BIG SKY — Careful observers of Lone Mountain may have noticed significant progress on the Lone Peak Tram over the past couple of weeks. We’re happy to report that it’s not a mirage: three of the four required track ropes have been installed, and the top and bottom terminals are officially connected.

The new Lone Peak Tram requires four track ropes in addition to the haul rope. Each cabin travels on two track ropes on either side of the haul rope that provide support and stability as the cabins move between the terminals and over the tower. 

The haul rope, which is expected to be installed in the next few weeks, is centered directly above the tram cabin, attached by the hangers, and provides the propulsion for the tram. 

Each rope installation is a multi-day process, as the track ropes are too heavy to be installed directly by helicopter. First, a helicopter suspends a pilot rope in the air after teams on the ground have secured it to the bottom terminal. The helicopter then flies the pilot rope to the tower, where it is secured in the tower sheaves, then flown up to the top terminal, where it is secured in the top terminal sheaves and anchored to the ground.

“While it can sometimes take hours to install pilot ropes, the helicopter pilots at Timberline have been flying these up in 10 to 15 minutes,” said Jas Raczynski, Big Sky Resort’s construction project manager. “We’re fortunate to have a super talented pilot.”

Ground teams then attach a slightly larger intermediate rope to the pilot rope to pull between the terminals and over the tower. With the intermediate rope threaded, the process is repeated, and the track rope is pulled between the terminals. The track rope is then manipulated via cranes and other heavy equipment to ensure precise placement. Once the ropes have been secured around the bollards at the top and bottom, the final tensioning process begins. After a half day of rope tensioning, the installation is complete. This entire process is repeated four times total to install each track rope. 

“It's very exciting to finally see the path the new tram will travel up to the summit of Lone Mountain,” Raczynski said.

BOZEMAN -- Fjällräven, the Swedish brand known for its timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment, expanded its global retail footprint with a new brand store that opened in Bozeman on September 2. To celebrate the new location, the first in Montana, Fjällräven is hosting a grand opening weekend with a series of in-store events on September 30 and October 1.

"This is an exciting milestone for Fjällräven, as we've long wanted to open a store in Bozeman but wanted to make sure we did it in the right space and at the right time," said Sarah Tava, Global Director of Retail at Fjällräven. "The Fjällräven brand has a lot to offer the community in Bozeman, from custom backpack fittings to tailoring and repair services to in-store events and education. We're excited to get to know the people, trails and nature that makes Bozeman such a special place."

Fjällräven's grand opening weekend will feature:

• September 30: The fun kicks off Saturday at 7 p.m. with a grand opening celebration including music, drinks, a ribbon cutting and giveaways for the first 50 guests. Learn more about the brand and enter for a chance to win a Fjällräven jacket by completing Fjällräven Bingo. Register here.
• October 1: Fjällräven will be hosting its first community event in Bozeman with the kickoff of the Nature Unplugged Hike-A-Thon. Fjällräven regularly partners with Nature Unplugged, a nonprofit working to promote preventative mental heath solutions that inspire wellness in the digital age. Hike-A-Thon is a month-long challenge and fundraiser for Nature Unplugged that encourages people to get outside while earning Fjällräven store credit for miles walked/hiked. Special guests include Sarah Tava, Global Director of Retail; Danny Harkins, Bozeman Store Manager; Chef Scott Meyers, Backcountry Dining; and Nature Unplugged. Registration is limited. Register here.

Fjällräven's core business is outdoor and trekking equipment, from clothing and accessories to backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. Founded in Sweden in 1960, Fjällräven's mission is to inspire and enable more people to spend time in nature, whether that is through products, sharing outdoor know-how and inspiration, or hosting global and local events for its growing community of outdoor enthusiasts.

Learn more about the Bozeman store here.

About Fjällräven
In 1960, Åke Nordin founded Fjällräven in his basement in the town of Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden. Today the company's timeless, functional, and durable outdoor equipment enjoys a global presence and can be found in over 70 countries. Fjällräven's product range comprises outdoor clothing and accessories for men and women as well as backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. Fjällräven prioritizes acting responsibly towards people, animals, and nature and encourages and sustains public interest in the outdoors. The company is the initiator of two popular outdoor events, Fjällräven Classic and Fjällräven Polar, which attract thousands of participants every year.

