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Outdoors In Montana

Local/State Info

By Michael Howell

The County has accepted two grants from the state of Montana for construction of a Crisis Stabilization Center on a half-acre of land donated by Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital.

The County recently paid off close to $55,000 in outstanding hospital bills as part of the requirements for receiving the land from the Hospital. One grant for about $60,000 was accepted and a portion of those funds will go to pay for the Preliminary Engineering Report and building design. A second grant of $250,000 was received for building construction.

Commissioner Kathleen Driscoll, who has been the Commissioners’ liaison for the project, said that the next step would be to go over the records of what has been spent annually by the County under the current arrangements to handle crisis situations and see how much the new center would save the County in the long run. Driscoll said that the County is also still seeking other grants to aid in development of the Center, such as a $50,000 grant for security related items that would be installed in the building.

By Michael Howell

It’s not uncommon this time of year in the Bitterroot Valley to have a lot of eyes focused on the mountain tops and a lot of people wondering about the snowpack. Irrigators and recreationists have a keen interest. Firefighters are interested too. Gardeners have an interest, as does anyone depending on a water well.

The Bitterroot Water Forum sponsored a talk last week by one man who knows a lot about the snow pack, Paul Rosenberg of the Natural Resources and Conservation Service. Rosenberg not only knows a lot about snow and snow measurements in the area over the years, he actually goes out and makes some of the measurements himself.

The National Weather Service now has a system of automated snow gauging stations, complete with solar panels, batteries, a tower, a depth sensor, and electronic mother board, a transducer, and a transmitter that beams data to headquarters in Boise, Idaho and Ogden, Utah. But people like Rosenberg have still been going out in the field to take manual measurements as a check on the automatic station reports.

The main thing to realize about measuring the snowpack, according to Rosenberg, is that the depth isn’t nearly as important as the weight of your sample. Some snow is very dry and takes up a lot of space. Wet snow, on the other hand, is dense and contains much more water per cubic inch than dry snow. It is the water content equivalence that matters most.

That’s why late season wet snows, such as we had last week, can change the measurements significantly. A few days before Rosenberg spoke at the forum the snowpack, when calculated as a percentage of the 30-year average, was 55%. By the day of the forum it had risen to 61%.

Ray Nickless with the National Weather Service out of Missoula also spoke at the forum about how certain events in the equatorial Pacific Ocean can have an effect on the snowpack in the Bitterroot Valley. The phenomenon is known as El Nino.

Nickless said that the phenomenon first came to scientists’ attention when fishermen off the coast of Peru began to report that, on certain years, they were catching no fish and the currents were changing around Christmas time. Now scientists know that it has to do with an intermittent phenomenon in the middle of the Pacific where the water temperature gets significantly higher than normal. This causes air temperatures to rise, generating storms, but also altering the flow of the jet stream. The jet stream, which generally hits the coast around Washington or British Columbia, instead drops down and hits the coast much further south. This brings larger than normal amounts of snow to the southern states, while the Northwest, under El Nino conditions, is generally left with a below normal snowpack.

The lowest snowpack on record for the Bitterroot was in 2005.

One thing worth noting, according to Nickless, is that while low snowpacks in Montana do correlate with El Nino years, it is hard to judge any relation between El Nino years and the stream flows of the Bitterroot in summer. The main problem is that there is no direct correlation between El Nino years with low snowpack and years of low river flows. A lot depends on the temperatures and how quickly the snowpack melts off. A lot depends on other precipitation events in the spring and summer, or the lack of them.

Forecast from the Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service is for a cooler April with some moisture. Moderate temperatures may last through May and June and even into July. But right now above average temperatures are forecast for July, August and September. Precipitation, or the lack of it, will be crucial during that period.

Nickless summed up his forecast saying that Bitterrooters could “expect much below normal water supply and record low streamflows for the Bitterroot River.”

By Michael Howell

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden Lew Royce told the Bitterroot Star that a mountain lion had attacked and killed a dog along Rye Creek Road, south of Darby on Saturday, April 3 and that the emaciated and injured lion was then shot.

Royce said that initially a woman was walking her dog along Rye Creek Road where it runs right next to the creek. Her dog went down a steep embankment to the water and she heard some noise and it looked as if her dog might have caught some animal. But then she saw the lion tail twitching and realized it was the other way around. The lion drug the dog across the street and she called 911 emergency to report the incident.

Royce said that he got a call from the 911 emergency dispatch system about it as he was driving south from Missoula. As a result, a Ravalli County Deputy Sheriff in the area was also dispatched to the scene and was the first to arrive. Royce said that by the time he arrived at the place where the dog had been attacked the Deputy had already killed the lion which was treed only about 50 yards from where the dog was attacked.

“That’s what I would have done,” said Royce. He said that the animal was obviously in very bad condition. He said the lion was very skinny weighing only 70 to 80 pounds, whereas a healthy lion that age would weigh up to 120 pounds. He said it had a broken back leg and some cuts on the leg as well that were infected.

