History
In the beginning, US Highway 191 leading to Big Sky was an Indian and wildlife thoroughfare…a rough route following steep grades and requiring several fords of the Gallatin River. In 1883, Gallatin County Commissioners hired a survey group to determine whether a road from Salesville (now Gallatin Gateway) to Yellowstone National Park, which had been established a decade earlier, would be feasible. A road from the Gallatin Valley to Taylor Fork was finally completed in August of 1898, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The BSOA was created when the covenants of the three original Big Sky area subdivisions were recorded in 1971. BSOA has assumed many roles in its 30+ year history that reflect the growth and development of the community.
For a more complete chronology of the Big Sky area, the BSOA, and the Big Sky Resort, read Big Sky - From Indian Trails to the Tram, written by local authors Rick and Susie Graetz, July 2000.
BSOA Timeline Highlights
1972 -Articles of Incorporation of BSOA become effective. Initial Board members are Chet Huntley, Chair; Ernest Larson, Treasurer; and David Penwell, Secretary.
1973 - First Annual Meeting of BSOA. Newly elected Board of Directors includes Gus Raaum, David Penwell, Ernie Larson, Tom Demetrion, and E.P. Frizella.
1975 - Increased board to 7 members. Paved roads in meadow village.
1976 - Chair Gus Raaum and Board declare the purpose of BSOA is to serve as "the quasi-municipal body established to provide common area service throughout the entire community". An injunction against paving spur road from Highway 191 to the mountain village is lifted, and the board is successful in getting a power line to Big Sky.
1977 - Fire District established. Architectural Committee established.
1978 - Road Improvement District (RID) 318 formed for water and sewer in Meadow Village.
1979 - First street signs erected in Big Sky. Established television translators.
1984 - Emergency 911 available in Big Sky.
1987 - Post Office is remodeled. BSOA contributes to new shuttle bus. National Public Radio is locally available. Restoration of Crail Ranch begins.
1989 - Local planning and zoning committee is formed.
1990 - BSOA and Boyne investigate forming a transportation district. Resort Tax bill effort underway. Roads paved in Sweet Grass Hills.
1992 - Passed resort tax in Helena. Full time Water and Sewer operator hired.
1993 - Sewer hook-up moratorium issued. Trucks carrying hazardous material on Highway 191 regulated by Department of Interior.
1994 - New Post Office constructed. Architectural Design Regulations revised.
1996 - Voters approved a 7.14 million bond to upgrade sewer plant. Zoning Plan adopted. Community Park and Canyon bike path proposed.
1998 - Started Master the Mountain ski program and Mountains and Minds lecture series. Big Sky Community Corporation by-laws and 501(c)(3) status finalized. Ground-breaking ceremonies held for Big Sky Chapel and Summit Hotel.
2000 - 29 acres at Ousel Park donated to Big Sky Community Corporation. Crail Ranch restoration nearly complete. Plans for Big Sky Community Park are presented at BSOA Annual Meeting.
2001 - BSOA Governance Committee established to discuss options for local government. BSOA moves into Meadow Center office location.
2002 -Beehive Basin and Ousel Falls Trails construction are underway.
2003 - Resolution signed to acquire 22.7 acres adjacent to existing Big Sky Community Park. Ousel Falls Park opened. Big Sky Trails Master Plan completed. Governance legislation dies in committee.
2004 - Construction at Water and Sewer District is completed. Noxious weed program launched. Chamber of Commerce forms community solution groups to address issues of greatest concern to Big Sky community: growth and development; community and infrastructure; affordable housing; and business issues.
2005 - Big Sky Community Corporation and Ophir School Council create a cooperative, not for profit local venture - Camp Big Sky - providing local and visiting children safe play and learning environment throughout the summer months.
2006 - Big Sky Community Corporation closes on the park option and river bottom lands making BSCC the new owner of a 44 acre park located in the heart of Meadow Village. Construction begins on the bridge portion of the Spur Road connector trail. Membership hits 2300 in the BSOA with more than 189 projects being reviewed by the architectural committee in the last 3 years.
2007 – The Big Sky Community Corporation is formed as an entity completely independent of BSOA. New Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are filed with the Montana Secretary of State and an independent Board of Directors is nominated.
2008 – BSOA Bylaws are updated and recorded. In a majority vote of the BSOA membership, the Sweetgrass Hills and Meadow Village covenants are revised and restated. The Governing Documents Project effort also results in the rescinding of several old and obsolete resolutions and policies. New policies adopted include Conflict of Interest and Document Storage.
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