Alicia Kelso, a certified nurse-midwife with the Bozeman Health Women’s Specialists Clinic examines Jessica Herrin Friday, Feb. 23. Montana State University's Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing has been authorized to start a Doctor of Nursing Practice program to train certified nurse-midwives. MSU photo by Kelly Gorham

BOZEMAN — The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing at Montana State University has taken another step toward improving health care for state residents, particularly those living in rural, frontier or Native communities.

The nursing college has been authorized by the national Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education to start a nurse-midwifery track in its existing Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The preaccreditation allows MSU to enroll students in the first nurse-midwifery program rooted in Montana.

Nurse-midwives are trained to give prenatal and post-partum care as well as attend births. They are also able to provide primary care to women from adolescence on. The new program will provide many more Montanans – especially rural residents – better access to women’s health care, according to Sarah Shannon, dean of MSU’s nursing college.

“Montana is a great place to raise a family,” Shannon said. “We want to help make it a great place to start a family.”

MSU is planning to admit about eight students to the inaugural class, which begins in August. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and be Montana residents. Applications for the nurse-midwifery track in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program will be accepted immediately.

Upon the graduation of the inaugural class, the nursing college will be eligible to apply to the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education for full accreditation, which is good for five years.

Getting the nurse-midwifery program off the ground has been a yearslong process made possible after Mark and Robyn Jones presented the nursing college with a $101 million philanthropic investment in 2021.

While most of that money will go toward constructing new buildings on the nursing college’s five campuses in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell and Missoula, $3 million was earmarked to launch the nurse-midwifery program.

St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings donated another $3 million to endow the program and support key operating costs once it launches. Specifically, the travel costs that students, particularly the most rural, will incur to gain necessary clinical experiences will be covered through this endowment.   

"St. Vincent Regional Hospital has a 125-year history of caring for women and babies, establishing a rich legacy that fuels our dedication to fostering a healthier community for years to come. By collaborating with MSU to establish this vital certified nurse-midwifery DNP program for Montana, we aim not only to enhance the well-being of our communities but also to address a pressing shortage of healthcare professionals," said Melissa Filter, chief nursing officer at St. Vincent Regional Hospital. "We take pride in supporting this significant initiative, contributing to the development and funding of this new academic program at MSU, which will train and empower future generations of certified nurse-midwives. We look forward to the graduates of this program profoundly impacting the health of women and children across our region."

Both in mission and delivery, the nurse-midwifery program will follow the lead of the college’s two other Doctor of Nursing Practice program tracks, which educate nurse practitioners in family health and psychiatric mental health.

The nurse-midwifery program will use distance learning to allow students to complete their coursework from home, so they will not be required to move from their communities or uproot their families. The college will also assist students in finding preceptors — experienced professionals whom students train under — for their clinical studies, where they will gain hands-on experience while working in a professional setting. Furthermore, because of the funding from St. Vincent Regional Hospital, the nursing college will compensate students for the travel expenses that will be necessary to complete required clinical experiences.

There are roughly four dozen nurse-midwives practicing in Montana, with the majority working in larger communities, according to nursing officials. As MSU graduates more midwives, the available pool of preceptors will grow, allowing the nursing college to expand its nurse-midwifery program. MSU’s nursing college is recruiting prospective students from rural, frontier and Native communities for the nurse-midwifery program.

Nurse-midwifery students will be required to attend a certain number of births and pre- and post-natal visits before they can graduate and be eligible to take the national certification exam, according to Susan Raph, associate dean for academic affairs at MSU’s nursing college.

“We want to make sure our students get the experiences they need to provide quality women’s and maternal care,” Raph said.

Increasing the number of nurse-midwives working in the state will expand access to care for many rural Montanans, some who need to drive over 3 hours one-way to give birth or receive prenatal care.