Asked about some second hand rumors that the lion may have been caught in a snare, Royce said that the injuries to the leg did not look consistent with those that would most likely be the result of a snare. He said the cut on the animals back leg was on the backside whereas the injury from a snare would most likely be on the front of the leg as the animal the animal tried to pull away. He said the way the leg bone was shattered and the backside location of the cut would be more consistent with being run over by a vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Deputy involved in the incident was unavailable for comment on Monday.

By Michael Howell

Fly fishing can mean many things to many different people. As Montana author Norman McLean reminds us in his classic book “A River Runs Through It,” fly fishing, for some, is more a religion than a sport. A spiritual exercise as much as a physical one. A form of meditation in action that submerges one in the flow of life much like a trout in water. But whether its viewed as a religion, a philosophy, a sport, or just plain fun, there is no question that the term has come to receive a very special definition here in Western Montana.

And now, thanks to Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot and the Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Hamilton High School students have a chance to learn all about the basics of this fine art by taking the course Fly Fishing 101.

Classes began last Thursday with a little fun and, of course, some casting lessons.

“We are heavily oriented toward casting,” said instructor and organizer Cliff Gibbons. “Our aim is to have the kids casting at least 10 yards with accuracy.”

There is a lot more to fly fishing than casting, however, a whole lot. There is knowing what knot to use and how to tie it. You might even want to learn how to tie a fly. There is a lot to know about your rod, reel and line. There is the proper grip. It helps to know about “leaders” and “tippets.” It also helps to know your prey and their prey. So not only do you learn a lot about fish, you learn a lot about what fish eat. You learn some basic entomology and aquatic life cycles. You learn about ethics and the etiquette of boating among waders. You learn to respect private property and respect the place by not littering. You learn the proper way to handle fish, the importance of wetting your hands when releasing a fish.

And, as Gibbons pointed out, if you apply yourself wholeheartedly to the fine art of fly fishing, you are probably going to learn to appreciate the incredible beauty and majesty of the valley as well.

Gibbons said that the class would not be possible except for the many volunteers participating, especially those with special skills and knowledge, like Phil Romans (casting), Rich Morrisey (fishing etiquette), Chris Clancy (entomology and hatches), Eddy Olwell (first aid) and Jeff Gray (knots).

The Ravalli County Fairgrounds welcomes individuals and families to ride in both the Main Arena and the Quality Supply Arena when no other scheduled activities are occurring. In order to defray the costs of working up both arenas for public use, and in order to continue to make improvements, all users must purchase a membership for the riding season, approximately mid March through mid October. In addition, all riders need to fill out and sign an agreement at the Fairgrounds Office. Individual membership are $30; Family Memberships are $50 and a Single Ride Option is $5. All riding club members will be entered in a drawing for a 2010 Fair Pass.

Did you know that 100,000 people nationally are waiting for a life saving transplant and an average of 18 people die each day waiting? One donor can enhance or save the lives of nearly 50 transplant recipients. During the month of April, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in conjunction with the Living Legacy Foundation encourages anyone over the age of 18 to “take five and save lives.” Five minutes is how long it takes to register and save lives through organ, tissue and eye donation. To register visit http://www.mdmh.org and follow the “Donate Life” link.

The Teller, a non-profit wildlife conservation organization, will hold an Open House on Saturday, April 24, in celebration of Earth Day, and all community members are invited.

The Teller will open its gates to the public for sightseeing and wildlife viewing bus tours on the main property from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the hour. These tours will highlight existing wildlife habitat enhancement projects, such as restored streams, wetlands and riparian habitats. Teller staff will also explain ongoing management techniques for wildlife, including wildlife- friendly farming.

“Many volunteers have participated in these projects in the past, so this is a great opportunity for those volunteers to see the results of their efforts,” said Lauren Ghiloni, Development Coordinator at The Teller.

Each tour will last approximately 50 minutes and will include a short walk to see additional Teller projects and wildlife. Those interested can park adjacent to the Chaffin House, located at 1292 Chaffin Lane.

“Here at Teller, we celebrate Earth Day everyday and we want to share all that we have accomplished,” added Ghiloni. “What better way to celebrate conservation and habitat restoration then to attend an event and tour a property to see what is being done locally for fish and wildlife.”

The Teller is a private, 1,200 acre non-profit wildlife property located near Corvallis, Montana. Under its mission, to inspire, educate and demonstrate conservation in action, The Teller is dedicated to conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat in the Bitterroot River Corridor, and serving as an outdoor classroom for a diversity of students. For the twenty years since its inception, The Teller has provided public hunting opportunities, bird watching programs, nature hikes, workshops, landowner seminars and events. This year, nearly 2,000 visitors will participate in outdoor field trips, in-class programs and on-site stewardship activities.

To help fund its mission, Teller offers first-class lodging opportunities for guests in historic farmhouses and cabins along the river and raises money from individuals, foundations and corporations. The Teller focuses its efforts and priorities on habitat management, restoration and enhancement of its land for the benefit of wildlife. Its goal is to connect people to the land through education programs that will further the conservation ethic for generations to come.

For more information on The Teller or the Open House contact Lauren Ghiloni at 961-3507 or lauren@tellerwildlife.org or visit the website at http://www.theteller.org.

