Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 3 Citizens’ Advisory Committee will meet in Bozeman on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the FWP Regional Office (1400 S. 19th Ave.) from 6–8 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.


The CAC generally meets on a quarterly basis to provide input and guidance on the many natural resource and management issues addressed by FWP in southwest Montana.

This meeting will serve to inform CAC members of upcoming legislative proposals related to fish and wildlife. FWP has invited local legislators to attend the meeting to share their proposals with staff and CAC members as well. The meeting will run in an open house manner.

For more information about the Region 3 Citizens’ Advisory Committee, visit the FWP Web site at http://fwp.mt.gov/regions/r3/cac/.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks ensures its meetings are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. To request special accommodations relative to a disability for this meeting, contact Andrea Jones at 406-994-6931 or anjones@mt.gov.

Guardian Spirit, Inc. a Billings Montana 501c3 is working with the Autism Society of America to create a virtual community center within the Second Life game world.

The purpose of this virtual community center is to have a space to meet, have support groups, social events and display the talent of autistic artists worldwide.

Our goal is to have weekly social events as a community building tool. We also have space available for peer run support groups for both parents and teens/adults on the spectrum. We also have a volunteer team that will be available to help you find resources and support in your local area.

There is no fee to use Second Life and no fee to take advantage of the services and events at our Virtual Community Center.

To sign up for a free Second Life account: www.secondlife.com

To download an easier to use viewer for SL: http://www.firestormviewer.org/

To visit the Virtual Community Center once you are in world: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Scotland%20Loch%20Brother/81/197/31

To learn more about Guardian Spirit, Inc. : www.guardianspirit.info

To contact me directly:

Marcus Morris
marcus.morris@guardianspirit.info
www.guardianspirit.info
(406) 698 -1679
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-morris-29ba4943?trk=hp-identity-name
Twitter: @marcmorr6

The City of Bozeman, Montana, is proud to announce the launch of OpenCounter: Zoning, a web-based tool available at  https://bozeman.zoningcheck.com, that is designed to help business owners and citizens research and explore the uses allowed by the City’s zoning ordinance and where businesses may be conducted. The tool is a joint project of the departments of Economic Development and Community Development.

The new site provides each applicant with a customized map of where their planned project is allowed inside Bozeman city limits, and helps to educate citizens, investors and entrepreneurs as to where uses are allowed, where they require commission review and where they aren’t allowed. The data now provided by this tool was previously only available by manually cross-referencing the City’s zoning map with the text of the zoning ordinance, which is housed in the City’s municipal code.  

This tool, like all those built by the San Francisco-based firm, OpenCounter, attempts to make complex municipal regulations and processes easier to understand for everyday citizens. By moving some zoning inquiries online, the City is hoping to be able to provide reliable, targeted feedback to the community 24/7. The new zoning tool also gives City staff a new level of insight into economic development trends in their community.

“We're aiming to increase communication, and eliminate confusion on both sides of the counter,” said Brit Fontenot, Director of Economic Development. “City staff will have access to a suite of administrative tools to analyze proposed land uses while citizens are given a high level of service that reduces their discovery process from weeks down to a few minutes and put them in touch with subject matter experts for targeted follow-up. It also allows our planning staff to see what people are searching for, and give us real metrics about what kinds of business opportunities people are interested in.”

Preserving the World’s First National Park
Official Nonprofit Partners Unveil the Combined Organization as ‘Yellowstone Forever’

November 16, 2016 – Bozeman, MT – In order to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park for all time, the park’s official fundraising partner (Yellowstone Park Foundation) and education partner (Yellowstone Association) today announced the completion of a merger and official unveiling of the new organization as Yellowstone Forever (Yellowstone.org).

The new unified education and fundraising partner for Yellowstone will harness the outstanding history of educational programs, products and services of the Yellowstone Association along with the legacy of critical fundraising support from the Yellowstone Park Foundation. In supporting numerous efforts to address the increasing demands of a changing ecosystem at the park, Yellowstone Forever promises to be a powerful force in conserving one of America’s most cherished national treasures.

Yellowstone Forever’s combined operations now include:
    •    11 educational Park Stores with gross sales of over $4.9 million; proceeds directly benefit Yellowstone
    •    The Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers more than 600 in-depth programs each year
    •    A supporter program of over 50,000 Yellowstone enthusiasts raising funds to support critical park priority projects

“Yellowstone Forever is dedicated to conserving this crown jewel of our national park system,” said Heather White, President and CEO of Yellowstone Forever, who will oversee the newly created entity. “We will connect even more people to Yellowstone National Park through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs. Our work will spark a new era of stewardship and philanthropy to support the growing needs of the world’s first national park and to ensure that Yellowstone lasts for years to come.

