SPECIAL PROJECTS
The BSOA Board frequently directs staff to work on a variety of special projects including sedimentation of the Little Coyote and Silverbow Ponds, the speed limit on Little Coyote Road, repairs to the guard rail at the Community Park, healthy forests, and a variety of other issues.
Current Projects
Open Space Cleanup
BSOA has obtained a wildfire risk reduction grant to help clean up its open space properties to help prevent wildfires on BSOA open spaces and within its jurisdiction.
BSOA has obtained a wildfire risk reduction grant to help clean up its open space properties to help prevent wildfires on BSOA open spaces and within its jurisdiction.
Ponds Rehabilitation
Little Coyote and Silverbow Ponds are valuable amenities that have provided wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities to Big Sky residences and guests since the 1960’s. Both ponds are currently in need of rehabilitation as they have slowly filled in with sediment and vegetation. The BSOA Board of Directors is currently working closely with water rights consultants, state agencies and pond and stream engineers to develop and implement a design to restore the ponds and West Fork of the Gallatin River between the ponds. After the construction project of the West Fork and BSOA Ponds are completed, BSOA plans to add fishing docks, beaches, picnic areas, and trails to enhance recreation opportunities for the community. For a number of years, BSOA has been working to restore and enhance the fisheries of the West Fork of the West Gallatin River, restore the fisheries of the BSOA's Little Coyote and Silverbow ponds and create new recreational opportunities in the Meadow area.
Ponds Presentation
Little Coyote and Silverbow Ponds are valuable amenities that have provided wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities to Big Sky residences and guests since the 1960’s. Both ponds are currently in need of rehabilitation as they have slowly filled in with sediment and vegetation. The BSOA Board of Directors is currently working closely with water rights consultants, state agencies and pond and stream engineers to develop and implement a design to restore the ponds and West Fork of the Gallatin River between the ponds. After the construction project of the West Fork and BSOA Ponds are completed, BSOA plans to add fishing docks, beaches, picnic areas, and trails to enhance recreation opportunities for the community. For a number of years, BSOA has been working to restore and enhance the fisheries of the West Fork of the West Gallatin River, restore the fisheries of the BSOA's Little Coyote and Silverbow ponds and create new recreational opportunities in the Meadow area.
Ponds Presentation
Crail Canyon Trail
BSOA is working with LMR to create a trail loop in Crail Canyon that would be open to dogs, snowshoers, and fatbikes.
Play, Clean, Go
With the help of Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance, the BSOA is working to stop the spread of weeds through education by promoting awareness at BSOA open space trail heads.
Water Sustainability Outreach
BSOA is working with Gallatin River Task Force to educate, increase awareness, implement policies, and provide the necessary tools for efficient and sustainable water-use practices.
BSAC Design Regulations Amendment
BSOA is updating the BSAC Design Regulations to adopt policies and implement sustainability efforts with new landscaping and construction standards.
Little Coyote Traffic Calming
As result of a recent BSOA Traffic Calming Study conducted along Little Coyote Rd., BSOA facilitated and installed driver feedback signs that have proven to be effective. Further, BSOA is coordinating with Morrison Maierle to amend a Gallatin County Ordinance that prohibits the installation of Speed Tables. With the amended ordinance, the BSOA will facilitate the installation of two speed tables to assist with further enforcement of vehicular traffic on Little Coyote Rd.
Madison County Egress
BSOA has been working with Madison County, BSFD and Moonlight Basin to create an emergency evacuation plan and a adequate secondary egress off the mountain on Jack Creek Rd.
Bylaw Amendments
The BSOA has updated its Bylaws for a second year in a row and will continue to do so as the changing community requires.
RID Amendments
BSOA is working with Morrison Maierle to amend RIDs in Gallatin County such as RID 318, to include bridge replacements.
Global RID
BSOA is working with Gaston Engineering to design a Global RID on the Mountain, in Madison County, that would cover maintenance on all arterial roads, which could potentially reduce cost of existing RID taxes.
501 C (3) Creation
BSOA is filing an application with IRS to create a fundraising arm underneath the BSOA, which could help fund community projects and donations.