“Women who have to travel long distances for prenatal care tend to delay going to providers early in their pregnancy,” Raph said. “Late prenatal care is associated with higher risks and poorer health outcomes. Educating more nurse-midwives for women in our rural settings will increase early access to prenatal care and help to reduce Montana’s poor maternal health outcomes.”

Montana currently ranks among the worst in maternal mortality and post-partum suicide, according to state reports. Infant mortality rates and preterm births are also higher than the national average, according to the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

“Nurse-midwives are the key to improving these very concerning health outcomes,” said Mariah Hill, midwifery program lead.

Hill said that, along with providing prenatal and post-partum care, midwives will be trained to identify risk factors and collaborate with the wider health care team, which can minimize birth complications for mothers and babies.

“I think it would be so exciting and meaningful to be in one of the first graduating classes of Montana-educated nurse-midwives,” Hill said. “We are on a mission to change maternal health outcomes in Montana.”

BOZEMAN — On Tuesday, March 5, Bozeman City Commission will be provided an opportunity to approve a severance agreement with City Manager Jeff Mihelich. The severance agreement up for consideration includes eight months of salary and eight months of retirement calculated at 18% of the monthly salary.

“The cost associated with any severance has been a major factor in the commission’s consideration of this topic. We are weighing the severance terms against the costs, the burden on city staff, and the overall distraction associated with what likely would have been a protracted, contentious and resource-consuming process,” Mayor Terry Cunningham explained. “This incident has hurt our community, and this may be an opportunity for the City and our community to move on and focus on other important work.”

As part of the City Manager’s employment contract, termination results in a payout of twelve months of salary plus twelve months of retirement calculated at 18% of the monthly salary. The proposed settlement agreement reduces the severance to eight months. If the Commission proceeds with the severance agreement, Mihelich’s last day will be March 5, the reduced severance will be paid, and the Commission will not file an ethics complaint.

Residents can attend the Commission meeting where this topic will be discussed in person at 6 p.m. at City Hall (121 N Rouse Ave) or virtually at https://www.bozeman.net/departments/city-commission/meeting-videos.

The Commission continues to review and consider public comment from those who want to voice their thoughts on this issue. To submit a public comment, email agenda@bozeman.net.

On February 28, 2024, at 9:43 am, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call from a snowmobiler who was recreating with a group of friends when a member of the group crashed their snowmobile in the creek and sustained serious injuries. The caller indicated the injured snowmobiler was in severe pain and on a snowmobile that was still in the creek near Two Top Loop, 4.2 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, West Yellowstone Police Department, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the request for aid.  Due to the patient being in the creek and reporting severe injuries, it was determined the best and most efficient way for responders to assist would be through via use of snowmobiles and a specialized snowmobile towed “snowbulance.”  Members from GCSSAR extracted the patient from the creek and packaged them for transport from the location by snowbulance to a staged Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District ambulance. The patient was later handed off during transit to Air Idaho for transport to Eastern Idaho Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the original reporting party for providing emergency responders critical information that allowed the proper resources to be dispatched to ensure a hasty and efficient response from rescue teams. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind backcountry enthusiasts to always have the means to communicate with emergency services, and to always pack enough supplies and clothing in case of unforeseen emergencies in the backcountry.

If you step into any bar, lodge, barn, residence, or workplace in Montana, you will probably encounter at least one animal or antler mount gracing the wall.

For most Montana hunters, these serve as more than mere trophies or proof of bragging.

It is about Montana's hunting heritage and the experiences that people share among themselves.

That’s why Montana has a rich and continuously evolving history of hunting, deeply rooted in cultural identity and social bonds.

In this article, we will highlight the traditions of hunting in Montana, celebrate the skills and knowledge passed through generations, and delve into the profound connection between this heritage and the contemporary outdoorsman.

A Brief Look at the History of Hunting in Montana
The history of hunting in Montana is deeply intertwined with the state's indigenous peoples, the arrival of European settlers, and the subsequent development of wildlife conservation and management practices. Here, we provide you with a quick history overview:

Pre-European Era
Before the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans (the Salish, Kootenai, Blackfeet, and Assiniboine) had long-established hunting traditions. Bison, elk, deer, and other game animals were crucial for their survival, providing food, clothing, and materials for tools.

