Uncategorized

Weekly Parks Showcase: Wild Horse Island State Park

This week’s focus takes us to Flathead Lake Montana to the (former) home of the world’s biggest bighorn sheep. In addition to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the island is a habitat for more than 100 different birds and mammals, including osprey, bald eagles, mule deer, coyotes, wild horses, and even the occasional bear. The island is managed as a primitive area, making the park experience very exploratory with a true feeling of a wild landscape.

Located on Flathead LakeWild Horse Island is the largest island in a freshwater lake west of Minnesota.

Accessible only by boat, Wild Horse Island has six boat landing sites, but visitors are welcome to pull their boats to shore on any of the public beach sites.

While most of the island is owned by Montana State Parks, be aware as there is still private property on the island; therefore visitors are prohibited from using private boat docks.

Did you know?

Wild Horse Island is said to have been used by the Pend D’Oreille Native Americans who would pasture their horses on the island to prevent them from being stolen by other tribes!

Due to the variety of wildlife, Wild Horse Island does not allow camping, pets, or bikes as they may spook the animals. Fires and smoking are prohibited anywhere on the island.

With approximately 2,164 acres to explore, finding an activity and quiet nature viewing isn’t difficult at Wild Horse Island.

What can you do at Wild Horse Island? The question is, what can’t you do?! You can:

✅ Take a hike! The island has four miles of interconnected hiking trails, but visitors are free to explore off-trail as well.

✅ Try and catch your dinner! Fishing is allowed with tribal & state fishing licenses.

✅ Check out the wildlife including bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, falcons, and wild horses.

✅ Warm day? Take a dip in Flathead Lake!

✅ Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while you enjoy the views.

✅ Plus so many more!

While you won’t find a full-time park ranger here, each of the six landing sites serves as a trailhead with informational kiosks. In fact, in 2019, the Montana State Parks Foundation is working with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to replace and improve its current informational kiosk system.

Besides the great views and interesting wildlife, you can also find rare, endangered plant life on Wild Horse Island. The island even has a Palouse Prairie ecosystem, one of only three of these biomes in Montana.

And it is because of its unique ecosystem and habitat that is home to so many amazing and unique species, that the Montana State Parks Foundation will be working to eradicate invasive species on the island.

So – let’s get outside! And in the meantime, help support the boots-on-the-ground work the Foundation is doing on the island.

How Will the Foundation Help “Wild Horse Island” in 2019?

Each year the Foundation chooses a select few projects on-the-ground in Montana State Parks to help make a meaningful and long-term impact.

In 2019, Wild Horse Island is one such project. The Foundation will help fund information kiosk updating, trail maintenance, and invasive weed species management.

If you envision a Wild Horse Island of today for our future generations, I encourage you to donate today to help ensure that it becomes a reality.

Weekly Parks Showcase: Wild Horse Island State Park Read More »

Weekly Parks Showcase, Tongue River Reservoir

Your Weekly Showcase of Montana State Parks

This week’s focus takes us to the southeast border of Montana and 10 minutes outside of Decker, MT to Tongue River Reservoir State Park.

Tongue River Reservoir is on the Tongue River, a tributary of the Yellowstone River, approximately 265 miles long, that runs through Montana and Wyoming. The park provides a 12-mile long reservoir set in the truly scenic prairie land of southeastern Montana featuring red shale and juniper canyons.

Due to the rareness of large bodies of water like this in prairie country, the park can see up to 50,000 visitors a year.

Camping? Tongue River Reservoir has 81 reservable campsites with electric hookups, and 27 of those are double occupancy with two electric hook-ups.

There are also 80 non-reservable, non-electric sites! Most sites also have a fire ring and picnic table.

There is an RV dump station and water faucets available during peak season. During the offseason there are 11 sites with electricity, these are first-come, first-served.

Did you know?

Although there are no hiking opportunities at Tongue River, there is hiking available nearby at Rosebud Battlefield State Park or Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument.

Things to do:

✅ Take the boat out on the water! There are two boat ramps with docks, one at Campers Point and one at Pee Wee North.

✅ Go for a swim! Sand Point has a small beach area for swimming.

✅ Keep your eyes open for wildlife! You may just see osprey, blue herons, deer, antelope, or bald eagles.

