Working to keep Hyalite Canyon enjoyable for all

Friends of Hyalite is a 501(c)3, grassroots, charitable organization that draws on a broad base of community engagement to promote volunteerism and support for recreational opportunities and conservation of the outstanding, year-round, recreational opportunities found in Hyalite Canyon on the Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman, MT.

Friends of Hyalite is using TRAFx Vehicle Counters to help assess road and trail usage on Hyalite Road #62 and selected trails in winter and summer. Contact us for more information.

Welcome to Friends of Hyalite

Are you ready to run Devil’s Backbone? 7/13/13

(c) 2011 Barbara GellerEach year, the Big Sky Wind Drinkers sponsor a 50-mile race on “Devil’s Backbone“.  The route goes up Hyalite Peak, along the Gallatin Crest to Windy Pass Cabin and back again. (In years when the snow is still too deep in July, runners climb up Windy Pass, run the Crest, return, then do it all over again.)  It is a very challenging route – almost unmarked, almost unsupported – but with spectacular scenery if you can peel your eyes off the trail and your running shoes long enough to enjoy the views.

Sign up now for the July 13, 2013 race.

Join a group hike in Hyalite

If you prefer not to venture alone in the woods, or would like someone to show you a new route, considering joining Montana Wilderness Association on one of their scheduled hikes, several of which are in Hyalite Canyon.  This is the 51st year that MWA has offered free, member-led excursions into some of Montana’s finest backcountry.

  • Summer solstice walk to Fox Creek Meadow, Friday 6/21/13, 1 mile
  • Grotto Falls parents & pre-schoolers hike, Friday 7/19/13, 3 miles
  • Hyalite Canyon Rocky Viewpoint, Saturday 9/21/13 – 5 miles and 1600 feet of elevation gain

For more details and to sign up, download the Wilderness Walks brochure from the MWA website.

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Women are welcome to join the Monday BWAGs (Bozeman Women’s Activity Group) on their scheduled hikes this summer.  The ones in Hyalite include:

  • Hood Creek loop or Hood Creek/Lick Creek shuttle, 6/24/13, 4.6 to 6.7 miles, 900 to 1000 feet elevation gain
  • Hyalite Lake, 8/19/13, up to 11 miles and 1900 feet
  • Window Rock to Inauguration Pass, 9/23/13, 8.4 miles and 1400 feet

Meeting times and locations are on the full BWAG hikes schedule; no RSVP required.

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Big Sky Hikers ventures into the Bozeman area for their hikes at least once a year.  In 2013, they have 2 hikes planned in Hyalite:

  • Hyalite to Storm Castle, 8/8/13, 10.8 miles, 2960 feet
  • Hyalite Falls, 8/15/13, 7 miles, 580 feet

The Storm Castle hike is with the “A” group, meaning it will be strenous, fast, and best suited to fit, altitude-acclimated and well-prepared hikers. The Hyalite Falls trip is a “C” hike, meaning it will be easy and suitable for hikers of all ages.  Meeting and contact information for this co-ed group is found on the Big Sky Hikers schedule.

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Bozeman Adventure Club is planning to hike Mt Blackmore on Saturday, July 6th.  The reward for this challenging climb is that the summit offers spectacular views of the Gallatin Crest and down into Gallatin Canyon.

Volunteer on National Trails Day (6/1/13)

Join us for a fun day of trail work, followed by a BBQ.  Wilderness & Recreation Partnership has several trail projects lined up in Hyalite Canyon. Come help  rebuild a bridge on the Crescent Lake trail or scratch in some new singletrack between Window Rock and Sleeping Giant.  Montana Conservation Corps will bring some strong young backs to the project and we want you to join us too. Every time you volunteer you get entered into WRP’s end of the season raffle.

When: Saturday June 1st, 2013 9am – 4pm, BBQ to follow
Where: Meet at the Hyalite Reservoir parking area
Please bring: clothing appropriate for the weather, work gloves, a lunch, water and a shovel or rake.
WRP will provide: trail tools, extra water, snacks and BBQ.

Sign up today by contacting ben@gallatinwrp.org.