Natives hunted with bows and arrows and used buffalo jumps for slaughter 300 to 1,500 years ago.

By the 1700s, horses and guns became part of Native life, though bows and arrows continued to be important weapons in Indian hunting.

European Settlement
With the westward expansion of European settlers in the 19th century, the demand for furs and hides led to a significant impact on wildlife populations.

In this period, they were widely used guns, muskets, and typical rifles used in buffalo hunting.

Overhunting, habitat loss, and disease brought by settlers had detrimental effects on large mammal populations, particularly bison and elk.

Market Hunting Era
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, market hunting became prevalent in Montana.

This practice involved the mass hunting of game for profit, leading to a decline in many species.

Advances in weapon technology included the advent of self-contained metallic cartridges, which allowed for repeating and easy loading, smokeless powder, and with it, bullets that traveled faster.

In the middle of the 20th century, semi-automatic rifles became increasingly available.

Early Conservation Efforts
Concerns over the depletion of wildlife resources prompted the establishment of early conservation measures. In 1901, Montana enacted its first hunting regulations, establishing hunting seasons and bag limits.

The establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, primarily in Wyoming but extending into Montana, played a role in early conservation efforts by providing a protected space for wildlife.

The Creation of Montana Fish and Game Commission
In 1921, the Montana State Legislature created the Montana Fish and Game Commission, later renamed the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). This organization was tasked with managing and conserving the state's fish and wildlife resources, including overseeing hunting regulations.

The Evolution of Conservation
The widespread destruction of wildlife in Montana prompted concerns about conservation and the need for regulations.

That’s why, throughout the 20th century, Montana started to refine and improve its conservation and hunting management practices.

The establishment of wildlife refuges, the implementation of scientific game management principles, and efforts to restore and protect habitats contributed to the recovery of many wildlife species.

Modern Hunting Culture
Today, Montana has a thriving hunting culture deeply rooted in the state's history. The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) continues to play a crucial role in regulating hunting, ensuring sustainable practices, and promoting conservation.
Hunting remains a significant recreational and cultural activity for many residents, fostering a connection to the outdoors and a commitment to ethical and responsible hunting practices.

Modern Hunting Weapon
In modern Montana hunting culture, hunters use a variety of weapons depending on the type of game. Here are some of the commonly used weapons in Montana:

• Rifles: Hunters often select rifles chambered for cartridges suitable for the size and range of the game they are pursuing, such as elk or deer. Bolt-action rifles are commonly favored for their accuracy, reliability, and versatility.

• Shotguns: Shotguns are frequently used for hunting upland birds, waterfowl, and small game in Montana. Hunters may use different types of shotgun loads, such as birdshot or buckshot, depending on the target species.

• Muzzleloaders: Some hunters in Montana prefer the challenge and tradition of using muzzleloading rifles for big game hunting. Muzzleloaders are loaded from the muzzle with black powder and reloading bullets, and they provide a unique and historical aspect to the hunting experience.

• Archery Equipment: Bowhunting has gained popularity in Montana, particularly for pursuing elk, deer, and other game. Compound bows, traditional bows, and crossbows are all used, and archery seasons provide hunters with additional opportunities to engage with the outdoors.

• Black Powder Firearms: In addition to muzzleloaders, some hunters use modern black powder firearms that are designed to replicate historical firearms. These are often used during specific black powder seasons.

• Long-Range Rifles: With advancements in technology and optics, some hunters in Montana opt for long-range rifles equipped with precision scopes. This allows for accurate shooting at extended distances, though ethical hunting practices and adherence to regulations are essential.

Montana's Hunting Traditions
Montana's hunting traditions are diverse and deeply ingrained in the culture of the state.