✅ Bring your picnic! The designated day-use area has picnic tables at Campers Point and Sand Point.

✅ Plus so many more!

At 12 miles long, the reservoir makes for excellent fishing any time of year! You’ll find crappie, walleye, bass, and northern pike here. You can also fly fish below the dam and there is a fish cleaning station located within the park.

Forgot anything or just need additional supplies? The marina at Campers Point has firewood, ice, fishing and boating supplies, boat rentals, boat and RV storage, bait, groceries, snacks, drinks, gasoline, souvenirs, fishing, and hunting licenses, and non-resident park passes.

While summertime may be the most popular time to visit the park, Tongue River Reservoir State Park also features amazing ice fishing and year-round campsites that support just that.

DID YOU KNOW?

Four state record fish have been pulled from Tongue River Reservoir State Park, including a 37 pound Northern Pike?

Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?

“My most favorite places to go camping and fishing.”

“Catch Walleye, Pike, Crappie, Bass, Cats, and MORE!”

“Great place to recreate with shore-side camping, most with electrical hookups available.”

“Tongue River Reservoir has the best fishing – they have a wide variety of fish to choose from when They hit they hit you hard. Everything from walleye to catfish to a bluegill sunfish, bass, pike, crappie, etc.”

“I’ve been going there since I was a kid. My best childhood memories are there, the countless hours spent fishing and water skiing. Also, an amazing place to make friends from all over the country. I hope to give my kids great memories here as my parents did for me!”

Tongue River Reservoir State Park Quick Facts

Park Open Year-Round

Campground Open Year-Round 11 campsites have electricity year-round

Open Year-Round

  • 642 Acres

  • ADA Accessible

  • Pets Allowed

  • Toilets (Vault)

  • Water

  • Electricity

  • RV Dump Station

  • Boat Launch

How Does the Foundation Help State Parks Like Tongue River Reservoir State Park?

As Montana State Parks’ only statewide fundraising partner, the Foundation helps to raise awareness, education, and most importantly support boots-on-the-ground improvement projects for users and supporters like you.

As an agency faced with a $22 million maintenance deficit, our work and collaboration help to ensure continued access and solutions currently inside our state park system.

Because in the end, we envision state parks that reflect Montana’s renowned outdoor recreation and heritage for all… forever.

Other Ways to Support Montana State Parks

A simple way to help Montana State Parks, each and every year, is through our branded Montana license plates. These feature the famous Monte Pollack painting, Placid Lake Sunset, and are an effective way to say “yes” to protecting Montana’s public lands by doing what you’d be doing anyway by registering your vehicle.

Weekly Parks Showcase, Tongue River Reservoir Read More »

Weekly Parks Showcase: Makoshika State Park

This week’s focus takes us to Glendive, MT to Montana’s largest state park. In addition to the pine and juniper studded badlands formations, the park also houses the fossil remains of over ten different types of dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops. The popular Diane Gabriel Trail hike even offers views of an exposed Hadrosaur fossil embedded in the rugged hillside.

Established on November 10, 1953, thanks in part to a generous family land donation, Makoshika (Mah-koh-shi-kah) State Park is Montana’s largest state park.

While Makoshika is well known for the dinosaur fossils found (more than ten different species!) throughout the park, Montanans know our largest park is so much more than just fossils.

Did you know?

Makoshika is a variant spelling of the Lakota phrase meaning “bad land” or “land of bad spirits”.

Located just outside Glendive and open year-round, Makoshika is home to about half of the species of birds found in Montana.

Similar to the number of different birds, Makoshika boasts nearly half of the state’s flower species as well.

Popular with locals and tourists alike, Makoshika makes for a great day-trip, overnight stay, or even a multi-day adventure, but don’t worry, you won’t feel crowded!

With 11,538 acres and an elevation of 2,415 feet, finding an activity and solitude isn’t difficult in Makoshika!

You can:

✅ Visit the visitors center to see a Triceratops skull and other badlands interpretive displays.

✅ Camp (year-round!) at one of the 28 campsites. Or more of a backpacker? The park is now issuing backcountry permits for overnight trips.

