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Wednesday, Aug. 28th, 2024

Montana State researchers receive USDA grant to study health benefits of haskap berries

MSU photo by Kierstin Schmitt/Western Agricultural Research Center.

BOZEMAN — An edible blue honeysuckle berry called the haskap has emerged in recent years as a potential new superfood, but little scientific research has been done to investigate how the berries contribute to human health. Now, a research partnership at Montana State University aims to learn more about the potential health benefits of haskap berries while also learning how to best cultivate them to maximize those benefits.

Mary Miles, professor in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition and Kinesiology, and Zach Miller, superintendent of MSU’s Western Agricultural Research Center in Corvallis, serve as co-project leaders for the research project. The project is supported by an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’sNational Institute of Food and Agriculture, or NIFA. Other project partners at MSU include researchers Brian Bothner, Seth Walk, Carl Yeoman, Andrej Svyantek and Zhuoyu Wang.
Haskap berries are also known as honeyberries, yezberries and blue honeysuckle. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in polyphenols, which are found in many plant foods and act as antioxidants, and haskaps may also have other untapped health benefits, Miles said.

Miller noted that if demand for the berries increases, Montana farmers could have a great opportunity to help fill that demand.

 “These berries thrive in our cold climates,” Miller said. “In our research farm, we can produce four to five tons of berries per acre with the right varieties and management, and they can be machine harvested.”

As part of the research, Miles and a group of doctoral students will investigate how haskap berries’ bioactive components — molecules found in many foods that can interact with other living components to promote good health — interact with the ecosystem of microbes that live in humans’ intestines, often referred to as the gut microbiome.

The researchers will conduct an eight-week clinical trial with 120 participants. Half of those participants will meet at least two criteria for metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes – and the other half will not meet any criteria for metabolic syndrome. Half of the participants will consume a food product each day that contains haskap berries, while the other participants will consume a similar product that doesn’t contain haskaps.

The researchers will then compare the gut microbiome and health impacts of haskap berry consumption between the metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy groups. Miles said their hypothesis is that haskap berries will lower inflammation and improve metabolic health.

Miles said that berries high in polyphenols have been found to promote human health in a variety of ways, including through lowering inflammation, that may be dependent on interactions with the gut microbiome.

Miles, who for years has studied the gut microbiome and its impact on human health, noted that inflammation and abnormal metabolism play a major role in the development and progression of many diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because of that, she said, identifying foods that decrease inflammation and improve metabolism is an important strategy for reducing disease. Miles and her partners’ previous research suggested that the microbes digesting polyphenols may contribute, in part, to lowering levels of inflammation in people.

On the production side of the project, Miller and other plant scientists at the Western Agricultural Research Center – part of MSU’s Montana Agricultural Experiment Station – will investigate the effects of harvest timing on the concentration and yield of health-promoting compounds in more than 20 varieties of haskap berries.

“We aim to identify which haskap varieties and growing practices increase content of health-promoting compounds and, ultimately which of these would give growers the most antioxidants per acre,” Miller said. “Our goal is to identify what to plant and how to farm for the greatest potential health impacts.”

The work builds on previous research at WARC related to haskaps, including work evaluating numerous haskap varieties for yields, flavor, aesthetic qualities and cold-hardiness. More information on haskap research at WARC is available on its website.
Ultimately, Miles said, she and her research partners hope their work will have real impacts on human health.

“We know a lot about nutrition, but one thing we don’t know is why we don’t all get the same benefits from healthy foods or the same negative health impacts from unhealthy foods,” Miles said. “We want to understand this more so that we can match people’s health goals to potential foods that would really work best for them.”

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Montana State offers new bachelor’s degree program in data science

BOZEMAN – When fall classes began last week at Montana State University, senior Henry Jacobson was the first student to declare a major in data science, a new undergraduate degree designed to equip graduates with in-demand career skills they can apply in any domain that deals with data.