While specific traditions can vary among individuals and communities, several common elements characterize Montana's hunting customs.

Opening Day Hunting Rituals
Opening Day Rituals for hunting in Montana is a time-honored tradition that signifies the beginning of the hunting season and brings together friends, families, and fellow hunters in anticipation of the adventure ahead.

This day usually begins with early-morning gatherings. Hunters come together before dawn at a hunting camp, lodge, or a friend's house to share a hearty breakfast, discuss plans for the day, and build excitement for the upcoming hunt.

Breakfast on Opening Day often includes traditional meals, such as bacon and eggs, pancakes, or other substantial fare.

Coffee is a big part of Opening Day rituals, and it's not just about caffeine. It's about the ritual of brewing a pot, sharing stories over mugs, and warming up before heading out into the crisp Montana morning.

After breakfast and coffee, there's a ritualistic aspect to checking gear. Hunters ensure their rifles are sighted in, ammunition is plentiful, and all necessary equipment is in order. This process may involve discussions about each hunter's choice of weapons, gear, and tactics.

Some hunting groups may engage in a moment of reflection, prayer, or a ritualistic blessing before heading into the field.

As the sun rises, hunters often set out together in groups, each heading to their chosen hunting spots. The shared departure is a symbolic and practical element of the Opening Day ritual, reinforcing the sense of community among hunters.

Family Hunting Traditions
Family hunting traditions are deeply rooted in the state's culture, passed down through generations, and characterized by a strong bond between family members and the outdoors.

Elders in the family often teach younger members about firearm safety, tracking, scouting, and ethical hunting practices. This transfer of skills between family members fosters a sense of continuity and strengthens family ties.

A significant moment in family hunting traditions is often a young person's first hunt. This event includes careful preparation, guidance from experienced family members, and the passing down of rituals associated with the hunt.

When the young people's first hunt is finished, the family prepares a celebration. This might include special meals featuring the harvested game, storytelling sessions, or ceremonies that reflect on the family's history of hunting.

Except for sharing knowledge, family hunting traditions in Montana often involve passing down hunting equipment from one generation to the next. This could include firearms, knives, binoculars, or even specific clothing with sentimental value. The passing down of equipment symbolizes the continuity of the hunting legacy in one family.

Stories and Lore
Stories and lore play a significant role in Montana's culture, especially in the context of hunting and the outdoors. These narratives contribute to the rich tapestry of the state's history and traditions, weaving together tales of adventure, wildlife encounters, and the challenges of life in the rugged landscapes.

Hunting Legends
If we start with the oldest stories and legends, Montana has a rich Native American history, and the indigenous peoples of the region have their lore and legends. These stories often feature animals as characters with symbolic meanings, conveying lessons about respect for nature, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the importance of living in harmony with the environment.

Montana's vast and sometimes isolated landscapes have given rise to various ghost stories and legends. Some of these tales involve encounters with mysterious creatures, unexplained phenomena, or the spirits of the wilderness, and are motivated by the mystique of Montana's wilderness areas.

The era of mountain men and fur trappers left an indelible mark on Montana's history. Stories of survival, exploration, and encounters with wildlife have become part of the lore associated with the early pioneers and trappers who ventured into the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.

Stories of Contemporary Outdoorsman
When we explore stories of contemporary outdoorsmen, they may include tales of memorable camping trips, wildlife encounters, and the shared experiences of being in the great outdoors.

These stories may also be about navigating through snowstorms, surviving extreme temperatures, or facing the challenges of the backcountry, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness required to live and thrive in this environment.

In Montana, stories and lore serve not only as entertainment but also as a way to pass down cultural values, wisdom, and a sense of connection to the land. Whether shared around a campfire, during a hunting trip, or in community gatherings, these narratives contribute to the collective identity of Montana's residents and the appreciation of the state's natural beauty.