BOZEMAN — As the City of Bozeman looks to update its wetland code, staff invite all members of the public to learn more about the project and provide input. City staff will host two meetings on Thursday, Oct. 5 – one virtually on Zoom at 12 p.m., and one in person from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bozeman Public Library, 626 E Main Street. Meetings will begin with a presentation followed by breakout groups.

“Bozeman City Commission has determined that local mitigation of wetland impacts should be a priority in order to enhance quality of life and environmental protections across the city,” Nicholas Ross, Director of Transportation and Engineering, explained. “That’s why this update is so important. We know many in our community care deeply about our wetlands and it’s critical for us to be thoughtful about our ecosystem as we grow.”

The City began looking at an update to the wetland code years ago with the goal of encouraging local wetland preservation and creating a wetland bank, a large protected wetland area. Recent legal changes, including Montana Senate Bill 382 and Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, have impacted the city’s efforts. Notably, the Sackett decision removed federal protections for many of the nation’s wetlands and left management of these areas to states and local governments.

 
Wetland mitigation involves the creation, restoration, or enhancement of new wetlands to compensate for impacting these areas when developing on the land. The Wetland Code Update project will focus on how mitigation can occur around Bozeman rather than far outside city limits, with an emphasis on providing the greatest positive benefit to ecological resources.

 
The project aims to be wrapped up and approved by Bozeman City Commission by the end of the year.
 
For more information on the Wetland Code Update, visit engage.bozeman.net/wetlands.

Bozeman – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1,605,660 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to develop a Sustainable Organics Management Program which will provide year-round recycling and composting services for organics and food waste in Bozeman, Montana. EPA is also making $632,629 available to the state of Montana to improve solid waste management planning and data collection in communities across the state. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding to expand and create new waste management facilities in Montana is part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.

“EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funds are helping communities across the nation reuse waste and reduce local and global environmental impacts,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “We are proud to support a growing program that will serve Bozeman residents for many years to come.”

EPA’s grant award will help the city create a Bozeman Sustainable Organics Management Program with new residential collection infrastructure to provide single- and multi-family households with year-round diversion services for organic waste, including food waste. These investments include the purchase of carts, collection trucks, technology improvements and program education and outreach to residents and businesses. The city estimates the program will serve up to 7,000 households by 2026 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,950 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

“Our seasonal yard waste composting program is already popular with residents, so to expand this service year-round and offer food waste composting for the first time is truly exciting for our community,” said Bozeman Mayor Cyndy Andrus. “We’re grateful to have been awarded this grant and look forward to the many benefits this program will provide."

The grant award to the City of Bozeman is part f the agency's newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. As part of today’s announcement, EPA selected 25 communities across the nation to receive grants totaling more than $73 million under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $32 million for states and territories to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and plan implementation.

EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is advancing the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA’s National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal and will help build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products and services in circulation for as long as possible, what’s known as a circular economy.

Additional Background
Today’s announcement for states, territories and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. 

For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.

BOZEMAN – Montana State University Regents Professor Emerita of Earth Sciences Cathy Whitlock is one of 54 individuals recently elected as a fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the world’s largest Earth and space sciences association. It is the highest honor bestowed by the organization.  

Whitlock was selected for her outstanding scientific achievements and exemplary leadership, according to a statement from AGU. Fellows are also selected for exemplifying integrity, respect and collaboration while creating deep engagement in education, diversity and outreach.

Whitlock has produced groundbreaking research for more than 40 years in the field of past climate and environmental change. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, Joint Fire Sciences Program, National Park Service, Department of Energy, U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Upon joining the faculty in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in 2004, Whitlock established the MSU Paleoecology Lab, which supports postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students and visiting scientists from around the world. The lab focuses on reconstructing vegetation, fire and climate histories to understand how past ecosystems responded to climate change and how ecosystems may respond to ongoing and future changes. She also co-founded the Montana Institute on Ecosystems and served as its first MSU director from 2011-2017.

Whitlock’s scientific discoveries on past ecosystem dynamics during the 1988 fires in Yellowstone National Park have informed resource management decisions and conservation efforts and led to new methods for reconstructing long-term fire histories – techniques that are now used worldwide.