Jacobson is on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in data science in May because he has been taking courses for the degree since he was a freshman. When he learned that the degree program was approved from John Paxton, professor and director of MSU’s Gianforte School of Computing in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, he immediately switched programs.

The interdisciplinary course of study – primarily encompassing mathematics, statistics and computer science – “checked all my boxes,” said Jacobson, who had previously designed a degree path for himself through the Directed Interdisciplinary Studies program in the Honors College.

“I was taking mathematics courses, business courses and coding courses – the data science program hit all three for me,” he said.

The new program adds a baccalaureate component to MSU’s data science curriculum, which already offered a minor in data science through the school of computing and a master’s degree in data science through the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the College of Letters and Science.

Data science combines statistical analysis, computer science and machine learning to discover trends in large sets of information that can help people make decisions.
“By processing massive amounts of data, data science provides a new technique for gaining knowledge,” said Paxton. For example, he said, data science lets scientists sift through millions of images or recorded measurements to discover patterns. Similarly, government agencies use data science to devise plans for improving services or allocating resources, and businesses analyze data to gain marketing insights or identify fraud.

Paxton said data scientists can use their skills to help people, the environment and the economy. Scenarios he imagines include compiling the medical conditions, treatments and outcomes of people around the world to determine the most effective remedies for an individual’s given condition or developing real-time routing systems for urban drivers to save time, reduce congestion and minimize vehicle emissions.
John Sheppard, distinguished professor of computer science, said developers of MSU’s data science curriculum felt strongly that students should be taught about the ethical and privacy issues pertaining to the field.

“We hope students coming out of our degree programs will have the tools not only to do analysis, but the realization of the need to be careful,” said Sheppard, whose research interests include machine learning, algorithms, health management, data mining and ethics in artificial intelligence.

For instance, he said, data scientists must take care when working with large datasets to ensure they aren’t introducing bias, which can occur when algorithms are trained on data that reflect societal prejudices or are poorly designed. That could lead to algorithms unfairly influencing decisions that affect people’s lives, such as in hiring, lending or law enforcement.

“Students need to know how to look at a data source and know if it’s valid, and they need to be able to figure out whether the conclusions they’re making are or aren’t valid,” added Stacey Hancock, associate professor of statistics, who served with Sheppard on the committee that developed MSU’s master’s in data science program. “That kind of literacy is crucial.”

Paxton said required courses in statistics, business analytics, and data-related ethics and privacy have been built into the data science core curriculum.

The new degree program is also structured to allow students the flexibility to take related courses that integrate data science into their specific interests, he said. Some may double-major in data science and another field or select data science as a primary degree and another subject as a minor.

“We’re going to advise students to be strategic in selecting their courses, to mix and match based on their career and personal goals,” Paxton said.

In that vein, Jacobson plans to pursue a graduate degree in a different field to acquire the specific background he needs to one day start his own company. He feels confident that the bachelor’s he will earn in data science will “set me up for future success.”

“At the end of the degree at MSU, you have three different skill sets. It sets it apart from other universities,” said Jacobson, who has spoken with friends enrolled at other institutions whose programs don’t require the advanced math, statistics and computer science courses that MSU’s does.

According to MSU faculty members who have worked to develop the program, that’s no accident.
“Our goal is to provide a solid, technical foundation in these three disciplines,” Sheppard said.

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Adding Extra Sweets: The Perfect First Date Treat

Let's talk sweet beginnings. First dates can be nerve-wracking, right? Enter ice cream. It's the perfect icebreaker (pun intended). Casual, fun, and universally loved. Who doesn't smile when handed a cone of their favorite flavor?

Ice cream dates are low-pressure. They're perfect for getting to know someone. Plus, you can learn a lot about a person from their ice cream choices. Are they adventurous with flavors or stick to the classics?

Choosing the Right Spot

Location matters. When going out for ice cream, find a local ice cream parlor with character. Local spots often have unique flavors and a cozy atmosphere.

