Launched publicly in June 2018 to fund river restoration projects, education, and organizational sustainability, the Gallatin River Forever Capital Campaign is approaching its 1.2 million dollar goal with just under 20% remaining as of February 1st. The campaign committee consists of fantastic individuals from across the spectrum of the Big Sky community and the campaign would not have been a success without them.

In their own words, here is why committee members champion the cause:

Rich Addicks, a former Task Force board member, says that sitting on the committee is personal to him. “I have given a lot of thought to what kind of visitors we are during our short stay on this planet,” Addicks said. “History has proven that we are not good visitors, which is why I devote time and money to helping keep the Gallatin River great for generations to come.”

Eric Ladd, a devoted supporter of the Task Force and community business leader, is passionate about service with this group of volunteers. “The Gallatin is arguably one of the most important assets of our region and it is under siege from massive local growth,” Ladd said. “It is our duty…to help support the critical work of the Task Force in protecting the river and watershed.”

Board member, JeNelle Johnson, feels the need to place the health of the river as a top priority for the community. “The Gallatin is one of our community’s greatest assets, and growth is adding stress to our streams and impairing the local watershed,” Johnson said.

Bill Collins, who also sits on the Task Force board, is an avid fly fisherman and angler. He serves actively on the committee because he believes he, “owes it to friends and family to save the river, at all costs”.

Rick Donaldson, Task Force board chair, said, “There are times when I think about what the future of the Gallatin River would be like were it not for the Gallatin River Task Force. With increasing pressure on the river and the threats it faces from development and population growth, I view the Task Force’s mission to protect and preserve this beautiful watershed as necessary — now more than ever.”

Big Sky resident, Alan Johnson, summarizes the campaign’s purpose best. “I caught my first fish on the Gallatin River more than 60 years ago, long before the rest of the world discovered what a treasure the Gallatin is,” Johnson said. “Without question, the river and the watershed that feeds it is the most precious natural resource that we have in Big Sky. Preserving it…is an obligation we all share.”