“MSU has been very supportive of my research, and Yellowstone provides a world-class laboratory for educating students,” Whitlock said. “I couldn’t ask for a better combination.”

The AGU award is the most recent in a long line of high honors for Whitlock, who retired from MSU in 2021 but contracts with the university to conduct research in Yellowstone National Park and co-advise students. In 2018, she was named a Montana University System Regents Professor and in 2019 became the first Montanan inducted as a fellow into the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors a scientist can achieve. NAS members are elected by their peer scholars in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research, and membership is widely accepted as a mark of excellence in science. Two other MSU professors have since been elected as fellows to the NAS – Joan Broderick, head of MSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Dana Longcope, head of the Department of Physics, both in the College of Letters and Science.

Yves Idzerda, dean of the College of Letters and Science, said the recognitions that Whitlock continues to receive from her peers are impressive.

“We are privileged to have faculty members with prestigious international reputations, like professor Whitlock, working with students here at MSU and within the College of Letters and Science,” he said. “Cathy continues to do research and contribute to our understanding of the complex ecosystems of areas like Yellowstone, serving as an example for students and fellow faculty alike.”

AGU will formally recognize this year’s recipients at its conference in San Francisco in December.

“It is truly an honor to be elected as an AGU fellow and gratifying to have contributed to our understanding of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems,” Whitlock said.

On September 12, 2023, at 12:03 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a person who was hiking Ousel Falls Trail and became dizzy, sweaty, and was possibly having a heart attack.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section volunteers, Big Sky Fire Department and a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the patient’s location. The hiker was alert when rescuers arrived but could not walk out on their own. A one-wheel litter was utilized to transport the patient to the awaiting Big Sky Fire ambulance where they were then taken to the next level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind individuals the importance of having a means of communication in case of emergencies, even when going on relatively easy outings. He would also like to commend the hikers for realizing the situation could be serious and quickly calling for help, which allowed first responders to be with the patient 13 minutes after the call was placed.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BIG SKY – Bear specialists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have concluded a field investigation into a grizzly bear encounter that injured a man south of Big Sky last week.

The attack happened Friday, Sept. 8, in the Yellow Mule area of the Madison Range. During the encounter, one of the victim’s companions fired a pistol at the bear before the bear left. The victim suffered serious injuries from the bear and was flown to a hospital.

FWP staff flew over the area Saturday to look for a bear that may have been wounded. No bears were found during the aerial search, and no collared bears were nearby.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest implemented an emergency area closure for public safety following the incident and ensured that recreationists there were able to leave safely. The closure remains in effect.

FWP grizzly bear specialists and game wardens, as well deputies from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, revisited the attack site Tuesday. They searched the area near the attack site from the ground and with an infrared drone and didn’t locate a dead or wounded bear. However, they found signs of high bear activity, including the remains of a cached animal carcass, whitebark pine middens and bear scat. This evidence indicates the bear attacked defensively in a surprise, close encounter with the victim.

No further management action is planned.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

This time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with such conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Make noise to alert bears to your presence and travel in groups.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

People who hunt in places that have or may have grizzly bears—which includes areas of Montana west of Billings—should take special precautions:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility.
• Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can help alert bears to your presence.
• Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
• Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible.
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

For more information, resources and education events on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

HELENA – Montana game wardens from around the state, including Kalispell, Billings and Miles City, recently traveled to Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Kentucky to follow up on long-term investigations of violations committed in Montana. Violations included license fraud, hunting without licenses, hunting during a closed season, over-limits of game animals, waste of game animals, tag transfer and unlawful possession of game animals. 

“These cases involve complex, long-term investigations of the most serious type of violations of hunting laws in Montana,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Chief of Law Enforcement Ron Howell.

With the assistance of game wardens in the other states, Montana wardens seized seven elk, six mule deer, three white tail deer and two antelope. Charges are pending on all cases.

“Without the assistance of officers from the states involved, these cases would likely not be successfully investigated and prosecuted,” Howell said. “These investigations highlight the hard work and tenacity of our wardens to ensure that serious violations are investigated, and suspects are held accountable for those violations.”