2013 Spring Clean Up – May 11

For Immediate Release

Contact: Patrick Lair, (406) 587-6703
Mariah Leuschen, 406-493-9657

Friends of Hyalite Hosts Spring Clean-Up Day, May 11, Road Opens May 16

Bozeman, MT – Join Friends of Hyalite and the Gallatin National Forest in a spring clean-up day, May 11 from 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This annual spring clean-up day brings together like-minded community members in an effort to clean up one of the most popular recreation sites in the state of Montana, Hyalite Canyon. The spring clean-up comes just prior to the Hyalite Canyon Road (FS Road #62) re-opening on Thursday (May 16) to motorized use.

As Bozeman’s favorite backyard, Hyalite Canyon offers a unique privilege for our community by providing unparalleled access to world-class recreational opportunities,” says Joe Josephson, Friends of Hyalite. “By giving a few hours back to what we love, we can maintain this gem and continue to enjoy it for years to come.”

“We know that many people enjoy Hyalite year round. Now is the opportunity to help. Every year it takes a lot of work to maintain the facilities in Hyalite and we are grateful for the continued support of the Friends of Hyalite and the community,” added Lisa Stoeffler, Bozeman District Ranger.

For spring clean-up, no sign-ups are necessary but volunteers are asked to meet at the Lower Fishing Access (closed gate) on Hyalite Road and bring gloves, lunch, water, bear spray and warm layers. You may also bring your bike to ride along and pick up cans from the road corridor. Friends of Hyalite will provide coffee and muffins.

Recreationists are reminded to carry bear spray, follow food storage regulations and remain aware of their surroundings, as they enjoy the canyon; additionally loose rocks and debris are common during spring break-up, with the ground thawing and with spring precipitation. Remember that trails remain snow covered or muddy. Please avoid trail damage by turning back when you encounter soft conditions. Moser Roads and Langohr Roads remain closed to motorized vehicles until June 16.

For updated road, trail and campground information please call the Bozeman Ranger District at (406) 522-2520 or call the 24 hour Information line at (406) 522-2534. Administrative traffic may be on Hyalite Road preparing campgrounds and maintaining the reservoir. General information on Gallatin National Forest recreation activities can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/gallatin.

- FS -

Friends of Hyalite Supports Road Plowing

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Joe Josephson
January 5, 2013 406.581.1716
joewjosephson@gmail.com

FRIENDS OF HYALITE COMMITS GRANT TO SUPPORT HYALITE CANYON ROAD PLOWING
The Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival becomes major fundraising event for the Friends of Hyalite’s effort to maintain winter access to Hyalite.

Bozeman, MT: Following the 16th Annual Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival (BIF), December 5-9, 2012, Festival organizer Joe Josephson announced today that the event generated $10,000 to go directly toward future winter plowing Hyalite Canyon Roads #620 & #62. This compliments another $10,000 grant Friends of Hyalite secured in September 2012 from the Gallatin County Resource Advisory Council (RAC).

The board of directors for the Friends of Hyalite recently voted to commit the BIF grant from money raised during the five day festival which brings hundreds of climbers from across the country to Bozeman for ice climbing clinics in Hyalite, evening slide shows, gear raffles and new this year, the Ice Breaker Climbing Competition held on the Emerson Lawn, December 8th.

“For over 15 years the BIF has lost money or barely broke even and has always been organized through hundreds of volunteer hours,” said Josephson. “But several years ago when the Hyalite access was threatened through road closures, we reorganized the Festival to become a fundraiser for the Friends of Hyalite and the road plowing effort.” In 2012, the BIF plus a few modest private contributions donated $2,000 to the Gallatin National Forest to help pay for Hyalite plowing which costs on average $24,000 per season.

The extraordinary amount raised this year was through a personal appeal and dutch auction held by Josephson, a well-known guidebook author and festival Emcee, prior to the keynote presentation at the Emerson. “More than half of the money and all of the top donor amounts were from out of state,” said Josephson.

