Tuesday, Feb. 6th, 2024

Montana State and partners receive $5 million grant for ongoing buffalo trail project at Fort Peck


BOZEMAN
— An ongoing project that aims to help Indigenous people prosper alongside buffalo at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation has received a four-year, $5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. The grant was awarded by the America the Beautiful Challenge program, with funding support from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Robert Magnan, director of the Fish and Game Department of the Fort Peck Tribes and grant leader, said he is thrilled with what this award will generate in improved herd and grasslands health, as well as expanded acreage and workforce for the Fort Peck Turtle Mound Buffalo Ranch.

The award also supports an ongoing, comprehensive, grassroots effort to engage members of the tribes in community-building initiatives intended to rejuvenate connections with buffalo. With Magnan’s support and leadership, part of those efforts has led to the establishment of a trail on the southern end of the ranch that is home to transferred Yellowstone National Park buffalo; the new grant will expand the existing .6-mile trail to nearly 11 miles.

Montana State University is one of a number of a collaborators on the project. MSU’s portion of the grant, which will go toward trail design and buffalo and native plants science education, is approximately $1 million. Other core partners include Fort Peck Community College and Defenders of Wildlife.

The project originated through discussions by and with the Pté Group, a grassroots organizing initiative at Fort Peck that includes Magnan and a dozen other community leaders, said Elizabeth Bird, principal investigator at MSU and project development and grants specialist in the College of Education, Health and Human Development.

“When the Pté Group formed, one of the themes that came out fairly early in discussions was that they and other tribal members needed ways to connect with buffalo physically,” Bird said. “(They needed to) be in their presence, see them, smell them, hear them, pick up sloughed fur.”

A couple of years later, MSU architecture professor Michael Everts was looking for a project for his students to work on designs integrating environmental, public health and socioeconomic issues, Bird recalled. MSU colleagues soon connected him with the Pté Group, and in the spring of 2016, Everts and the first group of MSU architecture students to work on the project were able to speak with members of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, tour the area and discuss potential projects.

“Fairly early in those conversations, the idea of a trail emerged as something that would be a really good way to connect people to the land and the buffalo up there,” Bird said. With broader community input, the Pté Group named the trail Pté Bahá Ocą́gu. (In Nakoda, Pté Bahá Ocą́gu means “buffalo hills,” and in Dakota, Wamákhaškaŋškaŋ means “all that moves on the land.”)

In addition to the trail itself, the group also discussed plans to place interactive story poles – or structures that visitors can engage with in culturally meaningful ways – along the trail, and the School of Architecture organized several independent design courses for students to collaborate with community members to design the story poles. Bird said one story pole is currently in place, and four or five more will be added. The first pole is designed to catch fur that comes off buffalo when they rub against the pole, so that people can gather the fur. A second story pole will channel the wind to make tones, and people will be invited to place their hands over apertures to generate different sounds. A third story pole will feature an internal stairway that children can climb to gain a different perspective on the surrounding area. A fourth story pole may be related to stargazing, Bird said.

The group has received several smaller grants since 2018 that enabled the work to begin, resulting in trail design and environmental and cultural review, development of roughly a half-mile of completed ADA-accessible trail, along with a parking lot, toilet, picnic and bench facilities and the first two story poles. The new grant will not only lengthen the trail but also help restore the buffalo ranch grasslands, expand the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes’ capacity to manage buffalo herds through increased wildlife-friendly fencing and workforce development and expansion; fund educational programs to foster a deeper connection between tribal youth, buffalo and their culture; increase eco-tourism capacity, including dark-sky programming, led by Jonny Lee Bearcub Stiffarm; and enhance Fort Peck Community College science faculty Steven Coon’s and Joanne Stewart Kloker’s and their students’ collaborations with the ranch. The education and eco-tourism initiatives are also key Pté Group aspirations, Bird said. Stiffarm has advocated for the Pté Group aim of buffalo-related educational programming for all ages. Another partner, Kai Teague, will help lead access to augmented native plants along the trail.  

An overarching goal is to strengthen ecosystem and community resilience and support tribally led conservation and restoration.

