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On the Trail: Trail Ethics
Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Ciara Wolfe BSCO Executive Director
As a frequent, avid trail user, trail ethics are a high priority for me. After a week of variable weather that included snow and rain, I was reminded how quickly poor trail ethics can damage a community trail system, and the importance of respecting trail conditions to preserve their quality over the long term.
With fall bringing some of Montana’s most variable weather conditions, and the season being one of our favorite times to be out on the trails, I thought it was appropriate to share some of the more important trail ethics so that users can care for the trails they are on.
- Respect the trail conditions. If the trail is saturated from snow and rain, every step or pedal you take makes an imprint that may not wash away quickly. Know when to turn around or stay off the trail altogether.
- Stay on the trail. If you are on a semi-wet trail, make sure to stay on the trail through the puddles rather than walking around them. Every individual that walks around puddles creates an additional path next to the existing trail, which ultimately widens the path, killing unnecessary vegetation. The same goes for cutting switchbacks. Even if a user-created trail exists between switchbacks, it is never a good idea to go off trail and create further damage.
- Clean the mud off your shoes, gear and dogs at the trailhead or when you return home. Many noxious weeds go to seed in the fall. These seeds can easily be carried by your furry friends or the mud on your shoes. If you hike several trails and don’t clean off your shoes in between, you can be carrying the seed of a deadly noxious weed to every beautiful place you go. To find out more about the noxious weeds in our area visit bigskyweeds.org.
- Respect trail user right of ways. Remember the yellow triangle when on the trail to ensure all users have an enjoyable and safe experience. Bikers yield to horses and hikers. Hikers yield to horses, and horses always have the right of way. Remind your friends and family who recreate to do the same.
Big Sky’s community trail system is one of our most treasured assets. The trail system is maintained through a combination of volunteer efforts, local business sponsorships and resort tax funding. The damage that can be done to a trail system during the wet season can impact its quality for years and require additional time and resources to fix. Please do your part and practice responsible trail ethics while enjoying our trail system during one of the most beautiful times of year in Big Sky.
For more information about Big Sky’s parks, trails and recreation programs, visit bscomt.org. The Big Sky Community Organization is a local nonprofit that connects people to recreational opportunities by acquiring, promoting and preserving sustainable places and programs for all.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
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Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
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Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during their regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. The free program, presented by the Bozeman Symphony is especially for children ages 3 to 5. Children will be able to listen to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks actor Emma Rather, who will be joined by Bozeman Symphony Bassoonist Sam Macken. The goal of the program is to encourage a love of music, literacy, and discovery. Additional programs are scheduled at the Library on April 10 and June 12. For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.
Time
(Wednesday) 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Location
Bozeman Public Library
626 E. Main St, Bozeman, MT