it authentic. Aim for a genuine partnership where both sides benefit. Show these influencers how your business adds value to Bozeman and its residents. Continuous engagement and collaboration could turn them into brand ambassadors for your venture.

2. Implement an Employee Rewards Program
Creating a positive work environment is vital. By choosing an employee rewards platform, you can tailor incentives to match the enthusiasm and productivity of your team. The right platform motivates your staff and showcases your commitment to employee satisfaction.

This investment in your workforce encourages stellar service, which customers take note of, and it cements your reputation in Bozeman as a supportive and enviable workplace. Thus, a well-thought-out rewards program becomes an integral part of community building.

3. Participate in Local Events
Getting involved in local events is a proactive way to ingrain your business into the heart of the city. Attend farmer's markets, festivals, and other community gatherings with a booth or by providing samples of your offerings. This hands-on approach will surely raise awareness.

Consider hosting or co-hosting an event that aligns with your business values and attracts your target audience. Regular participation in these communal activities demonstrates your commitment to the community and can significantly elevate your local presence. 

4. Support Other Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses is a cornerstone of thriving in Bozeman's tight-knit community. Make it a point to source supplies from local providers, collaborate on cross-promotions, and refer customers to neighboring shops when possible. This creates a supportive network.

Remember that the relationships you build with fellow entrepreneurs can be invaluable. Sharing experiences fosters comradery and leads to innovative ideas or strategies beneficial for all. Plus, local consumers tend to support businesses that demonstrate community solidarity.

5. Choose a Social Cause
Selecting a social cause to support is an effective way to show locals that your business cares about more than just profits. Identify issues close to the community's heart, such as environmental conservation or education, and integrate this into your business ethos. 

Being socially responsible can enhance your brand's image and establish deep-rooted connections with customers. By organizing fundraisers or participating in charity drives, you contribute to positive change and also underscore your commitment to Bozeman's well-being.

6. Optimize Social Media Engagement
In the digital age, social media serves as a powerful tool to connect with every community. Craft content that highlights local landmarks or events and tap into regional hashtags to increase visibility. Interaction is key, so engage with followers through responses and shares.

Developing a consistent posting schedule can keep your audience informed and interested in your business’s developments. Running social media campaigns or contests that encourage user participation boosts engagement and increases the potential for word-of-mouth promotion.

7. Host Workshops or Classes
Hosting workshops or classes is a brilliant strategy. Offer sessions that provide value, such as cooking classes for food-related businesses or tech tutorials for electronic startups. Such initiatives can position your business as a knowledgeable and approachable entity.

By regularly organizing educational events, you not only draw in potential customers but also create an environment for community learning and engagement. This involvement promotes customer loyalty and often leads to word-of-mouth referrals, which are priceless for startups.

In Conclusion… 

Now that you've armed yourself with these strategies, it's time to step out into Bozeman and put them into action. Remember, the success of your business is deeply rooted in community ties. 

By engaging authentically, supporting local initiatives, and being a force for good, you'll build more than a customer base—you'll be an integral part of what makes Bozeman special. So go ahead, get involved, and watch as your business blossoms with the support of the community around you. Your journey towards becoming a beloved local staple starts today!

BIG SKY, Mont. (December 28, 2023) - On the heels of opening the new Lone Peak Tram, Big Sky Resort continues to forge ahead on its 2025 Vision, today announcing the resort’s second eight-place and third state-of-the-art D-line chairlift replacing the existing Six Shooter lift.

The new eight-place lift will effectively double the uphill capacity while reducing ride time by 30%, offering guests swift and comfortable access to Big Sky Resort’s north side terrain from the Madison Base Area. This lift will also set a new record globally as the longest eight-place installation in the world. 

“Replacing Six Shooter has long been an ask of our guests. The lift replacement doubles the uphill capacity at one of our last remaining pinch points, and will enhance what is one of the resort’s coldest lift rides with bubbles and heated seats,” said Troy Nedved, Big Sky Resort’s general manager.

The new lift will be equipped with the comforts many guests are already accustomed to at Big Sky Resort: weatherproof Big Sky Blue bubbles, longer load intervals, ergonomically shaped, extra-wide heated seats, and a height-adjustable loading platform. This lift will also debut two additional guest enhancements: the resort’s first automatic lowering and locking safety bar system, and North America's first installation of the Fatzer Performa-DT rope which will deliver the smoothest and quietest lift ride possible. 

The new lift will follow a nearly identical alignment to the existing Six Shooter six-place lift and will include chair storage in the upper and lower terminals. Construction will begin in summer 2024, with a scheduled opening for the 24/25 winter season. 