Bird, who has collaborated with partners at Fort Peck for more than a decade, is leading MSU’s involvement with the project. She will engage citizen science experts with Fort Peck partners in developing lessons for K-12 students, and she will help Everts and students in MSU’s School of Architecture deliver planning and constructability services for the trail, as well as design and fabrication of story poles.

Other MSU collaborators include Suzi Taylor, director of the Science Math Resource Center, and Jill Falcon Ramaker, assistant professor in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition and Kinesiology and director of the Buffalo Nations Food System Initiative.

Bird hopes that by the time the grant concludes in 2027, more people – especially youth – will be involved and that infrastructure will be in place to enable the work and connections to continue.

“My hope is that by the time this grant ends it will be multi-generational and robust and those people will be able to carry the work forward,” she said. “To me the goal of this grant is to firmly establish the infrastructure for achieving the intentions of the Pté Group. If we can establish strong infrastructure and a set of lessons for and connections to (Fort Peck Community College) and (local) schools, that will go a long way.” 

Turnbull, co-chair of the Pté Group and key partner for the grant, said that all the proposed work “helps ensure that our wonderful, restored Yellowstone buffalo herd also advances the cultural, physical and economic health of our Fort Peck communities.”  

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FWP seeking public comment on environmental assessments, emergency closures

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft environmental assessments (EA) and emergency closures. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

Manley Choke to Death Private Pond

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock Yellowstone cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 0.38 surface-acre pond located in the Crazy Mountains north of Springdale that is fed by a combination of groundwater and seasonal surface water. A screened Agri Drain structure serves as the outlet for the pond which will prevent escapement during normal operations. Although native Yellowstone cutthroat trout inhabit streams downstream of the pond, the associated risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared fish are minimal.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable.

Comments due Feb. 8.

Emergency Rule Closing the Fairweather Fishing Access Site in Gallatin County

FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of emergency rule closing the Fairweather Fishing Access Site.

Comments due Feb. 12.

Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area Grazing and Water Development Plan Draft EA

FWP is seeking public review and comment through Feb. 12 of its proposed approach to livestock grazing and associated water development on Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

The draft EA for the plan outlines how cattle grazing agreements with neighboring private landowners would be implemented for the overall benefit of wildlife. The plan also prescribes how water sources for livestock would be developed on the WMA.

The draft plan does not approve specific grazing agreements on the WMA, instead it provides a framework for where it could be allowed, what types of practices would be used and how grazing would be monitored and managed. Any future grazing agreements would require public review and Fish and Wildlife Commission approval as part of a separate process.

Comments due Feb. 12.

Adoption of Emergency Rule Closing the Selway Park Fishing Access Site in Beaverhead County

FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of emergency rule closing the Selway Park Fishing Access Site.

Comments due Feb. 26.

Adoption of an Emergency Rule Closing the Valley Garden Fishing Access Site in Madison County

FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of emergency rule closing the Valley Garden Fishing Access Site.

Comments due Feb. 26.

Adoption of an Emergency Rule Closing the Ennis Fishing Access Site in Madison County

FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of emergency rule closing the Ennis Fishing Access Site.

Comments due Feb. 26.

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Monday, Feb. 5th, 2024

Four Corners Runaway Child


On February 4, 2024, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were flagged down by a mother, who informed them that her 12-year-old child had ran away from a local indoor trampoline park in the Four Corners Area. Deputies searched the area before calling Gallatin County Search and Rescue to assist.

While on their way to the area to assist, a Search and Rescue Member spotted a child matching the missing juvenile’s description walking southbound along Highway 191 near Axtell Anceny Road. The Search and Rescue Member stopped and spoke with the child before Deputies arrived on scene and confirmed it was the missing child.

The child was in good health and was given a ride back home and returned to the care of his mother. Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the sharp-eyed Search and Rescue volunteer for locating the child before they could come to harm.

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Winter Bloom Lantern Parade to Light Up Gallatin Regional Park


Gallatin Valley residents are invited to the first Winter Bloom Lantern Parade organized by the local non-profit Random Acts of Silliness beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Gallatin Regional Park. Spectators will enjoy hundreds of colorful lanterns inspired by the natural world as the parade meanders through the park accompanied by singers from the Bozeman Symphonic and Threshold choirs.

