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Open Lands board recommendations: commission funds 13 projects across Gallatin County
Summary
The commission approved the Open Lands program "Other Eligible Projects" funding recommendations, awarding grants to 13 projects that include park development, trail maintenance, riparian restoration, and trail‑access improvements across Gallatin County.
The Gallatin County Commission on April 29 approved the Open Lands board’s recommended awards from the FY2025 "Other Eligible Projects" funding category. The Open Lands board evaluated 19 applications and recommended funding for 13 projects after presentations and scoring. The Commission approved the slate of recommendations presented by staff and the Open Lands board.
Recommended and approved projects (as listed at the meeting) include:
- City of Bozeman: Story Mill Community Park splash pad (park amenity), - Gallatin River Task Force: Hebgen Ranger District river access restoration (multiple river access sites), - City of Belgrade: central park/pump track (Belgrade Regional Parks project), - Headwaters Trail System (3 Forks): trail maintenance and repairs, sealcoat and small repairs to heavily used trail sections, - Trout Unlimited: Mandeville Creek restoration and riparian revegetation, - Gallatin Valley Land Trust: Sunset Hills all‑abilities trails project (accessible trails at Lindley Center/Sunset Hills), - HRDC: multimodal path on Gallatin Rest Home property to connect neighborhoods north of the rest home with schools and sidewalks, - Gallatin County: Sypes Canyon Trailhead improvements and shoulder/parking work, - Monforton School Foundation: playground restoration and enhancement at the school, - Downtown Bozeman Partnership: Ijo Pomeroy Peace Park in downtown Bozeman (small urban pocket park), - Bridger Ski Foundation: winter grooming equipment and shared maintenance shed improvements (Bridger trail grooming program), - Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association / DIRT: three‑trail construction plan including a connector, uphill and downhill segments on private/partner lands, - Grow Wild: PlayCleanGo trailhead signs, targeted noxious weed treatments at river access sites and demonstration garden work through the Alpenscapes program.
Open Lands coordinator Sean O’Callaghan told the commission there were more applications than available funds this cycle and that recommended applicants were required to return signed grant agreements within 180 days of receiving draft award documents. Several applicants discussed project readiness, matching funds and project timelines during the meeting.
Commissioners noted the geographic spread of awards and the mix of trail, park and river restoration projects across the county in making their approval. The commission approved the Open Lands board recommendations by motion and voice vote.
