Photo Louise Johns
Happy Spring! While seasonal confusion is in full swing, we’re pretty sure it’s spring here in southwest Montana. The mountains may be snowy, but bears are awake and wandering, sandhill crane calls can be heard echoing across the valleys, and the first wildflowers are in bloom.
Just like the lands and wildlife, the Gallatin Forest Partnership is gearing up for summer and an exciting season ahead. To help us welcome summer, we invite you to join us at a handful of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities with our partners in our wild backyard.
Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group General Meeting | May 28 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Emigrant
Join us on May 28 at 6 p.m. at the St. Johns Church in Emigrant, where the Gallatin Forest Partnership will be presenting our conservation effort at the Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group General Meeting. We will share an overview of our effort, and a more focused look at how it would affect the Paradise Valley.
Learn more about the Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group here.
Dry Pine Connector Trail Project Open House | Wednesday, May 29 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Livingston
Have you ever explored the West Pine Creek Trail in the Gallatin Range? On May 29, the Forest Service and project collaborators are hosting an informal meeting to discuss a new connector trail in this area and we want to hear from you!
Read more from the Forest Service:
We are pleased to announce our latest collaborative endeavor involving the Southern Montana Resource Advisory Committee, Livingston Bike Club, Gallatin Forest Partnership, AB Wilderness Foundation, and Yellowstone Ranger District. Supported by the Secure Rural Schools & Community Self-Determination Act, we are currently engaged in the development of a roughly two-mile, multi-use, singletrack connector trail. This trail would link the West Pine Creek Trail with North Dry Creek Road, enhancing the access to both trailheads.
Named the Dry Pine Connector Trail, this initiative aims to broaden accessibility for all user groups, alleviate traffic congestion and environmental strain, mitigate conflicts with landowners, enhance safety for cyclists and motorists, diminish fire risks, and alleviate strain on other nearby trails. Our commitment lies in pursuing stewardship goals that bolster forest ecosystems, promote land rehabilitation, and enhance water quality.
To delve deeper into the Dry Pine Connector Trail Project or to contribute your insights, we invite you to an upcoming informal meeting.
Scheduled for May 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Park County Community Room, located at 414 E Callendar St. in Livingston, this gathering will host all project collaborators. It presents a valuable opportunity to inquire or offer feedback on the project. We eagerly anticipate your presence.
National Trails Day with Back Country Horsemen | Saturday, June 1 | 9 a.m. | Spanish Creek Trailhead
On June 1, join our partners at Gallatin Valley Back Country Horsemen for trail maintenance to celebrate National Trails Day. Volunteers will be hiking up the trails from the Spanish Creek Trailhead to clear out deadfall and work on water bars. Meet at the Spanish Creek Trailhead at 9 a.m. and join us for a few hours or a full day. Bring snacks, gloves, and a silky saw if you have one!
Learn more about Gallatin Valley Back Country Horsemen on their website!
We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please contact gallatinforestpartners@gmail.com.