“We’re excited to collaborate with Lone Mountain Land Company to accelerate the timing of this important lift replacement,” said Nedved.

“This new eight-place lift will greatly enhance the ski access to the full north side of the mountain from the Madison Base,” said Matt Kidd, president, Lone Mountain Land Company. “This new lift also connects our Moonlight Basin community and guests of One&Only Moonlight Basin, scheduled to open in winter 2025, with a greatly elevated lift experience, on par with the rest of Big Sky Resort’s modern lift system and expansive terrain.”

“Big Sky Resort is at the forefront of transforming the North American ski experience by adding the most advanced and comfortable lift system to our mountain. This lift replacement, our seventh in as many years, supports our long-standing reputation for having some of the shortest lift lines in the Rockies,” said Nedved.

MAIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED on Tuesday, January 2nd beginning at 7:30am until 1:00pm

for the take down of the intersection holiday decorations. Please have all cars off Main Street per signage and follow detours.

BOZEMAN – Sleeping less does more than just make us tired. It can undermine emotional functioning, decrease positive moods and put people at higher risk for anxiety symptoms, according to a study led by a Montana State University professor who synthesized more than 50 years of research on sleep deprivation and mood.

“In our largely sleep-deprived society, quantifying the effects of sleep loss on emotion is critical for promoting psychological health,” said Cara Palmer, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology in MSU’s College of Letters and Science and lead author of the paper published Dec. 21 in the journal Psychological Bulletin. “This study represents the most comprehensive synthesis of experimental sleep and emotion research to date and provides strong evidence that periods of extended wakefulness, shortened sleep duration and nighttime awakenings adversely influence human emotional functioning.”

Palmer and her colleagues analyzed data from 154 studies spanning five decades, with 5,715 total participants. In all those studies, researchers disrupted participants’ sleep for one or more nights. In some experiments, participants were kept awake for an extended period. In others, they were allowed a shorter-than-typical amount of sleep, and in others they were periodically awakened throughout the night. Each study also measured at least one emotion-related variable after the sleep manipulation, such as participants’ self-reported mood, their response to emotional stimuli and measures of depression and anxiety symptoms.

Overall, the researchers found that all three types of sleep loss resulted in fewer positive emotions like joy, happiness and contentment among participants, as well as increased anxiety symptoms such as a rapid heart rate and increased worrying.

“This occurred even after short periods of sleep loss, like staying up an hour or two later than usual or after losing just a few hours of sleep,” Palmer said. “We also found that sleep loss increased anxiety symptoms and blunted arousal in response to emotional stimuli.”

Findings for symptoms of depression were smaller and less consistent. The findings were also more mixed for negative emotions like sadness, worry and stress.

One limitation to the study is that the majority of participants were young adults – the average age was 23. Future research should include a more diverse age sample to better understand how sleep deprivation affects people at different ages, according to the researchers.

“Research has found that more than 30% of adults and up to 90% of teens don’t get enough sleep,” Palmer said. “We still don’t know how sleep loss may affect long-term emotional functioning, especially for children or teens, but they may be more vulnerable to the impact of unhealthy sleep since they are undergoing rapid brain development.”

She said the implications of this research for individual and public health are considerable.

“Industries and sectors prone to sleep less, such as first responders, pilots and truck drivers, should develop and adopt policies that prioritize sleep to mitigate against the risks to daytime function and well-being,” Palmer said.

Palmer is the director of MSU’s Sleep and Development Lab and co-director of the MSU Sleep Research Lab. Her research focuses on how sleep impacts the social and emotional development of children, teens and young adults in ways that increase risk or resilience for mental health difficulties.

“My lab is currently working on several studies that investigate the intersection of sleep and emotional experiences in children and teens to better understand how sleep impacts both short-term and long-term emotional health,” Palmer said.

Yves Idzerda, dean of the College of Letters and Science, said Palmer is a renowned scientist whose research goes beyond identifying sources of sleep struggles but also looks at the consequences of poor sleep. He noted that her potential was recognized by the World Sleep Society in 2019, when she received its Early Investigator Award, and that the impact of her work was recognized by the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2020, when a study she authored was numbered among the journal’s Distinguished Dozen most-cited articles.

HELENA – Kick off the New Year right with a First Day Hike at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana State Parks will host First Day Hikes at Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers, West Shore and Lone Pine units), Somers Beach State Park, Missouri Headwaters State Park, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Lake Elmo State Park and Makoshika State Park. These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly.

