2026 Summer Recap
It’s easy to be distracted by a September in Montana. The crisp bluebird days and cool nights remind us of why we love it here. We’ve been spending as much time outside as we can.
Public lands protections have been at the forefront for us lately. Seeing bulldozers in Big Bend National Park and hearing about proposals to sell off a portion of Yosemite National Park raise the alarm for us on Yellowstone National Park’s northern boundary.
Meanwhile, there is still time to comment on the proposed recision of the Roadless Rule, which we steadfastly oppose. The comment period is open until October 6th, and we urge you to add your voice to the overwhelming numbers of Americans who oppose it too. Learn more HERE.
When you’re done writing a short comment, take some time to celebrate our public lands by venturing out into them. Go for a hike, float the river or get out hunting now that archery season is in full swing.
Public Lands Day is this Saturday. We celebrated a bit early this year with our annual Yellowstone Gateway 30K last weekend. The race celebrates the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, which we helped pass with partners to protect over 30,000 acres of public lands in Park County from industrial scale gold mining.
No matter what you do, at least follow the words a friend of ours said recently: thou shalt not waste a September in Montana.
Now that fall is in the air, take a look at some of our summer accomplishments:
Yellowstone Gateway 30K
Race Director Bret DeYoung with PCEC staff race coordinators Robin Addicott and Karrie Kahle
Sunday morning turned out to be the finest morning we had seen in days. Everyone anticipated rain, but instead, clouds hung low over the mountains, pockets of sunlight beamed into the gulch, and smiling runners stayed dry - at least above the knees.
By all accounts, the event was a resounding success. 128 runners crossed the finish line, each reminded that this land is far more valuable than GOLD!
A heartfelt thank you to all the runners, volunteers, and supporters who made this race day unforgettable. We would also like to thank our hosts, Sage Lodge and Chico Hot Springs, for partnering with us on another wonderful event.
Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative
Some of the students collect hybrid fish data during the program.
Over 13 days during the heat of July students from across the state, including five from the Park High Green Initiative, gathered in Park County for a program integrating conservation-focused learning, ecological restoration projects, and immersive field research to build emerging leaders and community connections.
We partnered with Ecology Project International for the successful pilot of the Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative (PVI), and we couldn't be happier with how it went. The student cohort explored local landscapes, immersed themselves in outdoor experiences, and built connections with both their peers and experienced instructors. They got their hands dirty and provided hands-on support to local conservation efforts.
If you would like to learn more, please join us to hear about their work at the Joe Brooks Trout Unlimited Chapter meeting on October 13th in the Shane Center Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 and programming starts at 6:30, where students from the Green Initiative will share poster presentations of their experiences.
Living With Bears and Working With People
Volunteers learn how to use bear spray at a community training.
Recently, we’ve grown accustomed to knocked over trash cans littering alleys from a bear’s evening feast. It’s no secret that we live in bear country and that bears have been encountered in town. This summer, we have been working with Bear Awareness Gardiner (BAG) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to help play an active role in keeping our community safe and reducing human-bear conflicts.
After completing FWP's community educator training, we put our skills into action by teaching bear safety to local bike club members, trail builders, and rural volunteer firefighters. Equipping our community with bear spray, and the confidence to use it, is an effective way to protect both people and wildlife.
Partnering with BAG, we launched a fruit collection at the Farmers Market. While fruit yields were low in town this year, the effort provided a great platform to emphasize a critical message: during their hyperphagia feeding phase, bears are driven to find every available calorie. Once a bear discovers an easy meal, they remember and return, growing bolder each time. Securing all bear attractants - bird feeders, trash cans, compost, fruit, pet food, grills, chickens, etc. - is essential and greatly helps keep people and bears safe.