 “Yellowstone Forever will take the best of philanthropy and the best of education to provide an unforgettable experience for all of those who care about the park,” said Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk. “We are excited to work together to support the highest priorities for Yellowstone, and to conserve its nature and wildlife forever.”

To celebrate the newly merged organization, Yellowstone Forever will hold a special event on Friday, November 18 at 6:00 PM (MST) at the REI (2220 Tschache Lane) in Bozeman. As part of the organization’s deep commitment to connecting young people to Yellowstone and fostering future stewards for the park, it donated its “Yellowstone Forever” book collection to the Bozeman Public Library to celebrate the institution’s 10th Anniversary. At the REI event, the organization will also announce its donation of award-winning photographer Tom Murphy and scientist Bruce Fouke’s latest book The Art of Science: Mammoth Hot Springs as a Window on the Universe to all public libraries within 100 miles of Yellowstone National Park. This gift will be dedicated to the next generation of Yellowstone explorers and scientists, and Yellowstone Forever is pleased to partner with Tom Murphy, Professor Bruce Fouke, and NASA to make this possible. 

About Yellowstone Forever
Yellowstone Forever—formerly the Yellowstone Association and the Yellowstone Park Foundation—is the official 501 (c)(3) nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Forever connects people to Yellowstone National Park through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs, and translates those experiences into lifelong support and philanthropic investment to conserve and enhance the park for the future. Visit Yellowstone.org to learn more.

Bridger Ski Foundation to offer numerous winter programs for young skiers

Registration deadlines are approaching for Bridger Ski Foundation’s Youth Ski Leagues (YSL), for both Nordic and Alpine/Freestyle skiing. If you have a young child looking to build ski skills and enjoy the snow, there are several YSL options for the 2017 winter season.

Bridger Ski Foundation’s coaches are certified by the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association and are committed to teaching the fundamentals as well as the joys of skiing.

Nordic YSL: (ages 5-12) offers beginners instruction in cross-country skiing. Offered Tuesday, Thursday and/or Saturday for eight weeks starting January 10. No ski experience necessary. Location: Lindley Park (Tues/Thurs) and Bohart Ranch (Saturdays). Choose from 1-2 days per week. Early-bird registration deadline is December 1; final deadline is December 19.

Alpine & Freestyle YSL: (ages 6-12) a program for intermediate level skiers who would like to gain the fundamentals that apply to both ski racing and freestyle/freeskiing in a fun, no-pressure environment. Eight-week session starts January 7 at Bridger Bowl. A two-day holiday camp is also available December 29-30. Skiers should be able to ski from mid-mountain down at Bridger Bowl. Main registration deadline is December 9.  

The Alpine & Freestyle program will host a parent info meeting on December 6, at 6:00 p.m., in the Bozeman Public Library’s large meeting room.

More info: www.bridgerskifoundation.org/ysl

Bridger Ski Foundation is a nonprofit ski club offering educational and competitive programs in Nordic, Freestyle, Freeskiing, and Alpine skiing. They also groom an incredible network of Community Nordic Trails in Bozeman. In addition to the Youth Ski League programs, there are many options for intermediate and advanced skiers of all ages. www.bridgerskifoundation.org

Thanks to the over 1,100 voters in our 2nd annual Bozeman's Choice Reader Poll!

The results from this poll will be published in the January issue of Bozeman Magazine and online on Jan 1, 2017.

Montana’s Fastest Growing Tech Company Earns Spot on "National Dream Job List"
 
(Bozeman, MT) – The fastest growing tech firm in Montana, learning management system (LMS) provider Wisetail, has earned yet another national recognition as #32 on OUTSIDE's 100 Best Places to Work 2016. As part of the assessment, Outside Magazine helps its readers identify dream jobs around the country. Each year, OUTSIDE recognizes the top 100 companies in the United States that help their employees strike the ideal balance between work and play. These companies encourage employees to lead an active lifestyle, are eco-conscious, and prioritize giving back to the community.

 
In addition to weaving adventure into the company’s manifesto, Wisetail sets aside a $1,000 stipend every quarter to help team members fund, “adventures, unique professional development opportunities, and vision quests.”

Wisetail is also known for its dedication to local trail projects and giving back to the community through the company’s charitable giving arm, Wisetail Works. Earlier this year, Wisetail was named one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc.com and one of the 50 Best Small Businesses in America by Fortune Magazine.