Conclusion
Montana's hunting heritage, anchored in respect for nature and a commitment to sustainability, stands as a testament to the profound connection between humans and the wilderness.
Rich history, family traditions, the rituals of opening day, and the storytelling that accompanies each adventure contribute to a cultural mosaic that celebrates both the timeless spirit of the hunt and the evolving values of the modern outdoorsman.
As we conclude this journey, the Montana outdoorsman emerges not just as a participant in the hunt but as a steward of the land, a preserver of traditions, and a guardian of a heritage that extends beyond individual pursuits.
Through the seasons and changing landscapes, Montana's hunting heritage remains a living testament to the enduring spirit of exploration, connection, and boundless appreciation for the untamed beauty that defines the state's wilderness.

HELENA – Gov. Greg Gianforte unveiled the winner of the 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp art contest at the Capitol Rotunda in a small ceremony Monday. The winning work will be on display for a week at the Capitol and then at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ headquarters in Helena.

The winning artwork is by Florida artist John Nelson Harris. His painting of a northern pintail duck was selected from among more than 70 submissions from artists around the United States. Harris is the designer of more than a dozen conservation prints and stamps, including duck stamps for California, Oklahoma and Washington.

FWP launched the art contest this year to help raise additional awareness and appreciation for wetlands conservation and the benefits of intact wetlands to people and wildlife. Artists were invited to submit their work from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. The Wetlands Protection Advisory Council selected the winner in January.

 “Wetland restoration and conservation is a key part of the work we do at FWP,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “Intact wetlands benefit fish and wildlife, as well as landowners and communities.”

Wetlands are critical for many wildlife and aquatic species, as well providing critical ecosystem functions like flood control, groundwater recharge and water purification. FWP’s Migratory Bird Wetland Program helps landowners and other conservation partners develop and fund projects that protect, conserve, enhance or create high-quality wetland habitat.

The 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp will not be required to hunt migratory birds in Montana. But those who purchase a migratory bird license will receive a free collectable sticker showing the winning artwork, information about the Migratory Bird Wetland Program and information about how to make additional contributions.

For winning the 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp contest, Nelson receives a $2,000 prize paid for by contributions from the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Montana Audubon.

“We’re grateful for partners like these who step forward in support of conservation,” Temple said.

For more information of the contest and to view the submissions, click here.

BOZEMAN — In the last year, the City of Bozeman, the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) and Bozeman School District 7 have partnered to bring back to the community a Safe Routes to Schools style program. A recent report produced by the Western Transportation Institute shows that the community partners have worked together to increase programming for young people in the community despite challenges with acquiring funding and manpower. Community businesses and organizations like Bozeman Health, Owenhouse Bikes, and the Bike Kitchen have also joined the effort by providing support for bike rodeos and other special events.

“We’re glad to be at the table for these conversations. We have better programming and a better community when we work together on issues like this,” Nicholas Ross, City Transportation & Engineering Director explained. “Students are some of the most vulnerable road users. It’s paramount that we travel safely and teach them about safety too.”

The report shows that last year, City of Bozeman Parks & Recreation staff hosted 13 walking school bus events where students gathered at one spot and biked or walked to school with an adult. Two bike rodeos were held that provided free helmets to kids, helped children with riding skills, provided bike decorating and fun giveaways, and assisted with basic bicycle maintenance. At the high school level, students worked with WTI on a traffic-calming art installation at West Beall Street and North 15th Ave.

“Bicycle rodeos are a great way for children to learn how to confidently ride a bicycle, leading to a healthy lifestyle,” says Jen MacFarlane, a Research Associate from WTI.
Susan Atkinson, a Health Enhancement instructor for the School District, adds "The K-5 community bike rodeo provides a great opportunity for students to practice bike skills and for families to learn about community resources."

Despite past funding challenges, future funding may be possible. City of Bozeman staff have requested funding to sustain the program, and there may be the opportunity to create a more comprehensive program through the MPO and the funding that would be available to that organization.