Flathead Lake State Park (Big Arm, Wayfarers and West Shore Units)

Every time you hike, snowshoe, fat-tire bike, sled or cross-country ski a trail at one of these parks, log your miles at the trailhead to help lead your park to victory. At the end of the month, the participants with the most miles from each park will receive a prize. The competition will kick off on Jan. 1 and conclude on Jan. 3.

To earn points, participants must take a photograph of their activities and submit them via email to wayfarers@mt.gov. Please visit stateparks.mt.gov for a full list of points and activities.

Lone Pine State Park

Lone Pine State Park is located 5 miles southwest of Kalispell and offers some of the most vivid views of the valley, 7.5 miles of trails, and a beautiful interpretive center that provides information on living in a wildlife urban interface. While out on the trails in January, a hiker may come across several different mammal tracks or birds that are toughing out the Montana winter.

Somers Beach State Park

The guided hike starts at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at the Somers Beach State Park trailhead. This hike will last roughly 1.5 hours and will be about 1 mile. The hike is limited to 20 participants. For more information and to register, call 406-751-5423. 

Council Grove State Park

Hikers can meet at 11249 Mullan Road for a 3-mile round trip hike of Council Gove State Park. The hike will start at about 11 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. While the hike is on level terrain, hikers should be be prepared to cross a channel of the Clark Fork (roughly ankle deep water). All ages are welcome. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. For more information, call the park at 406-210-4335.

Missouri Headwaters State Park

This 1- to 2-mile hike will start at about 11 a.m. from the main picnic grounds by the Gallatin River. A park ranger will lead participants on a tour of Fort Rock. There will be great views of the rivers and the mountains surrounding the Gallatin Valley. Hot chocolate and toasted bagels will be provided by a warming fire. Minimum age is 5 years old. No dogs, please. For more information, call the park at 406-285-3610.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will be open from noon to  4 p.m. on New Year’s Day for people to enjoy the park’s 3-mile trail. A ranger will lead a guided hike from the visitor center for those who want to learn about the history of the park. For more information, please call 406-866-2217.

Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Visit Spring Meadow State Park for a short, easy hike of just under a mile. The hike will start at 10 a.m. from the Meadowlark group use pavilion. The group will discuss the history, flora and fauna and interesting facts about Spring Meadow. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided after the event. No dogs, please. For more information, call the park at 406-495-3270.

Lake Elmo State Park

This 1.4-mile hike will start at about 1 p.m. from the FWP Region 5 Headquarters (2300 Lake Elmo Drive). Enjoy the urban winter wonderland.  All ages are welcome. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. For more information, call the park at 406-422-2277.

Makoshika State Park

This 1-mile hike on the Bluebird Trail will introduce participants to the badlands topography in this beautiful park. Hike begins at 11 a.m. After the hike, free food, refreshments and drinks will be provided at the visitor center by the Friends of Makoshika. No dogs, please. For more information, call 406-377-6256.

First Day Hike participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media using #FirstDayHikes. Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle and ice cleats or snowshoes if the trail conditions are snowy or icy. For more information on these or other Montana state parks, visit stateparks.mt.gov. Out-of-state vehicles are subject to an $8 entrance fee.

First Day Hikes is an annual, nationwide event co-sponsored by America's State Parks, which originated more than 26 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation at a state park in Milton, Mass. All 50 states will be participating in the 10th annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with guided outdoor exploration.

BOZEMAN, Montana (Dec. 27, 2023) — Bozeman’s many animal owners now have an easier way to keep their pets healthy and safe. The City of Bozeman recently overhauled the pet licensing program to increase efficiency and access by launching an online way to register animals.

“Our new pet licensing software makes it much easier for owners to stay in compliance with the law and to keep their licenses up to date,” Laurae Clark, City Treasurer explained. “There are also tons of benefits to licensing, from keeping animals safe and healthy to managing stray populations to supporting dog waste bags in parks.”

Bozeman Municipal Code requires pet owners residing in the city to register any dog or cat over six months old annually. Until recently, all licensing renewals were done manually at City Hall, and payments could only be taken in person or by mail. The new software allows residents to apply for and renew their pet licenses online.

Through this process, the Finance Department also analyzed the pet licensing fees, which have not been evaluated or changed for more than 30 years. Staff identified a need to increase fees to support the new software and staffing costs. City Commission approved the proposed increases on Dec. 12.

