EBS STAFF
A recent press release from the Gallatin County Commission announced 13 county-wide projects aimed at enhancing parks, trails and outdoor access are receiving a boost from Gallatin County.
On Tuesday, April 29, the Commission unanimously approved $1,099,016 in funding through the voter-approved Open Lands Program to support community-driven improvements across the region.
The projects, which span Bozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, Four Corners, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Canyon and beyond, will enhance trails, parks, river access and public lands enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Among the funded efforts is a new 6.25-mile natural surface mountain bike trail on private property owned by Bridger Bowl and Crosscut Mountain Sports. The trail will be built in collaboration between the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association, Bridger Bowl and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, and the $100,000 awarded by the county will help support phase one of the project.
Other projects receiving funding include:
- City of Bozeman: $100,000 for construction of a splash pad at Story Mill Community Park.
- Gallatin River Task Force: $100,000 for parking improvements for Hebgen River Access.
- City of Belgrade: $100,000 for Mayfair Meadows bike park construction.
- Headwaters Trail System: $100,000 for trail surface and pedestrian bridge maintenance.
- Trout Unlimited: $90,000 for Mandeville Creek restoration.
- Gallatin Valley Land Trust: $100,000 for Sunset Hills all-abilities trail enhancements.
- HRDC: $99,998 for construction of pedestrian pathway through the Gallatin County Rest Home site.
- Monforton School Foundation: $12,110 for Monforton Elementary School playground restoration.
- Downtown Business Partnership: $75,000 for the construction of the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park.
- Bridger Ski Foundation: $100,000 for winter trails grooming and enhancement.
- Grow Wild: $34,100 for weed management, trailhead signage, and firewise landscaping in Gallatin Canyon.
- Gallatin County: $76,808 for Sypes Canyon trailhead improvements.
“I’m very pleased that the slate of projects hits all corners of our community,” Commissioner Jennifer Boyer stated in the press release. “This really reflects our community and the diversity of users and needs.”
Funding for these projects comes from Gallatin County’s Open Space Levy, which voters approved in 2018. The levy is projected to generate over $4.36 million in 2025. While most of the funds support conservation easements for private landowners, the County Commission designated $1.09 million this year for “other eligible projects” including land acquisition, capital improvements and maintenance work that furthers the levy’s goals.
This year, a record 19 project proposals were submitted, totaling over $1.5 million in funding requests. The Gallatin County Open Lands Board reviewed and scored each proposal before recommending the final slate of projects to the Commission.
More information on the funded projects, including applications, scores and supporting materials, is available on the Commission’s agenda.