✅ Take a drive along the scenic route through the park (note the road reopens after recent upgrades in 2019).

✅ Check out the Montana Dinosaur Trail and learn more about Montana paleontology.

✅ Go on a bird-watching excursion to see how many species you can spot.

✅ Weather erosion means the park’s landscape is ever-changing, creating once-in-a-lifetime views! Take in the beauty of the badlands on a day hike.

✅ Play a round — or two — of disk golf at the 18-hole course.

✅ Try your bow and arrow skills at the archery range.

✅ Plus so much more!

Be aware, the weather in the park varies and temperatures can be extreme, so be sure to check the weather before embarking on your Makoshika adventure.

If you happen to plan your trip in June, you’re in for a treat! Buzzard Days festival is held every June and features 10k and 5k races (plus a fun run!), Native American singers and drummers, mini-golf, jumping house, food, a frisbee golf tournament, hikes, and more!

You’ll also love the other special events hosted at Makoshika throughout the year like Montana Shakespeare in the Park, March for Parks, summer youth programs, and many more.

Let’s get outside!

How Does the Foundation Help State Parks Like Makoshika?

As Montana State Parks’ only statewide fundraising partner, the Foundation helps to raise awareness, education, and most importantly support boots-on-the-ground improvement projects for users and supporters like you. As an agency faced with a $22 million maintenance deficit, our work and collaboration help to ensure continued access and solutions currently inside our state park system.

Because in the end, we envision state parks that reflect Montana’s renowned outdoor recreation and heritage for all… forever.

Donate today at:
www.montanastateparksfoundation.org/donate

Weekly Parks Showcase: Makoshika State Park Read More »

Weekly Parks Showcase: Black Sandy

This week’s focus takes us near Helena, MT to one of Montana’s popular fishing and boating sites upriver from Hauser Dam. The park showcases great hiking around the dam as well as one of the few public access points to Hauser Reservoir.

A popular summer spot located approximately 7 miles outside of Helena and upriver from Hauser Dam, Black Sandy State Park is one of the few public parks on Hauser Reservoir.

Did you know?

On the Northside of the lake, you can find black sand! (Hence the name!)

Looking for activities at the park? You won’t be disappointed!

✅ Spend your day on the lake boating, fishing, water skiing, or tubing.

✅ Winter? Try your hand at ice fishing!

✅ Take a hike on one of the trails.

✅ Pack a picnic and enjoy the view of the lake.
✅ Take a bike ride to Hauser Dam!

✅ Plus so much more!

There are 29 campsites at Black Sandy and any with electrical hookups can be reserved in advance! Electrical hookups are available from May 1 – November 30. Before planning your trip, be sure your trailer is no more than 35 feet.

DID YOU KNOW?
Black Sandy State Park also boasts one of the largest Bald Eagle concentrations west of the Mississippi during the month of August.

But don’t take it from us – here is what recent visitors had to say (with some park-specific tips just for state park supporters like you).

“We camped on the lake for four days and never ran out of things to do. The swimming, fishing, and boating were great. The Lookout Trail hike was a good hike to run the dogs and get a great scenic view of the Missouri River and Hauser Lake.”

“This is a beautiful place to camp and fish – go in spring or fall to miss the crowds – lots of boats out in the summer. Fun to fish and camp here.”

“It is beautiful !! Besides camping right on the lake, there is fishing, canoeing, and a short bike ride to Hauser Lake Dam. Another bonus is that it is located only 7 miles north of Helena.”

“We just left after spending 6 days at Black Sandy. Sites 1-11 are first come first serve with 12 & 13 reserved for the handicapped and the rest of the sites are reserved via the website or on phone. ”

“We made an RV site reservation 5 months in advance for the Park. I am glad we did. It’s very popular. The RV sites are right on the water.”

Let’s get outside!

Black Sandy State Park Quick Facts

Park
Open Year-Round

Location
6563 Hauser Dam Road
Helena, MT 59602

Additional Information
May 1-November 30
Electrical Hookups Available

December 1-May 1
Limited Facilities Available

Day Use Area Open Year-Round

  • Open Year-Round

  • 43 Acres

  • ADA Accessible

  • Pets Allowed

  • Toilets (Flush & Vault)

  • Water

  • Maps

  • RV Dump Station

  • Boat Launch

  • Electricity

    How Does the Foundation Help State Parks Like Black Sandy?

