Gallatin Media Center

On February 17th, 2025, at 6:11pm, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call reporting a missing person who had been snowmobiling in the Taylor’s Fork area near Big Sky. The caller reported that they were snowmobiling with a family member who had gotten stuck in a lower basin area. The caller thought their family member had made it out but then was unable to find them. After a couple of hours of searching and not locating the other snowmobile, the caller contacted Gallatin County 911 Dispatch to seek assistance. The Big Sky section of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) was activated.

The missing person eventually contacted 911, which provided coordinates to their location. GCSSAR teams met at Sage Creek Trailhead, where the missing party had originally left from. One Team left on snowmobiles to look for the missing person while another stood by in case there were other needs. At about 8:43pm, searchers located the missing person, who was all right without any injuries. GCSSAR members escorted them safely back to the trailhead.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind all who recreate in the backcountry that not only is it a good practice to go with another person but also make sure to plan how you are going to keep in contact with each other in areas without cellular service such as a two-way radio, or GPS messaging device.

For Immediate Release: Feb. 13, 2025

The Gallatin County annex building, located at 215 W. Mendenhall St. in Bozeman, has been temporarily closed due to structural issues. This building, which houses employees from the Gallatin City-County Health Department, including the Bozeman WIC office, and the Gallatin County Local Water Quality District, was deemed unsafe after a roof truss was compromised. All occupants were evacuated safely.

Read the full press release here. 

For immediate release: Feb. 10, 2024 

Media contact:
Meghan Hazer-Alvarez, Gallatin County Planning Department
406-582-3130
meghan.hazeralvarez@gallatin.mt.gov 

Gallatin County Hosting Community Listening Sessions on Zoning Reform 

Join us for an important opportunity to shape the future of planning and zoning in Gallatin County! 

Over the years, residents have highlighted challenges and gaps in the county’s planning and zoning framework. With 22 separate zoning districts that operate independently, the system is challenging for property owners to navigate, inefficient for the county to manage, and creates significant barriers to implementing routine updates when needed.  

Additionally, 74% of the private land in the county’s planning jurisdiction remains unzoned, leaving these areas vulnerable to unexpected land use changes. Unzoned areas have limited local review mechanisms compared to zoned areas to mitigate the impacts of development on neighboring properties, water quality and quantity, agriculture, wildlife, and more. 

The Gallatin County Commission wants to hear directly from community members about their experiences and challenges with the County’s zoning framework and explore potential zoning reform options, tailored to address these challenges. To provide for this, the county is hosting a series of community listening sessions on zoning reform where the public can share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives on the county’s current system and zoning reform with the County Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Planning Board, and planning staff.  

The listening sessions will begin with a brief presentation by the Planning Department followed by time reserved for the public to provide verbal comments with the various boards and commissions present, as noted below. Written comments may be also provided via email at envision@gallatin.mt.gov prior to the final scheduled session. 

No votes or decisions will be made at these meetings. However, this is an important opportunity to share perspectives with elected officials and voting members of planning related boards and commissions to inform likely future decisions around zoning reform. 

“Gallatin County residents care deeply about land use planning and property rights. We look forward to open, honest conversations where diverse perspectives and ideas can help shape a more efficient, effective system. Together, we can build a vibrant community that reflects our shared vision for the future!” said Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Chief Planning Officer.

Resources, including videos created by staff, to help you understand the county’s planning framework and its challenges are available at www.envisiongallatin.com. 

These sessions will be at the following days and times: 

• Feb. 18 – 1-4 PM 
  County Commission & Planning staff present 

• March 13 – 1:30-4 PM 
  County Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Planning staff present 

• March 25 – 6-8:30 PM
  County Commission, Planning Board, and Planning staff present 

All sessions will be held in the Gallatin County Courthouse Community Room, located on the third floor at 311 W. Main St. in downtown Bozeman. For those unable to attend in person, sessions will also be accessible virtually via Zoom. Details for joining online will be provided on www.envisiongallatin.com prior to the sessions. 

Questions or written comments can be submitted by emailing envision@gallatin.mt.gov or calling the Planning Department at 406-582-3130. 

Stay informed! 

• Sign up for project updates by emailing envision@gallatin.mt.gov. 

• Subscribe to the county’s weekly newsletter, The Bulletin, at www.gallatinmt.gov/subscribe. 

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For Immediate Release: February 10, 2025

“Through with Chew Week” is February 16 – 22

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is encouraging people who use smokeless tobacco to set a quit date and quit for good. Over half of the smokeless tobacco users who used Quit Now Montana in 2023 were able to successfully become tobacco-free! Quit Now Montana coaches can help you, too.  Read the full press release here.

Media Contact: 
Holly Whaley
holly.whaley@gallatin.mt.gov 

For immediate release: Feb. 3, 2025

In the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a death in the emergency room of Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The victim was identified as 38-year-old Richard L. Sherman of Bozeman. Sherman’s manner of death was determined to be homicide. The investigation into this death continues.

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For immediate release: Jan. 30, 2025

The devastating wildfires in California serve as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared before fire season arrives. Here in Gallatin County, proactive mitigation is key to reducing risk and protecting homes.

We invite local media to join Gallatin County Emergency Management on Monday, Feb. 3 for a presentation on our wildfire mitigation program and the resources available to help residents safeguard their properties.

You’ll hear from Patrick Lonergan, Chief of Emergency Management, and Jay Pape, Preparedness & Mitigation Manager, who will discuss risk assessments that are available for residents, strategies for reducing wildfire risk, and how homeowners can take action now.