BIG SKY —The National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS), the largest winter sports organization for African Americans, is proud to announce its 2024 partnership with Big Sky Resort for its annual summit in Big Sky, Montana. This highly anticipated event brings together ski enthusiasts from across the country for a week of skiing, snowboarding, networking, and celebration of the African-American snowsport community.

The National Brotherhood of Snowsports is dedicated to promoting and increasing diversity within winter sports. Since its founding in 1973, the organization has been committed to providing opportunities for African Americans to enjoy and excel in snowsports. The NBS Summit serves as the centerpiece of the organization's efforts, offering a unique platform for skiers of all levels to come together and share their passion for the sport.

The 2024 Summit, held from February 24 to March 2, will be hosted by Big Sky Resort, one of the premier winter destinations in North America. Big Sky Resort offers world-class slopes and the most technologically-advanced lift network in North America to make the NBS Summit a truly memorable experience. With 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, a brand new tram to the summit of Lone Peak, four bubble chairs with heated seats, and the most consistent snowfall in the Northern Rockies, the 2024 Big Sky summit will be one not to miss.  

During the week-long event, participants will have the opportunity to join ski clinics, workshops, and competitions tailored for all skill levels. This year, NBS will join forces with Women of Winter and PSIA-AASI to offer Level 1 Alpine and Snowboard certification scholarship opportunities to 12 of its female members to coincide with the Summit. The NBS Summit also features social events, including live music performances and film screenings. With a focus on fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, the summit allows attendees to forge lasting friendships and connections with fellow snowsports enthusiasts from all walks of life.

"We are thrilled to partner with Big Sky Resorts and bring the 2024 NBS Summit to Montana," said Henri Rivers, President of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports. "This event not only showcases the skills and talents of our members but also highlights the progress we have made as an organization in promoting inclusion and equity in winter sports. We invite all enthusiasts to join us for an unforgettable week in Big Sky."

"We can't think of a better way to celebrate Big Sky Resort's 50th anniversary season than by hosting the NBS 2024 Summit. Sharing the joy of snowsports is in our DNA, and we look forward to a summit filled with camaraderie, shared passion, and the pursuit of a more inclusive future for snowsports," said Troy Nedved, General Manager of Big Sky Resort. 

As the NBS Summit continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a testament to the dedication and passion of snowsports enthusiasts. With each passing year, more individuals are discovering the joy of snowsports and the opportunities offered by the National Brotherhood of Snowsports. The 2024 Summit at Big Sky Resort promises to be a landmark event in the organization's history, bringing together generations of skiers united by their love for the slopes.

For more information about the National Brotherhood of Snowsports and the 2024 Summit, please visit www.nbs.org.

BOZEMAN – The planning effort for the City of Bozeman’s parks, trails, and recreation system reached a conclusion last night as Bozeman City Commission adopted the final draft of Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation (PRAT) Plan. The City will now kick off efforts to put the document into action.

“Bozeman’s green spaces are a big reason why people choose to live here, so it’s critically important that we thoughtfully strategize and care for our parks and trails as we grow,” Mitchell Overton, Parks & Recreation Director, explained. “This plan will help us do that and ensure that we’re creating spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

A key part of the PRAT Plan involved engaging community members who have not traditionally been represented in local government decision-making processes to better understand specific experiences and ensure a safe, inclusive, and accessible system for all.

Other elements of the document include growing and improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities for enhanced connectivity across the city and maintaining natural resources so that residents can recreate in outdoor spaces that are sustainable and nestled in Bozeman’s natural landscape.

The Plan kicked off in 2021 with a series of engagement opportunities. In 2022, consultants began drafting the document based on feedback and delivered the draft plan in the fall. Over the last few months, Commissioners and the Urban Parks and Forestry Board members have incorporated their edits to the draft resulting in the plan that was approved last night.

The PRAT Plan replaces the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Plan, which has been in place since 2007.

“The Bozeman of 2023 is a vastly different city from Bozeman circa 2007. We’re dealing with rapid growth, increasing demand on our current parks and trails, and a changing climate, so this plan comes at a critical and needed time. Now the real work begins,” said Overton.

More information on the PRAT Plan, including the final draft, can be found at https://engage.bozeman.net/pratplan.