“Honestly, this is the only business recognition I’ve ever wanted because it represents the intersection of business performance, being a great place to work and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This recognition validates our commitment to adventure often and enjoy Montana’s wide open spaces so we can be a healthier, more inspired and a higher performing team,” said Wisetail CEO, Justin Bigart. “Because we are an #INDIETECH company, we are free from the strings attached to venture capital and free to prioritize our core cultural values.”

 
“This year’s list of Best Places to Work highlights employers who go above and beyond for their staff,” said OUTSIDE Online Editor Scott Rosenfield. “Included are organizations that emphasize a healthy work-life balance and promote, encourage and reward employees to live active and healthier lives.”

From day one, Wisetail has both culturally supported and actively encouraged employees to lead an active balanced lifestyle. The Best Places to Work list represents the gold standard: companies who cultivate a comfortable and collaborative workplace, enable their employees to enjoy the great outdoors and take pride in their roles in the community and the environment.

To create the best places to work 2016 list, OUTSIDE started by comparing employers to five core categories, reflecting the magazine’s values and focus: Adventure/Travel, Wellness, Culture, Gear, and Media. OUTSIDE then conducted a rigorous vetting process in partnership with the Best Companies Group to assess the policies, practices, and demographics of hundreds of companies.

 
Powered by employee workplace reviews and taking into account factors like corporate culture, job satisfaction, work environment and overall employee engagement, the Best Places to Work list represents only the top companies that are not only empowering but also encouraging their employees to live better, healthier and more active lives.

About Wisetail
Located at the base of one of Montana’s best trail systems, Wisetail’s #INDIETECH business model has successfully bucked the Silicon Valley tech startup trend by growing to serve more than 1 million users without a dime of outside financing. Wisetail is an award-winning learning management system (LMS) company hand-built from scratch in 2009 in Bozeman, Montana. Wisetail has grown 100% per year becoming both a rising star and a disruptive force in the fields of eLearning and employee engagement by delivering world class learning management and unequaled customer support. An elite group of discerning clients are choosing Wisetail’s unique platform to build their brand, culture and community in the same place their organization learns, grows and communicates. The company powers great places to work.

 
About OUTSIDE:
OUTSIDE is America’s leading active lifestyle brand. Since 1977, OUTSIDE has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. The OUTSIDE family includes OUTSIDE magazine, the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence, The Outside Buyer’s Guides, Outside Online, the Outside Podcast, Outside Television, Outside Events, Outside+ for the iPad, Outside tablet edition, Outside Books, and Outside GO, a revolutionary, 21st-century adventure-travel company.

 Montana State University Extension has published a new MontGuide which details how to transfer a Montana vehicle title after the death of an owner.
 
"After a Montana resident passes away, there are many tasks to be completed to settle his or her estate,” said Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist and co-author of the MontGuide "Transferring a Montana Vehicle Title After the Death of an Owner." “One question family members often ask is, ‘How is the title of a vehicle transferred to the person who inherited it?’"

 
The newly released MontGuide explains the four steps survivors should follow to transfer the title of a deceased person’s vehicle to the person who inherited it.
 
According to the MontGuide, family members first need to determine if the vehicle owned by the deceased person is one that requires a title with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
 
"There are very few vehicles that are not (required to be) titled in Montana," said Nancy Hargrove, co-author of the MontGuide and customer support liaison for the Montana MVD. The guide, however, gives detailed information about how to find this information.   
   
The second step, as listed in the guide, is to find the original title to determine how the vehicle was titled. Was it issued only in the deceased’s name (sole ownership) or were there other owners (joint ownership)?  Was it registered in the name of a trust?  If the vehicle was used in a business, was it registered in the name of the business?

 
The third step is to determine the legal heir(s) of the vehicle, according to the guide.
 
"If the deceased person owned the vehicle with another individual, his or her ownership automatically ceases upon death and the survivor becomes the sole owner," said Kendra Seilstad, co-author of the guide and MSU Extension family and consumer science agent in Blaine County.
 
After the legal heir(s) of the vehicle is determined, the final step is to complete the appropriate paperwork with the Title and Registration Bureau of the MVD, noted Goetting.
 
According to the MontGuide, the MVD requires specific paperwork, which depends upon how the vehicle was titled and the dollar value of the estate, to transfer title from a deceased owner to a legal heir(s).
 
"The MontGuide provides processes for common circumstances occurring in Montana," Goetting said.
 
A copy of “Transferring a Montana Vehicle Title After the death of an Owner” can be obtained at no charge from local county Extension agents or it can be printed for free from the web at http://store.msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/mt201613HR.pdf.
 
For more information about MSU Extension, see http://www.msuextension.org.