As 2019 comes to a close, we have a lot of good news to share. Our position as conservation leaders and stewards of the Gallatin River is having a measurable impact, and as that impact grows, so too does our need to empower that capacity.

Since Labor Day, we’ve added three full-time staff positions. In September, we welcomed Stefanee Lucksley as our operations and finance associate. “Starting at the Task Force is so exciting for me because it’s a culmination of three of my passions: science, service, and structure. I can’t wait to help bring a strong system of operations support and logistics for the Task Force and our vital work!”

More recently, Emily O’Connor and David Tucker came on board, Emily as the conservation project manager and David as the communications manager. Emily brings over ten years of experience in natural-resource management and recreation planning and is thrilled to support the Task Force in achieving its water conservation and restoration goals. “A healthy Gallatin River watershed is fundamental to our livelihood. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to partner with the Big Sky community to improve water conservation and efficiency for a sustainable future.”

David has worked in the media industry in one form or another for nearly a decade, most recently with a regional media outlet based in Bozeman. “Communicating the threats, opportunities, and challenges facing the Gallatin is essential to inspiring action. I’m excited to share the stories of the Task Force’s impact.”

With a full staff in house, we’re ready to take advantage of the opportunities 2020 will present. We look forward to working with the community and our partners on a variety of priorities, from access-restoration projects to implementing the Big Sky Sustainable Watershed Stewardship Plan. We’ll still need volunteer support, especially on our stream-monitoring project and our river cleanup days, but our increased capacity is a big step toward a healthy future for the Gallatin and its tributaries.

Our growth as an organization wouldn’t be possible without your support as a community. As always, thank you for all you do—we’re humbled by your devotion to this place and this river.