    As Montana State Parks’ only fundraising partner, the Foundation helps to raise awareness, education, and most importantly support boots-on-the-ground improvement projects for users and supporters like you. As an agency faced with a $22 million maintenance deficit, our work and collaboration help to ensure continued access and solutions currently inside our state park system.

    Because in the end, we envision state parks that reflect Montana’s renowned outdoor recreation and heritage for all… forever.

Weekly Parks Showcase: Black Sandy Read More »

Weekly Parks Showcase: Madison Buffalo Jump

This week’s focus takes us near Three Forks, MT to one of Montana’s historic Native American sites.  This park highlights not only what was formerly an extensive village, but only one of a handful of publicly preserved and accessible buffalo jump sites in North America.

Located just outside of Logan, Madison Buffalo Jump State Park serves as an incredible monument to early Native American inhabitants.

Did you know?

A significant number of tipi rings have been found here, leading archeologists to believe there was once an extensive village at this site.

At the top of the cliff, you can still find “eagle pits”` where Native American “runners” would hide. “Runners” — skilled men trained for speed and endurance — wore animal skins to lure buffalo to the cliff where they would meet their demise. This was their only means for survival for thousands of years.

Although extensively used for over 2,000 years, when horses were introduced around 1700 the jump was mostly abandoned.

Looking for activities at the park? You won’t be disappointed!

✅ Visit the interpretive pavilion to learn more about the jump which was used for nearly 2,000 years.
✅ Take a hike on the 4 miles of hiking trails.
✅ Packing a picnic? You’ll love the picnic area located near the parking lot.
✅ History buff? Madison Buffalo Jump is a  great stop to learn about the local history and culture of Native Americans who utilized the area.
✅ Plus so many more!

While camping is not available at this location, Missouri Headwaters State Park is located only 20 minutes away by car and offers campsites, tipis, and cabins available to the public.

Unlike other areas near the park, Madison Buffalo Jump was not extensively mined for fertilizer nor has it been deeply surveyed by archeologists, leaving tons of bones and details of the site buried. In fact, graduate students from the University of Montana have used it for archeology studies in recent years.

Planning a summer visit? Madison Buffalo Jump is a great stop on the way to the Madison River for fishing or floating and Missouri Headwaters State Park is close and also open year-round.

During the winter, snow is typically sparse at Madison Buffalo Jump making it a great place to hike year-round.

Let’s get outside!

Unlike other areas near the park, Madison Buffalo Jump was not extensively mined for fertilizer nor has it been deeply surveyed by archeologists, leaving tons of bones and details of the site buried. In fact, graduate students from the University of Montana have used it for archeology studies in recent years.

Planning a summer visit? Madison Buffalo Jump is a great stop on the way to the Madison River for fishing or floating and Missouri Headwaters State Park is close and also open year-round.

During the winter, snow is typically sparse at Madison Buffalo Jump making it a great place to hike year-round.

Let’s get outside!

Unlike other areas near the park, Madison Buffalo Jump was not extensively mined for fertilizer nor has it been deeply surveyed by archeologists, leaving tons of bones and details of the site buried. In fact, graduate students from the University of Montana have used it for archeology studies in recent years.

Planning a summer visit? Madison Buffalo Jump is a great stop on the way to the Madison River for fishing or floating and Missouri Headwaters State Park is close and also open year-round.

During the winter, snow is typically sparse at Madison Buffalo Jump making it a great place to hike year-round.

Let’s get outside!

Make a donation to help protect and preserve Madison Buffalo Jump Today.

Weekly Parks Showcase: Madison Buffalo Jump Read More »

More “aaaahhs”: The business case for investing in outdoor recreation

DIANE CONRADI Oct 11, 2018, Updated Oct 15, 2018

I love the “aaaaahh” moment — when you step out of the car door into dappled sunlight, take a deep breath, and hear nothing but the rustle of leaves. I’m kind of addicted. Author Florence Williams calls it a getting a “Nature Fix.”