The 30th Annual Bitter Root Day is Saturday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be arts, crafts, food and produce, as well as live music with “Cabin Fever,” and a poetry reading/book signing with Victor and April Charlo. Vendor applications are available. Sign up as a vendor for Bitter Root Day and Apple Day at the same time and get a $5.00 discount off your Bitter Root Day fee! Download your vendor application forms at www.brvhsmuseum.org (go to “events” page), email rcmuseum@qwestoffice.net, call 363-3338 or drop on in at 205 Bedford, Hamilton.

The publication of a full-color guidebook for hikers and climbers titled “Bitterroot Mountain Summits” by mountaineering-photographer Michael Hoyt of Corvallis, Montana, has been announced by Stoneydale Press.

Three years in the making, the 384-page guidebook – issued in 5? by 8?-inch format – was written specifically for use by beginners and intermediate hikers and climbers. Included are in-depth descriptions of 60-plus on-trail and off-trail routes to more than 50 selected summits in the Bitterroot Mountains. In excess of 350 full-color photographs and illustrations are used to relay information and transmit the emotional experience of climbing mountains.

Examples of chapter themes include Lolo Peak, the summits of Sweeney Creek Canyon, the brothers of St. Joseph and Little St. Joe, the summits of Bass Creek Canyon, St,. Mary’s Peak, the summits of the Big Creek Cirque, Glen Lake Peak and Point 8608, Gash Point, Sky Pilot, Totem Peak, Blodgett Canyon and the Printz Ridge Summits, Downing Mountain, Ward Mountain, Como Point and Point 8517, Chaffin Canyon Summits, the Trapper Massif, Boulder Point and Boulder Peaks, and many others.

Research for the book required several summer climbing seasons, one of which included more than 600 miles of hiking and climbing. The Bitterroot Range at the west side of Montana’s fabled Bitterroot Valley is not only one of the most popular hiking and climbing destinations in the American West but also a mountain range of historical significance since 1805-06 when members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled along and through the Bitterroot Range on their epic journey of discovery and wrote of both its beauty and its rugged terrain. The Bitterroots form the boundary between western Montana and north-central Idaho.

The full title of Hoyt’s new book, the first-ever major full-color book on the subject is “Hikes and Climbs To Bitterroot Mountain Summits.” Several other smaller and less-thorough guidebooks on hiking in the Bitterroots have been done before, but none are currently in print.

Hoyt, a long-time mountaineer, is a major contributor to the world’s most popular mountain climbing website, Summitpost.org. His extensive on-line writing includes mountain descriptions, route guides, trip reports, and “how-to” articles about photography and the use of pictures on web pages. A recent immigrant to Montana, he spent most of his life in Indiana where he attended Indiana University. He currently lives in the Bitterroot Valley, a few miles east of Corvallis, a location which provides unparalleled views of his beloved Bitterroot Mountana.

Vernon Garner of Missoula, Montana, known as “SaintGrizzly” in Montana’s climbing community, praised the release of Hoyt’s new book. “Finally, the book long needed for the Bitterroot Mountains! Nothing else – and there have been several attempts – even comes close! Garner said, “A truly remarkable accomplishment. Mike has given us that rarest of guidebooks, both informative and enjoyable.”

Tim Sharp, co-founder of The Alpine Club of Missoula, said, “Mike’s passion for the Bitterroot Mountains is apparent through his written descriptions and beautiful photographs. Rely on this guide book to confidently explore the unparalleled granite wonders and pristine wilderness of the Bitterroots.”

“Bitterroot Mountain Summits” was issued in softcover guidebook format. The 384-page book retails for $34.95 and is available at many bookstores, gift shops and sporting goods outlets, as well as direct from Stoneydale Press at 523 Main St., Stevensville, MT 59870, phone 406-777-2729.

The University of Montana recognized the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center recently with the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences’ Partnership Award.

The Partnership Award is given to an organization that has extended itself significantly to help train future professionals by providing internships and learning opportunities for University students. These training opportunities in the ‘real world’ help students see how to effectively apply their education to the needs of those they are learning to assist, serve and educate.

The University of Montana thanked the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center staff, Counseling Group and the Health Services staff for the warm welcome they have given to the University’s Counselor Education Interns for the past four years. The interns are involved in providing one on one and group counseling, educational guidance, mini-retreats, and addiction groups. These University students have been given supportive supervision and amazing learning opportunities at the Center.

Located on the West Fork, the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center (JCC) was originally a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp set up during the 1930’s. During President Lyndon B.  Johnson’s administration, many former CCC sites became Job Corps Centers. As such, Trapper Creek opened as a Job Corps Center in 1966 and was male-only until becoming co-educational in 1980.

The Trapper Creek JCC currently houses 224 students (56 of which are female) that come from disadvantaged backgrounds and range in age from 16 to 24. They can study for their high school diploma, GED, and in addition are trained in one of the following trades: Office Administration, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Facilities Maintenance, Masonry, Natural Resources, Painting and Welding.

For further information contact Linda Guzik, Trapper Creek JCC Director, 821-2150 or Julie Schreck, Business and Community Liaison, 375-2606.