Projects for Consideration
Noxious Weeds Consortium and Committee
BSOA staff routinely takes note of properties with noxious weed growth. Allowing noxious weeds to grow is in violation of covenants, county, and state law. Treating noxious weeds without professional help can be dangerous and difficult to achieve desired results. The use of a professional service costs the property owner time and money to arrange, which in turn leads to lower treatment rates. BSOA is exploring the possibility of creating a noxious weed consortium to help with the cost and management of weeds on private properties. Initial research is being completed and a determination of feasibility will follow. BSOA is also coordinating with Cascade to create an Ad Hoc Committee that will address weed mitigation in the Mountain Village area.
BSOA staff routinely takes note of properties with noxious weed growth. Allowing noxious weeds to grow is in violation of covenants, county, and state law. Treating noxious weeds without professional help can be dangerous and difficult to achieve desired results. The use of a professional service costs the property owner time and money to arrange, which in turn leads to lower treatment rates. BSOA is exploring the possibility of creating a noxious weed consortium to help with the cost and management of weeds on private properties. Initial research is being completed and a determination of feasibility will follow. BSOA is also coordinating with Cascade to create an Ad Hoc Committee that will address weed mitigation in the Mountain Village area.
Dull Knife Trail Loop
BSOA is planning to create additional community recreation opportunities on our open spaces. Coordinating with area property owners, Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky Water & Sewer District and BSCO, a connecter trail is in the works, from Sweetgrgrass Hills to the Community Park.
Covenant Amendments
Through additional membership elections, the BSOA also plans to amend the Cascade and Meadow Village covenants to address issues such as short-term rentals, infrastructure and sustainability.
Recently Completed Projects
Propane Consortium
In 2015, the BSOA offered the membership the opportunity to join the Big Sky Propane Consortium. Consortiums are formed to leverage the purchasing power and optimize cost reduction. More than 90 BSOA members signed up in the first year of this benefit being offered. BSOA members who own single family homes once again have the opportunity to join the propane buying-pool. Letters of interest were sent out recently and need to be returned to the BSOA office by June 15. The supplier and prices are determined late summer and homeowners will receive a contract at that point.
In 2015, the BSOA offered the membership the opportunity to join the Big Sky Propane Consortium. Consortiums are formed to leverage the purchasing power and optimize cost reduction. More than 90 BSOA members signed up in the first year of this benefit being offered. BSOA members who own single family homes once again have the opportunity to join the propane buying-pool. Letters of interest were sent out recently and need to be returned to the BSOA office by June 15. The supplier and prices are determined late summer and homeowners will receive a contract at that point.
Sweetgrass Hills Cove Amendment
Recently, the BSOA held an election and implemented a covenant amendment for Sweetgrass Hills to help resolve issues with short-term rentals.
Little Coyote Culverts
BSOA repaired and replaced several culverts along Little Coyote Road to prevent future flooding issues.
Little Coyote Traffic Calming Study
With the help of Engineering Firm and Morrison Maierle, BSOA conducted a speed study of traffic on LC Rd. to determine if calming measures were recommended. The study recommended the installation of a Driver Feedback sign and two speed tables.
BSOA History Video
The BSOA has been around since the creation of the Big Sky Community. In its 40+ years, the BSOA has assisted in the growth of the community. To honor that history, BSOA staff and members created a short video to commemorate the organization and its history. Those involved in the video were fortunate to sit down with J. David Penwell, who was responsible for incorporating the association. Some of the stories and memories he shared were captured in the video. Watch the video here.
AEDs
The BSOA implemented this project to fully equip Big Sky with AEDs. The Mountain Village, Town Center, Meadow Village and Canyon areas now have the life saving devices placed in numerous businesses in order to help people in need.
The BSOA has been around since the creation of the Big Sky Community. In its 40+ years, the BSOA has assisted in the growth of the community. To honor that history, BSOA staff and members created a short video to commemorate the organization and its history. Those involved in the video were fortunate to sit down with J. David Penwell, who was responsible for incorporating the association. Some of the stories and memories he shared were captured in the video. Watch the video here.
AEDs
The BSOA implemented this project to fully equip Big Sky with AEDs. The Mountain Village, Town Center, Meadow Village and Canyon areas now have the life saving devices placed in numerous businesses in order to help people in need.