Look for places with seating options. You'll want somewhere to sit and chat. Outdoor seating? Even better on a nice day.

Consider the time of day. Evening ice cream dates can be magical. The day's heat has faded, and there's something romantic about sharing a sweet treat as the sun sets.

Flavor Adventures

Be open to trying new things. Encourage your date to do the same. It's a great way to show your adventurous side.

Some fun options to consider:

Seasonal flavors
Artisanal creations
Dairy-free alternatives (be considerate of dietary restrictions)

Can't decide? Get a sampler. Many places offer mini scoops of multiple flavors. It's perfect for sharing and discussing.

Toppings: The Conversation Starter

Toppings can spark fun conversations. Do you go for classic sprinkles or something exotic like lavender honey?

Here's a pro tip: ask for recommendations. It shows you're interested in others' opinions. Plus, you might discover a new favorite combination.

Beyond the Cone

Ice cream isn't just about cones. Consider:

Sundaes (perfect for sharing)
Milkshakes (great for a retro vibe)
Ice cream sandwiches (fun and less messy)

Each option offers a different experience. Choose based on your comfort level and the vibe you're going for.

Creating Memorable Moments

Make it interactive. Some places let you create your own flavor combinations. It's a fun activity to do together.

Take a walk while you enjoy your treat. It's a great way to keep the conversation flowing naturally.

Snap a picture together with your ice creams. It could be the start of a sweet memory.

Handling the Mess Gracefully

Let's face it: ice cream can be messy. Be prepared:

Grab extra napkins
Eat slowly (it's not a race!)
Have a sense of humor if things get drippy

How you handle a potential ice cream mustache says a lot about you. Laugh it off!

The Art of Ice Cream Etiquette

Yes, there's such a thing. Don't double-dip if you're sharing. It's just good manners.

Offer a taste of yours if you have different flavors. It's a nice gesture and can lead to fun flavor discussions.

Pay attention to your date, not just your ice cream. Balance enjoying your treat with engaging conversation.

Extending the Date

If things are going well, suggest a short walk after your ice cream. It's a natural way to extend the date without pressure.

Look for nearby attractions. A park or interesting shop can provide more opportunities to chat and get to know each other.

Dealing with Brain Freeze

It happens to the best of us. If you or your date get brain freeze, here's what to do:

Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth
Sip some water
Laugh it off together

It can actually be a funny, shared moment.

Final Scoop

Ice cream dates are simple yet sweet. They offer a relaxed environment to connect. Whether you're laughing over brain freeze or debating the merits of chocolate vs. vanilla, you're creating shared experiences.

So go ahead and add some extra sweetness to your first date. It might just be the start of something delicious.

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HRDC Hosts Free Back-To-School Event with Health Screenings and Clothing for Teens

BOZEMAN — As the new school year approaches, HRDC is excited to host its annual Back-To-School Clothes Shopping Event for teens on Wednesday, August 28th. The event will kick off with free health screenings at 3:00 pm, followed by clothing and personal care item shopping at 5:00 pm.

This year, HRDC is partnering with the Vituity Cares Foundation, who will provide free health screenings, vision screenings, backpacks, haircuts, prescriptions, and more. Thanks to the generosity of the community, there will be racks of new and gently used clothing available at no charge. Sizes will generally fit youth ages 12 - 18, with a variety of items including jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, socks, and athletic wear.

“We’re thrilled to continue this beloved event, which has been incredibly successful in the past,” said Emma Hamburg, HRDC’s Event Coordinator. “We anticipate a large turnout and are ready to offer an exceptional shopping experience for local teens.”

Teens and their families can visit Building Number 1 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman on August 28th starting at 3:00 pm for the health screenings and 5:00 pm for the shopping event. This event is open to everyone, and all items will be provided free of charge.

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization, HRDC is dedicated to building a better community through its various initiatives and combating poverty in southwestern Montana. 