Inspired by the rich history of lantern parades and festivals around the world, Random Acts of Silliness is excited to start a new tradition in this community, said Executive Enchantment Director Danielle Thomsen. To spark light, joy, creativity, and connection during a dark time of year, the Winter Bloom theme was inspired by a similar event in the UK. Focusing on plants, animals, and insects felt like the perfect fit for this Valley of the Flowers, the name used by some indigenous people for the Gallatin Valley. 

“People are going to be blown away by the vibrance and creativity of our community!” said Thomsen. “We are going to light up the night with a glowing garden of gorgeousness!”

Hundreds of lanterns will come from a variety of sources: lanterns are being made by professional artists, Montana State University Art students, and members of the community. Some lanterns will be made in community workshops led by Random Acts of Silliness and at drop-in sessions at the Bozeman Public Library. Led by an enormous queen bee, the procession will contain a kaleidoscope of lantern themes, shapes, and sizes under the ambiance of choral and folk music.

“The Bozeman Symphony is proud to partner with Random Acts of Silliness for this first annual event,” said Education and Community Engagement Coordinator Cierra Wallace. “Members of our Symphonic Choir will be singing under the warm glow of lanterns, voices uniting in this uplifting experience of a creative community.”

The parade is expected to take approximately 45 minutes and will be visible from most parts of the park. Spectators are encouraged to carpool as parking is limited, and to dress for the elements as there is no seating, shelter, or concessions on the parade route. 

This event is free for our community to enjoy thanks to generous support from sponsors Design 5 Landscape Architecture and Sarah Day Bozeman Real Estate. For more information, please visit  https://www.randomactsofsilliness.com/winter-bloom-2024

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Montana State professor wins advising award at national oSTEM conference


BOZEMAN
— John Paxton, a computer science professor and director of Montana State University’s Gianforte School of Computing in the Norm Asbsjornson College of Engineering, has been named student Advisor of the Year by oSTEM, a national organization whose acronym  stands for Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

A faculty member since 1990 and adviser of MSU’s student chapter of oSTEM since its formation in 2017, Paxton helps chapter members with their professional and personal development.

“Personally, I am honored and humbled to receive this award," Paxton said. "Institutionally, this award recognizes Montana State University’s deep commitment to helping all students succeed. The students in the oSTEM at Montana State chapter are inspirational and it is deeply gratifying to play a small role in preparing them for impactful STEM careers and happy lives.”

Paxton received the award at the national oSTEM conference in Anaheim, California, in November. The mission of oSTEM is to help members of the LGBTQ+ STEM community lead more successful lives in the professional, academic and personal realms. Along with breakout sessions and keynote speakers, the annual conference features a career fair where students can meet and engage with industry professionals.

“This is an award that I share with the students and the university,” Paxton said. “There would be no award without students who are comfortable being members of our student oSTEM chapter. And there would be no award without Montana State University’s fantastic support of students who historically have encountered barriers to success.”

Before MSU had its own 0STEM student chapter, Paxton organized a trip for students to attend the national oSTEM conference in Denver in 2016. Shortly thereafter, MSU students formed an official club, with Paxton serving as its adviser.

Currently, MSU’s oSTEM chapter has about 25 members and meets twice a month. Meetings tend to focus on professional development, with presentations on topics such as resume writing and interview skills.

Bau Sauvage, a computer science major and the club’s co-president, along with junior psychology major Jacob McCandless, said Paxton has been a positive impact personally, while also making the computing school more accessible to all students, including women and minorities.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from him is how to advocate for myself,” Sauvage said. “He’s taught me things about communicating with people, how to phrase things in ways that are not aggressive or more facilitating of open conversations.”

Meanwhile, Paxton enjoys seeing these students succeed while bringing their full identifies to both their personal lives and to the workplace.   

“To advise our local oSTEM chapter and watch these students grow both personally and professionally is incredibly satisfying,” Paxton said.

Now in his 34th year at MSU, Paxton has developed a reputation not only as a leader in his field but as a faculty member who takes pride in helping his students succeed in all aspects of life.