We hope you can attend and help share this critical information with the community.

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 3 at 12:30 PM
WHERE: In person at the Gallatin County Coordination Center (aka Search & Rescue building) training room – 219 E. Tamarack St. in Bozeman, or virtually at this Teams link.

For questions about this event, please contact Whitney Bermes at 406-595-8963 or whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov.

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For immediate release: January 28, 2025

Media Contact:
Levi Ewan, Gallatin County Engineer
406-582-3250
levi.ewan@gallatin.mt.gov

 

Gallatin County TA Pavement Preservation Project

Gallatin County invites the community to comment on a proposal to overlay and preserve about two miles of existing asphalt trails along both sides of Huffine Lane in Four Corners, west of Bozeman. The project begins at Shedhorn Drive, and extends east, ending near Cobb Hill Road.

Proposed work includes repairing damaged pavement and subgrade, filling and sealing cracks, applying a new overlay, and making intersections compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These updates aim to extend the useful life of the trails and ensure accessibility for all users.

Construction is tentatively planned for 2025 depending on completion of design and availability of funds.

Gallatin County values public input as an essential part of planning for future projects. Community members are encouraged to share their ideas and comments on the proposal. Comments may be submitted via e-mail to ceaton@sanbell.com or by mail to Gallatin County Road & Bridge, 205 West Baxter Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718. Please note that comments are for the Gallatin County TA Pavement Preservation Project.

Contact Levi Ewan with Gallatin County at 406-582-3250 or Project Design Engineer Chase Eaton with Sanbell at 406-384-7013 with questions or comments about the project.

Alternative accessible formats of this document are available on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact Gallatin County in person, by mail, phone, or e-mail.

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For immediate release: Jan. 28, 2025 

Media contact:
Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Chief Planning Officer
406-582-3130
sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov 

 

Gallatin County Accepting Applications for Open Lands Program Funding 

Gallatin County is now accepting applications for funding through its Open Lands Program, offering opportunities to support projects that enhance the county’s natural and recreational assets. 

This year, the voter-approved Open Space levy is expected to generate over $4.36 million. While the majority of these funds will support conservation projects like conservation easements for private landowners, the Gallatin County Commission has allocated approximately $1.09 million for “other eligible projects.” 

Applications for these funds are open now through March 21, 2025. Eligible projects must align with the goals of the Open Space levy and focus on land acquisition, capital improvements, or maintenance projects. Applicants must demonstrate how their project supports recreation, protects water quality in streams and rivers, manages growth, or preserves wildlife areas. Projects should provide clear public benefits, such as enhanced public access or other tangible community advantages. 

Examples of Funded Projects 

In 2024, funding supported a wide range of impactful initiatives, including: 

• River access improvements on the Gallatin River. 

• Construction of an operations building for the Rendezvous Trail System in West Yellowstone. 

• A paved trail for roller-skiing at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. 

• Enhancements to the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter’s off-leash dog park. 

• Streambank restoration on Dry Creek. 

• Maintenance of the Headwaters Trail System in Three Forks. 

• Cleanup efforts in the Lower Gallatin Watershed. 

• Little Coyote Pond Fishing Access improvements in Big Sky. 

• A maintenance shop at the Gallatin County Regional Park in Bozeman. 

How to Apply 

The maximum funding award for a project is $100,000. Applications are open to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and property owners’ associations.  

The Gallatin County Open Lands Board will evaluate applications and provide recommendations to the Gallatin County Commissioners, who will make the final funding decisions in April. 

Application Deadline 

All applications must be submitted by 5 PM on March 21, 2025, to: 

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
311 W. Main St., Room 108
Bozeman, MT 59715 

Detailed eligibility criteria, application instructions, and submission requirements are available online here.  

For questions or more information, please contact Sean O’Callaghan at 406-582-3130 or sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov. 

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On January 22, 2025, at 11:31 pm, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a call from an individual out riding with two other snowmobilers. The group had become stuck, abandoned their snowmobiles, and were requesting rescue. The three snowmobilers were 11 miles north of West Yellowstone, MT near Tepee Creek.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone Team, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the request for aid. It was determined the best and most efficient way for responders to assist would be to meet them on snowmobiles. GCSSAR volunteers deployed and located the group not far from the main Big Sky Trail. The group was transported by GCSSAR from the main trail to their vehicle located at a parking lot north of West Yellowstone.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind snowmobilers the vast and mountainous terrain in Gallatin County offers unique experiences and difficulties not found in other locations around the country. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind snowmobilers to always have means of communication and a contingency plan should one find themselves stuck after dark with temperatures dropping rapidly.

On January 17, 2025, at 9:13 am, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a report of an injured snowmobiler who had struck a tree. The patient was located 4.5 miles west of West Yellowstone, MT on the Two Top forest service trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, Yellowstone National Park Law Enforcement, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the request for aid. It was determined the best and most efficient way for responders to assist would be via use of snowmobiles and a specialized snowmobile towed ambulance. The patient was transported from the scene of the accident by the snowmobile towed ambulance to a waiting HBFD ambulance for further evaluation. The injured snowmobiler was later transported to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center for a higher level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the group of snowmobilers on scene who provided accurate and reliable information allowing responders to dispatch proper resources. This led to a quick and efficient response for the patient, and everyone involved. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind snowmobilers to be cognizant of changing trail conditions and to always ride within your abilities.