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Montana State scientists publish bacterial immune research in Nature

Montana State University doctoral student, Nate Burman, pictured with a TEM microscope in 2021, is the lead author on a new paper highlighting the PARIS bacterial immune system. He used MSU's Cryo-EM facility to collect high-resolution images of the PARIS molecule, defining its structure for the first time. MSU photo by Kelly Gorham.

BOZEMAN – Scientists at Montana State University have been studying unique immune systems for decades, and a research team in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology took another step forward with work described in a paper published in the highly regarded journal Nature.

The Aug. 7 paper, titled “A virally-encoded tRNA neutralizes the PARIS antiviral defense system,” was fast-tracked for publication by the journal due to the importance of the findings. MSU doctoral student Nate Burman is the lead author, along with professor Blake Wiedenheft, six other MSU scientists and collaborators from France, Russia and Sweden.

The research explores the PARIS immune system, which bacteria use to protect themselves against viral infections. Work with PARIS, which stands for Phage Anti-Restriction Induced System, builds on Wiedenheft’s ongoing research into CRISPR, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, a field in which Wiedenheft is an internationally leading scientist.

“In nature, CRISPRs are part of a family of adaptive immune systems in bacteria, but scientists have repurposed these immune systems as programmable molecular scalpels that are now being used to repair damaged DNA for lifesaving therapies,” said Burman, who is beginning the third year of his doctoral studies. “But CRISPRs aren’t the only bacterial immune systems that exist. What’s unique about PARIS is that it recognizes viral proteins instead of nucleic acid. That’s similar to how a human immune response works. PARIS is totally different from a human immune system, but the conceptual analogy is intriguing.”

One of the crucial new findings in the paper is the first complete image of what the PARIS system looks like. To generate that image, Burman used a unique, ultra-high-powered microscope housed at MSU. It is equipment that few campuses nationwide have access to, housed in MSU’s Cryo-EM Core Facility, and MSU was only the second university in the region to acquire one back in 2021.

“Using a new state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscope at MSU, Nate was able to ‘see’ the PARIS complex that forms inside of a bacterial cell,” said Wiedenheft. “It's wild to think that we can now peer into cells and see the machines that do the work necessary to maintain life or defend it from infection.”

The structure of PARIS reveals a propeller-shaped complex that consumes ATP, or energy, in search of invading viral proteins. Foreign protein detection triggers the release of a toxin that shuts down viral replication, protecting healthy cells.  

There are numerous PARIS immune systems that operate in different ways, Burman said, and the next steps in this research will include identifying the triggers that activate those systems. Knowing how PARIS recognizes a viral attack and initiates a response could advance understanding of how different types of immunity provide protection, including in organisms beyond bacteria.

As researchers in Wiedenheft’s lab continue to operate on the forefront of structural biology, Burman said the institutional support for their scientific work has fostered a collaborative domain for scientists, regardless of where they are in their career. Burman’s own research experience in Bozeman began when he was an undergraduate student at Carroll College in Helena and participated in a research experience for undergraduates, or REU, at MSU. Now, he relishes the opportunity to be a mentor to the young scientists coming after him.

“Blake’s support is huge, and he really pushes us to think big about small proteins, how they work in nature and how we might use them in new ways,” Burman said.

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Bozeman Symphony Welcomes Five New Musicians


BOZEMAN – The Bozeman Symphony and Music Director Norman Huynh is excited to welcome five talented new section musicians for its 2024-25 concert season, Music that moves us.

Following national auditions held this spring, Jodi Allison-Bunnell, Viola; Michael Dolin, Associate Principal/2nd Trombone; Chelsea Lind, Violin; Lina Saleh, Principal Second Violin; and Jihye Sung, Violin; have been selected to join the symphony.

“We are thrilled to welcome these musicians to the Bozeman Symphony,” said Huynh. “I look forward to making music with all our musicians this fall, as I begin my fifth season as Music Director. Our musicians are at the center of our organization, they define the Symphony and our work.”