I often get my “nature fix” on the Whitefish Trail — it’s close to my home, it’s easy and it’s exhilarating. But I could get it on the Cut Bank Trails near Cut Bank, following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, Dillon’s Selway Park, on an after-work float on the Beaverhead, Great Falls’ River’s Edge Trail on a lunchtime bike ride, or Makoshika State Park, on a weekend campout among the hoodoos and dinosaur fossils of the Montana Badlands.

What do these places share? Outdoor recreation infrastructure — a clunky term that can mean a boat ramp, trail, toilet, or a campground. Investments like these make “front-country” places easier, safer, and more pleasurable to visit.

They also have a great return. Each dollar spent pays back in economic vitality, health and wellness, and quality of life.

But we’re not keeping up.

Montana state park visitation grows every year, but it has a $23 million maintenance backlog. National parks, with record-breaking visitation, have an eye-popping $12 billion (with a “B”) backlog of maintenance needs, with $18 million in Yellowstone and $153 million in Glacier. The U.S. Forest Service’s maintenance backlog is $4.4 billion.

Meanwhile, Congress has allowed the largest source of funding for outdoor recreation infrastructure, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to expire. That pot of money, funded entirely by royalties from offshore drilling since 1964, should be a predictable source to fix and acquire parks and trails.

But each day that passes without it means nearly $3 million is lost to this country’s treasured parks and trails, to our shared detriment.

Let’s look at some numbers.

Nationally, consumers spend $887 billion every year on outdoor recreation, generating 7.6 million direct jobs, $65.3 billion in federal tax revenue, and $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue.

In Montana, consumers spent $7.1 billion recreating in Montana, creating 71,000 jobs, $2.2 billion in wages, and $286 million in state and local taxes.

Even locally, the Whitefish Trail is estimated to contribute $6.4 million in annual spending by visitors and locals who purchase or rent outdoor gear at local stores and spend money for lodging, eating, and shopping. That means 68 additional jobs and $1.9 million in labor income locally.

Quick and easy access to the outdoors is a competitive advantage to growing segments of our economy like the tech sector. With wages 53 percent above the statewide average, businesses need top talent but face stiff competition from places like Seattle and San Francisco. That’s why Montana employers tout quality outdoor access as a benefit, especially if a trailhead or boat ramp is a few minutes from the job.

Alongside federal and state investment, we need counties and cities to step up. We need them to realize that outdoor recreation infrastructure is a big part of the economy that funds our schools and roads and hospitals.

Individuals must speak up about creating, protecting, and enhancing the outdoor experience.

Those “aaaah moments” matter to all of us. They keep us happier and healthier. And they also keep our economy rolling.

More “aaaahhs”: The business case for investing in outdoor recreation Read More »

Weekly Parks Showcase Kicks Off with Wayfarers State Park

This week kicks off the start of our weekly showcase where we will introduce you to one of Montana’s 55 state parks. Whether it’s your first introduction or a re-introduction, you’re sure to learn more about Montana’s unique outdoor recreation culture and spectacular natural assets.

Located on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake near Bigfork, you’ll find Wayfarers State Park. This park, while small, has so much to offer.

Did you know?

While close enough to Bigfork to walk, the mature mixed forest of Wayfarers makes it a great place for camping and picnicking.

✅ Take a nature walk on the many walking paths along the rocky lakeshore.
✅ Fancy yourself a budding photographer? The cliffs near Wayfarers offer spectacular points for pictures!
✅ Use the boat launch and spend a day boating on the lake.
✅ The shoreline provides a great space for beachgoers.
✅ Spend the day kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.
✅ Keep your eyes open for some of the many bird species that live around the lake.
✅ Plus so much more!

Wayfarers have 30 campsites, seven of which are walk-in, tent-only sites. Don’t forget to be sure your RV/trailer is no more than 40 feet.

One hike-bike campsite with nine tent pads, ideal for cyclists traveling along the Continental Divide route.

DID YOU KNOW?

Starting in spring and into the late fall, Wayfarers is full of wildflowers.

The best part of Wayfarers State Park?

Its location along the northeastern part of Flathead Lake makes it one of the ideal places to watch the sunset over the lake and sink behind the mountains.

Let’s get outside!