Advocates within the Safe Routes to School program have reached out to surrounding communities as well, and events were held in Four Corners and Big Sky to further educate the community about safe biking and walking practices.

Those seeking more information on Safe Routes to School programs can reach out to Candace Mastel, TDM Coordinator, at (406) 582-2978.

BOZEMAN — Two grants from the Idaho National Laboratory are advancing the work of researchers at Montana State University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Gianforte School of Computing to make the country’s critical infrastructure safer from cyberattacks.  

“Cybersecurity impacts us all whether we know it or not,” said Todd Kaiser, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. “It protects our personal data, fiscal transactions, energy delivery and eventually all aspects of our life.”  

In January, INL awarded a $255,000, three-year grant to electrical and computer engineering professor Brock LaMeres and Clemente Izurieta, professor of computer science and co-director of the Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Lab, to fund a project called “Programmable Hardware Authenticity Self Evaluation.”  

Also in January, INL awarded $210,000 to Bradley Whitaker, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, for a project “Artificial Neural Network Enabled Decode of Gigabit Ethernet.”  

“This isn’t like protecting documents on a network in the cloud,” said LaMeres, who also directs MSU’s Montana Engineering Education Research Center. “We’re concerned with things like the electrical power grid, water treatment plants and hospital treatment networks.”   

Those areas are especially attractive targets to hackers, he said.   

“There are foreign adversaries that would like to cause chaos by potentially weakening our defense,” LaMeres said. “There are also domestic attackers who wish to make money off ransomware attacks and bad actors who simply want to see whether they can bring something down.”   

The malicious activities that concern LaMeres and Izurieta are called “side-channel attacks,” which attackers use to passively monitor a computer system’s power consumption. Sophisticated attackers can use that information to determine when the computer might be performing particular tasks, suggesting when the system is most vulnerable to attack. 

“What [Izurieta] and I are doing is trying to confuse the attacker by obfuscating the power signature of the computer,” LaMeres said.  

Previous countermeasures relied on software to forestall attackers, but that approach can create a signature decipherable by high-tech hackers.   

To eliminate these telltale signatures, the two scientists are building on technology LaMeres developed for computers used in space. In space, radiation can damage sensitive computer hardware such as microchips and processors. LaMeres and Izurieta use a related technology called a field programmable gate array that allows the computer to create random signals to help defend against would-be attackers.  

“Think of it as randomizing a sentence’s letters by scrambling them,” said Izurieta. “And only we – not the hackers – know how to unscramble that. So, an attacker won’t be able to do nefarious things with these computers. We can borrow from these scrambling technologies to create random signatures that hackers will not understand when performing side-channel attacks.” 

Whitaker’s research involves the other side of this equation: identifying and monitoring potentially malicious incoming instructions from bad actors.   

“My aim is to automatically detect and interpret how computers talk to each other,” Whitaker said. “From a security perspective, you can insert yourself into a communication pipeline without disturbing the incoming message in a way that neither the sender nor the receiver would know that the communication was intercepted. As some people say, the best cyber defense is a good cyber offense.”  

Two graduate students and two undergraduates work on these projects.  

Welcome fellow green thumbs of Bozeman! As the days grow longer and the snow gives way to sprouting flowers, one thing is for sure. Many homeowners start itching to dig in and revitalize our gardens.

Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or just starting to nurture your green finger, liaising with the right garden center can be instrumental in transforming your outdoor space.

Luckily for us, Bozeman is home to several top-notch nurseries that offer more than just adorable plants. They’re also treasure troves of expertise and inspiration. Join in as we explore five fantastic local gems you may need to bring your garden dreams to life this season.

1. Cashman Nursery and Landscaping

First up, Cashman Nursery and Landscaping stands tall as the oak of Bozeman’s garden centers. Bursting with plants that thrive in Montana climate, their knowledgeable staff is like your personal gardening encyclopedia.