There are several benefits associated with licensing. First, it promotes health and safety, as proof of vaccination is required which helps prevent rabies from spreading to both pets and humans. Pets also have a better chance of returning home if lost as the license has contact information associated with it. Additionally, spaying and neutering are encouraged through the program, which helps keep stray dog/cat populations low.

The program also funds pet services in the community, including funding for local shelters and animal control and dog waste bags in parks and public areas.

More information on pet licensing, including how to register, can be found at www.bozeman.net/animals.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is soliciting public comment on several items that will be before the Fish and Wildlife Commission at its meeting Feb. 16.

The following items are open for public comment through Jan. 23.

• A proposal to remove lake trout from Swan Lake.

• Grant funding for the Future Fisheries Improvement Program winter cycle

• Black bear regulations for the 2024 season

• Upland game bird regulations for the 2024 season

• Proposal to translocate some sage grouse to Alberta

• Final adoption of administrative rule changes for the Block Management Program

• Final adoption of administrative rule changes for the Elk Hunting Access agreements

Information on all these items can be found on the commission web page. People who would like to comment can also do so on this page.

Once public comment is received, individual commissioners may offer amendments to the FWP proposals. These amendments will be posted online and open for public comment. The commission will consider the amendments at the February meeting.

The bold landscape of remote work delivers a world where rush-hour traffic jams and towering office rents are relics of the past. 

For business owners, this isn't just a fleeting trend. It's a transformative shift offering businesses an alchemist's touch, turning fixed overheads into golden opportunities for savings. 

In our pocket-sized guide, we'll navigate through the compelling ways your business can save a fortune by embracing the remote work revolution.

Reduction in Office Expenditure

Embracing remote work can drastically deflate your company's office expenditure balloon, leading to a pleasantly plump bottom line. 

Without the need to station every employee at a physical desk, you can downsize to a cozier, more cost-effective space—or eliminate the need for an office altogether. The monthly cascade of rent checks becomes a trickle or dries up entirely.

You’re also looking at reduced insurance premiums and escaping the constant carousel of maintenance demands that come with owning or leasing workplace real estate. Not just that; utilities take a dive as well, since emptied offices sip on energy like delicate teacups instead of guzzling it by gallons. 

Cutting Commuting Costs Completely

With remote work in the driver's seat, businesses can wave goodbye to commuting costs. Employees snatched from the jaws of rush hour find more hours in their day—a treasured reclaim for both productivity and personal time. The savings on fuel, public transport passes, and car maintenance can stack up quicker than morning coffee runs.

In cases where relocation is a savvy business move, helping employees to new pastures using resources like this guide by ARC Relocation ensures a smooth transition tailored to their unique needs. Assisting with relocation not only helps personnel nestle into strategic locations but also displays company commitment, fostering loyalty and satisfaction that keeps teams solid while distances may grow. 

Trimmed Technology Expenses

When the world is your office, you can snip the threads of heavy tech investments, which often come at a high cost. 

Trimmed technology expenses are a hallmark of remote work's economic charm. No need for labyrinthine arrays of high-end computers—the personal laptops and smartphones team members already own become their primary tools, serving double duty with seamless efficiency.

In this shift, businesses pivot from pouring funds into pricey hardware to optimizing cloud solutions and virtual services that exude cost-effectiveness. Investments in software transition from broad licenses to more individualized subscriptions based on actual use—a lean approach minimizing digital waste. 

Broadened Talent Pool Access

Stepping into the arena of remote work is akin to unlocking a door to a vast world brimming with untapped potential. 

Gone are the days when geographic hurdles hemmed in your hiring hunt; now, businesses can cast their net far and wide across seas and time zones, securing the crème de la crème of global talent. 

This boundless access widens your viewfinder beyond local candidates to an international tableau, rich with diverse perspectives and specialized skills that might have been beyond reach in yesterday's office-bound paradigm. It's not just about having more fish in the sea; it’s about catching exotic fish that can navigate the waters of global markets and digital innovation. 

Reduced Turnover Expenditure

Lastly, stabilizing your workforce in the fickle seas of recruitment can be another anchor when forging the path to remote work. 

The offering of remote positions is more than a perk—it signals to employees that their life-work balance is respected, which can transform into higher job satisfaction and commitment. These contented employees are less likely to jump ship in search of greener pastures, reducing the churn that creates ripples across a company's coffers.

Reduced turnover expenditure is a quiet but potent benefit; it curtails the need for frequent rehiring processes, onboarding, and training—each an investment of time and resources. With remote work’s attraction and retention power, businesses conserve financial resources and maintain continuous knowledge and experience within their ranks—a wealth beyond measure.