Wayfarers State Park Quick Facts

Park
Open Year-Round

Location
8600 Mt. Hwy 35
Bigfork, MT 59911

Campground
Open April to October

Additional Information
Water & Shower House Available
May To September

Day Use Area Open Year-Round

  • 67 Acres

  • ADA Accessible

  • Pets Allowed

  • Water

  • Toilets (Flush & Vault)

  • Boat Launch and Dock

  • RV Dump Station

  • Firewood for Sale

Know Someone Who Loves State Parks As Much As You?

Share this email with friends and family or share it on your favorite social media sites.

Weekly Parks Showcase Kicks Off with Wayfarers State Park Read More »

Year one for MT State Parks Foundation Director a victory for parks and the people who use and love them.

Under new leadership, the MT State Parks Foundation has worked hard to enhance and improve the parks that make Montana a great place to live or visit.

Dear Montana State Parks Supporters,

About a year ago, I was hired to be the first Executive Director of the fledgling Montana State Parks Foundation.  Much credit goes to the original Board of Directors and the Foundation’s first employee, Marne Hayes, of Businesses for Montana Outdoors, for their great work in establishing the Foundation prior to my tenure.

The Foundation I was brought in to lead and grow was at a turning point in its lifecycle.  Our first two years of existence were focused on bringing the challenges Montana State Parks face to the attention of the public, advocating for better parks, and fighting for more secure state funding.  Those causes remain key tenants of what the Montana State Parks Foundation stands for.

However, the Foundation also needed emphasis areas in which it could build credibility, trust, and momentum among citizens, State Park lovers, State Parks staff, legislators, and others.  The Directors of the Foundation and I developed a new strategic plan to guide our organization for the next 5 years. That plan shifted the focus of the Foundation’s efforts and resources toward a more clearly defined mission: The Montana State Parks Foundation raises private support to enhance the visitor experience and build advocates for Montana’s state parks and recreation heritage.

Right away we started working to identify and fund parks-based projects that addressed critical needs and improved the quality of Montana’s State Parks.  In my first year as Executive Director, we raised money from individual donors, grants, business sponsorships, events, and the sale of specialty State Parks license plates.  Then we did exactly what we planned to do, we invested that money back into parks projects including:

  • New visitor information kiosks at Lonepine State Park near Kalispell

  • Park benches, trees, bushes, and native plants for the state’s newest state park, Milltown State Park

  • Trail design and a property boundary survey at Sluice Boxes State Park

  • Trail design and consulting at Makoshika State Park

  • Lending Library and new park benches at Wayfarers State Park

  • Interpretive program equipment at Lonepine State Park

  • Funded a Smith River Ranger Position for 2017

  • Paid for annual property lease at Madison Buffalo Jump State Park

  • Funded the annual meeting of the National Association of State Parks Directors in Missoula, MT in September of 2017

Additionally, we were able to build and improve our Foundation in many important ways. . We developed a sophisticated donor and supporter database and tracking system.  We built a powerful email and social media marketing platform. We developed systems and protocols to manage everything from financial records to volunteer inquiries. We also added a number of tremendously talented and passionate members to our board of directors.  While these types of business structures may not be as exciting as Blackfoot River sinker log benches at a new state park, they are important to the long-term viability of the Foundation and thus to our state park system.

In the year to come, we plan to accomplish much, much more to enhance the visitor experience and improve Montana’s State Parks.  We’ve been working closely to develop and build strong partnerships with conservation organizations such as the Montana Conservation Corps and the Wild Sheep Foundation;  government partners such as the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District; business partners like onX Maps, River Design Group, and Patagonia; and most importantly, people like you who care about public lands and want Montana to have a great state parks system–one that reflects our renowned reputation as the nation’s leader in outdoor recreation and heritage.

Montana’s State Parks need people like you.  People that are passionate, solutions-oriented, and willing to be a part of positive change.  Without your help, State Parks will continue to face over $22 million dollars in unmet maintenance, infrastructure, and capacity needs.  While the staff and volunteers at Montana State Parks do a great job keeping the parks operating as smooth as they can, they can’t keep holding it all together with duct tape and baling wire forever.