Violist Allison-Bunnell of Bozeman is the Head of Archives and Special Collections at Montana State University Library. True to her profession, she has programs for every concert she has played or attended since 1984. In 2022, she was named a Distinguished Fellow of the Society of American Archivists, the highest honor in the Society. Allison-Bunnell completed a dual degree program in library and information science and American history at the University of Maryland College Park and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English summa cum laude with a minor in music from Whitman College. The violist also played in the Missoula Symphony for 23 years. She, her husband, Steven, and their child Wren enjoy Bozeman's outdoors by hiking and cross-country skiing. They also enjoy reading funny things to one another, cooking good food, spoiling their cats, and listening to various podcasts.

Dolin is a trombonist based in Santa Barbara, Calif. He is also a member of The San Luis Obispo Symphony and South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. His previous orchestral experience includes the American Youth Symphony and Debut Chamber Orchestra, both in Los Angeles. When not in the orchestra, Michael can be found playing with the Santa Barbara Trombone Society, or on the drum set with his band, SoLuna, in Carpinteria.


A Bozeman native, Lind, who has been enchanting audiences with the Symphony since January 2024, is officially joining the violin section. This season, she’s excited to perform Korngold’s Violin Concerto featuring the talented Will Hagen. A recent graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance, Lind’s musical journey is as diverse as it is impressive. From Ballet and Opera to Baroque Ensembles and private teaching, her experiences have shaped her into a versatile and passionate musician. Notably, she served as Concertmaster for three years at Montana All-State, earned the All-Northwest honor, and led the Montana Youth Symphony as Concertmaster in 2023. Her tours in Europe in 2018 and 2022, along with her work as a contract violinist with the Great Falls and Glacier symphonies, highlight her dedication and skill. Lind’s love for music started early, inspired by her mother, Principal Cellist Chandra Lind. She fondly remembers her early days begging to play the “baby cello.” When she’s not performing, the violinist explores her artistic side as a professional artist and enjoys nurturing her collection of houseplants.

Saleh of Los Angeles is a committed violinist with a deep appreciation for orchestral performance. From her early days in youth orchestras to her current roles in professional ensembles, Saleh has always been drawn to the unique energy and collaboration found in orchestral settings. She has had the privilege of performing with a wide range of ensembles, including the Santa Monica Symphony, the California Young Artists Symphony where she has served as Assistant Concertmaster, and the California State University-Northridge Symphony Orchestra & Operas where she led as Concertmaster. Saleh began studying the violin at the age of 12. Over the years, she has played with the American Youth Symphony, San Luis Obispo Symphony, San Fernando Valley Symphony, and several other orchestras. The violinist holds a Master of Music in Violin Performance from California State University at Northridge and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Saleh currently manages a private studio of over 20 students, as well as 15 students at Lauren Deutsch’s studio. She enjoys her cat Leo, being outside, live music, reading, and trying new restaurants.

Sung of Bozeman performs regularly with the Montana Chamber Music Society and String Orchestra of the Rockies. She served as an instructor of violin, viola, and chamber music at Montana State University. Jihye was previously a Bozeman Symphony sectional violinist, principal second violinist, and guest associate concertmaster. Now an official member of the Symphony, she is especially looking forward to working with fellow musicians and sharing musical experiences with the Bozeman community. Originally from South Korea, Jihye was introduced to the violin by her parents at age six. Her musical training began at the Sunhwa Art School in Seoul and continued through her high school years in Sydney, Australia. Jihye earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Outside of the music world, Jihye devotes her time to her two daughters, Eunice and Esther, and her husband Wonki who teaches classical saxophone at MSU.


“We are always thrilled to welcome exceptional new musicians to our orchestra,” said Jacob Blaser, Executive Director of the Bozeman Symphony. “Their contributions not only elevate the quality of our performances on stage but also enable us to bring meaningful and transformative musical experiences to our entire community.”

