Join Friends of Hyalite and the Gallatin National Forest on Sunday, October 16 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.
Welcome to Friends of Hyalite
Friends of Hyalite is a 501(c)3, grassroots, 100% volunteer organization that draws on a broad base of community support and mutual love of the outstanding, year-round, recreational opportunities found in Hyalite Canyon. The Friends of Hyalite is borne from efforts spearheaded by the Southwest Montana Climbers' Coalition (SMCC) and the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) from 2002-08 that resulted in the unique collaboration we now enjoy between the Gallatin National Forest, Gallatin County and the public who so treasure the beauty of Hyalite in winter.
Help us maintain year round access to Bozeman's backyard playground by clicking the Donate button! For the remainder of 2011, 100% of your donation will go directly toward winter road plowing in 2011-2012 winter season. Please stay tuned here for more events and opportunities to get involved. We are currently looking for images and information on winter and summer recreation in Hyalite to help us populate our web site.
Welcome to Friends of Hyalite
Federal 501(c)3 status
Great news!
On May 21, 2011 Friends of Hyalite was granted exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions since September 2, 2010 are deductible under section 170 of the Code.
Hyalite Clean Up Day
Join Friends of Hyalite and the Gallatin National Forest Bozeman Ranger District on Saturday May 14th from 9am-4pm and give back to your favorite backyard recreation area. Thanks to the best winter season in memory and the great road plowing courtesy of Gallatin County and Gallatin National Forest, Hyalite Canyon saw an unprecedented amount of winter recreation this season. Invariably, with any amount of use so comes a certain amount of trash. It is up to us to help keep from loving Hyalite to death and make it as enjoyable as it can be when the canyon reopens May 16th.
We will meet at the lower fishing access (the closed gate) on Hyalite road at 9am and then disperse in groups to pick up garbage along the road. This is an opportunity to meet other community members who love Hyalite as much as you do. Bring gloves, lunch, water, and warm layers.Trash bags, rakes and shovels will be provided for you to use. We appreciate your support of our beloved Hyalite Canyon and see you there!
Coffee and muffins are generously donated by Sola Café.
Financial support by Montana Watercourse.
Our Mission
Our mission is to lessen the burdens of government and support the operational needs of the Gallatin National Forest in managing public recreation in Hyalite Canyon.
Specific Objectives
To accomplish our mission, Friends of Hyalite activities may include, without limitation:
(a) Raising funds from a broad base of public users to support the operational requirements of the Gallatin National Forest specific to Hyalite Canyon. As one example, to support winter plowing of Hyalite Road #62 and Upper Hyalite Road #620 to the Grotto Falls Parking Lot;
(b) Educating the general public about recreational opportunities and standing regulations in Hyalite Canyon;
(c) Promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreational activities;
(d) Organizing and promoting community events;
(e) Under direction of the Gallatin National Forest, engage in resource conservation projects and improving recreational amenities.
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