Big Sky Snowmobile Trail Blocked, September 2011

Submitted by Kerry White, 9/13/2011, to CBU’s eNewsletter subscribers (sign up below).

Last year the Forest Service removed the bridge in Swan Creek that was critical to the use of the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail. CBU along with the Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Club negotiated with the Forest Service to have the bridge replaced before winter and ultimately CBU and GVSA constructed a new bridge.

Last week, CBU found that the Forest Service had blocked the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail with rooted trees pulled from the ground and rocks. This was done at the trail head in the Portal Creek area. We have been meeting with the Forest Service to have these obstructions removed before winter.  Because of these efforts, the Forest Service, today, has removed the downed trees and will return to remove the rocks.  CBU is compiling a video showing the damage to the trail and the subsequent removal of the debris as it occurs.

The Big Sky Snowmobile Trail is a historic route from Bozeman to West Yellowstone in the Gallatin National Forest and is listed on the National Historic Register. Apparently the Forest Service has issued contracts for “Rip, Slash and Seed” on many roads and trails on our federally managed public lands. If you have any pictures of this destruction please contact CBU, we would like to see what you are experiencing.

Raffle tickets now available!

Your Montana CAN-AM dealers, along with Jason Walter, NW CAN-AM rep, have donated a new 2012 Can-Am ATV as the Grand Prize on this year’s raffle.  The drawing for this ATV will take place at CBU’s 4th Annual Banquet, to be held May 19, 2012. The winner need not be present to win, but we hope you are!  Raffle tickets are $10 each or $50 for 6.

Please contact us for raffle tickets (to buy and to sell) at  406-600-4228. We appreciate your help.