The 2024-25 season opens the weekend of September 21 with Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3. Individual tickets are available at www.bozemansymphony.org or by calling 406-585-9774. Tickets at the door are based on availability. Adult tickets start as low as $29 and student-discounted tickets are available.

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Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation grants $11.25 million toward Gallatin College MSU building

BOZEMAN – The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has made a grant of $11.25 million to Montana State University to help fund a first-ever, on-campus facility that will house the university’s fast-growing Gallatin College MSU. It is the foundation’s largest grant to date in Montana.

The grant covers half of the $22.5 million in private dollars MSU is raising for the Gallatin College MSU building. The 2023 Montana Legislature and Gov. Greg Gianforte required the university to raise funds to match $23.5 million in state dollars for the project, which will cost a total of $46 million.

“This is an amazing investment in the people of Montana by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “Generations of Montanans are going to have educational opportunities to prepare themselves for good jobs right here in their home state thanks to this gift.”

“We are thrilled to continue expanding our efforts in the beautiful, great state of Montana,” said Arthur M. Blank, chairman, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “There are many growing industries in the state that need skilled workers, and we hope this new building will increase accessibility for diverse students to high-quality training matched to job skill demand. We’re honored to support this growth, which will benefit not only students but will also strengthen businesses and industries across Montana.”

Gallatin College MSU has been the university’s fastest growing college for years and set an enrollment record last fall with 906 students. However, it has never had its own dedicated facility – the only such two-year college in the state without one. Its 22 programs offering professional workforce certificates and one- and two-year degrees are currently spread among a variety of leased and donated space around Bozeman.

Gallatin College MSU collaborates extensively with Montana industries and employers to develop responsive educational and training options that meet state workforce needs. Existing programs at Gallatin College fill quickly. Several popular programs regularly have waiting lists, and there is limited capacity to expand existing programs or to add new programs because of the lack of a dedicated facility.

In direct response to industry needs, Gallatin College MSU has added programs in photonics and laser technology, culinary arts, carpentry, aviation, CNC machining technology and robotic integration, HVAC, IT cybersecurity and information assurance, welding technology, and many more.

“Our vision for the future of Gallatin College MSU is far more than just a building. It is to change how Montanans receive workforce education in their home communities, in tandem with industry internships, and even while working on the job,” Cruzado said. “This gift from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will benefit Montanans in every corner of the state.”

In addition to this capital grant, in 2023 the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation granted $919,000 from its Youth Development portfolio to develop and pilot a new one-year Hospitality Management Certificate at Gallatin College MSU. The grant will support young people, including dual-enrolled high school students, seeking to enter the hospitality and leisure industry faster and will support the industry’s growing needs across the state. The program will be offered in person and online to ensure access for young people living in rural and Indigenous communities.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this investment in our students and Montana from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. This amazing gift will provide needed resources to assist our students in developing skilled trades that are in high demand throughout our Montana communities,” said Stephanie Gray, dean of Gallatin College MSU.

The university will continue its efforts to raise the other $11.25 million required to reach the state match.

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is a philanthropy founded to help transform lives and communities by uniting people across differences to find common cause. Started in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the foundation has granted more than $1 billion to charitable causes. Our collective giving areas are Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. Across these areas, we take on tough challenges by uniting the courage and compassion of our communities so we can all thrive together.

In addition to the priority areas of giving, the foundation oversees a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta nonprofit institutions, such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Shepherd Center, and enduring founder-led initiatives, such as veterans and the military and stuttering, among others. For more, visit www.blankfoundation.org.