“His care for the students is evident in everything he does, and I saw how much the students care for and appreciate him,” said Ryan Anderson, associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering who also attended the oSTEM conference. “He is a joy to be around, talk to and work with. Attending the conference with him and getting to interact with such a great group of students was a true highlight of my fall semester.”

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Big Sky "Tick Ridge" Injured Paraglider


On February 2, 2024, Gallatin County 911 received a call for an injured paraglider near Big Sky. The paraglider was “speed flying” when they hit a tree, fell roughly 20 feet and sustained a leg injury. A friend of the paraglider was able to call 911 to report the incident, set and splint the injured limb, and relay the patient’s location to emergency responders.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky Section responded to assist. It was determined the patient’s location was technically challenging terrain and a helicopter rescue would be the best course of action.

A helicopter rescue team from Central Copters Inc. responded to assist the injured paraglider. A short-haul rescue was performed. The patient was successfully transported to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the injured paraglider’s friend for their quick action, and points to this incident as a reminder to extreme sport participants of the importance of having a trusted partner or group while engaging in high-risk sports.

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Montana State’s WTI director wins prestigious ASCE award

BOZEMAN — The American Society of Civil Engineers’ Transportation and Development Institute has awarded Kelvin Wang its 2024 James Laurie Prize. Wang is the director of the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University and a professor of civil engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering

The award recognizes Wang’s “leadership in the advancement of transportation engineering research, including his outstanding contributions to the practice of advanced technologies of 3D laser imaging and AI-based solutions,” according to the ASCE.  

“Receiving the prestigious James Laurie Prize is a fitting recognition of Dr. Wang’s contributions to the transportation field,” said Craig Woolard, head of the Department of Civil Engineering. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Wang leading WTI and being part of the MSU Department of Civil Engineering.”  

Wang is known for his technological achievements in 3D laser imaging and associated artificial intelligence solutions for highway and airfield pavement surveys and bridge evaluations. He has more than 30 years of experience in transportation and civil engineering. 

“I thank ASCE for giving me the award, and my family, friends and colleagues who supported me in my career,” Wang said. “I hope this award will help me and MSU draw societal attention to the needs of transportation improvements, particularly in rural America.”  

Wang was named director of the Western Transportation Institute at MSU in 2023. Prior to joining MSU, he was Regents Professor and Dawson Chair of Civil Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He also previously served as president of ASCE’s Transportation and Development Institute. 

He was a highway engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation for four years and a professor at the University of Arkansas for 18. In 2017 Wang received the prestigious Francis C. Turner Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers, and he was named a distinguished member of ASCE in 2021.  

WTI at Montana State is one of the nation’s largest transportation institutes focused on rural transportation issues, and it has twice been designated as a National University Transportation Center by the U.S. Department of Transportation. WTI has conducted research at local, state and federal levels in 35 states and 22 countries. 

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Friday, Feb. 2nd, 2024

Sheriff Reports Citizen Tip Leads to Arrest in Street Sign Thefts

On January 30, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office provided a press release where 49 road signs from various parts of the county had been stolen.  A Gallatin County citizen saw the press release and came forward with valuable information which ultimately led to the arrest and charge of one  18 year old Bozeman resident.  This investigation continues as deputies follow up on additional leads.  Currently, 46 of the 49 stolen road signs have been recovered from various locations in Gallatin County.  Sheriff Dan Springer thanks the public for their assistance in this case and reiterates, it is the trust and relationship with our community that is often the key to solving many of these cases.

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Nonprofit Registration Opens for the 10th Annual Give Big Gallatin Valley

Nonprofits located in or serving Gallatin County are invited to register for Montana’s largest 24- hour giving day hosted by One Valley Community Foundation.

Gallatin County, MT - Nonprofits across Gallatin County are invited to register for the landmark 10th annual Give Big Gallatin Valley, scheduled for May 2nd and 3rd, 2024. Hosted by One Valley Community Foundation, this 24-hour giving day has become a cornerstone event in the region, dedicated to supporting local nonprofits and celebrating their impact on communities in our region.

