
For immediate release: April 30, 2024
Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov
Gallatin County Commission Approves Over $1 Million for Public Open Lands Projects
Thirteen local projects aimed at enhancing parks, trails, and outdoor access just got a boost from Gallatin County. On Tuesday, April 29, the County Commission unanimously approved $1,099,016 in funding through the voter-approved Open Lands Program to support community-driven improvements across the region.
The projects, which span Bozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, Four Corners, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Canyon, and beyond, will enhance trails, parks, river access, and public lands enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Among the funded efforts is a new 6.25-mile natural surface mountain bike trail to be built in collaboration by the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association/The Dirt Concern, Bridger Bowl, and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. The $100,000 awarded by the county will help support phase one of the project.
Other projects receiving funding include:
- City of Bozeman – Construction of a splash pad at Story Mill Community Park – $100,000
- HRDC – Construction of pedestrian pathway through the Gallatin County Rest Home site – $99,998
- Grow Wild – Weed management, trailhead signage, and firewise landscaping in Gallatin Canyon – $34,100
“I’m very pleased that the slate of projects hits all corners of our community,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “This really reflects our community and the diversity of users and needs.”
Funding for these projects comes from Gallatin County’s Open Space Levy, which voters approved in 2018. The levy is projected to generate over $4.36 million in 2025. While most of the funds support conservation easements for private landowners, the County Commission designated $1.09 million this year for “other eligible projects”—including land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance work that furthers the levy’s goals.
This year, a record 19 project proposals were submitted, totaling over $1.5 million in funding requests. The Gallatin County Open Lands Board reviewed and scored each proposal before recommending the final slate of projects to the Commission.
More information on the funded projects, including applications, scores, and supporting materials, is available on the Commission’s agenda.
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Headwaters Trail System in Three Forks, photo courtesy of Gallatin County
Trailhead signage in Big Sky, courtesy of Grow Wild

Rendering of future I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park in Bozeman, courtesy of Downtown Business Partnership:

Photo of Bridger Bowl courtesy of Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association/The Dirt Concern