About Montana State University and Gallatin College MSU
Montana State University is the state’s oldest, public, land-grant university and the largest institution of higher education in the state. With an enrollment of nearly 17,000 across nine colleges, the university has been one of the fastest growing public universities in the nation. With record-setting research expenditures for five straight years, it is one of only 146 universities nationally designated as having “very-high research activity” by the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research’s Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Gallatin College MSU is the university’s two-year college, offering 22 programs that include transfer degrees, associate of applied science degrees; certificates of applied science; professional certificates; dual enrollment courses for high school students; and developmental math and writing courses. It is regularly the university’s fastest growing college in enrollment.

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Mallards Rest Fishing Access Site reopened

LIVINGSTON – Mallard’s Rest Fishing Access Site has reopened to visitors.

Erosion and destabilization of the entrance road from a historic flooding event on the Yellowstone River in 2022 made the road prone to collapse, and the site had been closed since then for public safety.

This summer, crews built a new entrance road and a new point of entry from Highway 89. Securing the extra space for the new road required Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to negotiate a new lease on a parcel that had an existing lease through the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, which took time.

The new road has safety upgrades from the original entrance, including a more gradual slope and more direct access, eliminating a sharp curve from the original entrance. Reconstruction was completed Friday, allowing public access to resume.

The new section of road is about 950 feet long, moving the new point of entry north of the old entrance along Highway 89.

Mallard’s Rest is a beloved site for many recreationists on the Yellowstone River south of Livingston that offers river access, day use and camping opportunities. FWP staff appreciate the public’s patience while the department worked to restore and improve safe public access here.

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Tuesday, Aug. 27th, 2024

Fishing restrictions to be lifted on some rivers in west-central and southwest Montana

HELENA – Recent cooler temperatures will allow hoot-owl fishing restrictions to be lifted Tuesday, Aug. 27, on sections of Bitterroot River, the Clark Fork River and Silver Bow Creek in west-central Montana, and a section of the Big Hole River in southwest Montana.  

Bitterroot River: Restrictions lifted from Clark Fork River to Veteran’s Bridge. 

Clark Fork River: Restritions lifted from the mouth of Rock Creek to its origin at the mouth of Warm Springs Creek. 

Silver Bow Creek: Restrictions lifted for its entirety.  

Big Hole River: Restrictions lifted from the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site (also know as Notch Bottom) to Maiden Rock FAS. 

The restrictions were put in place earlier this summer. Hoot-owl restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. 

Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river. 

Along with monitoring stream temperatures, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks also monitors stream flows, and in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click here. 

For a list of current drought-related fishing restrictions and closures, click here. 

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Monday, Aug. 26th, 2024

Big Sky Resort drops tram charge on lift tickets

- Lift tickets include skier and scenic access to the Lone Peak Tram
- Ikon, Mountain Collective, and select season passes continue to use Autocharge

Big Sky – Starting in the 2024-25 season, all Big Sky Resort lift tickets will include access to the iconic Lone Peak Tram.

The change comes after tram access was decoupled from lift tickets and select season passes in the 2021-22 season in an effort to keep wait times under 30 minutes on average and preserve the ski and tram experience.

The new Lone Peak Tram, which debuted in December 2023, offers several efficiencies that allow more access to the tram, including increased cabin capacity and a dedicated scenic rider line. Nearly a quarter of guests riding the tram last season utilized the new scenic ride option.

“The new tram has exceeded expectations in every way. We promised we would reevaluate the tram experience each year, and this move provides flexibility and value with our product lineup, while offering more guests access to Lone Peak,” said Troy Nedved, the resort’s General Manager.

Ikon, Mountain Collective, and select Big Sky passholders will continue to utilize Autocharge to access the tram. Tram rides will continue to be offered at $10-40 per ride, with scenic access always offered at a lower rate than ski access.

Mountain Operations will continue to carefully manage the number of riders per tram to maintain a smooth flow and optimal guest experience whether it be skiing and riding off the peak or taking in the view across three states.

Early bird lift ticket pricing is available now. Daily rates start as low as $56 per day in December and April. Guests who purchase before September 10 can secure lift tickets at the lowest prices all season long.

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