Join PCEC for these March events!
Yesterday, March 1, marked the 151st anniversary of Yellowstone National Park.
In response, the park released its 2023 State of the Park report. The report tells the story of last year’s record-breaking flood, the efforts to commemorate Yellowstone’s 150 anniversary and an overall update on how the park is being impacted by increasing visitation, a changing climate, housing issues and aging infrastructure. Check it out!
Also, March 12 marks the fourth anniversary of the passage of the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, a community victory.
The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Montana’s entire Congressional delegation and signed into law by President Donald Trump, was the culmination of years of effort by a diverse group of people from across the community. More than 400 local businesses came together to form the Yellowstone Gateway Business Coalition. The coalition was united in opposition to the mines, which threatened to disrupt Park County residents’ quality of life, fragment habitat for species like grizzly bears and wolverines, threaten the agriculture and tourism industries in Paradise Valley and pollute the headwaters of the Yellowstone River.
Our success showed that when a community unites to raise its voice, people in power listen!
This month, we have a number of opportunities to learn about exciting community projects like a new Recreation and Wellness Center in Livingston and the potential for a new multi-use trail through Paradise Valley.
Hope to see you at some of these exciting events!
MARCH 2023 EVENTS
Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
St. John's Church, Emigrant
John Lunzer, a hydrologist with DNRC, will present on science and predictions of rain on snow events. DEQ will also give an update of monitoring the Upper Yellowstone River. Ted Nelson, of NRCS, will also discuss the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
New Recreation and Wellness Center presentation
Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 p.m.
Community Room, City-County Complex
414 E. Callender Street, Livingston or on Zoom (Link will be here)
The public is invited to hear an update from the 4 Ranges Recreation Foundation and give public comment in regard to the possibility of a new Recreation and Wellness Center in Livingston.
The Session Live
Wednesday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual: Register here!
From the organizers: The 2023 Montana Legislative Session is approaching the halfway mark and the hosts and reporters of The Session podcast are coming together live to discuss everything that’s transpired under the dome thus far.
Join us for this free, digital-only event on March 8 at 7:00 p.m. as reporters and editors from Montana Free Press, Montana Public Radio, and Yellowstone Public Radio discuss the major developments from the Montana Legislature’s first 45 days and look ahead toward the second half of the session. We’ll also be answering your submitted questions.
Submit your questions about the 68th legislative session using this survey link.
Grizzly Bears in Gardiner
Thursday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.
Gardiner Community Center
Please join Montana FWP representatives Jeremiah Smith and Danielle Oyler and Bear Awareness Gardiner for a discussion on the bear conflicts that occurred in Gardiner in the fall of 2022, and a presentation about Bear Awareness and bear proofing our community.
Evan Stout will follow with a presentation on the resources available to residents and business owners in Gardiner to help bear safe our properties and businesses.
Rally to Defend Montana's Constitution
Wednesday, March 15, noon
Capitol Rotunda, Helena
From the organizers: Our Constitutional rights are under attack. Join the Rally to Defend Montana’s Constitution to let legislators know that we don’t want any changes to our Constitution – tell them to protect our rights!
We’ll hear from speakers, including 1972 Constitutional Convention Delegate Mae Nan Ellingson about rights threatened by proposed Constitutional changes.
Countless people enjoy rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Outdoor recreators enjoy clean air and clean water in our landscapes due to the right to a clean and healthful environment. Individuals are guaranteed a right to privacy in many situations, including medical decisions. Our public schools have quality standards and education about Tribes that lived on this land from time immemorial. Everyday people have the right to know what is going on in government decision-making and right to participate in public processes.
Montana’s Constitution has been called a model document by Constitutional scholars due to its forward-thinking protections. The Constitution has protected Montana for 50 years, and we’re looking forward to its protections for years to come.
The event is hosted by ACLU of Montana, Forward Montana, Montana Environmental Information Center, Northern Plains Resource Council, Planned Parenthood of Montana, Sunrise Bozeman
Yellowstone Heritage Trail Open House
Wednesday, March 15, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Community Hall, Park County Fairgrounds
46 View Vista Drive, Livingston
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Sanderson Stewart are hosting an open house for the feasibility study for the Yellowstone Heritage Trail along the historic Elk River.
The Yellowstone Heritage Trail feasibility study will evaluate the feasibility to complete a multi-use trail from Point of Rocks to the termination of the Highway 89 South Pedestrian Trail (near the start of Old Yellowstone Trail North Road).
The study will:
Evaluate the physical conditions within the corridor area.
Evaluate potential costs associated with development of a trail.
Provide recommended future actions to guide the development of the Yellowstone Heritage Trail, which is a key section of the cross-country Great American Rail-Trail.