By Marne Hayes EBS COLUMNIST
Water-wise. Fire-safe. Ecosystem-friendly. What do these terms mean, and how do they define steps the community should be taking to ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for our water resources?
Introducing the theory behind Alpenscapes, a partnership among Big Sky organizations dedicated to a future that encompasses all of the practices and principles that point to smarter landscaping and thriving landscapes.
Alpenscapes is the collaboration between four community organization partners—Gallatin River Task Force, Big Sky SNO, Grow Wild and the Big Sky Fire Department. This program takes a proactive look at our landscapes and the fundamental impact they have on our ecosystems.
Water conservation and sustainability is the focus of Alpenscapes. The Gallatin River Task Force has identified water conservation as a priority for many years, launching the Big Sky Water Conservation Program in 2016 to address concerns for a growing Big Sky and its simultaneously diminishing water supply.
Data and climate predictors inform our expectation for longer and more extreme periods of drought. The Greater Yellowstone Climate Assessment forecasts that we will consistently see less snow and warmer temperatures, exacerbating an already sensitive water supply, increasing the need to protect our water resources.
“With the GYCA projecting a 40% reduction in snowfall by 2100, Big Sky’s ecosystem health will dramatically diminish,” said Lizzie Peyton, director of sustainability with Big Sky SNO. “It’s our responsibility to adapt to the changing climate, and these new landscaping guidelines are designed to make it easier for each resident to participate in a community effort to adapt.”
Based on our geography, Big Sky is at a 93% greater risk for wildfire than other communities in the U.S., and noxious invasive weeds are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in the Gallatin watershed. Big Sky County Water and Sewer District data also tells us that landscape irrigation is the number one source of water use in Big Sky, increasing water demand for outdoor use by 160% from July to October. Big Sky is central to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and as such, our landscaping has the potential to have a huge positive—or negative—impact on our water resources, which affects the natural environment and safety of our community.
Conserving water ensures cold water and healthy trout in the Gallatin River, a sufficient drinking water supply and resilience against wildfire. Mindful landscape planning, reduced irrigation practices and the use of more native plant species contribute to the future resilience of our community water resource and its relationship to the environment, producing beautiful landscapes to boot.
“Landscaping implemented with conservation principles does not mean it will be unattractive,” said Jen Mohler, executive director of Grow Wild. “The landscaping developed at Big Sky’s Crail Gardens is proof that native plants can serve water conservation, wildlife, and our desire for beautiful landscaping.”
Alpenscapes’ mission states, “with a changing climate, increased wildfire risk, threatened water quality and supply, the spread of invasive species, and ongoing development, Big Sky’s diverse alpine terrain requires a better approach than thirsty, maintenance-intensive lawns.” The four organizations came together to offer a more unified landscaping program, recognizing that having many different programs was inefficient. The group now offers free resources and education, and encourages community engagement to inspire livable landscapes for a more sustainable, resilient Big Sky.
The partners are working diligently to finalize plant lists, landscaping guidelines, and create workshops and education opportunities to make sustainable landscaping easy and accessible for all. While the finishing touches are being put into place, the community is invited to take advantage of the resources and information offered through the various partners, including more information on respective websites, free site visits from the Big Sky Fire Department and Grow Wild, and rebates offered through the Gallatin River Task Force.
The project would not have been possible without the support, trust, and funding from a variety of sources, including the Big Sky Resort Area District, the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, the Moonlight Community Foundation and the Western State Fuels Reduction Grant. As the saying goes, it takes a village, and in the case of Big Sky and Alpenscapes, a village that is Water-wise, fire-safe and ecosystem-friendly.
Learn more at www.alpenscapes.org
Marne Hayes is the communications manager for the Gallatin River Task Force.
