Task Force Volunteers are a diverse and passionate crew, representing a cross section of Big Sky Life. Our team, composed of river lovers of all ages, includes trained hydrologists, fly fishing enthusiasts, and freelance photojournalists.
Here, we give you the 2015 Volunteer Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of a few folks who went to great lengths to protect the Gallatin River this year. Thank you to all of our volunteers, you make our work possible.
We Make a Dam Difference: Mike & Sue Arneson showed incredible initiative collecting signatures of support for the Wild & Scenic citizens proposal for the Upper Gallatin, Taylor Fork, and Porcupine Creek. Thanks to their help, our watershed lead the state in support for the proposed designation.
Helpful Hog: Amy Wiezalis demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Big Sky Fly Fishing Festival from hatch to catch. She was both a member of the Fly Fishing Festival Committee and an active volunteer at the event. Her smile was instrumental to our success.
Dedicated Foreigner: Fellow Big Sky Watershed Corps Member, Meredith Hardy, may live deep in the woods in a different watershed, but she cares deeply about the health of the Gallatin. She participated in nearly every Task Force monitoring activity this year, and even tended to a staff member injured by bear spray in the field.
Most Pebbles Counted: This year, our lifetime achievement award for volunteerism goes to Ron Bowlin. Ron started volunteering with the Task Force in 2012, and is now our board chair. Along the way, he has counted and measured more pebbles than anyone else.
Want to help?
Throughout the year, you can help us monitor the health of the Upper Gallatin River Watershed. During the summer months, you can assist to plan and implement the Big Sky Fly Fishing Festival, wield a shovel in one of our restoration projects, or volunteer at our booth at the Big Sky Farmers Market.
Email headwaters@gallatinrivertaskforce.org to join our volunteer team today.
Photo by Rich Addicks, Photojournalist and Task Force Board Member