By Mackenzie Nash
Runoff Season
Nothing ruins a trail day faster than stepping in a smelly surprise. Now imagine swimming in it! That’s the reality for many of our aquatic inhabitants as the seasons change and snow melts. Spring time outside in Big Sky should be about fresh air, open trails, and clear water, not dodging piles of pet waste. Beyond the immediate inconvenience (and smell), leaving dog poop behind has real consequences for the environment we all love. Dog waste doesn’t just sit on the trail, it washes into our streams and waterways. Packed with nitrogen and phosphorus, it contributes to nutrient pollution in the Gallatin River. When these nutrients build up, they reduce oxygen levels in the water, stress fish populations, and fuel excessive algal growth. Over time, this can turn clear, healthy streams into stinky, murky ecosystems.
Doesn’t it just biodegrade?
It’s a common myth that dog poop is a “natural” fertilizer that will break down and help plants grow. The reality is a bit more complicated. Domestic dogs eat high nutrient rich diets. While in small doses, nutrients do play a role in plant development and a healthy ecosystem, too much of anything can pose a threat. There’s no exception for nitrogen and phosphorus when added in excess. Instead of supporting native plant life, the addition of excessive nutrients can oversaturate the waterways and soil, leading to large-scale algal blooms and encourage the growth of invasive non native plants and weeds along trails. Picking up after your dog isn’t just about cleanliness, it’s about preventing those nutrients from ever reaching these sensitive habitats in the first place.
What about wildlife?
While wild animals frequently alleviate themselves outside, wildlife diets are more varied and natural, resulting in waste that breaks down more quickly and integrates more smoothly into the ecosystem. In contrast, dog waste decomposes slowly and can harbor higher levels of bacteria, which can contribute to the increased risk of disease transmission.
What about our larger pets?
Horse manure is a common sight on many of Big Sky’s trails, and while it’s often considered more “natural”, it still has impacts worth paying attention to. Horses, like dogs, are not inherently native wildlife, and their waste can introduce excess nutrients into the environment, especially in high traffic areas. Large amounts of manure on or near trails can wash into nearby waterways, contributing to the same nutrient loading issues that affect water quality. Horse manure can also contain seeds from non native plants which may spread invasive species along trail corridors. While it’s not always practical to remove horse waste in backcountry settings, riders can help by avoiding riding through sensitive riparian areas and keeping trails clear in high use zones like trailheads/ parking areas.
Your Civic Doody
Being a good steward of the outdoors means following Leave No Trace Center principles: pack out what you pack in, including pet waste. Bring waste bags on every outing, whether it’s a quick walk or a long backcountry adventure. If you’re farther out, disposing of waste in a small cathole (6-8 inches deep) is a better option than leaving it exposed. And if you’re willing to lend a hand and take it a step further, pick up any abandoned waste you come across. These small actions add up quickly and make a noticeable difference for everyone who shares these trails.
Join us in protecting the Gallatin
If you’re looking for a hands-on way to help, mark your calendar for May 11 – 17. The Gallatin River Task Force is partnering with the Big Sky Community Organization to clean up pet waste along some of Big Sky’s most popular trails. It’s a simple way to give back and help keep the Gallatin clean, healthy, and enjoyable for every member of our community both small and large alike.