Hyalite offers the longest season of accessible ice climbs in America. Thus, many climbers from throughout the country want to see the road stay open so they can travel to Bozeman to enjoy the unique wilderness setting in Hyalite. “After flying in or having to drive many hundreds of miles to partake in their favorite winter recreation for weekend,” Josephson added, “these climbers do not take access to Hyalite Canyon for granted.”

Due to Forest Service budget shortages, and an overall tightening of belts across Gallatin County, the funding for Hyalite Road plowing is not secure nor guaranteed past the 2012/13 season. In the winter, over 6,000 cars a month enter Hyalite Canyon to access the unparalleled recreational opportunities found there.

Friends of Hyalite is organized as a Montana charitable public benefit corporation as described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3 and is dedicated to helping keep Hyalite enjoyable by all. For more information or to contribute, please visit: www.hyalite .org

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BSF Hyalite Tour – Dec. 30, 2012

Join us this Sunday, December 30th at the Hyalite Reservoir Day Use Area.
Our friends at the Bridger Ski Foundation are holding their annual “Hyalite Tour” on the ski trails around the reservoir. This fun, free and family friendly event is a great way to end the year right. Be sure to stop by at the Day Use Area at the Friends of Hyalite Tent between 10 and 3ish for some hot chocolate and brats and meet some of the folks working hard to help keep the road open in winter!

Christmas Tree Permits On Sale for Gallatin National Forest

From: Gallatin National Forest Web Site

Release Date: Nov 9, 2012
Contact(s): Marna Daley 406-587-6703

Bozeman, MT – With the approach of Thanksgiving, the season for harvesting a Christmas tree is right around the corner. Christmas tree permits go on sale beginning Tuesday November 13 on the Gallatin National Forest. Christmas tree permits will be available for purchase at all local ranger district offices including the Bozeman Ranger District Office.

“Cutting a Christmas tree around Thanksgiving or leading into December is a popular and long-standing family tradition for many,” said Mariah Leuschen Public Affairs Specialist for the Custer and Gallatin National Forests.  “It’s a great way to spend time outdoors with those close to you and possibly start a new tradition.”
Permits are $5.00 each with a limit of three permits per family.  Permits can be purchased at Forest Service offices during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Additionally, the Beartooth Ranger District will be open to sell tags on the four Saturdays immediately following Thanksgiving starting with November 24 and continuing on December 1, 8 and 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Maps, forest road access updates and tree species identification guides are available at all offices.
On the Gallatin National Forest, permits are also available at the following local businesses:
•    Livingston – Livingston Ace Hardware
•    Bozeman – Owenhouse Ace Hardware (downtown bicycle shop and W. Main St. locations),
Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply and Wholesale Sports
•    Belgrade – Lee and Dad’s IGA and Belgrade True Value
•    Big Sky – Big Sky Conoco
•    West Yellowstone – Corner Conoco

Those with a permit may cut a Christmas tree anywhere on the Custer or Gallatin National Forest except in campgrounds, trailheads, designated wilderness areas, developed recreation sites, posted timber sale units, recently planted locations and administrative sites.  Permits are also valid for any national forest in the Northern Region, which includes all of Montana, northern Idaho and portions of North and South Dakota.  General guidelines for cutting a tree include the following:

•    No tree cutting is allowed within 100 feet of any stream, lake, or wetland.
•    Only trees 12 feet tall or less may be cut.
•    Cut your tree as close to the ground as possible and below the lowest live limb.  A remaining stump height of 6 inches or less is ideal.
•    After cutting your tree, attach the purchased permit to a lower limb near the trunk for transporting home.
•    ”Topping” trees, or cutting the top off trees, deforms any future growth and leaves a visual eyesore.  Take the entire tree or choose another one.
•    Trees help protect watersheds, provide habitat for wildlife, and contribute to beautiful scenery.  Keep these values in mind when selecting a tree.

For more information, please contact any Custer or Gallatin National Forest office or online at www.fs.usda.gov/custer and www.fs.usda.gov/gallatin.

Millie Fire threatens Hyalite

Follow Friends of Hyalite on Facebook or Twitter (#millie) for as-it-happens updates on the Millie Fire that is currently threatening Hyalite and Bozeman’s water supply.

Smokejumper Dan Cottrell, as quoted in the Friday Bozeman Daily Chronicle, “the fire didn’t progress much farther north and east Thursday after being stopped by a ridgeline. Fire commanders tried to drop fire retardant at the ridgeline but it was too smoky to use tankers. Helicopters dropped water in an attempt to hold the fire, Cottrell said. Past that ridge lies the Hyalite basin, and Cottrell said keeping the fire out of the basin would be the priority of the incoming Type 2 Incident Command Team, which takes over Friday morning.”

Be safe everyone and pray for rain.

Updates from the fire can also be found here.

 

 

October 14, 2012 Hyalite Clean Up and Work Day

Join Friends of Hyalite and the Gallatin National Forest on Sunday, October 14 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. for their inaugural fall clean-up day.

Volunteers will focus on cleaning, improving and restoring dispersed campsites and recreation areas throughout the canyon. At nearly 10,000 visitors a month during winter and over 30,000 visitors a month during summer activities, Hyalite recreation corridor is one of the most visited National Forest System lands in the state of Montana. “Friends of Hyalite is a new 501(c)3 grassroots organization that draws on a broad base of community support to help manage Bozeman’s backyard recreation opportunities and issues, as to not love Hyalite to death,” explains Joe Josephson, Friends of Hyalite Coordinator. “We are thrilled to have this new partner, Friends of Hyalite, working with the Forest Service and others to maintain the local and national treasure that we have in Hyalite Canyon”, added Lisa Stoeffler, District Ranger in Bozeman. “We look forward to all the benefits that this community group can bring to enhance our public lands”.

For fall clean up, no sign-ups are necessary, but volunteers are asked to meet at the Hyalite Day Use Area at the Hyalite Reservoir at 12:30 and bring warm work clothes suitable for layering and inclement weather, gloves, bear spray (if available) and water. Volunteer groups will spread both up and down canyon throughout the course of the day and a volunteer appreciation BBQ will follow, sponsored by Friends of Hyalite at the Hyalite Reservoir Pavillion.

Fall Clean Up

Spring Clean Up Day, May 12, 2012

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Marna Daley, (406) 587-6703 or  Mariah Leuschen, 406-493-9657


Friends of Hyalite Hosts Spring Clean-Up Day, May 12, Road Opens May 16

Bozeman, MT – Completing its inaugural year, the new non-profit, Friends of Hyalite and the Gallatin National Forest are hosting a spring clean-up day, May 12 from 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., bringing like-minded community members together to clean up one of the most popular recreation sites in the state of Montana, Hyalite Canyon.  The spring clean-up comes just prior to the Hyalite Canyon Road (FS Road #62) re-opening on Wednesday morning (May 16) to motorized use.

As Bozeman’s favorite backyard, Hyalite Canyon offers a unique privilege for our community by providing unparalleled access to world-class recreational opportunities,” says Joe Josephson, Friends of Hyalite.  “By giving a few hours back to what we love, we can maintain this gem and continue to enjoy it for years to come.”

“We know that many people enjoy Hyalite year round.  Now is the opportunity to help.  Every year it takes a lot of work to maintain the facilities in Hyalite and we are grateful for the continued support of the Friends of Hyalite and the community,” added Lisa Stoeffler, Bozeman District Ranger.

For spring clean-up, no sign-ups are necessary but volunteers are asked to meet at the Lower Fishing Access (closed gate) on Hyalite Road and bring gloves, lunch, water, bear spray and warm layers.  Snacks and coffee will be provided by Sola Café.

Recreationists are reminded to carry bear spray, follow food storage regulations and remain aware of their surroundings, as they enjoy the canyon; additionally loose rocks and debris are common during spring break-up, with the ground thawing and with spring precipitation.

For updated road, trail and campground information please call the Bozeman Ranger District at (406) 522-2520 or call the 24 hour Information line at (406) 522-2534.  Recreationists should beware of increasing administrative traffic on Hyalite Road as spring progresses and crews prepare campgrounds, complete snowpack monitoring and maintain the reservoir.  Ice on the reservoir is currently melting and trails are mostly snow packed.

Information on Gallatin National Forest recreation activities can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/gallatin.     

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