Over the past nine years, Give Big Gallatin Valley has raised over $14.3 million for 425 local nonprofits, making it the largest 24-hour giving day in Montana. In 2023 alone, 6,650 donors rallied together to contribute $2,923,009 to 250 nonprofits during Give Big. Celebrating a decade of generosity, One Valley hopes to break records again by raising $3 million during Give Big 2024.

This annual event plays a vital role in providing critical support to nonprofits of all sizes, empowering them to raise unrestricted funds, the most difficult and important type of funds to galvanize. By participating in Give Big, organizations gain access to a broad donor base, with funds raised sustaining essential programs and services. Reflecting on the impact of Give Big, Stevie Croisant from We Are HER, a participating organization from the 2023 event, emphasized, “As a 100% volunteer-run organization, Give Big is crucial for us to sustain our mission. During Give Big, we raise 40% of our annual operating budget. We're grateful to One Valley Community Foundation for making this community-wide fundraiser possible.”

Nonprofits located in or serving Gallatin Valley are encouraged to register for this year's event by visiting GiveBigGV.org before the March 15th deadline. One Valley Community Foundation offers a range of resources, including educational webinars and promotional materials, to assist nonprofits in maximizing their impact during the event.

"One Valley is thrilled to be hosting our 10th annual Give Big Gallatin Valley this year,” said Jill Ellwood, One Valley Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Programming and Relations Manager. “What began as a vision of raising $100,000 in 24 hours ten years ago has evolved into an event eagerly anticipated by our community each year. Witnessing the power of collective action and its profound impact on our local nonprofits is truly inspiring.”

With the continued growth of our community, local nonprofits face increasing service demands and funding needs. One Valley Community Foundation, in collaboration with the event’s headline sponsor, Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, invites community members from Bozeman to West Yellowstone to join forces at GiveBigGV.org on May 2nd and 3rd and celebrate the nonprofits that play a vital role in cultivating a strong and vibrant Gallatin County.

For more information and to register for Give Big Gallatin Valley, visit GiveBigGV.org.
About One Valley Community Foundation

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Application Period Open for Project Funding from the Gallatin County Open Lands Program

Gallatin County is now accepting applications from projects seeking funding through the county’s Open Lands Program. 

This year, the voter-approved Open Space levy is estimated to bring in over $3.55 million total. While a majority of that money funds conservation projects, such as conservation easements for private landowners, about $887,000 has been earmarked by the Gallatin County Commission for “other eligible projects.” 

Applicants for projects that fall into the “other eligible projects” category are encouraged to apply for this funding from now through March 18. 

These projects must be related to land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the Gallatin County Open Space levy. Applicants must demonstrate how a proposed project is related to the provision of recreation, protection of water quality of streams and rivers, management of growth, or protection of wildlife areas. Projects must provide a tangible and compelling public benefit or provide public access, preferably both. 

Following the application process, the Open Lands Board will score submitted proposal and recommend projects to the Gallatin County Commission for final funding approval. 

Projects funded last year in this category included money for construction of a trail near West Yellowstone, maintenance of the Headwaters Trail System in Three Forks, a river and pond restoration project in Big Sky, land acquisition for Eagle Mount in Bozeman, Gallatin Valley Land Trust’s East-West connector trail project, and wildlife habitat and water quality improvements at the Gallatin County Regional Park. 

“This is a great way that we can collaborate with our community partners,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “I’m really excited that we continue to get a lot of interest in this funding opportunity and that it’s supporting projects across our county.” 

Eligibility, application instructions and submittal requirements are available online here.  

The maximum award for a project in this round is $100,000. Applicants are limited to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and property owners’ associations. 

Applications must be submitted by 5 PM on March 18 to the Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development, 311 W. Main St., room 108, Bozeman MT, 59715. 

For questions or more information, contact Sean O’Callaghan at 406-582-3130 or sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov

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News Comments

This is so typical of a sign in, which we should not have to do to check if we or some one in our party got a permit. I have been working or "creating an account" for 30 minutes and just get the same ...

Smith River permit drawing results available

Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024

Why not leave those cheerful, colorful garlands up longer? What’s the rush?

Main Street Closed Jan 2

Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023