From hardy perennials to ornamental trees, the garden center is home to literally all the flora you need to make your neighbors green with envy. And with over a century nurturing Bozeman's landscapes, this garden center's roots in the community are as deep and widespread as the mycelium beneath our feet.

2. The Garden Barn

Now, if you're cruising for a lush oasis, make your way to The Garden Barn. A local's favorite spot where variety meets quality – think of it like the candy store for plant lovers.

Their shelves are stocked with everything from vibrant annuals to rugged native plants and soil supplements that will have your garden blooming like a Montana meadow in July. Plus, their pots and planters? They're the cherry on top of this green haven.

3. Wagner Nursery & Landscape Company

Venture out to Wagner Nursery & Landscape Company and you'll feel like you've stepped into the pages of a gardening magazine. Their selection is vast, offering eye-catching choices for both newbie gardeners and botanical wizards alike.

Here, amid the rows of flowering beauties and robust shrubs, advice flows as freely as the Gallatin River during melt season—ensuring you leave with not just plants but also a fountain of gardening wisdom.

4. Oak Gardens Nursery

Over at Oak Gardens Nursery, you'll find that passion for plants is the seed of their service. This hidden gem is like a trusty companion in your gardening journey — cozy, welcoming, and brimming with horticultural gems.

Their staff will chat with you as if you're old friends sharing secret recipes, but instead of food, it's tips on the best heirloom tomatoes or drought-resistant foliage. It’s no nursery; it’s a sanctuary where every visit cultivates inspiration and connection.

5. Planet Natural Garden Center

Delve into the organic side of gardening with a trip to Planet Natural Garden Center. It's a haven for those who cultivate their gardens as nature intended—free from synthetic chemicals.

Here, alongside heirloom seeds and organic fertilizers, you'll find an eco-conscious community eager to share sustainable gardening practices. It's not just about growing plants; it's about nurturing ecosystem-friendly spaces that thrive season after season.

Staying Organized with Your Garden

As you set out to grow a garden that's the envy of your neighborhood, keeping organized is vital. It's like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle; every plant has its perfect place.

Invest in a good planner or gardening app to track what’s planted where and when it’s time to water or harvest. This structured approach will ensure your garden not only looks beautiful but also thrives systematically with the harmonious balance of nature.

It's time to grab those gardening gloves and head out! Armed with the support from these Bozeman garden centers, you're ready to cultivate a little patch of paradise. Get planting and let the blooms speak for themselves.

GREAT FALLS – Did you draw a Smith River Permit? Check the permit lottery results now on FWP’s website.  

Successful applicants will be also notified via email. Links within the email will allow permit holders to download and print their float permit, as well as access important and detailed information regarding their upcoming Smith River float.  

Permits are required to float the iconic 59-mile stretch of the Smith River, which is celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent trout fishing. 

The number of applications received this year was down slightly, with 12,452 applicants (14,518 in 2023). A total of 978 float permits were awarded for launch dates between April 1 and Aug. 15. Montana residents drew 867 float permits, while nonresidents drew 111. In years with average winter snowpack and spring-summer precipitation, the Smith River is typically floatable from mid-April to mid-July.   

For applicants who were unsuccessful in the regular permit drawing, Smith River Super Permit chances are available through March 22 for $5 each. One Super Permit winner will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing. Chances may be purchased online at FWP’s website. The Super Permit drawing will be held on March 26.  

Floaters may also call the Smith River reservation and information line at 406-454-5861 beginning Monday, March 4, to request any remaining launch dates or cancelled permits. The call line will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon. 

Floaters should be aware of the following items this year: 

• Pit toilets will no longer be provided in 2024, and floaters are required to pack out human waste.  
• Floater registration will occur via phone, two days in advance of each scheduled launch date. In addition, the river rangers will assign a one-hour time interval for each float group to approach the boat ramp to launch. 
• Camp Baker is a day-use only site, with no overnight camping allowed, except for the period of Sept. 1 through Nov. 30. 

For more information about Smith River State Park visit:  fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/smith-river.