So we have a choice.  We can hope and wait for politicians in Helena and Washington D.C. to stop quibbling over partisan differences and do what is right for our public lands and our state.  Or we can step up and meet the problem head-on. The Montana State Parks Foundation has been and will continue to do the latter by investing private money into critical improvements and enhancements to our State Parks.  We invite you to join us and be a part of the solution.

Sincerely,

Coby R. Gierke

Executive Director

Montana State Parks Foundation

400 W. Broadway Ave Suite 100-424

Missoula, MT 59802

Montana State Parks Foundation By the Numbers

Year one for MT State Parks Foundation Director a victory for parks and the people who use and love them. Read More »

Sportsman’s & Ski House 50th Anniversary Benefits Montana State Parks

By Carol Marino of the Daily Interlake News

Folks turned out in tall order to help an iconic Flathead Valley business celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Sportsman & Ski Haus pulled out all the stops by offering big sales, free food and drink, and special events on two consecutive weekends in June.

But the employee-owned business wasn’t satisfied with just generating foot traffic, it marked the celebration by raising money for the Montana State Parks Foundation, an entirely appropriate beneficiary for a company whose merchandise and mission cater to those who love and live in the great outdoors.

Both Sportsman & Ski Haus Kalispell and Whitefish stores sold commemorative 50th-anniversary cups. For a $5 donation, customers could have their cups filled with the beverage of their choice. Together the two locations raised $3,000 for the Parks Foundation.

The Foundation has earmarked the funds for a project in 2019 in conjunction with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to improve the wild sheep habitat improvement on Wild Horse Island. The Foundation also hopes to enlist the help of the Montana Conservation Corps.

Representatives from FWP were on hand at Sportsman during the anniversary celebration, drawing crowds with its display of a Boone & Crockett world record Rocky Mountain bighorn ram skull along with two other top-10 ram skulls from Wild Horse Island State Park on Flathead Lake.

“I thought it was a fantastic idea to host a fundraiser in the Flathead Valley where we could showcase the world record ram skull and the others from Wild Horse Island,” Coby Gierke, executive director of the Parks Foundation said in a press release. “Folks in the Flathead really seem to appreciate their parks and this was a great opportunity to share a great story from a local park with a big audience.”

Discovered on the island in 2016, the rams included a 9-year old that died of natural causes and shattered the previous Boone & Crockett record for horns by nearly seven inches.

The island is well known for its bighorn sheep herds and has played an integral role in the recovery of the bighorns in the Western U.S. and Canada. Through the years, FWP has transplanted its sheep to places where populations have suffered from disease outbreaks and disappearing habitats.

A three-mile loop hike to the top of the island from Skeeko Bay on the island’s northwest side often rewards hikers with a close look at the sheep, which can often be found resting in the shade or cross the wide-ranging Palouse prairie.

Milltown State Park in Missoula celebrated its grand opening on June 23. The land at the confluence of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers was Montana’s first Superfund site, Gierke said, and now it is its newest state park.

River Design Group of Whitefish was contracted to plan and engineer the streambed restoration process. After they completed that work the business voluntarily contributed $5,000 for the purchase of visitor and landscaping amenities.

Sportsman’s & Ski House 50th Anniversary Benefits Montana State Parks Read More »

Brush Lake State Park, a Natural Wonder in Rural Northeast Montana

When most people think about far Northeastern Montana, images of or turquoise blue waters, freshwater reefs, and shrimp are not the images that first come to mind.  Situated just inside the Montana State Line from the busy Bakken oil fields of Northwestern North Dakota, Brush Lake is a natural wonder, recreational hub, and visitor destination all wrapped in one.

Once the community lake of the Scandinavian Communist Party in the early 1900s, this glacially formed lake is now known for its quiet, peaceful settings and the brilliant night skies that make it a certified “dark skies” location.

Growing up in Eastern Montana, it was not uncommon to see the Aurora Borealis during solar events, especially during the fall and winter.  Brush Lake’s northern latitude and remote location make it a “stellar” destination for your next stargazing or northern lights viewing adventure.

Check out Prairie Populists’ recent article about Brush Lake and learn more about this amazing park in the corner of Northeastern Montana.

Brush Lake State Park, a Natural Wonder in Rural Northeast Montana Read More »

Skip to content