Opinion
Op-ed: Celebrate Montana’s open land
Published
8 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Jessie Wiese EBS Contributor
Montana is the stuff dreams are made of; movies for that matter too, and lots of them. People flock here to experience the state’s dramatic beauty and enjoy recreating in its relatively untouched landscape. And they find pristine rivers and creeks, snow-capped mountains and unspoiled nature around every turn.
Those of us lucky enough to call Montana home are well adjusted to the generous backdrop afforded by our state. Easy access to open land is one reason most of us moved or stayed here. There is a single thread running through all aspects of our state and our experiences in it: open land.
As Montana’s population grows, and as more travelers visit from elsewhere, it’s increasingly important to acknowledge and publicize both the social and economic benefits that Montana’s open lands provide us.
With Gallatin County’s growth rate far exceeding any other in the state, and Bozeman recently ranked sixth for growth in micro-cosmopolitan communities nationwide, change is upon us. Neighboring Yellowstone National Park boasts more than 4 million visitors per year.
As Gov. Steve Bullock put it during a recent speech in Big Sky on open lands, “They ain’t coming for our Wal-Marts.”
Land is the most valuable resource we have. It feeds us, filters our air, keeps our water clean, and provides recreation, timber, and habitat for us and other animals.
Here in Big Sky, the economic drivers are clear. Visitors come to our community to enjoy and ultimately appreciate our open lands. From dropping a fly in the Gallatin River or skiing a steep slope on Lone Mountain, to just taking in the view, the Montana lifestyle revolves around protected open space.
Open lands increase our community’s health and emotional wellbeing by providing opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation. They attract businesses to our communities, augmenting our collective quality of life. The Trust for Public Land found that every dollar invested in land conservation provides an economic return of $4 to $10.
Bozeman’s Headwaters Economics demonstrated that community proximity to open land attracts talent and entrepreneurs to communities like ours across the state. Big Sky is nestled between two large wilderness areas and within 16 miles of Yellowstone’s boundary. If it’s all about location, we’ve got it.
Montana’s land trusts are national leaders in land conservation, and a dozen work across the state. The Montana Land Reliance alone has protected nearly 1 million acres in the state, and is actively working on 48 projects to protect an additional 241,187 acres. This makes MLR among the largest land trusts in the nation.
Open land is something we can all get behind. Montana Open Land Month was established to enable all Montanans—individuals, clubs, businesses, outdoor groups, you name it—to celebrate the state’s way of life and the open land that makes Montana so special. As the old adage goes, “They’re not making any more of it.”
Please join us in the celebration.
Jessie Wiese is based in Big Sky and is the southwest manager of Montana Land Reliance. Visit mtlandreliance.org and openlandmt.org to learn more about land conservation and Montana Open Land Month.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
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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
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Verge Theater
18mar8:00 pm10:00 pmGays on Blades8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Event Type :SportsEvent City:Big Sky
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Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be
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Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be hot cocoa donated by the Hungry Moose and pizza donated by Blue Moon Bakery. Ice skate rentals are available at East Slope Outdoors until 8pm.
Time
(Monday) 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm