NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAFEASIBILITY STUDY
JUNE 2020 DRAFT
Big Sky Country NHA, Inc.PO Box 1323Great Falls, MT [email protected]
Cover ImageWhen the Land Belonged to God, by C.M. Russell, 42.5 x 72 inches, oil on canvas, Montana Historical Society Museum Collection.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION
FORT BENTON
MONTANA
Linda Metzger
The Big Sky Country National Heritage Area Feasibility Study was made possible in part through the generous support from
JUNE 2020
The Board of Directors of Big Sky Country National Heritage Area, Inc. (BSCNHA) is pleased to release our draft Feasibility Study for public review. This document represents the culmination of more than four years of coordinated research and conversation in communities around central Montana. Our journey to becoming Montana's first National Heritage Area (NHA) began in January 2015 with a public meeting at the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts in Great Falls. Over 100 people attended that first meeting, heard about the positive benefits NHAs have made in communities across our nation and learned the steps needed to receive Congressional designation. When asked, those in attendance enthusiastically supported pursuit of NHA designation for our region. As the saying goes, the rest is history, but not really. The release of this Feasibility Study is certainly a milestone, just one of many on the path to designation.
We are proud to reveal the collective results and input from many people throughout Big Sky Country who had a hand in the making of this document. We thank those who attended a presentation or contributed ideas at a public meeting; the mayors of our incorporated cities and towns who have supported this endeavor from the beginning; and other city, county, state and federal officials who have offered opinions; as well as the representatives from our local history, recreation, and economic development organizations who made suggestions because they understand the positive effect an NHA can have in Montana.
The BSCNHA, Inc. Board of Directors is indebted to the private donors who invested in this Feasibility Study, enabling us to secure our consultants from Point Heritage Development Consulting, LLC who steadfastly guided us through the process. Please note those generous donors listed on the inside cover of the document.
And finally, we dedicate this Feasibility Study to two former board members, Ruthann Knudson and Nicholas Vrooman, who embraced the vision and advanced our endeavor with their wisdom and positive energy. They now channel their spirit through a higher power.
Sincerely,
Jane Weber, ChairBig Sky Country NHA, Inc.
Board of Directors
Jane Weber, ChairCascade County Commissioner
Richard Ecke, Vice-ChairJournalist, retired
Lynette Scriver-Colburn, SecretaryUnited Way of Cascade County
Jerry Lehman, TreasurerShareholder, JCCS Accountants
Carol BronsonCommunity Engagement NeighborWorks Great Falls
Brett DoneyPresident & CEO, GF Development Authority
Gayle FisherExecutive Director, Central MT Tourism
Connie JenkinsCommunity Activist, Fort Benton
Chris La TrayAuthor, Representative, Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of MT
Reneé McDonaldLandowner & Educator, Fort Benton
Murry MooreMayor of Cascade
Charlene PorsildCEO, MT History Foundation
Ken RobisonHistorian
Ellen SievertCultural Resource Consultant
John TaillieRegional Park ManagerMT State Parks
Mary WillmarthOwner, Vision West, Inc. Consulting
Ex-Officio MembersKathleen McCourtHistoric Preservation OfficerGreat Falls-Cascade County
Legal CounselBill BronsonGreat Falls, MT
Tax ID Number: 30-0924368
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy ii
TableofContents
Preface i
ExecutiveSummary 1
Chapter1:TheHeritageInitiative 6
Chapter2:IntroducingtheHeritageArea 22
Chapter3:NationalSignificance,Themes,ResourcesandBoundary 35
Chapter4:TheFutureofBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea 60
Chapter5:SummaryofFeasibility 70
Bibliography 78
Appendices 83
AppendixI:ConcurrentPlans 84
AppendixII:BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.,BoardofDirectors100
AppendixIII:Partners 101
AppendixIV:StakeholderInterviews 106
AppendixV(A):PublicInvolvement–Presentations 107
AppendixV(B):PublicInvolvement–Summary 110
AppendixVI:PotentialFundingOrganizations 115
AppendixVII(A):Inventory–HistoricalandNaturalResources 118
AppendixVII(B):Inventory–MuseumsandInterpretiveCenters 123
AppendixVII(C):Inventory–EventsandAmenities 124
AppendixVIII:PrivatePropertyRightsResolution 125
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 1
EXECUTIVESUMMARY:BIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAFEASIBILITYSTUDYANationalHeritageAreainMontana
WelcometoBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea!ThisFeasibilityStudy,developedbythecitizensoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana,istheculminationofasixyearefforttoplancooperatively,andgaincongressionaldesignationfor,thecreationofaNationalHeritageAreainCascadeCountyandaportionofChouteauCounty.Thechaptersthatfollowrepresentthetirelessworkofawidecross-sectionofindividuals,communitygroups,non-profitorganizations,businesses,industry,andgovernmentalbodiesandagencies.Thereportsummarizesthesestakeholders’ideas,goals,anddesiresforwhataNationalHeritageAreacanbeforthepeopleandcommunitiesofcentralMontana.ThestudyprocesshasbeenguidedbyBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.(formerlytheUpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporation),whichiswillingtoserveasthecoordinatingentityandleadthiseffortintothefuture.
ThisFeasibilityStudyamassestherationaleforcelebratingthestoriesandplacesthatmakeourpartofMontanasospecial—specialtoourresidents;specialtoourtraditions,ourwork,andourwaysoflife;andspecialtoourvisitorsallwhileprotectingpropertyandindividualrights.
TheplainsfirstmeetthemountainsinBigSkyCountry.CourtesyofNormanAnderson
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 2
BigSkyCountry–APlaceofNationalSignificance
BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaisaplaceoftransitions,aplacewherenationallysignificanteventsoccurredthatshapedthisregion,thewesternstates,thenation,andtheNorthAmericancontinent.AstheStatementofNationalSignificanceleads,“[t]hevastUpperMissouriRiverlandscapeiswhereapivotaltransitionoccurredfromthelifewaysofIndigenouspeoplestothesettlementofanexpandingAmericannation.”TakingaphrasefromtheLewisandClarkjournal,ourstory“proceedson”fromthere.
ItisastoryofthemightyMissouriRiverthatcarvedthelandscapeandshapedtheecologicalenvironmentofaregion.ItisastoryoftheFirstPeoples’ancientculturesandtraditionscarriedonintheregionforthousandsofyears.Itisastoryoftheexpansivereachofanewandgrowingnation,itsexplorers,andthetransformationalchangebroughttothisland.Itisthestoryofthefrontiersmenandsettlers,andtheinfluxofpeopleintoundevelopedterritory.Andfinally,itisastoryoftheupperMissouriRiverregionoftoday,ourlivesandlivelihoods,andthismagnificentplacewecallBigSkyCountry.
Wetellthisstorywiththewordsandimageshandeddowntous,andthroughthehistoricandnaturalplacesthatsurroundus–landmarksofthepastandacanvasforourfuture.FirstPeople’sBuffaloJump,theGreatFallsPortageRoute,FortBenton,andtheC.M.RussellHomeandStudio—allNationalHistoricLandmarks—anchortheregion’shistoricaltrajectory.Inaddition,theLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailtracesthroughtheregiontheMissouriRiverpassageandtheportagerouteofthenation-changingexpedition.Thelandscapeitself,memorializedfirstintheLewisandClarkjournalsandlaterinRussell’spaintings,isdistinctiveasbutte-dottedplainsrisetomeetthegreatRockyMountains.Acrossthislandscape,westwardexpansionismarkedbyhistoricfortsandtrails,aswellasthecommunity,transportation,industrial,andagriculturalresourcesthatsupportedtheregion’sgrowthovertime.TheMissourianditstributariescontainpristinenaturalsettingsandthehydro-electricdamsonwhichGreatFalls’economywasbuilt.Together,theregion’sresourcescombinetotellastorythatisundoubtedlynationallysignificant.
MembersoftheLittleShellTribeofChippewaIndiansofMontanashareculturaltraditionsatanannualpowwow.CourtesyofGayleFisher
ExplorersattheMariasinFortBentonisthestatememorialtotheLewisandClarkExpedition.ArtistBobScriver,courtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 3
In2019,theStateofMontanapurchasedtheBirdtailButteconservationeasement,preserving3,980acresofwildlifeandpublicaccesstothesignificantgeologiclandmark.CourtesyofEllenSievert
ThisisBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea
TheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaofcentralMontanainCascadeandpartofChouteaucountiesincludestheincorporatedcitiesandtownsofGreatFalls,FortBenton,Neihart,Belt,andCascade.MostofthelandwithinthisproposedNationalHeritageAreaisprivatelyowned,withrightsretainedbytherespectiveowners.Thoseprivatepropertyrightsshallremainunchanged.NothingwithinthisFeasibilityStudy,noranyrecommendationoroutcomefromthedesignationofBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreawillchangethecurrentruleoflaw.NorshalltheactionsoftheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreacoordinatingentityeverinfluenceanyoutcomeonproperty,zoning,landuse,hunting,fishing,waterrights,orotherrightsontheland.ParticipationinNationalHeritageAreaprojectsisvoluntaryandonlythoseprojectsacceptabletolandmanagementagenciesorprivatepropertyownersshallbepursued.
TheRailroadHistoricDistrictisoneoffiveNationalRegisterdistrictsinGreatFallsthattracethetransportation,commercial,andresidentialhistoryofthecommunity.CourtesyofEllenSievert
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 4
Since2014,citizensofourcommunitieshavegatheredtogethertodiscusstheconceptofcreatingaNationalHeritageAreafortheupperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana.Overthelastsixyears,nearly100meetingshaveoccurred–publiccommunityconversations,planningworkshops,andpresentationstolocalgovernments,unitsoftribalgovernment,businessgroups,andorganizations.Thisprocesshasbeenwidelypublicizedine-newsletters,newsarticles,andviatelevision,radio,andsocialmedia.Fromthestart,thegoalhasbeen,andwillremain,toengageinterestedindividualsregardlessoftheirpositionsorviews.Someofthecommunityconversationsincludedpeoplewhoexpressedconcerns,raisedquestions,ordemonstratedopposition.Allofthesepositionswerenotedanddiscussed.Accordingly,allopinionsandideasweretakenunderconsiderationandformedtherecommendationsofthisFeasibilityStudy.
Inadditiontopublicinvolvementandcomment,thedevelopmentofthisFeasibilityStudywasconductedtoincorporateconcurrentplansdevelopedbylocalgovernments,organizations,andotherentitiesthatmakerecommendationsofprogramsandprojectsacrossupperMissouriRiverregion.TheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaFeasibilityStudyalsoincorporatesandintegratestheconceptsfromexistingplansofotherorganizations,allofwhicharecrucialtotheimplementationofthisFeasibilityStudyandtherecommendationscontainedwithin.
RegionalSustainability
TheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaisanendowmentfoundedonourlegacy,andestablishedtocommemorateourcultureandheritage,andtocelebratecommunities,andMontanawayoflife.TheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.isthenonprofitcoordinationentitydesignatedtoadvancetheNationalHeritageAreainpartnershipwiththecitizens,businesses,organizations,andlocalgovernmentsincentralMontana.Itisanestablished501(c)(3),nonprofitorganization,whoseboardofdirectorsrepresenttheregioninwhichweliveandwork.
TheJ.C.AdamsStoneBarnnearSunRiveristheonlyRomanesqueRevivalstonebarnintheUnitedStateslocatedwestoftheMississippiRiver.CourtesyofNormanAnderson
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 5
Theorganization’sfundingisderivedfromcontributions,donations,andgrantsthatcombinetocontributetothesustainabilityoftheorganization.Itisthese“investments”thatothersmakeinBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.,thatarereinvestedacrosstheNationalHeritageArea,assistingourcommunitiesandpartnersinthedevelopmentofprojectsandprogramsthathighlightthecultureandheritageoftheregion.AsotherNationalHeritageAreasacrossthecountryhavewitnessed,thisinvestmentleadstojobcreations,revenuegeneration,businessdevelopment,andotheropportunitiesthatultimatelyresultinaregion’sincreasedsustainabilityandimprovedeconomy.Intheend,BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaisinvestinginourcommunities,ourselves,andourchildrenandtheirfutures.
TheFutureofBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea
AsweconcludethisFeasibilityStudy,wewillundertakeaseriesofnextstepstoadvancetherecommendationsofthisreport.WewillseekcongressionaldesignationforthecreationofBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,asonlytheU.S.CongresscandesignateaNationalHeritageArea.Nevertheless,wehaveheardfromthehundredsthatparticipatedinthereport’sdevelopmentthatwemuststarttoactlikeaNationalHeritageArea.Therefore,thename:BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea.Ourboardofdirectorswillexpand,furtheringitsreachandrepresentationofthecommunitiesitserves.Ouroutreachwillcontinueandgrowasweworktoraisefundstoimplementprojectsandprogramsthatmakeinvestmentsinheritagedevelopmenteffortsthroughouttheregion.Ourpublicinvolvementwillincreaseaswebuildmorepartnershipssothatwe–thecommunityofBigSky–cancometogethertocelebrateourheritageandculturalassets.
TogetherweallhavearoletoplayinBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaaswebuildafutureontheincrediblehistory,vibrantculture,andbeautifullandscapethatdefineourregion.
RangersattheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailInterpretiveCenterteachchildrenhowtomakefirewithrudimentaryequipmentfromyesteryear–abowanddrytinder.Learningthesebasicskillswasamatterofsurvivalthen,buttheseskillscanstillbeusedtodayinanemergency.CourtesyofUSDAForestService
BeltCreekflowsthroughSluiceBoxesStatePark,includingthecanyonnamedafteritsresemblancetotheboxesminersonceusedtopanforgold.CourtesyofGayleFisher
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 6
CHAPTER1:THEHERITAGEINITIATIVE
“O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!” America the Beautiful, Katherine Lee Bates
PurposeoftheStudy
SomuchhasbeenwrittenaboutMontana:landscape,culturalheritage,history,andherpeople.Butitisthese18wordsfromthesongAmericatheBeautifulthatpaintadescriptionofoneofthemoststunninglandscapesoftheUnitedStates.CentralMontanaisBigSkyCountry!Itisbreathtaking,stunning,vast,rugged,romantic,and,oh,sobeautiful.
Theallureofendless,sun-drenched,fieldsofgoldengrain,wavinginthegentlebreezemovingacrossthevast,openland.ThespectacleofthegrandfoyertothefoothillsandfrontrangeoftheRockyMountains.ThequietmystiqueoftheUpperMissouriRiverasitcutsitspaththroughdeepcanyonsandroarsoverthefalls.Antelope,deer,bison,baldeagles,coyote,wolves,andotheranimalsmixedwiththeactivityoffarmsandranching,allattheedgeofcitiesbigandsmalllikeGreatFalls,FortBenton,Belt,Cascade,andNeihart.Thehistoryandheritageoftheregionaredatednotbydecades,orevencenturies,butbymillennia.Thepeopleoftheregionarefriendly,proud,hardworking,self-reliant,independent,andrespectful.TheyarethesaltoftheEarth.ThisiscentralMontana:BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea.
AvisitortoBigSkyCountryincentralMontanaimmediatelyknowsthereissomethingspecialaboutthisplace.Somethingdifferent.Thereisawondermentofthelandscape,immenseandpowerful,yet,sopureandhonest.
CharlesM.Russell(1864-1926)wasanartistwhochronicledtheWest.Inthisself-portrait,Russellgreetshisfriends,cowboysandNativeAmericans,intheUpperMissouriRiverregionofMontana. “Charles M. Russell and his Friends” by Charles M. Russell, courtesy of the Montana Historical Society
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 7
ThestoryofBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea(BigSkyCountryNHA)isoftheindigenouspeopleswho,formillennia,reliedontheabundantbisonpopulationforsustenanceandwereinseparablefromtheirculturaltraditions;andofthecataclysmicchangethatoccurredwiththecommissionedjourneyoftwoEuro-Americanmenandthemembersoftheirexpedition.ThesearejusttwoofsomanysignificanteventsincentralMontanathathelpedcontributetothegreathistoryoftheUnitedStates.Ranching,farming,wilderness,forests,rivers,industry,transportation,commerce,military,citiesandtowns,isolation–BigSkyCountrycontainsitall,andmore.
BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.(BSCNHA,Inc.,formerlytheUpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporation),withitspartnerorganizations,theincorporatedcitiesofGreatFalls,FortBenton,Belt,Cascade,andNeihart,andthecitizensofthecountiesofCascadeandChouteau,alltogether,preparedthisfeasibilitystudytoadvancethecreationandformaldesignationofaNationalHeritageArea(NHA)inMontana.Theefforthasbeenyears-long,andthegrowingpartnershipisfocusingonheritagetourism,outdoorrecreation,prideinthecommunity,thecelebrationofheritage,andpreservationofhistoryasameanstohelpfurthertheadvancementofeconomicdevelopmentandqualityoflifeinthisregionofcentralMontana.
FromtheBigSkyCountryNHAwebsite:
ThoseofusfortunateenoughtoliveinBigSkyCountryknowwhatawonderfulplaceitis.Wewanttotellthosestories!Todoso,we’vebroughttogetherresidents,multi-generationallandowners,localbusinesses,nonprofits,andculturalorganizationstofindwaystocapturethatwayoflifeandhistory.Webelieveinprivatepropertyrights,celebratingourhistory,honoringourlegacy,andsharingourstorieswithothers.WebelievethatthestoriesandhistoryoftheUpperMissouriRiverareahavenationalsignificanceandthatNationalHeritageAreadesignationwillbringvitalityandsustainableeconomicdevelopmenttoourregion.
ThefirstformalsteptobecominganNHAistocreateafeasibilitystudy.Thisfeasibilitystudyisbothanalyticalandpromotionalinitsconstruct.Thefeasibilitystudymustassessthesignificanceofaregionanditscollectionofhistorical,cultural,andnaturalresourcesanddeterminewhethertheseassetspossessanopportunitytotellasignificanthistoryoftheUnitedStates,aswellasproduceadocumentthatcontinuestomotivateandenlistpublicsupportandcooperationtocarryoutitsrecommendations.Thisfeasibilitystudyalsoexaminesthecapacityofthecommunitytosupporttheplanandanswerswhatorganizationandgroupofpartnersexisttocarryouttheplan’srecommendations.LikealmostallNHAfeasibilitystudies,thegoalistocreatebothafinaldocumentand,indoingso,aprocessthat,intheend,willresultinastrongcoalitionofpartnersthatcometogethertoconserveandpromotearegion’sheritage.
ThisfeasibilitystudystartedwithanadhoccoalitionofinterestedindividualsandorganizationsthatcametogethertoadvancetheideaofapossibleNHAincentralMontana.Toarriveatthispoint,thecoalitionsetouttobefullyengagedwithallmembersofthecommunity,toenlistsupportfromwillingpartners,tobetransparentandanswerquestionsofindividualsorgroupsconcernedaboutNHAs,andtobedeliberateintheirapproachtodevelopingafeasibilitystudyfortheproposedNHAthatincorporatedthegoalsoftheregion.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 8
Thisfeasibilitystudycontainsthefollowingelements:
• Chapter2presentsthehistoryofBigSkyCountry,includingthecultureandnaturalenvironmentalassetsthattellthestoryofcentralMontana.
• Chapter3providesadetailedexaminationoftheregion’snationalsignificance,itshistoricalthemesandtheresourcesassociatedwiththosethemes,andadescriptionoftheproposedboundaryfortheNHA.
• Chapter4examinesthedesiresoftheregionalpartnership–whatthecommunitieswant,andwhatinitiativestheyhopetoaccomplishasanNHA.
• Chapter5teststhetencriteriatobemetforconsiderationforNHAdesignation.
• Appendicesconcludethedocument,containingexistingreportsandotherinformationconsideredinthedevelopmentofthisfeasibilitystudy.
WhatareNationalHeritageAreas?
ThedevelopmentofNHAsintheUnitedStatesdatestothe1980s,andtheirhistoryisastudyofcivicinvolvementatthegrassrootslevelsofAmericansociety.ThefirstNHAsdesignatedbytheUnitedStatesCongresswereexperimentsinnewconservationeffortsthatinvolvedlocalconstituenciesastheprimarystewardsfortheprotectionofresources.ThisuniqueconservationstrategywasacleardeparturefromtheDepartmentofInterior’sandtheNationalParkService’straditionalmodelofowningandoperatingthehistoricalandnaturalresourcesofnationalsignificance.NHAsbroughttogetherthepublicandprivatesectorsandchallengedthenormsofconservationbywhicheverythingthatwasnationallysignificantintheUnitedStatesmustbeownedandoperatedbythefederalgovernment.TheearlysuccessesofthefirstNHAsledtotheU.S.CongressdesignatingahandfulofadditionalNHAsinotherpartsofthecountry.
Bythemid-1990s,theideaofNHAsas“new”approachestocomprehensiveconservationandcommunitydevelopmentstrategiesbegantotakeholdintheUnitedStates.Pushedinpartbytheemergenceofseveralstateheritageprograms,localeffortssprouted,withthemostintheeasternUnitedStates.Ofthese,severalsoughtcongressionaldesignationasNHAs.EarlyattemptsatprogramlegislationwereproposedtocreateagroupofNHAsalongwithastructureforNHAstoexistwithintheNationalParkService;however,afterseveralattempts,theprogrammaticlegislationfailed.Aneleventh-houreffortattheendoftheSecondSessionofthe104thCongresssawlegislationcontainingbothnewlyproposedNHAsandprogramlegislationadvanceinboththeHouseandtheSenate.Atthelastminute,thebillwasstrippedoftheprogramlanguage,andtheproposedNHAswerepackagedwithinamoremassiveomnibusparksbillthatultimatelypassedCongressandwassignedintolaw.Thus,thefailureofprogrammaticlegislationtowinsupportin1996reinforcedtheprocessbywhichNHAsarecurrentlydesignatedtoday.ThatistheprocessbywhichtheBSCNHA,Inc.,hasfollowedforthedevelopmentofthisfeasibilitystudy.
Asof2019,theUnitedStatesCongresshasdesignated55NHAsinthenation.FromNewEnglandtothedeepSouth,throughtheMidwestandnowadvancingtothefarWest–citizenshavecometogethertoconservetheirheritage,createrecreationalresources,andprotectgreenways.IndividuallyasseparateNHAs,andcollectivelyasanon-designated“systemofNHAs,”theNHAsareworkingtoconserve,interpret,andpromotetheirculturalheritage,todevelopasenseofplace,andtoenhancecommunityrevitalizationandimproveonthequalityoflifeintheirneighborhoods,towns,cities,andregions.Today,thereisnoquestionaboutit:NHAsareheretostay.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 9
NoteveryNHAisthesame.NHAsareasuniqueastheresourcestheyworktoconserve.EachNHAsharesafundamentalphilosophytoachievefourspecificgoals.Thosegoalsareto:
• conservehistoric,cultural,andnaturalresources;
• enhancethedevelopmentofrecreational,educational,andinterpretiveresources
• helpstimulateheritagetourismandeconomicdevelopment
• establishpartnershipstohelpstewardtheadvancementoftheheritagearea
Giventhesegoals,eachNHAmightprioritizethemindifferentways,focusingon,forexample,tourismandinterpretationoverhistoricpreservationandcommunityrevitalization;however,allofthegoalsfortheNHAwillbeaddressedinonewayoranother.
NHAsareextraordinaryplacesinAmerica,mergingcommunityresourcestopromoteconservationandcommunityandeconomicdevelopment–orheritagedevelopment.Theyharnessawiderangeofcommunityassetsandinterests–historicpreservation,outdoorrecreation,museums,performing,craft,andvisualarts,folklife,scenicandworkinglandscapes,andgrassrootscommunity-buildingactivities–thatwhencombinedcreateasumgreaterthanitsparts.
NHAscelebratethedistinctivecharacterandcultureoflandscapesandthecommunitieswithinthemandhaveastrongsenseofplaceandidentity.Theyareneitherurbannorruralandgenerallyincludecommunitiesandsitesthroughoutaregion.Typically,NHAsworktoprotecthistoricalandculturalresourceswhileencouragingdevelopmentfortourismandothereconomicopportunities.NHAsilluminatethehistoryandlivingtraditionsofaregion,sothosepeoplewithintheNHAfeelproudoftheirheritage,andthosewhovisitgainabetterunderstandingofandappreciationfortheregion’scultures.
FewgovernmentprogramscanpointtosuchbroadandgrowinglevelsofsuccessasNHAs.Attheoutsetoftheircreation,fewwouldhavepredictedthatNHAswouldbeaspopularastheyaretoday.NHAsareupheldasthebestexamplesofhowgovernmentandlocalcommunitiescanworktogetheraspartners.NHAsarerecognizedfortheirentrepreneurialpractices,encouragingprivatesectordevelopmentwhileprotectingsignificanthistoricandculturalresources.NHAsareclearinghousesfordialogueamongavarietyofdivergentinterests,creatingopportunitiesforpeopletocometogethertovoicetheirconcernsoropinionsoverintrusiveanddamaginglandcontrolproposals,helpingtoprotectprivatepropertyandthelandowners'interests,allthewhileworkingtowardaconsensuswithinthecommunityforprogress.
Despitethissuccessfulrecordofaccomplishment,oppositiongroupstoNHAshavelonghadtheearofsomepolicymakersinWashington,bothinvariousAdministrationsandtheCongress.ThesegroupscomplainthatNHAsviolateprivatepropertyrightsorconstituteadrainontheNationalParkSystembydivertingfundingfrommuch-neededparkprojects,therebycontributingtoamaintenancebacklogintheNationalParkService.Theseargumentsringhollow,andnothingcanbefurtherfromthetruth.NeveroncehasanyNHAcommittedanact,institutedapolicy,orinitiatedanyactionthatviolatedtherightsofanyproperty.NordoNHAshaveanypowerorregulatoryauthoritytozoneproperty.Manyunbiased,independentstudiessubstantiatethesefacts,includingonebytheGovernmentAccountabilityOffice.1NHAshavenosuchauthority–aslegislativelymandated,andasphilosophicallyestablished.
NHAsbenefitpropertyownersbyenhancingtheirvalueandreinforcingthetraditional,occupational,andrecreationalusesandrightsofindividualownersintheirland.Theyinvestinhistoricrestoration,
1AMoreSystematicProcessEstablishingNationalHeritageAreasandActionstoImproveTheirAccountabilityAreNeeded,GAO-04-593T,GeneralAccountingOffice,Washington,D.C.,2004.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 10
therebyhelpingtoincreasethevalueofpropertiesandlandincommunities.NHAsworkwithfarmersandranchers,assistinginmaintainingtraditionallifestylesandoccupationsacrossvastlandscapesofour50greatstates.And,justbythedesignationofanNHA,thecoordinatingentityisoftenoneoftheearliestorganizationsnotifiedofactionswhichmayhavedetrimentaleffectsonprivateproperty,andthenthroughthenetworkoftheNHAs,noticeisextendedtothosepropertyownerswhomaybeaffected.Ifanythingaboutindividualpropertyrightsistrue,itisthatNHAsarepropertyowners’bestallies.
In2006,theNationalParkServiceAdvisoryBoard,appointedbyPresidentGeorgeW.Bush,publishedareport,ChartingaFutureforNationalHeritageAreas,inwhichDouglasP.Wheeler,Chairman,stated:
NationalHeritageAreasrepresentasignificantadvanceinconservationandhistoricpreservation:large-scale,community-centeredinitiativescollaboratingacrosspoliticaljurisdictionstoprotectnationally-importantlandscapesandlivingcultures.Managedlocally,NationalHeritageAreasplayavitalroleinpreservingthephysicalcharacter,memories,andstoriesofourcountry,remindingusofournationaloriginsanddestiny.Thisisacitizens’movementofhighpurposeandgreatbenefittothenation.WemustacttoensurethatitisvigorouslyencouragedbyprovidingreadilyunderstoodstandardsfortheestablishmentofnewNationalHeritageAreasandbybetterdefiningamutuallyadvantageouspartnershipwiththeNationalParkService.2
ThereportincludedaseriesofrecommendationstoCongressandtotheNationalParkService,includingcreatingapermanenthomewithintheNationalParksystemforNHAs,andmakingalong-term(financial)commitmenttoNHAs.3
NHAsarerecognizedasinnovativeandcreativepartnershipsthatextendthereachoftheNationalParkServicebyconservingthenationallysignificantheritageoftheUnitedStates.OthergovernmentshavestudiedNHAsasmodelsforconservation,preservation,andeconomicdevelopment.ThisnewmodelofconservationwastheexactreasontheReaganAdministrationcreatedtheveryfirstNHAinthe1980s.ThentheNationalParkServicerecognizedthattheevolvinghistoryofAmericawasapproachingapointofanunsustainablefutureifallnationally-significanthistoricandculturalresourcesweretobecomeownedandoperatedbythefederalgovernment.TheconceptofNHAsgrewfromthecreationoftheIllinois&MichiganCanalNHAoutsideofChicagototoday,withatotalof55NHAsintheUnitedStates.
ThemodelforallNHAmanagementisremarkablysimilar–apublic-privatepartnershipwheretheNationalParkServiceisoneofmanypartners,allofwhichcontributetosomeleveloffundingorsupportforprogramsandprojects.AnonprofitorganizationmanagesmostNHAs,withboardsofdirectorsconsistingofvariouscommunityleadersfromdifferentsectorsofthelocalregion.NHAsvaryinsizeandscope,allcreatedwithadesignationbyCongressbasedonaninitialmanagementplanthatchartsthegoalsforthefirsttenyearsofoperations.ManyNHAs,havingreachedthatten-yearthreshold,haveundergoneindependentevaluations,testingtheoutcomesoftheNHAagainstthegoalsestablishedinthemanagementplan,andenablinglegislationcreatingtheheritagearea.
2DouglasP.Wheeler,forwardtoChartingaFutureforNationalHeritageAreas,NationalParkServiceAdvisoryBoard,NationalParkService,2006,,pg.1.3ChartingaFutureforNationalHeritageAreas,NationalParkServiceAdvisoryBoard,NationalParkService,2006,pg.17-18.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 11
ProjectBackground
In2014,theGreatFalls-CascadeCountyCertifiedLocalGovernment(CLG),begantodiscusstheconceptofanNHAinMontanaassuchentitiesgainedmorepopularityinthewesternUnitedStates.TheCityofGreatFallsandtheGreatFalls-CascadeCountyHistoricPreservationAdvisoryCommissionaskedthecommunitytojointhemforthe“GrandTour”eventinJanuary2015thatencompassedthewholeregion.
PublicinvitationtoGrandTourIIinJune2016,whenthepublicparticipatedinearlydiscussionsabout theproposedNationalHeritageArea.CourtesyofUMRHAPC
Morethan100peoplegatheredfromaroundcentralMontana,includingregionalcommunitymembers,tobegincollaborativeeffortstoestablishanNHAalongtheMissouriRiverCorridorandtoreviewtheGreatFalls-CascadeCountyTourismAssessment,anin-depthstudypreparedbyCygnetStrategies.SupportforthesemeetingswasprovidedbytheStateHistoricPreservationOffice(SHPO)andtheGreatFallsTourismBusinessImprovementDistrict(TBID).
SpeakingatthisgatheringwasCharlesFlynn,ExecutiveDirectorofYumaCrossingNationalHeritageAreainYuma,Arizona,andVickySoderberg,atourismmarketingprofessionalfromHelena,Montana.BothexplainedtheconceptofNHAsandtheirabilitytohelprevitalizecommunitiesandmarketthemfortourismandbusinessdevelopment.AsignificantissueraisedattheGrandTourwastheinconsistencyinmessagingamongGreatFallspartnersmarketingtheregion.AvotetakenattheGrandTourresultedinoverwhelmingsupportforanNHAandtotakethenextstepstoestablishanNHAfortheregion’scommunities.
TheUpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporation(UMRHAPC)waslegallyestablishedinMay2015.Thefirstmeeting,heldattheLewis&ClarkInterpretiveCenterinGreatFalls,includedtheorganizationofaboardofdirectors.
Inaddition,astrategywasdevelopedtoadvancetheNHAconceptwithintheregionandtobuildanorganizationthatcouldtaketheideathroughtheinitialorganizingandplanningstages.Theorganizationreceivedofficial501(c)(3)designationinJune2016.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 12
AsuccessfulGrandTourIIeventtookplaceinApril2016andwasattendedbynearly100membersfromtheGreatFallscommunityandfromacrossthecountiesoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionincentralMontana.GrandTourIIwasalsoaworkingmeetingfortheUMRHAPC,itspartners,andthecommunity,asallparticipatedingroupdiscussionstodevelopaninitialmissionstatementfortheproposedNHA.Theparticipantsalsohadarobustconversationabouttheregion’sheritageandhistory,withpreliminarythemesandhistoricaltopicspresented.Aproposedprojectareawasalsodiscussed,andtheinitialareaincludedallofCascadeandChouteauCounties,alongwiththeentirereachoftheUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonument.Participantsunderstoodthatthethemes,history,andprojectregionwouldbereconsideredandpossiblyrefinedwhenthefeasibilitystudyplanningofficiallybegan.
WiththesuccessofGrandTourII,UMRHAPCundertookanumberofimportantactivitiesthathelpedmovetheinitiativeforward.Theorganizationsetouttoraisemoneytosupporttheorganizationanditswork.Also,awebsitewascreatedasawayforthepublictofollowtheprogressandtolearnaboutfuturemeetings,ortogetinvolvedasvolunteers.Theboardinvitedtribalgovernments’participationintheprocess.TheymetwithJasonSmith,DirectoroftheGovernor’sOfficeofIndianAffairs.Athissuggestion,Dr.RuthannKnudsonsubsequentlysentletterstotheChippewaCreeTribalBusinessCommitteeoftheRockyBoy'sIndianReservation,theLittleShellTribeofChippewaIndiansofMontanaTribalCouncil,theBlackfeetTribalBusinessCouncil,theFortBelknapIndianCommunityTribalCouncil,theCrowTribalCouncil,andtheConfederatedSalishandKootenaiTribalCouncil.Ananthropologistwhohadworkedinacademia,federalservice,andtheprivatesector,Dr.Knudsonheldlongstandingrelationshipswiththetribalnationsintheregion,andhaddecadesofexperiencewithgovernmenttogovernmentconsultationandrepatriation.Furthermore,becauseoftheLittleShellChippewaTribe’shistoricandcontemporarypresenceintheregion,withtribalheadquarterslocatedinGreatFalls,theboardrequestedthattheLittleShellprovidedirectboardmemberinvolvementandparticipationintheNHAinitiative.MontanaStateParksaddedarepresentativetotheboardofdirectors.FederalpartnersattheBureauofLandManagementinFortBenton,Montana,andtheU.S.ForestServiceattheLewis&ClarkInterpretiveCenterinGreatFalls,Montana,wereidentifiedandcontinuetobebriefedontheproject’sadvancement.
Asdescribedbelow,additionalpublicmeetingsoccurredin2017and2018asapartofconductingthisfeasibilitystudy,withthefinalsessioninBelt,MT,inSeptember2019,wheretheparticipantsexpressedstrongsupportfortheestablishmentoftheBigSkyCountryNHA.
GenerousfinancialsupportforthedevelopmentofthefeasibilitystudywasgivenbyAtlanticRichfieldCompany,FirstInterstateBank,FortBentonCommunityImprovementAssociation,MontanaCommunityFoundation,MontanaFederalCreditUnion,NorthWesternEnergy,LindaMetzger,aswellanonymousdonationsfromafoundationandanindividual.
StudyArea
MontanacanbedescribedbytworegionsseparatedbytheContinentalDivide:theeast,bytheGreatPlains;and,thewest,bytheRockyMountains.InBigSkyCountryNHA,thesetwodistinctlandformscometogethertoformalandscapethatisdiverse,wonderous,andawe-inspiring.ThestudyareaislocatedincentralMontanaandissituatedbetweenGlacierNationalParktothenorth,YellowstoneNationalParktothesouth,theUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonumenttotheeastandtheRockyMountainstothewest.WithinthestudyareaistheLewis&ClarkNationalForest.
Forthemostpart,thelandisfairlyflatwithslight,rollinghills.Exceptforthecitiesandtowns,thelandismostlyagrarianplains,consistingofexpansiveranchesandfarms.Beyondtheplainssitbuttes,forests,andoutcroppingsofsmallermountainclusters,noneformingacontinuousrange,butsignificantenoughthatoneknowstheRockiesarenearby.TheentireregionislinkedbythemightyMissouriRiver
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 13
withitsdeepwater,steepbanksandcanyons,providingpicturesqueoverlooksofthelandandskies.Mostofthetownsaresmallandrural,originallybuiltandsettledtosupporttheregion'sdevelopingeconomies–agriculture,mining,railroads,andmanufacturingindustries.ThelargestisGreatFalls,amid-sizedurbanareawithadiversepopulationandeconomy.
Withinthisregionisthestudyarea–originallylargerinsizethantheproposedboundaryfortheNHA.Atfirst,thestudyareaconsistedofalllandswithinCascade,Chouteau,andasmallportionofLewis&Clarkcounties.ThestudyareaboundaryreachedasfareastastheNationalMonumentandhadtentacle-likeextensionsoffoftheMissouriRivertouchingplaceswithresourcesinitiallyconsideredforinclusionintheproposedNHA.Throughoutthefeasibilitystudyplanningprocess,theresourcesofthestudyarea,alongwithitsboundary,weretestedagainsttheNPScriteriaandtheboundarycriteriaexplainedlaterinChapter4.Intheend,thestudyareawasmodifiedandadjusted,supportedbyhistoricalandculturalresourcesthattietogetherthestoriesoftheregionandsupportthenationalsignificanceoftheBigSkyCountryNHA.
PrivateProperty/LandUse
DesignationofanNHAdoesnotprovidethecoordinatingentityoranyfederalagencywiththeauthoritytoregulatelandorlanduses.Designationwouldhavenoeffectonprivatepropertyrights.Participationinproposedprojectsandprogramsisvoluntary,withzoningandland-usedecisionsremainingunderlocalgovernmentjurisdictions.Inaddition,thecoordinatingentityisprohibitedfromusingthefederalfundsitreceivestoacquirerealproperty.
AnNHAisnotaunitoftheNationalParkSystem,andNationalParkServiceinvolvementwithNHAsisadvisoryinnature.NolandisownedormanagedbytheNationalParkServiceunderthisdesignation.WhenanNHAisdesignatedbyCongress,theNationalParkServicethenpartnerswithlocalcommunitiestohelpplanandimplementactivitiesthatemphasizeasharedvisionofheritage-basedinterpretation,conservation,andstewardship.
TheissueofprivatepropertyrightsisofgreatimportancetotheBoardofDirectorsofBSCNHA,Inc.,andisfurtheraddressedinChapter3.
ConcurrentPlans
TheproposedBigSkyCountryNHAalignswellwithmanyotherplansandinitiativescurrentlyunderwayintheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana.Theorganization,indevelopingitspartnershipnetwork,recognizedtheworkofitspartnersinidentifyingthehistory,thequalityoflife,theeconomicopportunities,andtheresponsibilitiesofthecommunitiesandgovernmentalagenciesincaringforaregionthatwecollectivelyloveandwanttoworktogethertomakebetter.Thesedocumentsincludeplansfocusedoneducation,economicdevelopmentandgrowth,historicpreservation,interpretation,landuse,recreationandnaturalresources,tourismandmarketing,andtransportation.OverthecourseoforganizingtheworkoftheBigSkyCountryNHA,theseplansanddocumentswereusedasfoundationalstudiestohelpevaluatethefeasibilityofanddevelopthisstudyforanNHAinCentralMontana.
UponCongressionaldesignationofanNHA,theseplansandstudies,andothersthatmaybeindevelopment,willbecriticaltoolsinformulatingasharedvisionandcollaborativestrategytoensurethattheplansdonotexist,andarenotimplemented,inisolation.Alistofconcurrentplans,includingtheirintegrationwithBigSkyCountryNHA,isfoundinAppendixI.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 14
TheFeasibilityStudyProcess
WithgrowingcommunitysupportforNHAdesignationandfundingtopursueit,theUMRHAPCformallybegantheprocessofconductingafeasibilitystudy.ARequestforProposalsforaconsultantteamtoleadtheprocesswasissuedinAugust2017,theselectedteambeganworkingontheprojectthefollowingOctober,andthefirstpublicmeetingwasheldinMay2018.ThefeasibilitystudyprocessfollowedtheNationalParkService’sNationalHeritageAreaFeasibilityStudyGuidelinesestablishedin2003.Thestepssetforthintheguidelineshelppartnerswithinaregionestablishwhetherthereisanationallysignificantstory;thehistoric,culturalandnaturalresourcesandlivingtraditionsremainingonthelandscapethatexpressthatstory;andapartnershipnetworkthathasthecapacitytobuildandcarryoutasharedvisionbuiltaroundtheregion’spastandpresent.TheNPSguidelinesarticulatetencriteriathatdemonstratetheseimportantcomponentsofanNHA,andbywhichanyregionseekingdesignationwillbeevaluated(pp.4-5).Thosecriteriaare:
1. Anareahasanassemblageofnatural,historic,orculturalresourcesthattogetherrepresentdistinctiveaspectsofAmericanheritageworthyofrecognition,conservation,interpretation,andcontinuinguse,andarebestmanagedassuchanassemblagethroughpartnershipsamongpublicandprivateentities,andbycombiningdiverseandsometimesnon-contiguousresourcesandactivecommunities;
2. Reflectstraditions,customs,beliefs,andfolklifethatareavaluablepartofthenationalstory;
3. Providesoutstandingopportunitiestoconservenatural,cultural,historic,and/orscenicfeatures;
4. Providesoutstandingrecreationalandeducationalopportunities;
5. Theresourcesimportanttotheidentifiedthemeorthemesofthearearetainadegreeofintegritycapableofsupportinginterpretation;
6. Residents,businessinterests,non-profitorganizations,andgovernmentswithintheproposedareaareinvolvedintheplanning,havedevelopedaconceptualfinancialplanthatoutlinestherolesforallparticipantsincludingthefederalgovernment,andhavedemonstratedsupportfordesignationofthearea;
7. Theproposedmanagemententityandunitsofgovernmentsupportingthedesignationarewillingtocommittoworkinginpartnershiptodeveloptheheritagearea;
8. Theproposalisconsistentwithcontinuedeconomicactivityinthearea;
9. Aconceptualboundarymapissupportedbythepublic;and
10. Themanagemententityproposedtoplanandimplementtheprojectisdescribed.
Overthecourseofabout20months,theUMRHAPCledthecommunitiesofcentralMontanathroughtheprocessthatresultedinthisfeasibilitystudyreportandthedecisiontoformallyseekdesignation.Theyestablishedworkingcommitteesandengagedkeypartners,soughtguidancefromconsultantswithstrongbackgroundsinNHAdevelopmentandmanagement,createdaplanforpublicoutreach,identifiedandinterviewedkeystakeholders,andsoughtreviewoftheirworkbysubjectmatterexperts.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 15
TheStudyTeam
TheUpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporationBoardofDirectorsFromtheoutset,theUMRHAPCBoardofDirectorswascreatedwiththebreadthofgeographic,cultural,andprofessionaldiversitycharacteristicofheritageareas.TheboardischairedbyJaneWeber,aCascadeCountyCommissioner,andincludestheMayoroftheTownofCascade,aswellasresidentsofGreatFallsandFortBenton.Boardmembersareprofessionalsinthefieldsofhistoricpreservation,naturalresourceconservation,education,economicdevelopment,tourism,fundraising,accounting,andhistoryandanthropology.Inaddition,theboardincludeskeypartnerorganizationssuchasMontanaStateParks,theLewis&ClarkHeritageTrailFoundation,NorthWesternEnergy,theFortBentonCommunityImprovementAssociation,theGreatFallsDevelopmentAuthority,theMontanaHistoryFoundation,andVisitGreatFalls.Theboardprovidedoversightofthefeasibilitystudyprocessandparticipatedinpublicoutreach.AppendixIIprovidesalistoftheBSCNHA,Inc.,BoardofDirectors.TheFeasibilityStudyTaskForce
AFeasibilityStudyTaskForceservedasthecoreplanninggroupforthestudyprocess.Theboardcreatedthetaskforcetodevelopandreviewspecificcomponentsofthestudy,ensuringthatplanningfollowedNPSguidelines.Thetaskforceincludedmembersoftheboard,aswellasNancyMorgan(PointHeritageDevelopmentConsulting,Inc.)andAugustCarlino(RiversofSteelNationalHeritageArea).MorganandCarlino,bothwithsignificantexperienceinheritageareaplanningandmanagement,wereengagedtoguidethestudyprocess.WithmeetingthetenNPScriteriaastheirgoal,thetaskforcemanagedtheprocessforthedevelopmentofthemes,theresourceinventory,andtheboundary;oversawthereviewofthosecomponentsbysubjectmatterexperts;plannedpublicmeetingsandboardworkshops;facilitatedstakeholderinterviews;and,workeddirectlywiththeconsultantsonthedetaileddevelopmentofthefeasibilitystudyreport.KeyPartners
Inadditiontotheboardofdirectorsandthetaskforce,otherkeypartnerswerealsoengagedinthedevelopmentofthefeasibilitystudy.Theyinclude:
• AlexandraHernandez,NationalHeritageAreasRegionalCoordinator,IntermountainRegion,NationalParkService
• C.M.RussellMuseum• CertifiedLocalGovernment/GreatFalls-CascadeCountyHistoricPreservationAdvisory
Commission• CityandCountyCommissions–CascadeandChouteauCounties• FortBentonCommunityImprovementAssociation• GreatFallsDevelopmentAuthority• GreatFallsMTTourism• LewisandClarkTrailHeritageFoundation• MontanaHistoryFoundation• MontanaStateParks• NorthWesternEnergy• JimOlson,MayorofBelt• MurryMoore,MayorofCascade• RickMorris,MayorofFortBenton• BobKelly,MayorofGreatFalls• SteveTaylor,MayorofNeihart
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 16
AmoredetaileddescriptionofthepartnershipnetworkcanbefoundinChapter4,andacompletelistofpartnersisinAppendixIII.
CommunityEngagement
TheFeasibilityStudyTaskForceandtheMarketingCommitteeworkedjointlytodevelopandcarryoutacomprehensivecommunityengagementstrategyforthefeasibilitystudy.Thatstrategyincludedaseriesofcommunitymeetings,engagementofprofessionalswithexpertiseinthehistoryandculturesoftheregion,interviewswithkeystakeholders,outreachtomunicipal,state,andlegislativeleaders,andconsultationwithNativeAmericantribesconnectedtothestudyarea.Thestrategyalsoincludedprintandbroadcastmedia,awebsite,electronicmailingstoalistofover400people,andsocialmediapostings.Eachoftheseactivitiesisdescribedbrieflybelow.Inall,765peopleparticipatedinfeasibilitystudyactivities,withabout1,500participantsengagedintheprocessoverthelastfiveyears.CommunityMeetings
Threeroundsofpublicmeetings–CommunityConversations–heldincommunitiesinthestudyareawerethefoundationofthecommunityengagementstrategy.Inall,therewere393participantsinthesemeetings.Eachroundofmeetingswasdesignedtoinformandengagethepublic,andeachroundbuiltupontheinformationandaccomplishmentsemergingfromthepreviousround.Thismeetingstructurecontributedtothecreationofabroadpartnershipnetworkconsistingofresidents,organizations,andcommunitiesthatshareavisionfortheregion’sfuture.ThefirstroundincludedthreemeetingsinMay2018inFortBenton,GreatFalls,andHelena.ThepurposesofthefirstroundofmeetingsweretointroducetheNHAfeasibilitystudyprocesstothepublicandtogetinputonpreliminarythemes,thestudyareaboundary,culturaltraditions,andspecialplaces.Themeetingincludedtablediscussionswithmapsthatparticipantscouldmarkup,aswellasaquestionandanswersessionthatcoveredthedesignationprocessandtimeline,benefitsofdesignation,andtherightsofprivatepropertyowners.InJanuary2019,asecondroundofmeetingswasheldinFortBentonandGreatFalls.Duringthesecondroundofmeetings,therevisedthemesandboundarywerepresentedtothepublic,andtheStatementofNationalSignificancewasintroduced.Inaddition,thepublichadtheopportunitytodiscussthereasonsforcreatinganNHAandtoshareideasforprojectsthatcouldbeaccomplishediftheregionweretoachievedesignation.ThefinalroundculminatedinasinglemeetinginSeptember2019attherecentlyrestoredBeltPerformingArtsCenterinthecommunityofBelt.Duringthisround,allpreviousaccomplishmentswerereviewedandtheorganizationthatledthefeasibilitystudycommittedtobecomingtheproposedNHA’scoordinatingentity.Finally,theproposedNHA’snamewasannouncedtogreataccolade–BigSkyCountryNHA.Atthismeetinginwhichnonewinformationwaspresentedasidefromthename,writtenpubliccommentswerecollectedwithasheethandedouttoparticipants.StakeholderInterviewsAmongthecriticalcomponentsofNHAdesignationistheconsiderationofregionalcapacity.Regionalcapacityincludesthecapacityofthepartnershipandtheindividualorganizationsworkingtogethertowardsaregionalvision,thecapacityofanorganizationtoadministeranNHA,andthecollectivefinancialcapacitytosustainanNHAthroughtime.Regionalcapacitywasthefocusofinterviewswith25keystakeholders,includingelectedofficials,regionalfunders,civicandplanningorganizations,artscoalitions,andhistorical,environmental,recreation,andconservationgroups.AppendixIVhasalistingofallinterviews.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 17
Thepurposeoftheinterviewswastobuildonandcomplementtheinformationgeneratedinbriefingsandthroughpastpublicengagement,withmanyofthetopicsaddressedintheinterviewsalreadyhavingbeenbroachedduringthoseactivities.Theinterviewsalsoprovidedtheopportunityforpartnersthathaveamajorroletoplayinaregionalheritageinitiativetoexpresstheirsupport,theirconcerns,theirpriorities,andtheirvisionforhowanetworkcanbecreatedandsustained.Thisinformationwascollectedconfidentially,andonlytheaggregateoftheinformationwasreportedtotheboardofdirectors.TheoutcomesofthisprocessaresummarizedinChapter4.SubjectMatterExperts
NationalsignificanceandthemesthatcansupportthatsignificancearefoundationalelementsofanNHA.Assuch,itisavaluableprocesstohavethoseelementsreviewedbyexpertsinthefieldsofhistoryandculturewhoarenototherwisedirectlyinvolvedinthedevelopmentofthefeasibilitystudy.TheexpertswhoreviewedtheworkoftheUMRHAPCcollectivelyhavedemonstratedknowledgeofMontanahistoryandculturefromprehistorytothepresent.Theyinclude:
• EllenBaumler,Ph.D.,independentresearcher• JayBuckley,Ph.D.,AssociateProfessorofHistory,BrighamYoungUniversity• MichaelDuchemin,Ph.D.,PresidentandCEO,TheBriscoeWesternArtMuseum• GeraldGray,Chairman,LittleShellTribeofChippewaIndiansofMontana• RobertSwartout,Ph.D.,ProfessorEmeritusofHistory,CarrollCollege• CarrollVanWest,Ph.D.,DirectoroftheCenterforHistoricPreservation,MiddleTennesseeState
UniversityandDirectoroftheTennesseeCivilWarNationalHeritageArea
AllsixexpertsaresupportiveofthedesignationofanNHAbasedonthenationalsignificance,themes,andresourcesdescribedindetailinChapter3.PlanningWorkshopsOverthecourseofthefeasibilitystudy,theplanningconsultantsledthreeworkshopswiththeboard.Theseareincludedaspartofthecommunityengagementprocessbecauseofthebreadthoftheboard’scomposition,includingthemanycommunities,partners,andinterestsrepresentedonit.Thefirstworkshop,heldinJuly2018,focusedonrefiningthethemesandresources,redrawingaboundarythatalignedwiththoseelements,anddraftingtheStatementofNationalSignificance.Asecondworkshop,heldinFebruary2019,focusedonthemanagementstructureoftheboardandtheproposedNHA.ThatmeetingincludedthedecisionoftheUMRHAPCtocontinueforwardasthecoordinatingentityonceNHAdesignationisachieved.AthirdworkshopinAprilsteppedtheorganizationthroughconsiderationofallpossiblemanagementalternativesfortheregion,includinganNHA,astateheritagearea,alocalheritagearea,andnochange.TheboardunanimouslysupportedtheestablishmentofanNHA.OutreachtoPublicOfficials
TheUMRHAPCBoardengagedpublicofficialsatthefederal,state,county,andmunicipallevelsintheplanningprocess.Outreachentailedspecialmeetingswithcountyandmunicipal,invitationstoallpublicmeetings,andwrittencorrespondenceatkeypointsintheprocess.AninformationalmeetinganddiscussionwasheldinMay2018atthecapitolinHelenathatincludedLieutenantGovernorMikeCooney,theDirectoroftheGovernor’sOfficeofIndianAffairs,theDirectorofMontanaStateParks,theDirectoroftheMontanaHistoricalSociety,theDirectorofMontanaMainStreet,andrepresentativesoftheDepartmentofCommerce,theDepartmentofFish,WildlifeandParks,theBureauofLandManagement,andtheU.S.ForestService.PresentationsweregiventocommissionersofCascade,Chouteau,Fergus,LewisandClark,andPhillipscounties,aswellastheFortBentonCityCouncil.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 18
Themayorsofallfivecommunitieswithinthestudyareaandacommissionerfromeachofthecountycommissionswereincludedinthestakeholderinterviewprocess.Finally,duringthesecondandthirdroundsofpublicmeetings,thefivemayorsopenedthemeetingsbywelcomingparticipantsandvoicingtheirreasoningforsupportingtheheritageareainitiative.MeetingwithLt.Gov.CooneyandMontanaStateofficialsatthecapitol,May2018.CourtesyofKenRobison TribalInvolvement
ThestudyareawastheancestralterritoryoftheBlackfootConfederacy,althoughmanyothertribesconvergedintheregiontohuntthebisonthatwerefoundationalfortheircultures.ThosetribesincludethefourtribesoftheBlackfootConfederacy,knownastheNisitapi(SiksikaorBlackfoot;KainaiorBlood;PikaniiorNorthernPeigan;andPikuniorSouthernPiegan),aswellastheSalish,Kootenai,Pendd’Oreille,Shoshone,Bannock,NezPerce,GrosVentre,Crow,andAssiniboine.TheboardmettwicewiththeDirectoroftheGovernor’sOfficeofIndianAffairs,andcommunicatedwithallofthetribalgovernmentsinMontanawhosemembershadancestraltiestothestudyarea.Dr.RuthannKnudsonprovidedtheinitialcontactwiththetribes,asdescribedpreviously.ChairJaneWeber,whohadpreviouslyworkedwithMontana’stribesduringthedevelopmentoftheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailInterpretiveCenter,wastheboard’skeycontactregardingtribalinvolvement.Leadersindicatedtheirstrongestinterestisinthestudy’shistoricalinterpretation,andthattheirneedforinvolvementwasgenerallylimitedtoreviewofthehistorypresentedinthereport.TheonlyexceptiontothiswastheLittleShellTribeofChippewaIndiansofMontana,headquarteredinGreatFallsandrecentlyaccordedfederalrecognition.TheLittleShellparticipatedintheplanningprocessthroughastakeholderinterviewofTribalChairmanGeraldGray.Furthermore,whenaskedtoappointamembertoUMRHAPCBoard,GrayrecommendedNicholasVrooman,folkloristandhistorian.VroomanandKnudsonbothservedontheboard,andwerekeyinbringingtheirstrongtiestoandscholarlyunderstandingoftheNativeAmericancommunityinMontanatotheprocess.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 19
Print,Broadcast,andWebOutreachDuringtheinitiative,awidevarietyofoutreachmethodswereemployedtoensureresidentshadtheopportunitytoattendpublicmeetingsandprovideinput.Printmediaincludedcommunityposters,aswellaspressreleasestoFortBenton’sRiverPress,theGreatFallsTribune,andBlackEagleNews.Theonlinepublication,TheElectric,alsopublishedthepressreleases.Thepressattendedallpublicmeetings,andalsopublishedfollow-uparticles.AConstantContactlistofnearly500peoplewaskeptuptodateontheinitiative,includingreceivingonlinepostcardsforpublicmeetings.Anonlinesurveywasusedtogatherpublicinput.NoticesofallthepublicmeetingswerepostedontheCityofGreatFallsPlanningDepartmentwebsite.Broadcastmediawasalsohelpfulingettingthewordout,withPSAsonlocalradiostations,aswellasliveradiobroadcastsaboutthemeetingsonSTARadio,CherryCreekRadio,andMontanaPublicRadio.Inaddition,boardmemberswerefeaturedontheVoicesandViewsprograminGreatFalls.OtherPresentationsandMeetings
Inadditiontotheoutreachdescribedabove,BSCNHA,Inc.,representativesgavepresentationstotheChambersofCommerceinGreatFallsandFortBenton,leadershipoftheRepublicanPartyinthearea,severalcivicgroups,andanumberofhistoricalandhistoricpreservationorganizations,tourismandbusinessorganizations,andeducationalorganizations.Inaddition,BSCNHA,Inc.,hostedinformationalboothsattheLittleShellPowwow,theLewisandClarkFestival,andtheFortBentonSummerCelebration,reachingnearly250participantsthroughthoseannualevents.AlistingofallpresentationsisincludedinAppendixV.Fundraising
Anothermeasureofcommunityengagementisthefinancialsupportgeneratedfortheheritageareainitiative.Overthelastthreeyears,UMRHAPCsuccessfullyraisedover$50,000insupportoftheinitiativefromindividualdonors,organizations,andcorporatefoundationgrants.Ofthis,$13,500wasthegiftofindividualsandfamilies.AlistofcurrentandpotentialfundersisincludedinAppendixVI. ResultsofCommunityEngagementAsstatedabove,1,474peoplehavebeenengagedinpublicoutreachoverthelastfiveyears.Thisincluded45presentationsandsixfeasibilitystudypublicmeetings.Thepublicmeetingsdrew393participants,includingrepresentativesofnon-profitorganizations,publicofficials,andresidentsoftheregion.Organizationsfromabroadarrayofsectorsparticipatedinthemeetings,includingtourism,historicpreservation,arts,recreation,chambersofcommerce/economicdevelopment,businesses,civicandfaith-basedorganizations,andthemedia.InvitedparticipantsalsoincludedelectedofficialsfromthecountiesofCascadeandChouteau,thetownsofBelt,Cascade,FortBenton,andNeihart,theCityofGreatFalls,stateofficialsalongwithMontana’sstatelegislature,andMontana’sUnitedStatesMemberofCongressandUnitedStatesSenatorsoffices.Sincepublicofficialsweresometimesunabletoattendduetoschedulingconflicts,membersoftheBSCNHA,Inc.,BoardofDirectorsheldseveralone-on-onebriefingmeetingswiththeMontanaCongressionalDelegation,bothinWashington,D.C.andinthestate,updatingthemonthefeasibilitystudyprogress.SimilarmeetingswereheldwithMontanalegislativeofficials,bothinHelena,Montana,andintheirdistricts.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 20
NextSteps
ThecompletionofthisfeasibilitystudyisthefirststeptowardthedesignationofanNHAintheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana.Next,theBSCNHA,Inc.,BoardofDirectorswillworktowardtheintroductionoffederallegislationforthedesignationofanNHA.OnlyanactofCongresscanofficiallydesignateanNHAthroughauthorizinglegislation. Concurrently,theboardwillcontinuetobuildastrongregionalnetworkofpartnersthroughpublicoutreachandcommunityinvolvement.Oneofthekeywaysofaccomplishingthiswillbetobegintheearlyimplementationprojectsidentifiedoverthecourseofthisstudy.Anotherimportanttaskfortheboardwillbetoincorporatenewmemberswhosebackgroundandskillscomplementtheneedsoftheorganizationasitsroleevolves.Hiringstaffwillalsobecriticalfortheorganization’sevolution.Boardandstaffwillexpandfundraisingactivitiesinordertohelpaccomplishprojects,supportthedevelopmentofamanagementplanthatbuildsuponthefindingsofthefeasibilitystudy,andpreparetomatchfederalfundingupondesignation.Oncethedesignationisachieved,theboardandstaffwillworkwiththepartnershipnetworktoensurethecompletionoftherequiredmanagementplanthatwillprovideguidanceforthesubsequenttenyears.
WhyaNationalHeritageAreainCentralMontana?
FromtheBigSkyCountryNHAwebsite:
Heritageareaspresentopportunitiesforresidentsandvisitorstorecognizeandcelebratearegion’sculturalandnaturalassets.Aheritageareaisbothaplaceandaconcept.Physically,heritageareasareregionswithconcentrationsofnationallysignificantnatural,scenic,cultural,historicalandrecreationalresources.
CentralMontanaexemplifiesBigSkyCountry.SpectacularopenhorizonsplungeintodeepravinesandcanyonswheretheMissouriRivercarveditspathacrosstheprairie;evidenceofFirstPeoplesmarksthelandandstoriesofhistoricsteamboattripsandharrowingexplorationescapadesleapfromthepagesofleather-boundjournals.CentralMontana,wheretherealWestcaptivatestheimaginationofarchaeologists,anthropologists,historians,artists,andmodern-dayexplorers,ispoisedforadditionalvisitorsandtheresultingeconomicbenefits.Theregionpossessessignificantnationalhistory,heritage,andresources,datingbacktoatimewhenNorthAmericawasstillavastwilderness.
WithaNationalHistoricTrailandfourNationalHistoricLandmarkswithintheproposedBigSkyCountryNHAboundary,thelandscape,heritage,andhistoryareofnationalsignificanceandwarrantdesignationasanNHA.
ThebenefitsofthecreationofanNHAareknownandhavebeenexperiencedinotherpartsofthenation.StateswithNHAshaveexperiencedeconomicgrowth,increasedtourism,andcommunityprideandvibrancy.ThefederalinvestmentinNHAshashelpedpreservehistoricstructures,rebuilddowntownMainStreetcommunities,educatingchildrenabouttheirheritageandculture,informvisitorsofthehistoryoftheplacestheyarevisiting,andimprovethequalityoflifeforresidents.Theseresultstranslateintotangiblebenefits,includingthecreationofjobs,revenuegrowthforlocalgovernments,andaresultingimprovementoftheeconomyoftheNHA.CentralMontanaispoisedtocapturethissameopportunitywiththedesignationoftheBigSkyCountryNHA.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 21
Lewiswasoverjoyedtohear“theagreeablesoundofafallofwater.”Soonafterhe“sawthesprayariseabovetheplainlikeacolumnofsmoke….[It]begantomakearoaringtootremendoustobemistakenforanycauseshortofthegreatfallsoftheMissouri.”Bynoon,Lewishadreachedthefalls,wherehestaredinaweat“asublimelygrandspecticle[sic]…thegrandestsightIhadeverbeheld.”—June13,1805(inTheJournalsoftheLewisandClarkExpedition,Moulton1983)CourtesyofCharlesFritz
Toachievenationalstatus,agroupofcommunityleaders–countyofficials,mayors,businessleaders,nonprofitorganizations,educators,historians,architects,andmanyothers–setouttoprovethecultural,historicalandnaturalecosystemofBigSkyCountryformacohesive,nationallysignificantlandscape,andtopreparefortheNationalParkServiceandtheU.S.Congressthisfeasibilitystudyasapartoftheprocess.Theinformationcontainedwithinthisreport–theBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaFeasibilityStudy–demonstratesthattheregionpossessesnationallysignificanthistoryandresourcesandthattheproposedcoordinatingentityandregionalpartnershiphavethecapacitytomanageanNHA.ThesetwofactorstogetherjustifytheconsiderationofanNHAdesignationbyCongress.Anunderlying,butnecessary,factorinthecreationofanNHAforcentralMontanaiscapitalizingonnationalparksinMontana–GlacierNationalParkandYellowstoneNationalPark–andthemillionsofvisitorstheydraweachyear.ThecountiesofCascadeandChouteauarecentrallylocatedbetweentheparks.Mosttravelerstothenationalparkswillby-passtheregionbetweenthetwoeventhoughcentralMontanacontainsNationalHistoricLandmarks,aNationalHistoricTrail,scenicandrecreationalattractions,anddowntowncommunitieswithartsandculturalattractions.EstablishinganNHAwilllinkallofthecultural,historical,andrecreationalassetsofcentralMontanaallowingthecommunities,thecounties,andthestatetoharnessthepotentialofincreasedtourismresultingincommunityrevitalization,economicdevelopment,enhancedqualityoflifeopportunities,andanoverallimprovementinregionalpride.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 22
CHAPTER2:INTRODUCINGTHE HERITAGEAREA
“Montana is still high, wide, handsome, and remote. There are many ways of looking at it and many ways of feeling about it. And room for all the ways.” K. Ross Toole
CarrollVanWest,PhD
“High,Wide,andHandsome,”that’swhathistorianandGreatFallsnativeJosephKinseyHowardcalledMontanainhismajestichistoryoftheTreasureState(1943).YouwonderwhereHowardmighthavebeenwhenhecoinedthatphrase.PeopleinthispartofMontanahavetheirownidea–thetopofFirstPeoplesBuffaloJump,wheretothewestthecraggypeaksoftheRockiesstand,ortothenorth,wherefertilefieldsofgrainstretchfordozensofmiles,ortotheeastwherethewatersofthemightyMissouriRiverheaddownstreamtoitsGreatFallsoftheriver,andtheindustrialcitythathasgrownalongbothriverbanks.
Threadedbytheever-wideningwatersoftheMissouri,theBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaisspectacular,enriching,certainlysoulaffirming.Itslandscapeisindeliblymarkedwithlayersofstories,traditions,andhistories,remarkableplaceswhereresidentscarvedouttheirdailylivesandinsodoingcarvedthestoryoftheBigSkyintothenation’shistory.Thosestories,traditions,andhistoriesarecenteredontheUpperMissouriRiver,whichconnectsancientplacesofsignificance,suchastheFirstPeoplesBuffaloJump,withmuchlaterfootprintsofthenationalmovementofpeoplesthatreshapedtheAmericanWestinthenineteenthcenturyandwhothenbuiltmoderntransportation,industrialandirrigationsystemsandairdefensenetworksinthetwentiethcentury.Whattheywroughtshapeswhatwedoandwhoweareinthetwenty-firstcentury.
TheconfluenceoftheMissouriandMariasRiverswhereLewisandClarkmadetheirfatefuldecisionregardingwhichrivertofollow.CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 23
TheGreatFallsarea–acombinationofnaturalfalls,rivervalleytrails,andagiantfreshwaterspring–hasbeensignificantforcenturies.Aplacelikenoneotheralongtheriver,theGreatFallscreatedwonder,beauty,andaplaceforreflection.Itsresourcesluredbothhumansandanimals,creatinggoodhuntingopportunitiesforindigenouspeoples.
ThecenterpieceforMontana’smostvisitedStateParkistheGiantSpringthatpours150milliongallonsofwaterdailyintotheMissouriRiver.CourtesyofM.A.McMillan
TheGiantSpringprovidedafreshwatersourceduringwinter’schallengingmonths.ThevariedresourcesoftheGreatFallsarea,indeed,helptoexplaintheplethoraofprehistoricsitesintheregion.Multipleindigenoussocietiesandlanguages,withtheirdistinctivenarratives,traditionalarts,ceremonialcalendarsandrituals,customs,andlifewayssurviveandintersecthere.Overtwohundredyearsagothebisonculturetribes,theAssiniboine,Blackfeet,GrosVentre,Crow,andlatertheSioux,Cheyenne,Chippewa,Cree,andMetiscrisscrossedtheGreatFallsandtookadvantageofitsfordandresources.
Intheearly1800sthevisitorswhocamefromfarawaySt.Louis,thefederallysponsoredCorpsofDiscoveryledbyMeriwetherLewisandWilliamClark,sawtheGreatFallsdifferently–asanobstacle,animpedimentfortheirmissiontofindanorthwestpassagetothewest.Theexpedition,tiedasitwastotheriveritselfbuttouchingonpeoplesandlandsconnectedtothatsamemightyMissouri,isasignificantthematicthreadlinkingsomanystoriesoftheregion--thoseofcourage,ofcuriosity,ofduty,andofcommitment.Ofthe37recognizedsitesincentralMontanaassociatedwiththeCorpsofDiscovery,34areinCascadeandChouteaucounties.
FirstPeople’stipialongtheUpperMissouriRiverlandscape.CourtesyofGayleFisher
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 24
InJune1805,Capt.WilliamClarkandfivemenexploredtheareaaroundtheGreatFalls,mappingaportagerouteofabout18miles.Theweatherwashot,andthemencomplainedastheycarriedsuppliesfromonecamptotheother,slappingatmosquitoesandworryingaboutgrizzlybears.Theybuiltprimitivewagonstomakeiteasier,yetitwasstillaharrowing,physicallydrainingexperience.Buttheymadeit.Theportagetheexpeditionmadearoundthefalls,oneofthetruetestsofenduranceoftheentireexpedition,becamethestuffoflegend,andtheroutebecameamostworthyNationalHistoricLandmark.
ButthestoryofwhattheexpeditionencounteredattheGreatFallsfilteredbacktotheothereasterners,thattheMissouristoppedatthefalls,andtherivertrafficthatwouldsoonfollowthefederalexcursionintotheMissouriRiverCountrywouldhavetofindanewconnectingpoint;GreatFalls’stimewouldhavetowait.
FirstcameLoma’sturn,wherein1831neartheconfluenceoftheMissouriandMariasrivers,JamesKippestablishedFortPiegan.Kipp’spostonlyoperatedforayear.ThenSt.LouisfurtradersestablishedFortMcKenzieafewmilesabovetheconfluence.Itwasaplaceofexchange,inbotheconomicsandculture.PrinceAlexanderPhilipMaximillian,aGermanscientist,stayedforseveralmonthsalongwiththeartistKarlBodmer,whopaintedthenewworldandpeopleswhogatheredatthecrossroads.
Bodmer’sworklaunchedtheheritagearea’straditionofbeingasourceofinspirationofartistsofalltype,culminatingfourgenerationslaterintheartofCharlesM.Russell,whoalsocametotheregionfromSt.Louis.FortMcKenzie,unfortunately,wasalsoaplaceofdeath.In1837thepost’sfactorAlexanderCulbertsonlearnedthataboatheadedhiswaywascarryingsmallpox.HeorderedtheboattostopatJudithLandinguntilfreezingtemperaturescouldperhapsmitigatethedanger.BlackfeetIndians,eagerfortradegoods,didnottrustCulbertson.Theyrodetotheboat,becameinfected,andupontheirreturnwestthediseasesoonravagedthetribe.
Left:TheGreatFallsPortageNHLencompassesasignificantsectionoftheLewis&ClarkNationalHistoricTrailandalandscapethatremainsverymuchlikeitwaswhentheCorpsofDiscoveryportagedaroundthefallsoftheMissouri.CourtesyofGreatFallsTribuneRight:AreenactmentoftheportagearoundtheGreatFallsoftheMissouriRiverbytheCorpsofDiscovery.CourtesyofUSDAForestService
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 25
Thesmallpoxepidemictookthelivesofanestimatedtwo-thirdsoftheBlackfeetwhohadmanagedtosurvivetheearlierscourgesof1781.DestructivediseasebroughtbyMissouriRiverboatsforeverchangedtheregion’sNativeAmericanhistory.
Inthe1840stradersabandonedFortMcKenzieforanewrivercrossroads,namedFortBenton,aplaceintheriverthathadbeenusedbyNativeAmericansasafordbutforthetradersitbecametheheadofnavigationontheMissouriRiver,alaunchingpointforaseriesofnationallysignificantmovementsthattransformedtheAmericanWest.FortheAmericanfurtrade,FortBentonservedastheendofthelineforaseriesofSt.Louis-controlledtradingposts,atradethatwasquicklyshiftingfrombeaverpeltstobisonrobes,leadingtotheover-killingoftheoneanimalcrucialtoNativeAmericanlifeways.TheturntothebisonrobetradeattractedtheMetiswhocarriedrobesintheirculturallydistinctiveRedRivercartsfromCanadatoFortBenton.JosephKinseyHowardobservedthatthecarts“neversneakeduponanybody.Onastilldayyoucouldhearthemcomingformiles,andseethegreatcloudofdusttheyraised.”Asacrossroadsofexchange,FortBentonofthemid-19thcenturyalsowasacommunitywheremixed-descentfamiliescouldliveopenlyandfindacceptance.
TheCorpsofDiscoverywasthefirstfederalventureintotheheritageareabutFortBentonwouldeventuallymarkthepermanentpresenceofthefederalgovernmentintheregion.In1860FortBentonbecametheeasternterminusforamilitarywagonroadthatwouldconnecttheMissouritoAmericanoutpostsinthePacificNorthwest.AstheresearchofhistorianKenRobisonemphasizes,WestPointgraduateLt.JohnMullandeservesabetter-knownplaceinthepantheonofWesternpathfinders.MullanfirstcametoFortBentonin1853aspartoftheStevensSurveytochartapathfortheNorthernPacificRailroad.Duringhisstayin1854hediscoveredandmarkedtheMullanPass–theeventualplacewheretheNorthernPacificcrossedtheContinentalDivide.SixyearslaterhereturnedtoFortBentonashiscommandanddozensofworkersfinishedthelastmilesofmilitaryroadfromFortWallaWallainWashingtonTerritorytoFortBentonbyAugust1860.TheMullanRoadconnectedbylandtheMissouriRiverwiththeColumbiaRiver,amilitarynecessitycompletedjustasthenationenteredintothehorrificAmericanCivilWar.
A1918paintingbyCharlieRusselldepictinghowNativeAmericansviewedtheencroachmentofsettlersintheUpperMissouriRiverregionofMontana.CharlesMarionRussellTheFireboat,1918,oilonboard,16x25inches,C.M.RussellMuseumCollection,GiftofMrs.WadeGeorgeinmemoryofWadeHamptonGeorge
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 26
FortBentonbythetimeMontanabecameaterritoryin1864hadevolvedfromitstradingpostoriginsintooneoftheMissouriRiver’smostimportantshippingandoutfittingpoints.Manyoftheminersandmerchantswhorushedtothegoldminesintheearly1860susedFortBentontostockupfromsuchmerchantsasI.G.BakerandThomasC.Power,andthenheadouttoLastChanceGulch(present-dayHelena)andfromtherereachpreciousmineralfieldsinBannock,VirginiaCity,andButte(allthreeNationalHistoricLandmarks).AsecondwaveofminersusedFortBentonasabasetoexplorethesilverfieldsoftheLittleBeltMountainsinthelate1870sandearly1880s,establishingcampsatBarker,Hughesville,andNeihart,withthelatterbecomingthelargesttownoncetheHudsonMiningCompanybuiltaconcentratorandsmeltertherein1885-1886.
TheroadsouthofFortBentontoNeihartwasmatchedbyanotherFortBentonroadthatstretchednorthtoFortHamiltoninCanada.KnownastheWhoop-UpTrail,thisroadwastheprimaryconnectionbetweenMontanaTerritoryandWesternCanadafortwodecades.Atitspeak,from1874to1883,tradersmovedalmostathirdoftheFortBentontradeonthistrail,allowingMontanaTerritorymerchantstoacquiremostoftherichestobemadefromthewesternCanadianfrontier.WhiskeyflowedfreelyacrosstheinternationalborderuntiltheNorthWestMountedPolicestoppedmostoftheillegaltradeinthemid-1870s.
FortBenton’sNationalHistoricLandmarkdistrictretainsmanyofthebuildingsfromitstimeofnationalsignificance.Anortheastblockhouse(1846-47)oftherestoredFortBentonisoneoftheoldeststructuresinthenorthwest.TheGrandUnionHotel(1882)providedthebestinaccommodationsforthebusinessclass.
TheI.G.BakerHouse–homeofoneoftheregion’sleadingmerchantsandtheplacewhereThomasFrancisMeagherlastdinedbeforehismysteriousdisappearanceintotheMissouri–istheoldestresidenceintheheritagearea.StilltodayyoucanstandonFrontStreetandimaginethescenefrom150yearsagowhenthemenandwomenwhotransformedFortBentonfromafrontiertradingposttoabustlingterritorytradecenterwalkedalongtheriverfrontamidstmountainsoffreightontheleveeandstreetsfilledwithwagons,oxen,andbullwhackers.
AsFortBentonattractedmoreandlargersteamboats,andminesbroughtwealthtotherestofthenation,theU.S.Armyspentalmost30yearsestablishingmilitarypoststoprotectthesetransportationroutesandthebountyinnaturalresourcescomingfromMontana.
Minersonparadein1892alongthemuddystreetsofNeihart,asilverminingcenterintheLittleBeltMountains.CourtesyofTheHistoryMuseum
MassivecargoonthesteamboatleveeatFortBentonawaitingoverlandfreighting.CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 27
AyearaftertheendoftheCivilWar,in1866,theU.S.armytransferredtroopstotheMissouriRivertobuildabasetoprotectsteamboattraffictoFortBenton.Themilitarychoseanisolatedsite,namedCampCooke,neartheconfluenceoftheMissouriandJudithrivers.Withagarrisonnumberingabout400,CampCooke(1866-1870)wasthefirstfederalmilitarybaseinMontanaTerritory.
In1867thearmylocatedasecond,largerreplacementpostnamedFortShaw(1867-1891)inCascadeCounty’sSunRiverValley.FortShawservedasamilitarybulwarkagainsttheBlackfeettothenorth.Thefederalpresencedevelopedinconjunctionwiththegovernment’ssteadyencroachmentonBlackfeetlands,forcingtheBlackfeetbytreatyamendmentsin1866and1868intoaneversmallerreservationtract.NamedforCol.RobertGouldShaw,commanderoftheall-black54thMassachusettsintheCivilWar(aregimentmadefamousinthemovieGlory),theforthasavitallyimportantchapterinthehistoryof“Buffalosoldiers”inthepost-CivilWarhistoryofthearmyaswellasitsroleduringtheSiouxCampaignof1876andtheNezPerce/Nee-Me-PoWarof1877.Threeadobebuildings–theonlyadobemilitarystructuresstillstandinginthestate–remainatthefortsite.
ThosewhopassedthroughFortBentoninthe1860schangedmorethantheeconomicsofthenewterritory.Jesuitpriestsin1862leftFortBentontoestablishSt.Peter’sMissionnearSimms(CascadeCounty).AboutadecadelatertheJesuitssituatedthemissionatabeautifulplacealongBirchCreeknorthwestofCascade.Hereinthefallof1883theMetisleaderLouisRielhadtakenresidencewithhisfamilytoteachMetischildren.Riel,amajorfigureinCanadianhistory,stayedatSt.Peter’sforaboutsevenmonthsuntilaMetisdelegationfromSaskatchewanarrivedandconvincedRieltoreturnhometoleadthefightknownastheNorth-WestRebellionof1885.
GustavSohonpaintedthissceneofthefirstarrivalofsteamboatsattheFortBentonleveein1860.LithographbyBowen&Co.,courtesyofKenRobisonThatsameyear,anotherCanadian,JamesJ.Hill,hadledhiscompany,theSt.Paul,Minneapolis,&ManitobaRailway,toitswesternterminusatDevil’sLake(present-dayNorthDakota).Hillandhisinvestorsnextheadedwest,usingtheMissouriandMilkRiversoncetheyreachedMontanaTerritoryasapathwaytotheGreatFalls.Duetotherails,thefallscouldbebypassed;theoldportageroutethathadsochallengedLewisandClark’sCorpsofDiscoverywasnolongeranimpedimenttodevelopment.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 28
The“ManitobaRoad”(later,GreatNorthern)reachedtheGreatFallsin1887.AlmostimmediatelyHill’scompanylaunchedaspurlinetothecoaldepositsatSandCouleetoensureplentyoffuelforthetrains.ThecoalminingeraineastCascadeCountywasunderwayandwouldlastwellintothe20thcentury.Therailroadschangedeverything.FortBentonresidentsandinvestorssoonlearnedthatbeingtheheadofrivernavigationnolongermattered.GreatFalls’timehadarrived.
AthisfledgingGreatFallstownsiteParisGibsoneagerlyawaitedthearrivaloftherailroad.Heunderstoodbetterthanmostthattogrowhisfortunehealsoneededtogrowthecityandsurroundingregion.AnativeofMaine,whereheservedinthestatesenate,GibsonmadehisfirstmarkinMinneapoliswherehejoinedtheracetobuildsuccessfulgrainmills.In1879GibsonheadedforMontana,landingatFortBenton,wherehebeganalumberyardbutsoonrealizedthatthegreatstretchesofprairieineverydirectionofFortBentonbeckonedadifferenttypeoflifestyle,thatofthestockgrower.GranvilleStuart,ConradKohrs,WilliamE.Floweree,RobertS.Ford,RobertVaughnandothershadpioneeredtheprocessofreplacingthewildgameoftheprairie,especiallythebison,withendlessherdsofcattleandsheep.FortBentonnowbecameagatewaytotheopenrangestockgrowingcrazeofthe1880s.Gibsonchosesheep,setupalargeranchnearBelt(CascadeCounty)anddidwellenoughquicklyenoughthathebecamethepresidentoftheMontanaWoolgrowersAssociationin1883.
Gibsonalsohadhisgazeelsewhere,atthefivefallsofGreatFalls,whereheenvisionedanewcitygroundedinelectricity,thecuttingedgetechnologyofthe1880s.HeviewedtheGreatFallsnotasanimpedimentbutasanascentsourceofelectricpowerthroughhydroelectricdamsandpowerhouses.AlongthebanksoftheMissouriRiverin1883-1884,heplannedandthenfiledthetownplatforanewindustrialcity,andbegantheendlesstaskofpromotinghistownandvision.
ModerntransportationwouldmakeGibson’svisionpossible.Thus,hismostimportantconvertwastheManitobaRoad’sJamesJ.Hill,whoafteran1884visitalsounderstoodtheopportunitytobehad–andheaimedhisManitobaRoadforGreatFallswherehewouldbuildhismajormachineshops,employinghundreds.HealsosoldthepowerfulButtemagnateMarcusDalyonthepromiseofGreatFalls.
ThefatherofGreatFalls,ParisGibson(1830-1920)wasanAmericanentrepreneurandpoliticianinterestedinpromotingtheareaforagricultureaswellasindustry.CourtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 29
Hillundertookanotherrailroad,theMontanaCentral,toconnectGreatFallstotheterritorialcapitalatHelenaandontothelucrativecopperminesinButte.Inturn,Daly’smammothAnacondaCopperCompanysituatedahugecoppersmelterandtheUpperMissouriRiver’sfirsthydroelectricdamatdramaticBlackEagleFalls–sonamedbyWilliamClark--immediatelyeastofthenewcity.
Intime,thesmelteranddamproducedadistinctivecommunityknownasBlackEagle.ThosewholivedandworkedthereunderstoodthattheGreatFallsReductionWorksatBlackEagleweretheepitomeofwhatmoderntechnologyandindustrycoulddointhe20thcenturyWest.TheBigStackofthecoppersmelterreachedover500feetintotheair.DrawingenergyfromalloftheGreatFallsdams–BlackEagle,Rainbow,Ryan,Morony,andCochrane–thecopperandwireplant,alongwithahugezincplant,helpedtolighttheworldandsupplyoverhalfoftheworld’szincmarket.Intheearly1960s,over2000workedthefactoriesandsmelteratBlackEagle.Thosesameemployeesandtheirfamiliesformedaclose-knitworking-class,multi-ethnicplacethatnurturedastrongsenseofwork,community,andethnicpridethathasneverwaveredevenafterthedemolitionoftheBigStackin1982.LocatedonSmelterAvenue,Borrie’srestaurant,establishedin1938,andthe3-DInternationalrestaurant,establishedin1946,arepoignantandtastyremindersofthedayswhencopperandzincweretrulykinginBlackEagle,whenthebanksoftheMissourihummedwithindustry,andthemanysaloonswerefilledwithtiredworkerswantinganightcap.
TheimpactofGreatFallsindustrializationspreadintothecountryside.Tofuelhisworks,DalydevelopedcoalminesinStockettandSandCoulee,andacquiredandexpandedminesatBelt,asawhollycontrolledsubsidiaryoftheAnacondaCopperCompany.
PromotionaladvertisementforGreatFalls,Montana.CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
ThestackoftherefineryattheAnacondaCopperMiningCompanyprocessingplantinGreatFalls,Montana.CourtesyofGreatFalls-CascadeCountyHistoricPreservationAdvisoryCommission
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 30
During1894-95,over200carpentersconstructedmanyofBelt’sbuildings.Bytheturnofthecentury,BeltwasCascadeCounty’ssecondlargestcityandAnacondahad1,000workersthere.
AroundthesametimeoftheBeltboom,JamesJ.HillgainedeffectivecontroloftheBurlingtonRouteandNorthernPacificRailroadandconnectedtheseothermajorlinestohisGreatFallsoperationsbybuildingaspurlinebetweenGreatFallsandBillings,openingupcentralMontanaforagriculturalproduction.Later,theMilwaukeeRailroadwasbuiltthroughsouthernChouteauCountytoGreatFalls.
Indeed,therailroadsbroughtindustrytoGreatFallsbuttheyalsoprovidedthepathwayforhundredsofthousandsofhomesteaderstocometotheMissouriRivercountryandseektheirfortunesintheearlytwentiethcentury.LuredbythepromiseofirrigationthroughtheNewlandsReclamationActof1902andhypedtechniquesofdrylandfarmingintheextendedhomesteadingactsof1909and1912,theycamefromeverywhere–everystatealongwithahugenumberofnorthernEuropeans.In1910theGreatFallsLandOfficewasprocessingover1,000landclaimsamonth.
Theboomwasmostintensivebetween1905and1915.CityboostersinGreatFallsin1904-1905advocatedforamajorreclamationprojectwestofthecityalongtheSunandTetonRivers,seeingthenewreclamationlawasawaytoaddanotherlayerofeconomicgrowthtotheregion,onenotsodependentonthepowerfulmonopoliesoftheGreatNorthernRailwayandtheAnacondaCopperCompany.
TheHomesteadBoomofthe1910sopenedwinterwheatandbarleyproductionmakingtheGoldenTriangleamongthenation’sleaders.CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 31
Thecity’sfounder,ParisGibson,wasnowoneofMontana’stwoU.S.Senators,andwasinperfectpositioninthenation’scapitaltoensuresuccessforthelocalefforttogainwhatbecameknownastheSunRiverProject.Oncecompletedinthenextdecade,themammothengineeringfeattransformedthelandscapewestofGreatFalls.
AhugehighdamontheupperSunRiver,namedforParisGibson,storedwintersnowmeltforitseventualtransferintoaseriesofdiversiondamsandcanalsthatyieldedtheFortShawdivision,areclamationprojectofover16,000acresinCascadeCounty,andasecondtothenorth,Greenfields,whichcoveredtensofthousandsofacresinTetonandCascadecounties.
ThroughouttheBigSkytheimpactofthehomesteadingboomduringthefirsttwodecadescouldnotbemissed.RailroadmagnateJamesJ.Hillsponsoredhisownagriculturalexpertstodemonstratethemosteffectivedrylandfarmingtechniquesforthenewcomers.ParisGibsonusedhisownCascadeCountyfarmasademonstrationofthevaluesofdrylandfarming.GreatFallsandFortBentonbothbecameimportantpointsonwhatfederalandMontanaagriculturalexpertscalledthe“NorthCentralMontanaGoldenTriangle.”Townssproutedwherenonehadbeenbefore;tallgrainelevatorsstoodassentinelsontheprairie.Wheatcropsflourishedatfirstastherainwasplentifulandtheprairiewasfreshlybroken.Butby1917droughtwasstalkingtheland,andwithadrop-offinEuropeandemandoncetheworldwarwasover,thebustwasaharshrealityby1920.Buttheboom-bustofthehomesteadingeramadealastingchangeinFortBentonasthetownbecameanagriculturaltradecenter,settingitscoursefordevelopmentfortherestofthecentury.
HomesteadsandfactorieswereanathematothestockgrowingculturethatstillprosperedamongtheirrigationditchesandsmokestacksofmodernMontana.CharlesM.RussellhadlivedthecowboylifeinCascadeCounty’searlyyearsbutbythenewcenturyheandhiswifeNancylivedinamodest,quaintVictorianhouseinGreatFalls
Determinedtoremindeveryoneofwhathadbeen,andwhatwasincreasinglybeinglost,CharlesM.Russellretreatedacrosshisyardtohislogcabinstudioandbegantosharethroughillustratedletters,sculpture,andpaintingslargeandsmallavisionoftheBigSkyregionthathasforevershapedtheAmericanperceptionofthe“realWest.”
Russellpaintedheroesbutnotthetypesthatpopulatethehistorybooksthen,ornow.Hisherowasthemorecommonplacecowpokeorrancherwhoetchedtheirdeterminationtomakeitinthelanditself.Perhapsmostimportantly,heportrayedNativeAmericansnotthroughaharshscientificlensnorasavanishingpeople.RatherheacknowledgedthehumanityoftheNativeAmericansandremindedeveryonethattheIndianslongagohadearnedtheirplaceintheland,andthatpowerfullessonsofbravery,dignity,andpurposeweretheirstogive,ifwhitescouldlearntolookbeyondtheirprejudices.Hismagnificent“LewisandClarkMeetIndiansatRoss’Hole,”commissionedforthehousechambersoftheMontanaStateCapitol,getsitaboutright.TheSalishdominatethedramaticsceneofcontactandexchange;LewisandClark,settotheside,arealmostanafterthought,astheywereintheNativeAmerican-dominatedandcontrolledlandscapeoftheearlynineteenthcentury.
Russellwasfightinganalmostrear-guardactionagainstthecallsforprogress,change,andmodernization.MostweresatisfiedwithkeepingtheNativeAmericanpastandpresentonthemargins,stuckawayinthereservationstothenorthwest(Blackfeet)andnortheast(theFortBelknapIndianCommunity),oratwhite-controlledboardingschools,suchastheoneatFortShaw(CascadeCounty).Theboardingschooldevelopedin1892oncethemilitaryclosedthefort,basedonawhiteassumptionthatifIndianchildrencouldbeisolatedfromtheirfamilies,thenthechildrenmightbecomeassimilated.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 32
Despitethediscipline,curriculum,andisolation,childrendidnotabandontheirfamiliesorforgetwhotheywere.AgroupofyoungwomenatFortShaw,however,didexcelatbasketballandwerecrownedworld’schampionsatthe1904St.LouisWorldFair.
PeoplemayhaveclappedfortheFortShawgirls,butbackhomethefederalgovernmentkeptonchangingtherulestoopenmorereservationlandforsettlement.TheDawesAllotmentActof1887,combinedwiththeexpandedhomesteadactof1909and1912,costthetribesthousandsofacreswithintheirownreservations.Yetthetribesneverwentaway;theirwarriorsfoughtinWorldWarIandthenthefederalIndianReorganizationActof1934providedthelegalmeansthattheycouldreasserttheirsovereigntyandtakecontroloftheirtribalaffairs.
TheyearsofthefederalNewDealinfactbroughtallsortsofchangestoCascadeandChouteauCounties,animpactstillmeasuredtodaybytheexpressiveGreatFallsCivicCenter,themarvelousArtDecodesignsoftheNorthernMontanaStateFairgrounds(nowMontanaExpoPark),ortheelementaryschoolinFortBentonwiththewordsemblazonedinitsbrickwalls:“IndustryisUselesswithoutCulture.”The1930sgaveruralMontanansbuffetedbytheearlierhomesteadingbust“hopeinhardtimes”ashistorianMaryMurphyhaswritten.Completedbetween1934and1938,theFairfieldBenchFarmsprojectinTetonandCascadecountiestook13,000irrigatedacresandcarvedout129farmsforfamilieslefthighanddryinthebust.Agriculture,eveninthemostdifficulttimes,remainedandremainscentraltothelifeandcultureoftheheritagearea.
TheGreatDepression,ontopofthe1920shomesteadingbust,shatteredGreatFalls’illusionofstabilityandprosperityespeciallyoncethemightyworksoftheAnacondaCopperCompanyatBlackEaglebegantoshredproductionandworkers.Thatdownturnimpoverishedmanybutitprovedtemporary.OncetheUnitedStatesenteredWorldWarIItheworstoftimessuddenlychangedintothebestoftimesinCascadeandChouteaucountiesasdemandforMontanacopper,beef,andwheatskyrocketedandthepopulationofGreatFallssoaredinparticular.
C-54practicinglandingatGreatVittlesFallsAirBase(today’sMalmstromAirForceBase),gettingreadytodeploytoparticipateinOperationstheBerlinAirliftin1948.CourtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 33
In1942theArmyAirForcearrivedinGreatFalls,introducingthelatestandmostinfluentialchapterinthestoryoftheU.S.militaryandtheMissouriRivercountry,onethathadbothinternationalandlocalimpacts.TheU.S.Army’sGreatFallsArmyAirBaseforheavybombertrainingwasfinishedamonthbeforeChristmas,1942,whenthefirstB-17bombersarrived.Trainingcontinueduntilthefallof1943.Atthesametime,the7thFerryingGroupestablisheditsbaseattheGoreairfield.ItsmissionwastobeaconnectinglinktoFairbanks,Alaska,thusaninvaluablecogintheLend-LeaseprogramthatsuppliedAmericanaircraftandsuppliestotheSovietUnionduringourAlliedfightagainsttheAxispowers.Oncethebombertrainingended,theLend-Leaseeffortshiftedtothearmyairbase.Bywar’send,over1.7millionpoundsofcargoand8,000aircrafthadpassedthroughGreatFallstoFairbanksandontoSiberia.
OtherplacesacrossthenorthernplainsplayedsimilarsignificantrolesintheAmericanfightduringWorldWarII.ButthemilitarypresenceinGreatFallsdidnotendwiththeAxissurrenderin1945.TheGreatFallsArmyAirBasefirstservedasareservetrainingbasefortheArmyandthenthenewlydesignatedAirForceuntiltheBerlinBlockadeof1948forcedtheUnitedStatestoflysuppliestoWestBerlin.TheGreatFallsAirForceBasewasturnedintoamockBerlinairportsopilotscouldtrainonhowtoapproachandlandinBerlin.Thenin1951thebaseresumeditsinternationalrole,ashometothe29thAirDivision,defendersofthenationfrompossibleairinvasionfromtheSovietUnion.
Theinternationalimpactwasdeepandlasting.Thelocalimpactprovedjustasprofound.Ofcoursetherewasasurgeofpatriotism,buttherealsowasasurgeinthecashboxduetomilitaryspending,andthegrowthofbusinessesandhousingtoservetheexpandingmilitarypresence.Thechangesalsoinvolvedrace,withthearrivalofhundredsofAfricanAmericansoldiers,whofoundfewopendoorsindowntownbusinesses.
BeforeWorldWarII,theblackpopulationofGreatFallshadneverbeenlarge,hoveringinthelowhundredsfordecades.TheUnionBethelAMEChurch,builtin1890,hadlongbeenacommunitycenterfortheAfricanAmericanlaborersandrailroadworkerswhoclusteredinthesouthsideofthecity. Adifferenttypeofcommunitycenterforresidentandsoldieralike,theOzarkClub,becameprominentduringthewarandintheColdWaryearstofollow.
Theclubbeganduringprohibition,sellingsodaintheopenandboozeontheside,butthenreorganizedin1944tobeafull-fledgednightclubwithaswinging,jazzyband,infacttheonlyplaceintheentirestatetofeaturejazzmusicsixnightsaweekandtowelcomeeveryone,regardlessofraceornationality.
OwnerLeoLaMarrbrokeracialbarriers,welcomingallracesathisOzarkClubinGreatFallsduringthe1940sand1950s.CourtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 34
ThenightsceneinGreatFallshasneverbeenthesamesince.Thebase’sgreatestsignificancedatestomoderntimesasamilitaryoutpostinthenation’sColdWardefenses,aresponsibilitythatcontinuestoweighonbasecommanderstoday.
NamedMalmstromAirForceBasein1955,itwasalignedundertheStrategicAirCommand,withnuclearmissilelaunchfacilitiesfirstinstalledin1961andwereoperationalatthetimeoftheCubanMissileCrisis.Withinsixyears,Malmstrom’smissilefieldwasthenation’slargest,coveringsome23,500squaremiles.Thebasehassincebeencentraltothecountry’snuclearmissiledefensesystem.Thebase’sgreatestsignificancedatestomoderntimesasamilitaryoutpostinthenation’sColdWardefenses,aresponsibilitythatcontinuestoweighonbasecommanderstoday.
Frombuffalojumpstonuclearmissilebases,thepeoplesoftheheritageareahaveshapedthenation’shistoryandcultureinsubtleandinprofoundways.WhathappenedalongtheMissouriRiverbetweenFortBentonandGreatFallsisnotjustanOldWeststoryevenifsuchfamousnamesasMeriwetherLewis,WilliamClark,Sacajawea,KarlBodmer,MountainChief,BullLodge,RunningEagle,LouisRiel,JamesJ.Hill,MarcusDaly,andCharlesM.Russelldominatethehistorybooks.ThestoriesoftheheritageareaalsoshapetheNewWeststorywithindividualssuchasParisGibsonandcivilrightsactivistAlmaSmithJacobs(wholedtheeffortforGreatFalls’publiclibrary)servingaspowerfulmodelsofhowengagedcitizensinfluencethecourseofhistoryintheirtowns,state,eventhenation.Withtherailroadsystemastheanchor,andtheAirForceprovidingmen,womenandtechnologicalinnovation,theGreatFallstoFortBentonregionbecameacentralplaceinthemodernWestandinthedefenseofthewesternworld.TheheritageareathusblendsthebesttraditionsoftheOldandNewWestsintoaspecialplaceworthcommemorating,celebrating,andpreservingsoallcanlearnofitsbeauty,diversity,heroism,determination,andcommitmenttotheidealsandeventsthatstillmotivateusasanation.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 35
CHAPTER3:NATIONALSIGNIFICANCE,THEMES,RESOURCES,ANDBOUNDARY
“The bond that ties Montanans to the state is woven of many strands. But, before all else, it involves our personal feelings and our pride, as citizens of the state, for its beauty, history, and people.” Mike Mansfield
Introduction
Acrossthevastnetworkofplacesthatcompriseournation,someregionsarenationallydistinctivelandscapes.Theypossessaspecialcharacter,anintangiblesenseofplacearisingfromthehistory,livingtraditions,andculturalandnaturalresourcesfoundthere.OneofthegoalsofthisfeasibilitystudyistoconsiderwhethertheUpperMissouriRiverregionisonesuchlandscape.Thestudyprocessaccomplishedthisgoalbyincorporatingtheidentificationandarticulationoftheregion’spowerfulsenseofplaceandsubstantialcollectionofhistorical,cultural,andnaturalresources.
TheUpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporation(UMRHAPC,nowBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.)workedcollaborativelywiththepublicandapanelofsubjectmatterexpertstodevelopaStatementofNationalSignificancesummarizingtheregion’scontributiontoAmericanhistory;thisissupportedbyfiveinterpretivethemes,thecorestoriesthatconnecttheregion.Inaddition,anInventoryofResources(AppendixVII)wasdevelopedcontainingsignificantplacesandeventsthattangiblyexpressthishistory.
ThischaptercomplementsthehistoricalnarrativeinChapter2withthedevelopmentofaframeworktoorganizetheregion’ssharedstories.Thefollowingpagesincludeadescriptionofthisprocess,theStatementofNationalSignificance,interpretivethemesandsubthemes,andthekeyresourcesassociatedwiththeregion’shistory.ThechaptercloseswithaproposedboundarythatencompassesthesharedstoriesandplacesthatdefinetheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea(BigSkyCountryNHA). IdentifyingStoriesandResources
TheNationalHeritageAreaFeasibilityStudyGuidelines(NationalParkService2003)requireadeterminationofaregion’scontributiontothenationalheritageanddevelopmentofpotentialinterpretivethemes.TheprocesstoidentifythemesemergedfromtheGrandTourIImeetingin2016,withthepreliminarydraftingofsixthemesthatcapturedthehistoryoftheregion.Thesepreliminarythemeswererefinedwithinputfromthreepublicmeetings,aworkshopwiththeUMRHAPCBoard,andreviewbyapanelofhistorians,ethnographers,andotherindividualswithexpertiseintheregion.Ultimately,theregion’shistorywasexpressedthroughfiveinterpretivethemesandtheoverarchingStatementofNationalSignificance.
Also,inaccordancewithNationalParkServiceguidelines,thestudyteamdevelopedaninventoryofhistorical,cultural,andnaturalresourcestorecognizethespecialplacesthatunderpintheregion’simportantstories.Theinventory’sprimarypurposeinthefeasibilitystudyistodemonstratethattheregionhassufficientresourceswithintegritythatcombinetosharethestoriesthatgivetheUpper
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 36
MissouriRiverregionitssignificance.Theinventorydemonstratesthattheregion’scollectionofspecialplacescanbeusedtoshareitshistory.Italsohelpsidentifyresourcesthatcouldbenefitfromheritagedesignationthroughpotentialprojectsininterpretation,education,tourism,conservation,preservation,andeconomicdevelopment.Theinventory,presentedinabridgedforminthefeasibilitystudy,laysanessentialfoundationforfutureresearchandshouldalwaysbeconsideredaworkinprogress.
Theresourceinventorycurrentlyencompasses148historical,cultural,andnaturalresources,including99historicandnaturalresources,19museumsandinterpretivecenters,and30eventsandprograms.Theinventoryalsospecifiestheresourcetype,itsrelationshiptotheinterpretivethemes,andlistingintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces,amongotherinformation.
TheinventoryfortheproposedBigSkyCountryNHAcatalogsfourNationalHistoricLandmarks(FirstPeoplesBuffaloJump,GreatFallsPortage,FortBenton,andtheCharlesM.RussellHouseandStudio).Italsoincludes43propertieslistedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces(10districtsand33individualresources),includingtwonationallysignificantsites,25withstatesignificance,and16bearinglocalsignificance.Inaddition,theregioncontainstheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail,River’sEdgeNationalRecreationTrail,Helena-LewisandClarkNationalForest,fivestateparks(FirstPeoplesBuffaloJump,GiantSprings,SluiceBoxes,SmithRiver,TowerRock),andtwofederalinterpretivefacilities(LewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailInterpretiveCenter,UpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonumentInterpretiveCenter).Alloftheresourceslistedintheinventoryarerelatedtotheregion’snationalsignificanceand/orfiveinterpretivethemes.WhiletheregiondoesnotincludereservationsofanyoffederallyrecognizedtribesinMontana,theinventoryincludesresourcesimportantinthehistoryandlivingtraditionsofmanyofthetribes.Furthermore,theLittleShellTribeofChippewaIndiansofMontana,whichrecentlyreceivedfederalrecognition,isheadquarteredintheregion.
CharlesM.Russell’sdepictionofNativeAmericanswatchingtheCorpsofDiscoverytraveluptheMissouriRivercapturesamomentthatwouldforeverchangetheWest.“IndiansDiscoveringLewis&Clark,”Charles.M.Russell,courtesyoftheMontanaHistoricalSociety
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 37
ThesubsequentpagessetforththeStatementofNationalSignificanceandthefiveinterpretivethemesfortheregion,eachfollowedbyasummaryofresourcesthatbestsupportBigSkyCountryNHA’shistoryandculture.
StatementofSignificance
ThevastUpperMissouriRiverlandscapeiswhereapivotaltransitionoccurredfromthelifewaysofIndigenouspeoplestothesettlementofanexpandingAmericannation.Following12,000yearsofhumanhistoryintheregion,thevanguardofthistransformationwastheCorpsofDiscovery,ledbyMeriwetherLewisandWilliamClark,whofollowedtheMissouriinsearchofaNorthwestPassagetothePacific.NorthAmericawouldneverbethesame.TheGreatFallsoftheMissouricreatedaphysicalbarriertorivernavigation,resultinginthehistoricportagefortheCorps.ThisnaturalimpedimentresultedinFortBentonbecomingtheheadofnavigationontheMissouri.FortBentonemergedasanoutpostoftheAmericannationinthisstill-contestedland,ahubforoverlandtradeandnewsettlement.Inlessthanacentury,theUpperMissouriRiverregionwitnessedthetransformationfrommillennia-oldtribalsocietytoalandscapethatsupportedtheriseofaNewWest.
ThevastUpperMissouriRiverlandscapeanditscollectionofnaturalandculturalresourcesunderpintheregion’snationalsignificance.FourNationalHistoricLandmarksandaNationalHistoricTrailclearlytracethetransitionthatoccurredinlittlemorethanacenturyfromthemillennia-oldbisonculturestoaregiondefinedbyagricultureandindustry.
• TheFirstPeople’sBuffaloJumpNationalHistoricLandmark,designatedin2015,wasusedasapishkun–theBlackfoottermforacliffkillsiteforbison–forthousandsofyearspriortoEuro-Americanintrusionintothearea.ThissacredlandscaperemainsapartofNativeAmericanlivingtraditionsintheregion.
• TheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail,stretching4,900milesfromPointStateParkattheheadwatersoftheOhioRiverinPittsburgh,Pennsylvania,tothemouthoftheColumbiaRiver,passesthroughtheheartoftheproposedNationalHeritageArea(NHA).TheLewisandClarkExpeditionspentmorethantwomonthsintheregionbetweentheirwestboundjourneyin1805andtheireastboundjourneyin1806.Assuch,theregioncontainsmanylandscapesandsitesidentifiedintheirjournals,includingsixthatarerecognizedintrailplanningfortheirhistoricintegrityandtheirinterpretivepotential–DecisionPoint,theUpperPortageandLowerPortagesites,RainbowFalls,GiantSprings,andTowerRock.
• ThemostsignificantsitesassociatedwiththeNationalHistoricTrailarewithintheGreatFallsPortageNationalHistoricLandmark.ThelandmarkdesignationcommemoratestheLewisandClarkExpedition’s12-day,18-miletrekaroundthefivewaterfallsontheUpperMissouriinthesummerof1805,withtheboundariesencompassingthenon-contiguousUpperPortageandLowerPortagesites.
• TheFortBentonNationalHistoricLandmarkDistrict,thefurthestnavigablepointontheUpperMissouriRiver,representsthe19thcenturyopeningoftheWestbythetraders,miners,stockmen,andsettlerswhoarrivedintheareainthewakeoftheLewisandClarkExpedition.
• TheCharlesM.RussellHouseandStudioNationalHistoricLandmarkhonorsthechroniclerofthishistory.Russell,aprofoundlygiftedartist,wasafirsthandwitnessofthefinaltransformationfromnativeculturesandtheopenrangetothehydroelectricpoweredindustryofElectricCityandthefarmsandranchesthatspreadoutunderMontana’sbigsky.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 38
Whiletheresourcesabovemostsuccinctlytellthestoryofculturalconvergenceandhistoricaltransitionintheregion,theBigSkyCountrylandscapeholdsnumeroushistorictrails,districts,sitesandstructures,naturallandmarks,andinterpretivefacilitieswhoseexistenceandintegritysupporttheregion’snationallysignificantstory.Furthermore,thepastandpresentremainconnectedintheregion,asthechoicesmadeoverthiscenturyoftransitionhelpedcreatetoday’slivinglandscape.
InterpretiveThemes
FiveinterpretivethemesunderpinthecompellinghistoryofthetransformationoftheAmericanWest.ThethematicframeworkbelowpresentsthesignificantstoriesoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionandthenaturalandculturalresourcesthatbestexpressthosestories.
Theme1–TheMissouriRiver
TheMissouriRiverflowsfromitsheadwatersintheRockyMountainstotheplainspastthecataractsatGreatFalls,amajorsourceofwaterpower,downtotheheadofsteamboatnavigationatFortBenton,andonthroughtheUpperMissouriRiverBreaks.Formorethan12,000years,theUpperMissouriRiver,itstributaries,andlandscapesprovidedtheecologicalenvironmentwhichsupportedthelifewaysforFirstPeoples,furtrappers,miners,settlers,ranchers,andhomesteaders.
TheNHAboundaryencompassesasegmentoftheUpperMissouriRiverfromTowerRockStatePark–wherethewatersoftheMissouricomeoutoftheRockyMountainsontotheGreatPlainsoftheAmericanWest–totheriver’sconfluencewiththeMariasRivernearLoma,Montana.AlongthismagnificentAmericanwaterway,theGreatFallsoftheMissouripresentanaturalfeaturewithculturalsignificance.TheFallsareanaturalpivotpoint,andtheUpperMissouriRiverprovidesa
geographicalthreadfortheNHAthatencompassesfourNationalHistoricLandmarks–theFirstPeoplesBuffaloJump,CharlesM.RussellHouseandStudio,GreatFallsPortage,andFortBenton.
Thepassageoftimeisetchedonthelandscape,asPre-IceAgegeologicalperioddepositionsandorogenyshapedthewatershed.Amongthemostsignificantgeologicalfeaturesthatremain,TowerRockstandstallasitmarksthetransitionoftheMissouriRiverfromtheplainstothemountains.ThePleistoceneIceAgeleftglacialremnantsfromtheLaurentideIceSheetasfarsouthwestastheRainbowFallsontheMissouriRiver.TheLaurentideIceSheetwrappeditselfaroundtheBearsPawandLittleRockyMountains,leavinganice-freelandscapeintheWhiteCliffsarea.TheicesheetdammedtheriveratRainbowFalls,creatingGlacialLakeGreatFallsthatextendedupstreamtomodernHolterLake.Eventually,GlacialLakeGreatFallsburstthroughthreeoutletscreatingLostLakeandtheShonkinSag,effectivelyreroutingtheMissouriRiver.
EarlyNativeAmericansutilizedtheriverfornavigation,travel,andtocreatestonetoolsderivedfromglacialgraveldeposition.AlsocrucialforthepeoplethatlivedneartheregionweretheriverfordsatFortBentonandabovetheFallsoftheMissouri.ThefordsallowedanimalsandhumanstocrosstheUpperMissouriRiver,andbothwereplaceswheregamewassuretocongregate.
"IhavenotbeenonanyriverthathasmoreofadistinctivepersonalitythandoestheMissouriRiver.It'sariverthatimmediatelypresentstothetraveler,'Iamagrandfatherspirit.Ihaveasource;Ihavealife.'"—WilliamLeastHeatMoon.CourtesyofPointHDC
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 39
TheMissouriRiveralsoprovidedthemeanstonavigate,explore,andseekanorthwestpassagebytheLewisandClarkExpedition,whichhelpedshapethecourseofournation.NotonlydidtheExpeditiontoexploretheLouisianaPurchaseandsearchforanorthwestpassagetothePacificOceanresultinunparalleledscientificdiscoveriesontheNorthAmericancontinent,butimmensepolitical,social,cultural,economic,andenvironmentalchangesfollowedinitswake.
TheMissouriRiverplayedacrucialroleinthesettlementofFortBenton–thebirthplaceofMontana.ThecommunityattheedgeoftheUpperMissouriBreakswasthehubofaninternationaltrailandtradenetworkandtheheadofnavigationontheriver.
TherivercarveditswaythroughalandscapethatenticedrenownedartiststocapturethebeautyoftheWestandthecultureswholivedhere.KarlBodmer,JohnMixStanley,andGustavusSohoncametotheUpperMissouriRiverregioninthenineteenthcenturytopaintanddocumentnativeculturesandthespectacularsceneryaroundandadjacenttotherivercorridor.CharlesM.RussellmadetheUpperMissouriRiverregionhishome,andhisartcapturedapeople,alandscape,andawayoflife“WhentheLandBelongedtoGod,”aswellasthechangehewitnessedfirsthand.
TheMissouriRiverdropsover550feetinjust21miles,whichprovidedanopportunityforhydroelectricdevelopmentuniqueintheworld.Fivedamswereconstructedwithina12-milestretch,includingRyanDambuiltin1915.CourtesyofGreatFalls-CascadeCountyHistoricPreservationAdvisoryCommission
Finally,theriverhasbeen,andstillis,asourceofhydro-powergenerationprovidedbyaseriesoffivedamsintheregion,supportingindustrialandresidentialdevelopmentoverthelast130years.ThedevelopmentopportunitythatParisGibsonsawinthetremendousvolumeofwaterthunderingoverthefivewaterfallsredefinedtheregioninthe20thcentury.Thatpowerinitiallyprocessedareasilverandultimatelyhelpedtomine,transportandprocessthemineralsproducedbytheAnacondaCopperMiningCompany,oneofthelargestsingleindustrialcustomersofanyAmericanutility,leadingtotheelectrificationofcommunitieslargeandsmallacrosstheUnitedStates.
Theme1Resources
Theregion’slandscapeisdefinedbytheMissouriRiver,oneoftheUnitedStates’mostsignificantnaturalresources.Theriveranditsrelatedresourceshighlightthenaturalforcesthatcreatedthelandscapeacrossgeologictime,settingthestageforthewayinwhichpeopleusedthisregionoverthe
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 40
past12,000years.Theriveristhethreadthatconnectstheculturalstoriesthatplayedoutacrossthelandscapeovertime.Today,fourNationalHistoricLandmarksdemonstratethechronologyofthesestories–FirstPeople’sBuffaloJumpNHL,theGreatFallsPortageRouteNHL,theFortBentonNHL,andtheCharlesM.RussellHouseandStudioNHL.Eachoftheseisdescribedinfurtherdetailinthesubsequentthemes.
TheGreatFallsoftheMissouriincludesfivewaterfalls.Fromupstreamtodownstream,theyareBlackEagleFalls,ColterFalls,RainbowFalls,CrookedFalls,andGreatFalls.ThenaturalfordsaboveandbelowthefallswerecriticalforthemigrationofmassivebisonherdsandNativeAmericanhuntingandsurvival.ThefallsweretheimpedimentthatforcedtheCorpsofDiscoverytoundertaketheirhistoricportage,spendingsignificanttimeintheregiononboththeiroutboundandhomeward-boundtrips.ThefallsalsocontributedtothedevelopmentofFortBentonastheheadofnavigationontheMissouriRiverandahubofinternationaloverlandtrade.
Later,thepowerofthefallswasharnessedfor20thcenturyindustrywithaseriesofhydroelectricdams,includingBlackEagleDam,RainbowDam,CochraneDam,RyanDam,andMoronyDam.ThefallsandthedamsareeligiblefortheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesandofferinterpretiveopportunities,whiletheRiver’sEdgeNationalRecreationTrailcombinesrecreationandinterpretationforalmost60milesalongbothsidesoftheriver.
BeltCreek,andtheMarias,Roe,Smith,Sun,andTetonrivers–tributariestothemightyMissouriwithinthestudyarea–offercurrentandfutureopportunitiesfornaturalresourceconservationandeducation,aswellasinterpretationatpublicaccesspoints.Similarly,theCarterFerryprovidesanunusualvisitorexperienceforcrossingtheMissouri,whilehistoricbridgesinFortBentonandGreatFallsareanotherwayforpeopletogetoutovertheriver.
TheUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonumentInterpretiveCenterandtheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailInterpretiveCenter,bothoverlookingtheMissouriRiver,provideexcellentinterpretationoftheriverandsurroundinglandscapes.FortBentonistheprimaryaccesspointforthosefloatingtheWildandScenicMissouriRiver.
Finally,theBeyondtheDamBikeRaceandMissouriBreaksTriathlonareannualeventsthatcombineheritageandrecreationforresidentsandvisitorsalike.
Theme2–FirstPeoples
TheFirstPeoplesoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionincludetheancientbison(buffalo)culturetribesworld-renownedastheMysticWarriorsofthePlains.Theirverynames–Assiniboine,Blackfeet,PlainsChippewa&Cree,Cheyenne,Crow,GrosVentre,LittleShellChippewa,Metis,andSioux,withleaderssuchasRedStone,MountainChief,LittleDog,BigBear,BullLodge,LouisRiel,RockyBoy,DullKnife,PlentyCoups,SittingBull,andCrazyHorse–arouseimmediaterecognitiongloballyfortheculturalgeographyandhistoryoftheUpperMissouri.
EvidenceofhumancommunityincentralMontanadatesto12,700yearsagowhenAnzickChild–theoldestknownburialinNorthAmerica–andhisrelationsflourishedintheregion.Theancientpresenceoftoday’sancestorscanstillbereadonthelandscapeandseenintheunbrokenlineageofarcheologicalandmaterialcultureartifactsprotected,displayed,andarchivedintheregion’smuseums,libraries,andsites.ThemostsignificantoftheseisFirstPeoplesBuffaloJumpStatePark,aNationalHistoricLandmark.
TheUpperMissouriRiverregionhaslonghadasymbolic,sacred,culturalsignificancetotheFirstPeoples–thenatureofthelandscapecreatedbytheriverandfallsalsoledtoplacessuchasFirst
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 41
PeoplesBuffaloJumpNationalHistoricLandmark,theGiantSprings,andtheriverfordsthatopenedtheSunRiverValleyandtheJudithBasin.
Someofthenation’sfoundingstoriesofundauntedcourage,ruggedindividualism,andself-relianceholdmeaningonlyinrelationshipandcontrasttotheFirstPeoplesofthisregion.PrimaryimagesofacollectiveAmericanidentity,suchasLittleDogandMountainChief,arerootedintheUpperMissouriRiverregionofMontana.
Furthermore,thisUpperMissouriRiverregionembodiestheplaces,artifacts,documents,andsurvivingmemoryofthemountainmanandfurandrobetradeera,LewisandClarkandthehistoryofnationalexpansion,theIndianWarsandmilitarypresence,theepicoccupationsofmercantilism,mining,logging,ranching,farming,andthegloballyrecognizedhistoric,traditional,andcontemporarytribalandWesternart.EachofthesethreadswovenintothenationalfabricisrepletewithinsightsforunderstandingthetransformativehistoryofEuro-Americanincursionuponnativelifeastheysucceededinmaintainingtheirstatusasindigenoussovereignnations.
OnestorythattouchesthisregionisthatofMetisleader,LouisRiel,whowasteachingatSt.Peter’sMissionwhenhewasrecruitedtoleadarebellionintheCanadianRedRiver.ThestoryofRielandtheMetisisintegraltothehistoryofwesternCanadaandtopresent-dayMetiswholiveinCentralMontana.
TheUpperMissouriplainsupportedmillionsofbison,whichprovidedaplentifulresourceforindigenouspeoples.InaregionwiththemostextensiveindigenousbisonculturepopulationinNorthAmerica,theUpperMissouriisstillIndianCountry.Multipleindigenoussocietiesandlanguages,withtheirdistinctivenarratives,traditionalarts,ceremonialcalendarsandrituals,customs,andlifeways,surviveandintersectthroughoutthisregion.Becauseofthesignificanceandinfluenceofmodernindigenouscultures,MontanaandtheUpperMissouriRiverregionledthenationthroughaconstitutionally-mandatedIndianEducationforAll,astatewideeducationalethicforopennessandtruthandreconciliationbetweenthestateandnationalsocietiesandindigenoussovereignnations.
LouisRieltaughtattheSt.Peter’sMissionboysschoolbeforehelefttoleadtheMetisandCreeinthe1885RedRiverRebellion.CourtesyofKenRobison
TheFirstPeoplesBuffaloJump,aNationalHistoricLandmarkandMontanaStatePark,isthelargestbisonjumpinNorthAmerica.ThesitewasusedbytheBlackfootConfederacyandmanyothertribesformillenia.CourtesyofMontanaStateParks
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 42
Theme2Resources
AlthoughonlytheLittleShelloftheChippewahavetheirheadquartersintheregiontoday,allthetribesidentifiedabovesharedtheUpperMissouriregionasahuntinggroundthroughouttheprehistoricandhistoriceras.TheMissouriRiverandthefordsthatgaveaccesstothelandsonbothsideswerecriticalresourcesforthetribes,butFirstPeople’sBuffaloJumpNationalHistoricLandmark,partofMontana’sstateparksystem,isthemostsignificantremnantofthispast.ThesitewasusedbyfourtribesoftheBlackfootConfederacy,knownastheNisitapi(SiksikaorBlackfoot;KainaiorBlood;PikaniiorNorthernPeigan;andPikuni,SouthernPiegan,orBlackfeet),aswellastheSalish,Kootenai,Pendd’Oreille,Shoshone,Bannock,NezPerce,GrosVentre,Crow,Assiniboine,andLittleShell.InitiallylistedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesastheUlmPishkunin1974,thesitewasdesignatedanNHLin2015.Thesiteisoneoftheoldest,largest,andbest-preservedcliffjumplocationsontheNorthAmericancontinent,andservesasawindowintonearly6,000yearsofindigenousculture.Itincludesstonesurfacearchitecturethathelpedchannelbisontothecliff’sedge,stratifiedbisonbonedeposits,severaltipiringconcentrations,andsubstantialevidenceofceremonies.Together,allofthesenationallysignificantarchaeologicalresourcesunderscoretheparamountpositionofthissiteamongNorthernPlainsbisonculture.
ManysitesintheregionprovideanopportunitytounderstandtheimpactofEuro-Americanincursionuponnativelife.TheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail,describedinmoredetailunderTheme3,followstheroutethatresultedinopeningtheWesttoAmericantradeandsettlement,settingthestageforaconvergenceofcultures.TheoldfortwithinFortBentonNationalHistoricLandmarkandFortShaw,listedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces,aswellasthetrailsandtradingnetworkstheyprotected,wereestablishedasthenationmovedwestward.TheFortBentonTradingPost,includingthehistoricoriginalblockhouse,iswell-interpretedunderthemanagementoftheRiversandPlainsSociety.Whilesomeinterpretationexistsfortheothersitesandtrails,thereremainsasignificantopportunitytoexpandeducationandinterpretation.Withtheexceptionofthemonumenttothe1904WorldChampionGirls’BasketballTeamandfivenewinterpretivesigns,FortShaw,especially,hassubstantialpreservationandinterpretationneeds.
TheSt.Peter’sMissionandUrsulineComplexthrivedbetweentheearly1870sandtheearly1900s.Theremainingchurchstillholdsservices.CourtesyoftheGreatFalls-CascadeCountyHistoricPreservationAdvisoryCommission
JesuitpriestsultimatelylaunchedtheirChristianizingcampaignamongtheBlackfeetatSt.Peter’sMissionneartheMullanMilitaryRoadin1874.ThemissionevolvedintoaschoolforindigenouschildrenwiththehelpoftheUrsulinenuns,whoestablishedMt.Angelaatthesitein1884.Theschoolforgirlsopenedin1885with11pupils(allBlackfeet)andgrewtoover200studentsbetween1890and1896.St.Peter’sMissionChurchandCemetery–bothofwhicharelistedintheNationalRegister–and
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 43
theremainsofMt.Angelaserveasremindersofthetransformativemeetingofculturesinthisregion.TheUrsulinesmovedtheirmotherhouseandboardingschoolforgirlstoGreatFallsin1912.TheUrsulineAcademyislistedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesandcontainsasignificantarchivecontainingrecordsfromareaMissions.
Historic,traditional,andcontemporarytribalandWesternartintheregioncompriseanotherclassofsignificantresources.Thecontinuedcreationoftribalartiscriticalfortheintergenerationalsharingofcenturies-oldpractices.Theartworkcreatedbynativeandnon-nativepeoplesalsoplaysaroleindocumentingthetribes’traditionsandhistories.InternationallyrenownedartistslikeKarlBodmer,JohnMixStanley,andCharlieRussellcapturedoncanvasabisonculturethatwasfastdisappearingbythetimetheyborewitnesstoit.Russell’sartoftenportrayedhistoricaleventsfromthepointofviewofnativecultures.TheC.M.RussellMuseum,whichincludestheartist’shomeandstudioNHL,isthemostimportantrepositoryofpaintings,drawings,sculpture,andtraditionalnativeartsintheregion,andisrecognizedasoneofthenation’sbestWesternArtmuseums.
Today,theLittleShellChippewa,whoreceivedfederalrecognitioninDecember2019,isheadquarteredinGreatFallsinCascadeCounty.Theirannualpowwow,whichdrawsseveralhundrednativeandnon-nativepeopleeachAugust,istheregion’smostimportanteventforsharingandperpetuatinglivingtraditions.ThemuseumsinFortBenton,aswellasSummerCelebrationheldeachJuneinthecommunity,withthousandscommemoratingthefurandrobetradeeraofsharedcultureamongnative,Euro-American,andCanadianpeoples.
BlackfeetElders,ledbyChiefEarlOldPerson,participatedinthe150thAnniversaryoftheLameBullTreatyatOldFortBenton.CourtesyofKenRobison
MembersofthenewlyfederallyrecognizedLittleShelltribeattheirannualpowwowatFirstPeoplesBuffaloJumpStatePark.CourtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 44
Theme3–TheLewisandClarkExpedition
TheLewisandClarkExpedition,1804-1806,wasaU.S.militaryexpeditiontaskedbyPresidentThomasJeffersontoexplorethenewlyacquiredLouisianaPurchaseandthePacificNorthwest.TheExpeditionleftarichwrittenrecordoftheflora,fauna,ethnography,andgeologyofthelandsthroughwhichtheytraveled,andservedasthevanguardofexplorationandsettlementintheAmericanWest.TheMissouriRiverwasthehighwayfortheLewisandClarkExpeditionandofferedthebesthopeoflocatinganorthwestpassage.AttheMariasRiverconfluence,theExpeditioncorrectlychosetofollowthetrueMissouri.Then,theyfacedthedauntingchallengeofportagingaroundtheGreatFalls.TheExpedition’sexperiencesinthisregionprovedcrucialtothesuccessoftheirjourney.
The1804-1806missionoftheLewisandClarkExpedition,formallyknownastheCorpsofDiscovery,wastofollowtheMissouriRivertoitssource,documentingthelandscape,collectingfloraandfauna,andmeetingindigenouspeoples.ThemembersoftheExpeditionleftthefirstwrittendescriptionoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionaspartofthejourneythroughthelandsoftheLouisianaPurchase-themostsignificantlandacquisitioninthehistoryoftheUnitedStates.Thepartyhad33people,includingsoldiers,civilians,Metis,Clark’sslaveYork,andtwointerpreters–FrenchCanadianToussaintCharbonneauandhisShoshonewifeSacagawea,andtheirinfantsonJeanBaptiste.
TheExpeditionnavigatedalongtheUpperMissouriRiverandtributaries,followingtoday’sLewis&ClarkNationalHistoricTrailthroughtheUpperMissouriBreaksNationalMonument.Theexpedition’sfirstcriticalchallengewassuccessfullydeterminingthecourseofthreeprairierivers–theMissouri,theMarias,andtheTeton.AwrongdecisionwouldhavejeopardizedtheentireExpedition.
PortraitsofCaptainMeriwetherLewis(1807)and WilliamClark(ca.1810)byCharlesWillsonPeale.CourtesyofIndependenceNationalHistoricalPark
Clark’shanddrawnmapoftheGreatFallsoftheMissouri.TheJournalsoftheLewisandClarkExpedition,Moulton1983
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 45
WhiletheLewisandClarkExpeditionrepresentedthefirstEuro-Americanpresenceintheregion,theyencounteredcommonlyusedindigenoustrailsandageographymarkedbyshiftingpoliticalalliances,trade,raiding,andwarfare.TheExpeditionfollowedtheMissouriRiverthroughthisarea,butthelackofcontactwithnativeswasagrowingconcern,astheExpeditionneededhorsestocrosstheRockyMountains.
TheShoshoneinterpreterSacagawea,theonlywomanamongthe33membersoftheexpedition,playedanintegralroleinthesuccessoftheExpedition.Inadditiontoherlanguageskills,herverypresencecontributedtotheExpedition’ssuccess,ashavingawomanandchildinthepartyhelpedassurenativepeopletheyencounteredoftheExpedition’speacefulintentions.Moreover,herabilitytorecognizelandmarksfromherchildhoodwascriticalfornavigationatkeypointsinthejourney,andherfamiliaritywithedibleplantsandrootshelpedfeedeveryone.WhenshebecamesickatLowerPortageCamp,curingherillnessbecameparamount,soshecouldresumeherdutiesasmother,wife,andaidinthenecessarytaskofobtainingShoshonehorses.Menweredispatchedtoanearbysulphurspringtobringbackitshealingwaters.
WhentheExpeditionencounteredfivewaterfallsontheMissouriRiver,theyportagedthe18-milesaroundtheGreatFallsoftheMissouriinabouttwoarduousandback-breakingweeks.Theportagewasmadeevenmoredifficultbybrokenterrain,pricklypearcactus,hailstorms,andnumerousgrizzlybears.BecauseofthisportageandtheExpedition’sresultingin-depthknowledgeoftheregion,theyspentamonthalongthisstretchoftheMissouriRiverontheiroutboundtripandreturnedagaintotheregionontheirjourneyhomeinthesummerof1806.TheportageroutetheExpeditionfollowedaroundthefallsisnowdesignatedtheGreatFallsPortageNationalHistoricLandmarkandisapartoftheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail.AccordingtotherevisedNHLnomination(August1984),theGreatFallsPortageNationalHistoricLandmarkconsistsoftwodiscontiguoussectionsofthetrailthatremainlargelyasLewisandClarkmighthaveknownthem.
AftertheirreturntoSt.Louisin1806,theExpedition’saccountwaswidelycirculatedinthemediathroughoutthecountry,andenticedadditionalexplorerstoseekouttheUpperMissouriRiverregion.That,inturn,ledtotheexpansionofthebeaverfurandbisonrobetradeinthearea,aswellasfurtherexplorationandeventualsettlement.TheLewisandClarkjournalsandthestoriesoftheExpeditioninspiredartistslikeCharlesM.Russell,anddeveloperslikeParisGibson,thefounderofGreatFalls.
Eventoday,theLewisandClarkjournalslurethousandsofvisitorstowalk,rideorcanoeinthefootstepsoftheseexplorers.
ThemouthofPortageorBeltCreekandtheMissouriRiveratSulphurSprings,whereLewisfoundhealingwatersforSacagwea,ispartofGreatFallsPortageNationalHistoricLandmarkandaHighPotentialHistoricSitealongtheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail. CourtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 46
Theme3Resources
TheproposedNHAcontainsthemostconcentratedgroupofsitesinthenationthatareassociatedwiththeLewisandClarkExpedition,includingseveralofnationalsignificancebecauseoftheircriticalimportancetothejourney.Thewesternandeasternjourneyroutesbothcrossthroughtheregion,partofthe4,900mileLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTraildesignatedin1978tocommemoratetheexplorationofAmerica’snewly-acquiredLouisianaTerritoryandbeyond.Thetrail,whichstretchesfromPittsburgh,PennsylvaniatoAstoria,Oregon,highlightsthescientificknowledgeandthepolitical,social,cultural,economic,andenvironmentalchangesthatfollowedintheCorpsofDiscovery’swake.ThetrailispartoftheNationalTrailsProgramoftheNationalParkService,oneofthefirstsuchdesignatedroutesinthecountry.PertheamendedNationalTrailsSystemAct(1983),managementplansfornationalhistorictrailsidentifyHighPotentialSites,whicharesitesrelatedtotheroutethatprovideanopportunitytointerpretthehistoricsignificanceofatrailduringitsperiodofuse.Historicsignificance,scenicquality,relativefreedomfromincursion,andthepresenceofhistoricremnantscontributetoaparticularplacebeingdesignatedasaHighPotentialSite.
TheGreatFallsPortageNationalHistoricLandmarkwasdesignatedtohonortheundauntedcourageoftheLewis&ClarkExpeditionfortheirportagearoundthefallsoftheMissouri.CourtesyofKenSievert
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 47
AlongtheNationalHistoricTrail,theGreatFallsPortageNationalHistoricLandmarkcommemoratesthearduousportagearoundthefallsinthesummerof1805.AccordingtotherevisedNHLnomination(1984),theGreatFallsPortageNationalHistoricLandmarkconsistsof7,700acresintwodiscontiguoussections,whichremainprimarilyasLewisandClarkmighthaveknownthem;bothsectionsareidentifiedasHighPotentialSites.SignificanteventsoccurredatsiteswithintheNHLBoundaries.
OnesuchsiteintheLowerPortagesectionisthesulphurspringwhosewatershelpedSacagawearecoverfromaseriousillness.
TheUpperPortagesectioncontainstheremainsofacampwheretheExpeditionstayedinJulyof1805andagaininJulyof1806.Lewiscachedbotanicalsamplestheresohecouldretrievethemonhisreturn.HealsoleftbehindtheexperimentalironframeboatbuilttohisspecificationsinPittsburgh.TheGreatFallsPortageNHLisamongthefewsectionsofthehistoricrouteoftheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailthatcanbeidentifiedandmappedusingWilliamClark’soriginalsurveynotes.ThedesignationasanNHLwasbaseduponthenationalsignificanceoftheeventandthehighintegrityoftheresource–thelargelyunimprovedlandscapewithinwhichtheeventtookplace.
DecisionPoint,theconfluenceofthecombinedMarias-TetonandMissouririvers,isalsorecognizedbytheNationalParkServiceasaHighPotentialHistoricSitealongtheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail,andliesjustwithinthewesternedgeoftheUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonumentundertheBureauofLandManagement.ThesitemarksadecisiontheoutcomeofwhichmayhavemadethedifferencebetweensuccessandfailurefortheExpedition–choosingthewrongroutewouldhavecosttheexpeditionvaluabletime,potentiallyderailingitcompletelyifthedelayresultedinawintercrossingoftheRockyMountains.
DesignatedaMontanaStateParkandaHighPotentialHistoricSite,TowerRockcausedLewistowrite“Atthisplacethereisalargerockof400feethighwhichstandsimmediatelyinthegapwhichtheMissourimakesonitspassagefromthemountains…thisrockIcallthetower.”(July13,1805)CourtesyofMontanaStateParks
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 48
TowerRock,aMontanastatepark,isalsolistedinNationalParkServiceplanningasaHighPotentialHistoricSite.ItstandsatthevisualboundarywheretheMissouriRiverflowsfromtheruggedterraincharacteristicoftheRockyMountainstothebroad,flatplainswherebisonroamed.MeriwetherLewis’trekupthelandscapelandmarkisanothericonicmomentintheexpedition.Notonlydidthissiteprovidethefirstglimpseofthemountainousterritoryahead,butitalsorepresentedtheexpedition’sleave-takingofthebountifulplainstheycomparedtotheGardenofEden.
ThreeotherplaceswithintheproposedboundaryarelistedasHighPotentialSites.RainbowFallswasdubbedHandsomFallsbyLewisinhisadmiringdescriptioninJune1805;today,itisovertoppedbythehydro-electricproducingRainbowDam.GiantSpringsisafirstmagnitudefreshwaterspringthatadds150milliongallonsofwatertotheMissouriRivereachdayfromtheMadisonAquifer.ItwasvisitedbybothLewisandClarkandistheoriginoftheRoeRiver,whichflows200feetbeforeemptyingintotheMissouri.TheNationalRegistersiteofthespringiswithinGiantSpringsStatePark,fromwhichanextensivenetworkofrecreationaltrailsareaccessible.SquareButte,ahighlyvisiblenaturallandmarkthatLewiswroteaboutonbothdirectionsofhisjourney,isalaccoliththatwasformedmillionsofyearsagobyanintrusionmagmathroughweakerlayersofrock.Privatelyowned,thebutteretainsstrongvisualintegrityonthelandscape.
ThenationallysignificanthistoryoftheLewisandClarkExpeditioniscurrentlythatwhichenjoysthemostextensiveinterpretationintheregion.Meaningfulpublic-privatepartnershipsarebuiltaroundsharingthisstory.In1998,theLewisandClarkNationalForestandlocalpartnersopenedtheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailInterpretiveCenter,afacilitythathousestheNationalHistoricTrail’slargestinterpretivecenter,theheadquartersoftheLewisandClarkTrailHeritageFoundation,andtheWilliamP.ShermanLibraryandArchives.AnnuallyinJune,theLewisandClarkFestivalheldhereincludesthePortageRouteChapteroftheLewisandClarkTrailHeritageFoundation,theNationalForestService,andotherlocalpartners,drawingmorethanathousandparticipants.AtDecisionPointandtheUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonumentInterpretiveCenter,theBureauofLandManagementplaysaroleininterpretingtheLewisandClarkexpedition.DespitethethoroughtreatmentoftheCorpsofDiscovery’shistory,thedensityofexpedition-relatedsitesintheregionleavesmanyopportunitiesforconservationandinterpretation.
Theme4–AFarDistantLand
TheremotelandscapeoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionisetchedwiththehistoryofanexpandinganddevelopingnation.FortBentonopenedMontanaTerritorytoevolvingfurandbisonrobetrade,transportation,commerce,settlement,andranching.
ThesuccessfulreturnoftheLewisandClarkExpeditionandcirculationoftheirrichlydetailedandwidelypublishedjournalsenticedotherexplorationintheUpperMissouriRiverregion.By1831,St.LouisbasedfurtradingfirmsestablishedFortPiegan,thefirstofaseriesoftradingpostsontheUpperMissourifacilitatingcontactbetweentradersandindigenouspeoples.Settlementcouldnothappenuntilimmigrantslearnedtolivewiththenomadicindigenouspeoplesofthearea,mainlythetribesoftheBlackfootConfederacy.
Drivenbytheextremelylucrativefurandbisonrobetrade,constructiononFortBentonbeganin1846,andthefortcametolifewiththefirstresidentsin1847.Duetothisauspiciousbeginning,thecommunityofFortBentonistheoldestcontinuingsettlementinthestate.Thefortcateredtotraders,hunters,adventurers,land-seekers,desperadoes,andothersmixingwithindigenouspeoples.Ontheriverbesidethefort,heavilyloadedmackinawsandkeelboatstransportedhidesandfurstothe“states.”
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 49
SomefiftyyearsaftertheCorpsofDiscoveryexpedition,theU.S.CongressauthorizedfoursurveystodeterminearouteforthePacifictranscontinentalrailroads.IsaacIngallsStevens,thefirstGovernorofthenewlyestablishedWashingtonTerritory,wasselectedtoserveasCommanderofthePacificRailroadSurvey’snorthernroutebetweenthe47thand49thparallels.
HisdutiesalsoincludedservingasSuperintendentofIndianAffairsfortheregion.StevenswasthearchitectoftheLameBullTreatyin1855betweenindigenoustribesandtheU.S.government,whichledtoannualIndianannuitiesandestablishmentoftheBlackfeetIndianAgencyinFortBentonandaGovernmentFarmatSunRiverCrossing.StevensenlistedJohnMullantoexploremuchofthelandalongtheproposedrouteforarailroad,andasaresultofhisworkonthesurvey,Mullanwaschosenin1857tobeginconstructionofa624-milemilitarywagonroadthroughtheregion,connectingFortBentonontheMissouriRiverwithFortWallaWallaontheColumbiaRiver.
ThefirstmilitaryuseofthenewroadwasMajorGeorgeBlake’sFirstDragoonsin1860.TheMullanMilitaryWagonRoadcompletedtheNorthwestPassagethroughtheRockyMountains,theNorthwest’sfirstinterstatehighway.
GoldstrikesinsouthwestMontanaTerritory(1864)fueledtheUpperMissouriRiversteamboatera(1860-1890),bringingasurgeofactivityleadingtotheestablishmentofthetownofFortBenton.SteamboatstransportedthousandsofpassengersandmassivecargofromSt.LouisuptheMissouritoFortBenton.Assettlementandcommerceincreasedintheregion,militaryprotectionbecamenecessary.The1stUSVolunteerInfantry(GalvanizedYankees)arrivedatFortBentoninthespringof1865,becomingthefirstU.S.ArmyunitstationedinMontanaTerritory.AseriesofpostsfollowedalongtheupperMissouriandYellowstonerivers,includingFortShaw(1867)intheSunRivervalley,toprotectcommerceandsettlersalongtheMullanRoad.
By1878,FortBentonwasabustlingcommunitywheresteamboatscarriedminersandsuppliestotheMontanaTerritory.CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
ThesteamboatJosephineattheFortBentonlevee,oneofmanysteamersthatpliedtheMissouritotheheadofnavigation.CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 50
Settlers,miners,andsoldiersembarkedonroadsandtrailsfromFortBenton.Likespokesonawagonwheel,transportationroutesradiatedfromFortBentonineverydirection.TheMullanRoadevolvedintotheBentontoHelenaRoad,whiletheWhoop-UpTrailledtothesettlementofwesternCanada.
Theme4Resources
Duringtheroughly80yearsbetweenLewisandClark’spassagethroughtheregionandthearrivaloftherailroadinthe1890s,theregionallocusofactivityfortheexpandingAmericannationwasFortBenton.Fromfortandtradingposttosteamboattownandtrailhub,thecityliveduptoitsnicknameasthe“BirthplaceofMontana.”Themajorityofsitesintheregionassociatedwiththiseraarelocatedinornearthemodern-daycommunityofFortBenton.TheFortBentonNationalHistoricLandmarkDistrictwasdesignatedin1961underthe“WesternExpansion”theme,with“Transportation”asasubtheme;thelistingwasupdated,andtheboundaryclarifiedin2012.
Itsperiodofsignificancestretchesfromthe1840stoabout1890,afterwhichoccurredashiftintransportationfromsteamboatstorail.TheNHLdistrictincludes13contributingresourcesrelatedtotrade,settlement,andcommerceduringthesteamboatera–theoriginalFortBentonBlockhouseandFort,CityHall/TheOldEngineHouse,theleveeandbridge,theGrandUnionandPacifichotels,bankingandmercantileestablishments,andthehomeofprominentcitizenI.G.Baker,whobeganagroceryandmercantilestoreinFortBentonthatlivesonintoday’sHudsonBayCompany,Lord&Taylor,andSaks,Inc.
TheGrandUnionHotelstandsasalandmarkinFortBenton,offeringthefinestaccommodationstotravelerspastandpresent.CourtesyofKenSievert
TheFortBentonNationalHistoricLandmarkDistrictliesalongtheMissouriRiverwaterfront. CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 51
AnotherclassofresourcesassociatedwiththeexpansionintoafardistantlandarethetradeandmilitarytrailsthatextendedfromFortBenton.
WagonsonBakerStreetheadedoutonthetrailsthatbeganinFortBenton. CourtesyofOverholserHistoricalResearchCenter
TheseincludetheMullanMilitaryWagonRoad(aportionofwhichwaslistedintheNationalRegisterin1975aspartoftheOldU.S.Highway91HistoricDistrict),theWhoop-UpTrail,andtheFortBenton-FortMacLeodTrail.InternationalcollaborationtomarkettheseandconnectthemtoothersignificantwesterntransportationroutesthroughtheOldFortsTrailsinitiativeisunderway,butmorepreservation,interpretation,andcoordinationarepossible.Furthermore,theUpperMissouriRiverBreaksInterpretiveCenterinFortBentoninterpetstheNezPerce(Nee-Me-Poo)NationalHistoricTrail,servingasaNationalParkServicepassportlocationalongthetrail.Otheropportunitiesexisttoexpandthestoryofthistransportationnetwork,suchasthepresentlyunmarkedRiplingerTrail,whichbeginsinSunRiverandstretchesnorthtoFortWhoop-Up.
NorthwestoftheGreatFallsoftheMissouri,intheSunRiverValley,athirdgroupofresourcesisclustered.FortShawwasestablishedalongtheMullanRoadbytheUnitedStatesArmyin1867,guardingthatrouteuntil1891.FollowingtheArmyoccupation,FortShawservedastheIndianIndustrialSchoolforNativeAmericanchildrenfrom1892to1910.TheFortShawHistoricDistrictandCemeterywereaddedtotheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesin1985.Othersitesintheregionreflecttheearliestdaysofranchersandstockmen.ThehomesteadbelongingtorancherandbusinessmanRobertVaughnisonesuchplace.ListedintheNationalRegister,Vaughn’sranchwasthefirsthomesteadinwhatwasthenChouteauCounty(1869).ThestonebarnbuiltbyJ.C.Adams,aFortBentonwagonbosswhobecamearanchertosupplyFortShaw’sbeef,isanother.TheonlyRomanesqueRevivalstonebarnwestoftheMississippi,thebarnwasbuiltin1882andlistedintheNationalRegisterin1974.Themagnificentstructurepresentsanopportunityforpreservation,interpretation,andeconomicdevelopment.Finally,theSunRiverCrossinghadbeeninusesinceprehistorictimesbeforeitwassurveyedaspartoftheMullanRoad.ThesiteservedasatradingpostreliantonexchangewiththeBlackfeet,astagecoachstop,andabusytollbridgeoverwhichpassedgoodsheadingforsouthwestMontana’sgoldcamps.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 52
Finally,theUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonumentInterpretiveCenterisamodernfacility,apublic-privatepartnershipamongtheBureauofLandManagement,theCityofFortBenton,andtheRiverandPlainsSociety,andsituatedonthebanksoftheMissouriinFortBenton.OverlookingthestriatednaturalfeaturescharacteristicoftheBreaks,thecentercontainsinformationonsteamboating,tradeandtrails,culturalconflict,nativespecies,andrecreation.
Theme5–TheNewWest
The1890ssawdramaticgrowthincommerce,settlement,andindustrialdevelopmentfueledbycoalminingandnewelectricalpowerfromdamsnearthefledglingcityofGreatFalls.Thearrivalofrailroadssparkedbothindustrialdevelopmentandanagriculturalhomesteadboom.
Thecenturyofchangerolledon,andastransportationmovedfromthewatertorails,thewayinwhichpeopleusedthevastlandscapeoftheUpperMissouriRiverregioncontinuedtoevolve.Commerce,thegovernment,themilitary,miners,andsettlersallfollowedseparatepathsintheirexploitationofthevastresourcesoftheWest.Sometimesthosepathsoverlapped,sometimestheycameintoconflict,butalwaystheyleftcultural,economic,andenvironmentalchangeintheirwake.
ThediscoveryofcoalinmassivelayersfromBelttoStocketttoSandCouleefuelednewrailroads,whichinturnopenedlandandcommunitiestoindustrialgrowth.Similarly,thediscoveryofsilverintheLittleBeltMountainsbroughtstampedesthatledtominingcampsatBarker,Hughesville,andNeihart,bringingnewdemandsforFortBentoncommerce.
DrawnbyLewisandClark’sdescriptionoftheGreatFallsoftheMissouriRiver,ParisGibsonvisualizedacommunityasanindustrialmega-power.HecalledonaMinneapolisfriend,James.J.Hill,topartnerintheenterprise,withthevisionofGibsonandthefinancesofHill.Bytheendof1884,thepopulationofthenewlyplattedtownwasapproximately200.JamesJ.Hill’sSt.Paul,Minneapolis&ManitobaRailroadarrivedinGreatFallsin1887.
TheGreatFallsWaterPowerandTownsiteCompany(GFWPTC)wasincorporatedin1887,basicallytotakeoverthelandsandpowersitesheldbyHill.Atthefirstannualmeetingheldinlate1887,Hillheld49,980sharesofthetotal50,000.Themainbusinessofthecorporationwassellinglotsandby1890therewere3,979peopleinresidence.AroundthesametimeGibsonorganizedtheGreatFallsElectric
Are-enactmentfeaturingCapt.CharlesRawn,7thInfantry,attheRegimentalCommander’sQuartersathistoricFortShawonthe150thanniversaryin2017.TheCommander’sQuarters,oneofthreeadobebuildingsremainingtoday,wasconstructedin1867.CourtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 53
LightandGasCompanywhichprovidedelectricityfromasmallsteamplantforafewdowntownbusinessesandsomecityarclights.
ThebigbreakthroughfortheGFWPTCcamewhenthetheBostonandMontanaConsolidatedCopperandSilverMiningCompanypurchasednearly500acresforasmeltingoperationonthenorthbankoftheMissouritobepoweredbyadamimmediatelyaboveBlackEagleFallstobebuiltbytheGFWPTC.
Thetownsite,electricalandrefining/smeltingcompaniesgrew,mergedandchangedovertimeuntilby1900GreatFallspopulationwasnearly15,000;theAnacondaCopperMiningCompany(ACM),wheresomeofthegreatmetallurgicaladvancesofthe20thcenturyoccurred,occupiedthesmeltersite;andtheMontanaPowerCompanyofNewJersey,poweredwhathadbecomeoneofthelargestsingleindustrialcustomersofanyAmericanutility,theACMCompany.ByharnessingthepoweroftheMightyMo’,GreatFallsdevelopedtheelectricalpowertomine,smelt,andtransportButte’scopperandotherregionalminerals.
Townandcountrysidecontinuedtodevelopintandem.GrowingsettlementandoverhuntinginMontanacontributedtothenear-exterminationofbison,amajorfactorintheregion’stransitionfrombisontobeef.Duringtheopenrangeranchingerafromthe1870stotheearly1900s,massivecattleherdsinthetensofthousandsroamedtheopenrange,followedbylargeflocksofsheep.CharlesM.Russellcapturedthe“WestthatWas”instoriesand“wordpictures,”chronicledbyavastcollectionofmorethan4,000worksofart.
Russellcapturedoneofthemanychallengesofhaulingfreightoverland,thatofcontrollingateamofhorseswithasingle“jerkline.”CharlesMarionRussell,“TheJerkline,”1912,oiloncanvas,24.25x36inches,C.M.RussellMuseumCollection,GiftofFredBirch
Farmingfollowedtheopenrangeera.Wheatflourishedinyearswithgoodmoistureasthelandwasplowed,andtherailroadsprovidedfastandreliableshipmentoftheharvesttomarkets.Theland’sgeomorphologywasandisexceptionalforwheat,earningtheregionbetweenGreatFalls,Havre,andConradthedistinctionofbeingMontana’sGoldenTriangle.ThefirstflourmillintheGreatFallsareawastheCataractMill,builtin1885.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 54
WhentheHomesteadActof1862wasenlargedbytheU.S.Congressin1909,itcausedatsunamiofsettlementintheUpperMissouriRiverregion.TheGreatFallsLandOffice,whichservedNorthCentralMontana,processedbetween1,000and1,500filingsamonth,andtheGreatNorthernRailroadtransportedover1,000immigranttraincarsinthespringof1910.TheGreatNorthernRailroadledthepromotionoftheareawithavigorouscampaignextollingthevirtuesofdry-landfarmingandofferingimmigrantslowfares.
Agriculturerequiredconsistenthydrationoftheland.In1907,theUnitedStatesReclamationServiceapprovedthedevelopmentoftheSunRiverirrigationsystemtowatervastagriculturalproductionontheplains.Thesystemwasseenasnecessarytosupportagriculturethatcould,inturn,sustainthegrowthofGreatFallsasmajorcity.Oneofthemostuniqueengineeringfeatsinthecountryatthetime,constructionbeganin1908andcontinuedinphasesoverseveraldecades.Dry-landfarmerswerelesssupportiveofthesystemthantheregion’sindustrialists.However,theregionunderwentsevereagriculturaldepression1917-1923duringyearsofdrought,convincingresidentsofthesystem’simportance.
The20thcenturysawcontinuedgrowthofallaspectsoftheregion.GreatFallsgrewexponentiallyasthe“ElectricCity”becamethe“powerhouse”torefineandproducecopperwire,cable,ballbearings,andmore.
TheexpandingindustriesmadeCascadeCountyamagnetforimmigrantslookingformill,industryandminingjobs.ManynationalitieswiththeirvisibleethnicdifferencemeldedtocreatethecommunityofBlackEagle,immediatelyadjacenttotheACMCompanysmeltersiteonthenorthbankoftheMissouri.By1920,ACMatBlackEaglealsocontainedthelargestzincplantintheworld,producinghalfoftheworld’szinc.Downtothepresent,thefallshavebeenacontinuousandrenewablesourceofhydroelectricity.
Agriculture–farmingandranching–remainsamainstayoftheregionaleconomyandanessentialcomponentofculturalidentity.TheGoldenTrianglecontinuestoproducequalitygrainsthathavespurredthedevelopmentofnumerousmillsandagriculturalmanufacturingfacilities(pasta,malting,biofuels,andheritagegrains).Theregionisanationalleaderingrainproduction,includinghardredwinterwheatandmaltbarley,aswellasproductionofbeefcattleandseedstockcapitalforregisteredcattlebreeding.
AgricultureisalsocentraltothecultureandeconomyoftheHutterites,anAnabaptistreligiousmovementwhosepeoplefledEuropetoescapepersecution.CascadeandChouteaucountiesarehometosevenHutteritecolonies,andaneighthcolonyissituatedalongthenorthwesternborderofCascadeandTetoncounties.ThefirstMontanacolonywasestablishedin1911.Today,menwearingtraditionalblacktrousersandhatsandwomenintheirbrightlycoloredapronsandmatchingkerchiefsareacommonsightinlocalstoresandfarmimplementbusinessesinthearea.TheirlongstandingrelationshipwiththelandandtheGermaniclanguageandheritagetheyhaveretainedhascreatedauniqueblendofnewandoldtraditionsthroughouttheBigSkyCountryNHA.
AhighspeedgrainloaderontheraillinestartsChouteauCountywheatonajourneyacrosstheglobe.CourtesyofGayleFisher
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 55
FarmingandranchingprovideHutterites’primarysourceofincome.Usingmoderntechnology,theyproduceandsellmeat,milk,andvegetablestolocalgrocers,andmenhawktheseitemsalongwithhomemadenoodlesandbakedgoodsatthelocalsummerfarmersmarketsinCascadeandChouteaucounties.ArecenteconomicstudypreparedbytheUniversityofMontana’sBusinessandEconomicResearchandMontanaStateUniversity’sDepartmentofEconomicsandAgriculturalEconomicsfoundMontana’sHutteritecommunitiescollectivelycontribute$365.3millionannuallytoMontana’seconomyandprovide2,200permanentjobs.Hutteriteagriculturaloperationsproduce90%ofMontana-grownhogs,34%ofthestate’sdairy,and16%ofthestate’spoultry.TheLehrerleutHutteritecoloniesinCascadeCountyproduce95%ofthestate’seggs.InSeptember2017,apartnershipof30Hutteritecommunitiesopeneda$9millionegggradingfacilityinGreatFalls,processingmorethan280millioneggsannuallyfornationalmarketsthroughCostcoandAlberstons,amongotherretailers.
Laterinthe20thcentury,theUpperMissouriregionbecameaplaceofgreatstrategicvaluetonationalsecuritywithGreatFallsLend-LeaseandbombertrainingairbasesduringWorldWarII,andnuclearmissilesitesasAmericaenteredtheColdWarandtheatomicera.Today,MalmstromAirForceBaseisoneofthemostimportantstrategicmilitarydefensesitesinthenation.
Theme5Resources
Thearrivaloftherailroadinthelate1880spermanentlychangedtransportationandsettlementintheregion.Therailroadcouldmovepeople,stock,andgoodsoverlandquicklyandeconomicallyinallseasons,supplantingrivertransportandopeningpreviouslyinaccessibleland.TheharnessingofthefallsforindustryigniteddevelopmentinGreatFalls.ThetownsofBelt,Cascade,Monarch,andNeihartfollowed.Acrosstheregion,numerouspropertiesanddistrictslistedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesstandtestamenttothiseraofdramaticdevelopment.Becausesomanyoftheselate19thandearly20thcenturyresourcesareextant,thepotentialforprojectsinpreservation,interpretation,andeconomicdevelopmentissubstantial.
TheCharlesM.RussellHouseandStudioNationalHistoricLandmarkissignificanttothehistoryoftheUnitedStatesforthecontributionmadebytheartofRussellinestablishingtheimageoftheWestandisthemostsignificantresourceassociatedwiththistheme.CharlieRussell’sartbeautifullyportrayedbigskylandscapes,atthesametimechroniclingthewholehistoryoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionandtheculturesthatlivedhere.ThelandscapeoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionisever-presentinhisworks.RussellbeganpaintingrightaroundthebirthofthisNewWest.RussellarrivedinMontanain1880,whenfirstpeoplesstilldependedonthebisonhunt,andcowboysherdedcattleandsheepontheopenrange.Hewitnessedtheendofthiswayoflife,expertlycapturing,celebrating,andcritiquingthroughhisart.AtinycottageinCascade,whereCharlieRussellandhiswifeNancylivedatthebeginningoftheirmarriage,contributestohisstory,asdoestheNHLhouse(1900)andlogcabinstudio(1903)thatisnowpartoftheC.M.RussellMuseum.
NancyRussellreportedthatCharlieneverfinishedapictureanywhereelseafterhisstudiowascompletedin1903.TodaytheirhomeandRussell’sstudioareaNationalHistoricLandmarkownedbytheC.M.RussellMuseum.CourtesyofEllenSievert
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 56
Theseriesoffivedamscapturedwater’spowertotransformrawmaterialsfromMontana’sminesintoindustrialtreasuresandexpandedproductiontomeetthedemandsoffurtherdevelopmentinthestate,includingmunicipalgrowth,railwayelectrificationandlargeirrigationprojects.Thedams,powerhousesandtransmissionlineshavethepotentialtoaddsignificantlytothehistoryoftheindustrythat“wiredtheworld.”TheAnacondaCompanyandBlackEaglecommunitydependedonthecopperwireproducedwithhydroelectricity,leavingbehindastronglegacyofcommunitypride.ThisindustrycatalyzeddevelopmentthroughouttherestoftheGreatFallscommunity,includingtheCentralBusinessHistoricDistrict,withmanycommercialandpublicbuildingsamongits99contributingresources.AlsosignificantistheGreatFallsRailroadHistoricDistrict,includingtoweringtwindepotsfromtheChicago,Milwaukee,andSt.PaulRailroadandtheGreatNorthernRailroad,alongwiththeArvonBlockandthreedozenothercontributingproperties.Thecopper-domedCascadeCountyCourthouseisthecenterpieceofthe257contributingpropertiesintheGreatFallsNorthsideResidentialDistrict.TheEastsideNeighborhoodHistoricDistricthas36primarilycraftsman-styleresidentialcontributingpropertiesthatdatetothefirsthalfofthe20thcentury.ThemuchsmallerWestBankandGreatFallsHighSchooldistrictsarealsopartofthisera’sexpansion.
Theriseofranchingandfarming,includingthehomesteadboom,isreflectedinresourcessuchastheNorthMontanaFairgroundsHistoricDistrictinGreatFalls,theSunRiverReclamationArea/GreenfieldsIrrigationDistrictintheSunRiverValley,andtheKorpavaraFinnishhomesteads.Today,thelivingtraditionsofbothranchingandagricultureareseeninthelargefarmsandranchesstillinoperationintheregion,theGoldenTrianglethatproducessomeofthenation’shighestqualitywheat,andmillssuchasMontanaFlourandGrain,whoseextremelyhigh-qualityflourisindemandaroundtheworld.
InBelt,theCommercialHistoricDistrictdatesto1896.Amongits15contributingresources,thecrownofCastnerStreetistheBeltPerformingArtsCenter,theoldKnightsofPythiasTheater,restoredin2019.OtherdevelopmentinBeltisfollowing.Tothesouth,alongKing’sHillScenicByway,themountainousterrainrisestowardminingterritoryinMonarchandNeihart.InMonarch,acommunity-basedgroupisleadingpreservationoftheMonarchDepot,whichisunderconsidertationforNationalRegisterlisting.
TheBeltPerformingArtsCenter,restoredin2019,ishometotheBeltValleyShakespearePlayersandhostsnumerousotherculturalartsandeducationalactivitiesthroughouttheyear.CourtesyofAmyOlson
TheMonarchDepot,underrestorationbytheMonarch-NiehartHistoricalGroup,representstheopeningoftheWestthroughrailtransportation.CourtesyofEllenSievert
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 57
AConceptualBoundary
TheproposedBigSkyCountryNHAboundarydefinesalandscapethatencompassesthehistoryandsignificancedescribedinthepreviouspages.TheboundaryincludesallofCascadeCounty,aswellastheMissouriRivercorridorinChouteauCountytoDecisionPointatthemouthoftheMariasandTetonrivers.
ElementstoConsiderinDefiningaBoundary
TheprocessofestablishingthisconceptualboundaryfortheBigSkyCountryNHAhasbeenaworkinprogressfromtheconceptionoftheideatocreateanNHA.Initially,theproject'sstudyregionwasbroaderinsizethantheproposedarea,takinginallofCascadeandChouteauCounties;thepartofLewisandClarkCountyalongtheMissouriRivertotheGatesoftheMountains;andtheUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonument.PartlyduetopublicinputandinternaldiscussionamongtheUMRHAPCBoard,anarrowerprojectareawasproposedthatfollowedtheMissouriRivercorridorfromFortBentontotheGatesoftheMountainsandalsotookintributariesBeltCreekandtheSunandSmithRivers.Asthefeasibilitystudyunfolded,themesandresourcesweremoreclearlyarticulatedfirstthroughamanagementworkshop,andsubsequentlywithreviewbythesubjectmatterexperts.Basedonthesedevelopments,aswellasfeedbackonthenarrowboundarypresentedatthefirstpublicmeeting,theUMRHAPCproposedanotherrevisedboundary.Thenew,revisedboundarytookinnotonlytheriverandkeyresourcesbutalsothelandscapefeaturescapturedinRussell’sartandthevastspacesinbetweenwheretoday’sMontananslivetheirdailylivesimbuedwiththehistoryandheritageoftheregion.Theproposedboundaryandtherationalebehinditweresharedwiththepublicatthesecondandthirdroundsofpublicmeetings.Thisprocessofcarefullyexamining,andthenlayeringuponeachothertheregion’straits,traditions,andactivitiesthatareimportanttotheregion’sheritage,resultedinaboundarythatiscomprehensive,easilydefined,anddefensible.Considerationwastakenintoaccountforhistorical,cultural,natural,andrecreationalresources,thestoryandhistoricalnarrativeasitrelatestotheseresources,thepatternofhumanactivityonthelandscape,andnaturalandphysicalfeaturesthatmaycreateobviouslimitsforthestudyareawhendrawnonamap.AsstatedearlierintheFeasibilityStudy,privatepropertyrightsarenotimpactedbyland'sinclusioninanNHAboundary.Theboardemphasizedtheimportanceofprivatepropertyrightsbypassingaresolutionin2017,acknowledgingtheirrespectoflandowners'rightstomakealldecisionsabouttheirownproperty(AppendixVIII).Intheend,thedeterminationfortheproposedboundary,resultedfromtheexaminationofthefunctionofhumanactivitythatdefinedcentralMontana,bothhistoricallyandinthecurrentday,establishingtherationaleforitsdelineation.
HistoricalandFunctionalElementsofCentralMontana
ThespatialcomplexityofBigSkyCountyNHAincentralMontanaincludestheprehistoricandhistoricbisoncultureofMontana’sindigenouspeoples,historicaleventsfromtheLewis&ClarkExpedition,industryincludingminingandsmelting,agricultureandranching,acrossavastregionthatinitiallyrequiredthestudyareatobeinclusiveenoughtoreflectthehistoricalandfunctionalinterrelationshipsofthestudyarea.Theserelationships,whenoverlaidwiththeresultsoftheresourceassessments,helpednarrowthescopeoftheregionduringtheplanningforthefeasibilitystudy.Theentireregionwasstudied,however,toensurethatthepredominanthistoryanduniquesenseoftheplacewerenotdiffusedorlost.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 58
GeophysicalandTopographicalAspectsofCentralMontana
ThephysicalcomplexityofcentralMontanaisasinglevastlandscapecomprisedofdifferentgeologicalfeatures–prairies,canyons,buttes,rivers,mountains–anddottedwithcommunitiesthatrangefromruralagrarianvillagestotownsandurbanareas.Theregionisinterconnectedbyasystemofroads,rivers,andotherland-basedfeatures.Itwasdetermined,earlyinthefeasibilitystudyplanningprocess,thattobasetheboundarysolelyonaphysicalresource–suchasaroadorariver–mayormaynotwork.Therefore,aproposedstudyareathatfollowedtheMissouriRiveranditsnearbywatersheddidnotincludeallofthecriticalhistoricalresourcesorhumanactivitywithintheregion.TheMissouriRiver,therefore,becameastructure–aspine–fromwhichtheresourcesoftheregionwereplotted,creatingaskeletalframeworkthatsupportedtherationalefortherefinementandredrawingofthestudyarea.
Culture–TheHumanDimensionofCentralMontana
Peopledefinetheplaceswheretheylive,anditisthispatternofhumanactivityuponthelandscapethatcreatestheculturalidentityofaregion.Itisoftentheirviewortheirassociationwithalocalethatmakesthemincorporatetheirhomeorcommunityintoamoreextensivephysicaldelineation.
IntheBigSkyCountryNHA,theinterconnectedrelationshipofpeopletothelandhasexistedforthousandsofyears.IndigenouspeoplewerethefirsttoliveandworkthelandsofcentralMontana,asseasonalresidences,huntinggrounds,andsacredsites.TheinteractionbetweennativepeoplesandthelandcontinuestohelpshapeanddefinetheuniquecharacteristicsandtraditionsanduniqueculturalcharacteristicsandtraditionsofcentralMontana.
Historically,specificculturalgroupsweredrawntosettlethelandsofMontana,adaptingtoalandscapeandenvironmentdrasticallydifferentfromeasternNorthAmerica.Theadvancementofagrowingnationcreatedanintersectionofnativecultureswiththosefromotherpartsoftheworld,sometimescoexisting,sometimesclashing,settingoffachainreactionofeventsthroughoutmodernhistorythatforeverchangedthelandofBigSkyCountyNHAandthepeoplesthatlivetheretoday.
Thetraditionsofpeoplehaveco-mingledandbeenhandeddownovergenerations,contributingtoasenseofcommunityandplacethatcharacterizesthedistinctidentityofBigSkyCountryNHAtoday.Anexaminationofhowpeopleassociatewitheachotherwithintheregion,historicallyandcurrently,helpeddefinetheinterrelationshipsofhumanactivityanddefineaboundarybasedonculturaltraditions,settlementpatterns,andwork.
ThePoliticalDemarcationsofCentralMontana
PoliticalboundariesareoftenthemostconvenientdemarcationsforNHAs.Theyarenotidealboundaries,however,becausetheyaredrawnforpurposesotherthaninterpretinghistoricaleventsorstories,andtheydonotnecessarilyrecognizetheimportanceofcultureindefiningaplaceorunitingaregion.TheboundariesofCascade,Chouteau,andsurroundingcountieswereusedtohelplocateresourcesonamap,andcommunityparticipantsatpublicmeetingswereaskedtohelpdeveloparesourceinventory.Intheend,politicalcharacteristicsoftheboundarywerehelpfultounderstandthelimitsofthestudyarea;however,thestudyareaboundarieswereredrawntoincludeonlyCascadeandpartsofChouteaucounties,asthoselinesrepresenttheconcentrationoftheresourcesandsignificancetotheheritageofBigSkyCountry.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 59
TheBoundaryofBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea
ThefinaldeterminationintheconstructofaboundaryforBigSkyCountryNHAincorporatesthevaryingcompositionsofeachoftheelementsdescribedabove.Somefeaturesundoubtedlywillbeofmoreconsequencethanothers.Intheend,theboundaryselectedwasonethat,onapracticallevel,canbemanaged,hingeswiththestorythatresonatesthroughouttheregion,anddefinesaregioncapableofbeingserved.ThefinalboundaryforBigSkyCountryNHAisonethatreflectsthecapacityoftheorganizationanditspartnersasstewardstodevelop,administer,maintain,andpromoteaunifiedregion.
MapoftheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea.CourtesyofKenSievert
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 60
CHAPTER4:THEFUTUREOFBIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREA
“Won’t you meet me in Montana, I want to see the mountains in your eyes. I had all of this life I can handle. Meet me underneath that big Montana sky.”
Dan Seals and Marie Osmond
RegionalGoals,Needs,andOpportunities
In2015,thegatheringpartnershipofcitizens,organizations,andlocalgovernmentsincentralMontanainitiallylookedatstorytellingasawaytoenlistpublicsupporttocelebratetheregion’shistoryandculture.Whiletheearlyorganizingeffortsaroundthisformofheritageconservationdidsucceedinestablishingthepartnership,manyfeltthatlimitingthepotentialoftheoutcometoonlystorytellingwasinsufficient,andmorecouldbeaccomplishedthatcouldbringsignificantbenefitstothecommunitiesandtheregion.Thepartnershiprealizedthereweremanypossibleapproachestocommemoratetheheritageofaregion–interpretation,education,historicpreservation,communityrevitalization,tourism–allbuiltuponthestoriesofthepeopleandtheplacewheretheyliveandwork.
Asthepartnershipmatured,therewasagrowingdesireofmanyothersintheregiontojointhesecommunityconversations.ItwasbecomingmoreevidentthatcentralMontana’scorehistoryandheritage,itslivingculturaltraditions,anddistinctivelandscapeallcouldbebroughttogetherunderasinglestrategybasedonaregionalvision.Theterm“heritagedevelopment”begantobeinjectedintotheconversationsand,specifically,moreattentionpaidtoNationalHeritageAreasandtheirsuccessesacrosstheUnitedStates.
ThesecondpublicmeetinginFortBenton,heldattheMontanaAgriculturalCenter.CourtesyofPointHDC
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 61
ThischapterexaminestheapproachesadvancedbyBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.(BSCNHA,Inc.),andtheirpartnerstoachieveregionalgoals,identifyapreferredmanagementalternative,andconstructastrategicplanfortherealizationofthatalternative.
ConsideringAlternativesforHeritageDevelopment
AcompellingstoryresonatesacrosstheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana.ItisastoryofNativeAmericans,theexpandingnation,thesupportofmoderndevelopmentbythetamingofariverandthelandthroughwhichitflows,andthecurrentlifewaysofthecommunitiestoday.TheregionisalsocentrallylocatedbetweentwoofthemostvisitedparksintheNationalParksystem.Despitetheseassets,centralMontanahasstruggledtocaptureitsbenefits,andfewvisitorsknowthesignificanceoftheregionanditscontributiontothedevelopmentoftheUnitedStates.Someorganizationscollaboratedtopromotespecificelementsoftheregion’sheritage–morethanadozenlocalpartnersworkedwithstateandnationalentitiesonanationalsignatureeventforthe2005LewisandClarkBicentennial.However,until2015,nocoordinatedentitytookonthebroaderscopeofacitizenryunitedunderastrategicvision.
TheformationoftheUpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporation(UMRHAPC,nowBSCNHA,Inc.)broughttogetherthesevaryingpartnerswithagoaltocreateaplanfortheregionthattiedtogetheralloftherichheritageassetsoftheregion,realizingthatcollectively–asaregionalpartnership–morecouldbeachievedthananyindividualeffort.Planspreviouslydevelopedbypartnerorganizationswereidentifiedandconsidered,andthecommonalitiesofthoseplansandtheregionalpartnershipformedthecoregoalsfortheheritageeffort,includingto:
• fosterasenseofprideinthecentralMontanacommunity• commemorateandconservetheregion’snationallysignificanthistoricandculturalresources• increaseopportunitiesforeducationandstewardshipofheritageassets• increaseawarenessofcentralMontanaandtheUpperMissouriRiverregionasadestination• use“heritagedevelopment”asadriverforcommunityrevitalizationandeconomicdevelopment• respecttherightsofprivatepropertywhilepromotinganddevelopingheritagetourism
opportunities
AcoalitionoffundingpartnerscametogethertosupportafeasibilitystudythatwouldexplorealloptionsforcentralMontanaanditspotentialforheritagedevelopmentwithintheregion.Theseoptionsincluded:
• NoAction–tocontinueasaregionwithindividualizedeffortstoconserveandpromotetheheritageoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana
• StateHeritageArea–toworkwith(stateagency/departmentname)andtheMontanaLegislatureandGovernortocreateastateheritageareafortheregion
• NationalHeritageArea(NHA)–topursuethedevelopmentanddesignationofanNHA• CombinedStateandNationalHeritageAreas–tocreateaStateHeritageArea,towin
designationforanNHA,andtointegratethosestrategiestothebenefitoftheregion
Startingin2017,thepartnership,ledbythethen-namedUMRHAPC,startedworkingonafeasibilitystudyfortheregion,withthecoregoalsfortheheritageareatobeconsidered.Theresultingcollaborationonthefeasibilitystudybetweenresidents,organizations,businesses,ranchersandfarmers,localgovernments,andstateagenciesresoundinglyagreedthatanNHAforcentralMontanawasbesttohelpaccomplishthesecoregoals.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 62
TheregionalcollaborationhelpedtofurthertheawarenessandunderstandingofthepowerofanNHAasastrategytounifypeoplearoundaregionalvisioncenteredonasharedheritageandthehistoricalandculturalassetsthatarethefoundationtotheidentityofcentralMontana.
Anyofthealternativesmightcontributetothesuccessfulaccomplishmentofoneorsomeofthegoalsmentionedabove,butonlytheNHAdesignationprovidesthebestpossibleoutcometoachieveallofthegoalsfortheregion.AStateHeritageAreadesignationcouldresultinsomesuccess;however,unlikeotherstates,suchaprogramdoesnotcurrentlyexistinMontana,andthetimeitcouldtaketocreatesuchadesignationbythelegislaturemayresultinthecollaborativepartnershiptofadeawayasitwaits.Similarly,acombinedStateandNationalHeritageAreadesignationcouldprovidethebestoutcomefortheregion,anditwasnotruledoutforfutureconsideration,butatthistimeitisnotfeasibilewithnoexistingstateprogram.
The“NoAction”alternativeissimplynotanoptionandwasruledoutbythepartners,stakeholders,andtheparticipantsatthefeasibilitystudymeetings.NoActionwouldleaveinplacethestatusquoforcentralMontanaandindividualorganizations,businesses,andlocalgovernments.Whileoutstandingprogramsandprojectscurrentlyinplacewillcontinue,theywouldcontinuetoexistinisolationfromeachother.NoActionwouldresultinthelossofcollaborationandconnectionpossibleunderanoverarchingnationaldesignationanditsbenefitofamulti-county,multi-organizationalpartnership.
AnNHAistheonlyalternativethataffirmsthenationalsignificanceofcentralMontana’sheritageandraisestheregiontothesamelevelastheotherexistingNHAsintheUnitedStates.AnNHAdesignationunifiesthestoryofcommunitiesacrosstheregionandhelpsbringthemtogetherinawaythatpointstosharedidentityandregionalpride.AnNHAdesignationwillplacetheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontanaonthesamemapwithGlacierNationalParkandYellowstoneNationalPark,enablingcross-marketingandpromotionforvisitorsseekingnationallysignificantdestinations,andfurthervalidatingtheregion’shistoricalandculturalheritageandthelivinglandscapeassignificanttothenation.Ofallthealternativesthatcurrentlyexist,onlyanNHAwillhelptoachieveallofthecoregoals.
ThePreferredAlternative:ANationalHeritageAreaforCentralMontana
ApublicpartnershipprocesswasusedtodevelopthisfeasibilitystudyandhasresultedinstrongsupportfortheestablishmentoftheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea(BigSkyCountryNHA).TheconcludingpublicmeetingheldinBelt,Montana,inSeptember2019broughttogethermorethan100citizens,publicandelectedofficials,ranchers,farmers,businessleaders,communityorganizations,nonprofitgroups,andothersto:
• hearthefindingsofthefeasibilitystudyplanning• reviewandapprovethethemes,resourcesandstatementofsignificance• confirmtheproposedboundaryfortheNHA• revealthenewnamefortheNHA–BigSkyCountryNHA• concuronalistofearlyimplementationprojectsandotherprojectsthatcanbecompletedby
thepartnership• volunteertheirtimeascommunityleaderstohelpadvancetheNHA• supportthetransformationoftheUMRHAPCtobecomeBSCNHA,Inc.,asthecoordinating
entityfortheproposedNHA
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 63
ManagingtheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea
TheconceptofanNHAisonethatisasmuchaplaceasitisaregionalstrategy.Withthedesignationofaregioncomesanetworkofpartners,oftenasdiverseasthelivinglandscapeinwhichtheyexist.Thisheritagepartnershipbecomesthewheeltotheoperations,management,andimplementationoftheNHA.Criticaltoanywheelisthehub,andforanNHA,thathubisthecoordinatingentity.NHAcoordinatingentitiesshouldermanyresponsibilitiesinthemanagementoftheheritagearea.Theyaretheconveneroftheconstituency,thefacilitator,theglueinthepartnership,andthekeepersoftheregionalvisionthatwascreatedwiththefeasibilitystudy.Theresponsibilityvestedinthemcamethroughtheconfidenceandblessingofthebroaderpartnership.Thecoordinatingentity’seffectivenessrestswiththeabilityofthepartnerstotrustthemasmuchasthepartnerstrusteachother.AnysuccessfulNHAsharesresponsibilityandwork;theirinfluenceisgainednotbyforceorauthorityinlaw,butinsteadbynurturingrelationships,conveningdiverse,sometimesopposinggroupsandtheirviews;andcreatinganenvironmentwhereallsidescanworktogetherforthebettermentofeachotherandtheregionasawhole.Itisthiscollaborativealliancethatoftenstartswithasharedvisionthat,intheend,producesthemostpowerful,transformativeresultsinanNHA.
TheselectionorcreationofanorganizationtomanagetheNHAisnotthemostcriticalissueforfederaldesignation.Itmaybe,however,thesinglemostimportantfactorinwhatmakesNHAssustainableandsuccessful.Toooften,burgeoningNHAswithoutstandingculturalandhistoricalsignificancehavestruggledorflounderedbecausethelong-termmanagementquestionwasnotgivenenoughconsiderationortheissuesthatpartnersraisedconcerningcapacitywereleftunaddressed.Often,thecoordinatingentitieswiththemostsuccessaretheonesthatrecognizetheneedsoftheregionandthepartnersandbuildcoalitionsthatsupportandhaveconfidenceinthecoordinatingentity.
Inthebestworld,theidentificationofacoordinatingentitywouldusuallyoccurduringthemanagementplan,buttheNationalParkServiceandtheU.S.Congressplacemoreemphasisonthisquestion,notjustbeingexploredbutbeingfinalizedinthefeasibilitystudysinceanNHAisnotagovernment-administeredor-managedprogram.Theconfidencein,thetrustof,andabilityofthecoordinatingentityarecrucial.
TheformationoftheUMRHAPCorganizedwithoneprimarypurpose:tohelpleadtheregionalpartnersthroughthefeasibilitystudyplanningphaseforanNHAincentralMontana.Itsby-lawsweredrafted,anditsmissionwaslimited,raisingthenecessaryfundingfor,andmanagingthestepsrequiredtoproduce,afeasibilitystudy.TheboardunderstoodthatpartoftheprocessofthefeasibilitystudywouldincludetheassessmentofregionalcapacityandtheidentificationofanorganizationthatcouldmanagethenewNHA.
Throughoutthefeasibilitystudyplanningprocess,theconsultantteamwastaskedtoexploreallviableoptionsforfuturemanagement,includingthoseexistingoronethatmightbecreatedinthefuture.Thisquestionbecamecentraltothestakeholderinterviewsconductedasapartofthefeasibilitystudyandwasalsoexploredandtestedwitheachphaseofpublicmeetings.CentralMontanaisblessedwithavastarrayofcapableorganizationswithreliabletrackrecordsintourism,preservation,cultureandthearts,recreation,naturalresources,education,economicandcommunitydevelopment,andotherfields.Thesepartnersallcurrentlycontributetotheregionthroughtheirwork,andalargenumberofthemareinvolvedinthefeasibilitystudyplanning.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 64
Theprimaryfunctionsforthecoordinatingentityareto:
• designandimplementthefeasibilitystudyandmanagementplanfortheNHA• hirestafftocarryouttheresponsibilitiesoftheprograms,projects,and
operation/administrationoftheNHA• leadthefundraisingeffortsandcoordinatethefinancialaffairsnecessaryforthesustainability
oftheNHA• designagovernancestructurethatintegratesthevarietyofinterestsofcentralMontanainto
theNHA• partnertobuildonopportunities,leadwhenrequired,anddevelopstewardshiptoensure
continuanceintheregionalprogramsandprojectsintheNHA
AmixofexistingorganizationswereidentifiedthatcouldbethecoordinatingentityiftheUMRHAPCwasdetermined,orchose,nottobethelead.WhileissueswereexpressedoftheneedforUMRHAPCtobuildoutitsboardrepresentation,thepartnerswereunanimousintheirsupportforUMRHAPCtocontinue,andfortheirorganizationstocontinuewiththeirinvolvement.
CoordinatingEntityandManagement
In2015,theUMRHAPCorganizedtotaketheinitialstepstoadvancetheconceptofanNHAforcentralMontana.ThenewlyformednonprofitorganizationwasrespondingtothebroaderinterestsoftheUpperMissouriRiverregioncitizens,recognizingthattheirheritageandhistoryoftheupperplainsandtheMissouriRiveraresignificanttothehistoryanddevelopmentoftheUnitedStates.
UpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporationboardmembersconsiderhistoricalthemesinaJuly2018workshop.CourtesyofPointHDC
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 65
TheUMRHAPCledtheeffortwiththeunderstandingthatadeterminationwouldbemadeduringthefeasibilitystudyprocesstocreateanNHAandidentifyitscoordinatingentity.UMRHAPC’soutreachwasextensiveasitinitiatedtheeffort,andorganizedthecommunitiesandpartners,duringtheearlyyearsofitswork(2015-2017).Duringthisperiod,atotalof35meetingsandpresentationswereheldacrosscentralMontana,includingstate,county,andcitygovernments,civicorganizations,nonprofits,educationalorganizationsandgroups,preservationorganizations,andNativeAmericantribes.UMRHAPC’soutreachincludedorganizationsandgroupsthatweresuspiciousofNHAs,onesthatareconcernedaboutfederalgovernmentoverreach,privatepropertyrights,andhuntingandfishingregulations.
Aspartofthefeasibilitystudy(2018-2019),UMRHAPCdirectedtheconsultantstoconductaseriesofconfidentialstakeholderinterviewswiththeserepresentativegovernmentsandorganizationstodeterminethesupportforanNHA.IfastakeholdersupportedtheNHAconcept,thediscussionswouldmovetotheissuesofregionalcapacity,management,andthepartnershipbaseofsupportfortheNHA.Twenty-sixstakeholderswereinterviewedbetweenJuneandAugustof2018,andtheresultswereoverwhelminglyinfavorofcreatinganNHAforcentralMontana.SomeorganizationsdidsuggesttheirwillingnesstostepupastheNHAcoordinatingentityifUMRHAPCchosenottoadvancethework,orifthebroaderpartnershipdidnotsupporttheirleadership.Nevertheless,theboardpartnershipofthestakeholderswasstronglysupportiveofUMRHAPC,continuingitsleadershiproleinafuturemanagementcapacityasthecoordinatingentityfortheproposedNHA.
Withtheresultsofthestakeholderinterviews,inFebruary2019theboardmembersofUMRHAPCconvenedaspecialtwo-dayworkshopwiththeconsultantstoanswerthemselveswhetherthecurrentboardshouldbecomethemanagementorganizationforthenewlyproposedNHA.
Thediscussionrevolvedaroundseveralkeyfactors.AdiverseboardisneededtoplaytheconvenerroleofanNHA,andnootherexistingentityintheregionsharesthediversityofUMRHAPC.Whiletheboardwillcontinuetochangeasdifferentskillsetsbecomenecessarytomeetevolvingneeds,therecurrentlyisvalueincontinuity.Oncethefeasibilitystudyiscomplete,newboardmemberswillbeengagedtohelptheorganizationthroughdesignation,earlyimplementationprojects,andtolookaheadtoplanning.Thegovernanceproceduresfortheorganizationmustbeupdated,includingthecreationofaformalnominatingcommittee,establishingaroutetoboardmembershipthroughcommitteeservice,andanorientationprocessforallnewboardmembers.
ArecommendationwasmadeandunanimouslysupportednamingUMRHAPCasthecoordinatingentityfortheproposedNHA.AformalvoteattheboardmeetinginlateFebruaryaffirmedthedecisionmadeintheworkshop.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 66
MissionandVision
AtthatsameFebruary2019managementworkshop,theboardofdirectorstookupconsiderationofthethenexistingmissionandvisionstatementfortheproposedNHA.Aftermuchdiscussion,itwasconcludedthatneitherthemissionorvisionstatementswererepresentativeofwhattheorganizationcurrentlydoesandwillbedoinginthefutureinitsroleasthecoordinatingentityfortheproposedNHA.
Theoriginalmissionstatementwas,“WeexisttotelltheUpperMissouriRiverstory,”andtheoriginalvisionstatementread,“WeformedtoinitiateacollaborativeefforttoestablishanNHAbecausewebelieveinthenationalsignificanceoftheUpperMissouriRiverheritage,inthepowerofpartnerships,andthatNHAdesignationwillbringvitalityandsustainableeconomicdevelopmenttoourregion.Weareresidents,multigenerationallandowners,localbusinesses,andculturalorganizations.Webelieveinprivatepropertyrights,celebratingourhistory,honoringourlegacy,andsharingourstorieswithothers.”
ExaminationandreviewofmissionandvisionstatementswereconductedofotherNHAsandorganizations,aswasconsiderationofthelong-termgoalsofBigSkyCountryNHA.SeveralcommonalitieswithotherNHAswereimmediatelyrecognized,includinghowNHAscreatepartnershipstoconservecomponentsoftheirheritage.LikeotherNHAs,BigSkyCountry’spartnersworkintourism,economicdevelopment,historicpreservation,educationandinterpretation,andrecreation,allwithagoalofqualityoflifeandcommunityrevitalizationandenhancement.Theresultisasharedheritagethatconnectscommunitiesandregionalinterests.Thesebondshelpresidents,businesses,andlocalgovernmentstomorefullyunderstandandappreciatetheirheritageandtheircommunities,thathelpstrengthentheeconomicandculturalfabicofaregion.
TheresultisthefollowingMissionStatement:
We,theBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,developandfosterpartnershipstorecognize,preserve,andinterpretthehistoric,scenic,andnaturalrecreationalresourcesandlivinglandscapesoftheUpperMissouriRiverregion.Westrengthentheeconomyandculturalfabricofourregionbypromotingandfacilitatingtheenjoymentoftheseresources.
A“constitution”ofguidingprinciplestoaccompanythemissionstatementwasalsoadopted.Theseare:
• Respectprivatepropertyrights
• Fostercollaborativepublic-privaterelationships
• Worktogetherasaregion
• Supportintergenerationaleducation
• Valuetruthandreconciliationininterpretingoursharedheritage
• RecognizethecustomsandtraditionsofthepeopleofMontana
InMay2019,theboardadoptedthefollowingVisionStatement:
TheBigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaisarespectedpartnerbuildingalliancesthroughouttheUpperMissouriRiverregionofMontana.Togetherwerecognize,conserve,andinstillcommunityprideinourpeople,places,andstories.Ourheritageresourcesstrengthentheeconomy,attractingvisitorsseekingspecialplacesandmemories.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 67
ThePartnershipNetwork
BSCNHA,Inc.,hasdevelopedarobustandvibrantpartnershipnetworkthathascometogethertosupportthefeasibilitystudyplanningprocessandtheestablishmentofanNHAintheUpperMissouriRiverofcentralMontana.Thispartnershipnetworkcrossesallsectors,includinggovernment,businesses,non-profitorganizations,educationalandinterpretiveinstitutions,andresidents.AsdescribedinAppendixIII,thereare21“KeyPartners,”organizationsthathaveaconsistentdailyworkingrelationshipwithBSCNHA,Inc.Inaddition,eight“CurrentPartners”areengagedwiththeorganizationonspecific,butnotdaily,projectsandprogramming.Finally,the“PotentialPartners”identifiedthroughthisprocessinclude29entititesthathavecapacityandhaveexpressedinterestinfutureprojectsandprogramming.BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaanditsManagementPartnership
ToproperlyadvancetheBigSkyCountryNHA,thecurrentboardofdirectorsrecognizesitsneedtoaddmoreboardmemberstotheirorganization.Aspartofamanagementworkshopconductedwiththeconsultants,theboardidentifiedareasofexpertiseandneedfromwhichfutureboardcandidatescouldbesought,includingfinance,business,arts,andeducation.Theplantoaddnewboardmemberswillcommencewiththecompletionofthefeasibilitystudysothatthenewboardmembercanimmediatelyparticipateinthenextstagesofplanninganddevelopment.
Staffingwillgrowoverthefirstfiveyearsasfundingisacquiredforusebeyondplanning.Stafffundingisoftenthemostdifficulttoraise,anditiswherethefundsfromfromfederalappropriationsfortheNHAwillbeofgreatassistance.
WhilethestaffwillhaveprimaryresponsibilityfortheoperationsandadministrationoftheNHAorganization,theboardwillcontinuetoshareinsomeofthedutiesintheearlyyears,eventuallytransitioningthemajorityofoperationalresponsibilitiestothehiredprofessionalstaff.Theseresponsibilities,boththoseofthestaff,oftheboard,andthosewhichareshared,aredetailedinthechartthatfollows,below.
ResidentsofthetownofCascadecelebratedthemarriageofCharlieandNancyRussellwithare-enactmentneartheirrestoredHoneymoonCottage.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 68
StaffandBoardResponsibilitiesOperations&Management
BIGSKYCOUNTRYNHA
STAFFRESPONSIBILITIES
BOARDRESPONSIBILITIES
SHAREDRESPONSIBILITIES
Years1-5
• Grantwriting• Socialmedia
communications• Websitemanagement• Buildingcontactlist(s)• Contractandgrant
administration• Project/service
development&management
• Developmentanddiversificationofrevenuestreams/earnedincome
• Supportandcounseltostaff
• Governanceofboard&boardresponsibilities
Years1-2
• Servingasthepublicface• Coalescingpartnerships
(business,tourism&civicorganizations,etc.)
• Definite,clear,ongoingmediapresence
• Travel• Accountingandauditing• FinancialOversight• Maintainorganization
databasesandrecords• Advocacy(DC,Helena,
local)
• Establishingandmaintainingregularcommunicationwithpartnersandallies
• Administration&organizationfunction
• Face-to-facecommunications/relationshipbuilding
• Fundraising
Years3-5
• Servingasthepublicface
• Definite,clear,ongoingmediapresence
• Travel• Maintainorganization
databasesandrecords• Establishingand
maintainingregularcommunicationswithpartnersandallies
• Administration&organizationfunction
• Oversightofmanagementplanning
• Face-to-facecommunications/relationshipbuilding
• Fundraising• Advocacy(DC,Helena,
local)• Accountingandauditing• Financialmanagement• Coalescingpartnerships
(business,tourism&civicorganizations,etc.)
Note:AssumesYears1and2awaitingdesignationasanNHA,andwithdesignationstartinginYear3.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 69
ConceptualFinancialPlan
Afive-yearoperatingandadministrativebudgetforBSCNHA,Inc.,isproposedforthecoordinatingentityasitestablishesandadvancesadesignatedNHA.BSCNHA,Inc.,mustbeabletoraisesufficientfundingtomatchthepotentialNationalParkServicefunding.ThecurrentminimumlevelsofNHAallocationsare$150,000fordesignatedNHAswithoutapprovedmanagementplansand$300,000forNHAswithapprovedmanagementplans.Therefore,budgetassumesthereceiptofNationalParkServicefundingof$150,000forYear1throughYear4and$300,000inNationalParkServicefundinginYear5.Theseallocationamountscouldchangeinthefuture,andanover-dependencyonNationalParkServicefundsasapartofanannualbudgetcouldputtheNHAatriskifNationalParkServicefundingwereeverreducedoreliminatedbyCongress.
Theprojectedbudgetreflectsanorganizationwithagoaloffinancialsustainability,withadollar-for-dollarmatchofprojectedNationalParkServicefundingineachyear.Withsustainabilityasagoal,thereisadiminishingrelianceonin-kindmatchfrompartners,andanequallyproportionalactualcashmatch,aspartofeachyear’sannualtotal.Alsoconsideredinthisbudgetareyearlytotalsfortheanticipatedcostsofconducting“earlyimplementationprojects”andtheexpensesrelatedtoconductingamanagementplan.
Expense Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 NotesExecutiveDirector 70,000$ 72,100$ 74,263$ 76,491$ 78,786$ 1ProgramManager 35,000$ 36,050$ 37,132$ 38,245$ 39,393$ 1DevelopmentDirector 0 0 0 30,000$ 60,000$ 1Fringe25% 26,500$ 27,295$ 28,114$ 36,184$ 44,545$Operations 40,000$ 51,200$ 52,736$ 54,318$ 70,000$ 2Travel 10,000$ 10,300$ 10,609$ 15,000$ 15,000$Planning 67,000$ 67,000$ 67,000$ 25,000$ -$Promotion&Marketing 10,000$ 10,300$ 10,609$ 12,000$ 12,500$Projects 41,500$ 50,000$ 60,000$ 75,000$ 200,000$TotalExpense 300,000$ 324,245$ 340,463$ 362,238$ 520,224$
Income Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 NotesAppropriations 150,000$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 300,000$Grants 50,000$ 60,000$ 70,000$ 80,000$ 85,000$Donations 80,000$ 85,000$ 85,000$ 86,000$ 90,000$Sponsorships 15,000$ 20,000$ 20,000$ 25,000$ 25,000$EarnedRevenue 5,000$ 10,000$ 15,000$ 20,000$ 20,000$TotalCash 300,000$ 325,000$ 340,000$ 361,000$ 520,000$In-KindContributions 0 5,000$ 20,000$ 30,000$ 80,000$TotalIncome 300,000$ 330,000$ 360,000$ 391,000$ 600,000$
ReserveBalance 0.00 5,755$ 19,537$ 28,762$ 79,776$ 3Notes:1-Staffpositionsreflecta3percentannualincrease2-Includesaccounting,audit,insurance,legal,boarddevelopment,printing,equipment,etc,3-Reservebalancewill beusedtooffsetanyunexpected,necessary,futureexpense(s).
BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageAreaFive-YearOperationsandAdministrationBudget
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 70
CHAPTER5:SUMMARYOFFEASIBILITY“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.” John Steinbeck
BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea
Forthepastsixyears,BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea,Inc.(BSCNHA,Inc.),hasledaprocessfortheestablishmentofaNationalHeritageArea(NHA)involvinghundredsofcitizensanddozensofcommunitygroupswithinCascadeandChouteaucounties.Thestudyprocesshasconsideredallaspectsofcommunityinput,includingthebenefitsofandconcernsforthecreationofanNHA.Overthecourseoftheplanningprocess,thefollowingquestionshavebeentested:IstheideaofanNHAfeasible?WhatisthenationallysignificantstoryoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana?Aretherehistoric,cultural,andnaturalresourcesintheregionthatcouldhelptellthisstory?Isthereaframeworkandcapacitytodevelopandcarryoutaregionalvisionbasedonthestoryandresources?
TheNationalParkServicedevelopedtencriteriaforevaluationofemergingNHAs.Eachcriterionislistedbelow,followedbyadescriptionofhowthisstudyhasdemonstratedthefeasibilityandsuitabilityofNHAdesignationfortheUpperMissouriRiverregion,BigSkyCountry.
Withitsbigskyanddistinctivelandscape,theupperMissouriRiverregionofMontanaholdsthestoryofthetransformationofthewesternUnitedStates.CourtesyofAndrewFinch
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 71
1.Anareahasanassemblageofnatural,historic,orculturalresourcesthattogetherrepresentdistinctiveaspectsofAmericanheritageworthyofrecognition,conservation,interpretation,and
continuinguse,andarebestmanagedassuchanassemblagethroughpartnershipsamongpublicandprivateentities,andbycombiningdiverseandsometimesnoncontiguousresourcesandactivecommunities.
BigSkyCountryNationalHeritageArea(BigSkyCountryNHA)hasanationallysignificantstorysupportedbyanassemblageofnationallysignificantresourcesthattellthestoryofthetransformationofthewesternUnitedStates.Withinthespaceofacentury,theUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontanawentfromabountifulbisonhuntinggroundfor13indigenoustribestoalandscapethatsupportedWesternexpansionthroughagricultureandindustry.TheLewisandClarkexpeditionwasthevanguardofthischange,andlater,CharlieRussellwasitsgreatestchronicler.FourNationalHistoricLandmarksandtheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailanchorthisstory,highlightingtheregion’shistorythroughanindigenousbuffalojump,theportagerouteoftheLewisandClarkexpedition,theheadofnavigationontheMissouri,andthehomeandstudioofanartistwhobroughtthehistorytolife.Inadditiontothesenationallysignificantresources,theregionholdsanadditional143historic,cultural,andnaturalresourcesidentifiedbyengagedresidentsandorganizations.Thisincludes33sitesand10districtslistedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.AppendixVIIcontainsalistingofallresourcesrelatedtotheregion’snationalsignificanceandfiveinterpretivethemes.
2.Reflectstraditions,customs,beliefs,andfolklifethatareavaluablepartofthenationalstory.
NHAsarelivinglandscapes,andBigSkyCountryNHAexemplifiesthatstandard.Stillvisibleisthedistinctivelandscapewherebisononceroamed,drawing14indigenoustribeswhoselivesdependeduponthatsacredanimal,includingthefourtribesoftheBlackfootConfederacy,knownastheNisitapi(SiksikaorBlackfoot;KainaiorBlood;PikaniiorNorthernPeigan;andPikuniorSouthernPieganorBlackfeet),aswellastheSalish,Kootenai,Pendd’Oreille,Shoshone,Bannock,NezPerce,GrosVentre,Crow,andAssiniboine.Today,thelegacyofthebisoncultureisfoundinannualcelebrationssuchastheLittleShellPowwowatFirstPeoplesBuffaloJump,aNationalHistoricLandmarkandMontanaStatePark.CulturalcontinuityisalsoevidentintherecentfederalrecognitionoftheLittleShellChippewatribe,apeoplewhohavesoughtthisstatussincethe1880s.WhereLewisandClarkoncetraveled,modernoutdoorenthusiastsandamateurhistoriansfollowthehistoricrouteenjoyingtheMissouriRivercorridoranditstributaries,aswellastheRiver’sEdgeNationalRecreationalTrailthatoffersabicyclingandpedestrianroutealongtheriver.ThemassivechangethatfollowedinthewakeofLewisandClark’sepicexploratoryexpeditionculminatedintoday’seconomy,withagriculturallandsstretchingasfarastheeyecanseeandhydropowergeneratedfromtheGreatFallsoftheMissourifuelingindustryandhomesformorethanacentury.
Fishingisamongthemostpopularoutdoorrecreationalpursuitsenjoyedbyresidentsofandvisitorstotheregion.CourtesyofGayleFisher
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 72
SinceEuro-Americansfirstarrivedintheregion,artistshavecapturedboththebeautyofthelandscapeandtheintricaciesoftheregion’speople.Artremainsbothaculturalvalueandanimportanteconomicdriverintheregion,asdemonstratedbytheannualWesternArtWeekfeaturingtheworksofmanynationallyknownandlocalartists,aswellaseventsdedicatedtoart,andthecommunities’numerousprivateartgalleriesandfiveartmuseums–threeinGreatFalls,andtwoinFortBenton(ParisGibsonSquareMuseumofArt,C.M.RussellMuseum,GalerieTrinitas,StarrGalleryofWesternArt,andtheDean&DonnaStrandWesternArtGallery).HutteriteshavebeenaforceinMontana’sagriculture,producing90%ofthestate’shogs,34%ofthedairy,16%ofthepoultry,andmorethan95%ofMontana’seggs.Rodeos,farmersmarkets,andfestivalsthatcelebratetheregion’sheritagealsoareimportanttraditions.Livingculturaltraditionsthatreflecttheregion’shistoricalsignificancearereflectedintheplacesandeventslistedintheresourceinventory.
3.Providesoutstandingopportunitiestoconservenatural,cultural,historic,and/orscenicfeatures.
TheregionisoneofbreathtakingbeautyofopenprairielandthatrunsintotheeasternfoothillsoftheRockyMountains,carvedbythemightyMissouriRiveranditstributaries.Thelandscapeconsistsoflarge-scaleworkingcattleranchesandgrainfarms,flat-toppedbuttes,andcraggymountainoutcroppings.Historicsmalltownsdotthelandscapeandthehistoriccharacteroftheiroriginaltownsitesiscelebratedandhonored.Opportunitiestoassistinmaintainingtheregion’sagriculturalcommerceandtraditions;toenhanceoutdoorrecreationalopportunities,especiallyalongthewatercorridors;todocumentandpreservetheregion’swealthofhistoricresources;andtoexpandinterpretationofthetransformationoftheWestareendless.Incarryingouttheseopportunities,theregionhasthepotentialtoenticethehundredsofthousandsofvisitorsthattravelbetweenYellowstoneNationalParkandGlacierNationalParkeachyeartotakethissidesteptolearnaboutlifeontheplains.Increasingvisitationwillcontinuetobuildthelocaleconomyontheregion’snationallysignificantheritage,enhancethesustainabilityoftheNHA,andtoworkwithpartnerstoinvestinthestewardshipofthenatural,cultural,andhistoricfeatures.
4.Providesoutstandingrecreationalandeducationalopportunities.
Outdoorrecreationisasignificantsocio-economicsectorinMontana.ThestateissecondinthenationinoutdoorrecreationasapercentageofitsGrossDomesticProduct(GDP),asreportedbytheUSBureauofEconomicAnalysisin2019.1Moreover,96%ofMontanansbelieveoutdoorrecreationisimportanttothestate'seconomicfuture,and95%sayitisimportanttotheirownqualityoflife.Guidedtours,outfitter-guidedtravel,boating,angling,hunting,hiking,skiing,andcyclingbringinmillionsofdollarsandsupportmorethan16,000jobsacrossthestate.
1Hawaiiisfirstat5.4%,andMontanaissecondat5.1%.
ANationalScenicBywayprovideseasyaccesstowintersportsintheHelena-Lewis&ClarkNationalForest,includingsnowshoeinganddownhillandcross-countryskiing.CourtesyofGayleFisher
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 73
Accordingtoa2018reportfromtheUniversityofMontana’sInstituteonTourism&RecreationResearch,thosejobs,alongwith$1.3billionineconomicoutput,aresupportedbynonresidenttravelersspendingnearly$800milliononoutfittedorguidedexperiences.From"floatin'theMo',"tosecuringacovetedpasstofloattheSmithRivertobicyclingorjoggingover57milesoftheRiver'sEdgeNationalRecreationTrail,drivingtheKingsHillScenicBywayorhikingandskiinginthenearbyHelena-LewisandClarkNationalForest,towalkingthehistoriclevyalongtheMissouriRiverinFortBenton,BigSkyCountryalreadyboastsmanyoutstandingrecreationalactivitiesandresources.NonresidenttourismandrecreationinCascadeCounty,alone,supportsover2,100jobs,andnearly$150millionineconomicactivity,directly(InstituteofTourism&Recreation2019).ManyopportunitiesexisttoenhanceoutdoorrecreationintheUpperMissouriRiverregion–withabandonedrailroadlinesalongtheMissouriRiverandwithintheNationalForest–especiallygiventheregion'slocationbetweentwoofthenation'smostvisitednationalparks.Theregionisalsofullofexceptionaleducationalresources.OveradozeninterpretivecentersandmuseumsacrosstheBigSkyCountryNHAhighlightdifferentelementsoftheregion'shistory;amongthelargestfacilitiesaretheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailInterpretiveCenter,theC.M.RussellMuseum,theFirstPeople'sBuffaloJumpStatePark,OldFortBentonTradingPost,theUpperMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonumentInterpretiveCenter,andtheMontanaStateAgriculturalMuseum.EducationalpartnershipstobenefitK-12studentsmaycontributetotheregionalgoalofretainingyoungpeople.Similarly,educationalprogrammingaimedatlifelonglearnerswillenhancequalityoflifeintheregion.
5.Theresourcesimportanttotheidentifiedthemeorthemesofthearearetainadegreeofintegritycapableofsupportinginterpretation.
AsnotedinCriterion#2,thestoryofthetransformationoftheWestissuccinctlyexpressedintheregion’snationallysignificantresources–theLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail,FirstPeoplesBuffaloJumpNHL,GreatFallsPortageNHL,FortBentonNHL,andtheC.M.RussellHomeandStudioNHL.Theseresourcesmerittheirnationaldesignationsbyvirtueoftheirintegrity,andtogethertracetheregion’sjourneyinlessthanacenturyfromalanddominatedbyindigenouspeoples,towesternexplorationandexpansion,totheestablishmentofmodernagricultureandanindustrialeconomy.
Re-enactorsteachfamiliesaboutthemostimportanttooloftheLewisandClarkExpedition–firepowertohuntandputmeatinthebelliesof33grownmembersoftheCorpsofDiscovery.Today’sconveniencesmakelifeeasycomparedtotherigorsofsurvivalalongtheMissouriRiver,over200yearsago.CourtesyofUSDAForestService
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 74
NotonlydotheseresourcesencapsulatetheStatementofNationalSignificance,buttheyalsoreflectthethemessupportingthatstatement.TheFirstPeoplesBuffaloJumpNHL isoneoftheoldest,largest,andbest-preservedcliffjumplocationsontheNorthAmericancontinent,andservesasawindowintonearly6,000yearsofindigenousculture.
TheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrailbisectstheregion,followingthe1805-1806passageoftheCorpsofDiscovery.ThetrailsegmentwithintheproposedNHAincludessevensitesrecognizedbytheNationalParkServiceashavingsignificantpotentialforfutureinterpretationoftheexpeditionduetotheirhistoricsignificance,scenicquality,relativefreedomfromincursion,andthepresenceofhistoricremnants.ThoseHighPotentialSitesincludetheupperandlowersectionsoftheGreatFallsPortageNHL,DecisionPoint,RainbowFalls,GiantSprings,SquareButte,andTowerRock.
Thefortandoriginalblockhouse,thehistoricbridge,andthecommercialandresidentialstructuresthatcomprisetheFortBentonNHLreflectthemid-tolate-19thcenturyopeningoftheWest,“AFarDistantLand,”byEuro-Americansettlers.TheNHL’s13contributingresourceshelptellthestoryofthefurandbisonrobetrade,transportation,commerce,settlement,andranchingalongthebanksoftheMissouriRiver.Finally,astheregiontransitionedfromindigenoushomelandtotheopenrange,andthentothe“NewWest”markedbyagricultureandindustry,CharlieRussellchronicledthechangewithartthatwasatonceabeautifuldepictionoftheregionandapoignantsocialcommentary.TheC.M.RussellHomeandLogCabinStudioNHLanchortheC.M.RussellMuseumasaplacetotellthisstory.
Finally,theMissouriRiverisacriticalresourcethatlinkstheregionbothphysicallyandthematically.AllofthethemeshaveatangentialrelationshiptotheMissouri.Moreover,theriverisintegraltomodernlifeasanatural,recreational,educational,interpretive,andeconomicresource.TheriverisliterallythespineoftheskeletalstructureoftheBigSkyCountryNHA.
Theresourcesdescribedherearehighlycapableofsupportinginterpretationintheregion.Theyarecomplementedbythe43resourceslistedintheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesthatarefoundintheinventoryinAppendixVII.
In1890,BlackEagleFallsbecamethesiteofthefirsthydroelectricdamontheMissouriRiver.Itwasreplacedin1926andstillgeneratespowertoday.CourtesyofGayleFisher
Buffalohides,elkantlers,andpowderhornsfilltheFortBentontradingpost,muchastheywouldhaveintheearly19thcentury.CourtesyofPointHDC
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 75
6.Residents,businessinterests,non-profitorganizations,andgovernmentswithintheproposedareaareinvolvedintheplanning,havedevelopedaconceptualfinancialplanthatoutlinestherolesforall
participantsincludingthefederalgovernment,andhavedemonstratedsupportfordesignationofthearea.
ThepartnershipnetworkthatexistsinBigSkyCountryNHAisdiverse,engaged,energized,andcapableofsustaininganNHAintheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana.Thisnetworkincludes29keyandcurrentpartners,andthepotentialfordozensofothers(see“Partnerships”inAppendixIII).Leadingthiseffortisthenon-profitorganization,BSCNHA,Inc.,whichformedtohelpadvancetheefforttoplanfortheNHA.Overthelastfiveyears,thisorganizationhasgainedtherespectofareapartnerstodirecttheNHA’soperations,administration,andprogramming.Atthesametime,BSCNHA,Inc.,hasdevelopedcapacitytoraisethenecessaryfundstosupporttheplanningeffort,attainitsgoalofthecompletionofthisfeasibilitystudy,therebygainingtherespectandconfidenceofitsfundersasfutureinvestorsintheNHA.Afive-yearconceptualfinancialplanisfoundinChapter4.
7.Theproposedcoordinatingentityandunitsofgovernmentsupportingthedesignationarewilling
tocommittoworkinginpartnershiptodeveloptheheritagearea.
Similartotheprivate-sectorpartnershipcoalitiondescribedinCriterion6,BSCNHA,Inc.,hasdemonstratedstrongsupportfromstateandlocalgovernmentsintheNHA.WithstrongsupportfromthecitiesofBelt,Cascade,FortBenton,GreatFalls,andNiehartwithinCascadeandChouteaucounties,andtheStateofMontanaanditsagencies,BSCNHA,Inc.,isendorsedasthecoordinatingentityoftheNHA.ThesepartnershavedemonstratedawillingnesstocometogethertodiscussprojectsintheNHA,participateinmeetings,assistwithin-kindsupport,andsupportgrantapplications.Theyhavebeenwillingtoworkacrossjurisdictionalboundarylinesinordertodevelopasharedvision,asdepictedinthisfeasibilitystudy,andeliminateobstaclestothecompletionofmutually-beneficialprojects.
8.Theproposalisconsistentwithcontinuedeconomicactivityinthearea.
Theresidents,governments,organizations,andbusinessesoftheUpperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontanaandtheBigSkyCountryNHAarepoisedtoattractgreaternumbersoftourists,astheregionissituatedbetweentwoofthemostpopularandhighlyvisitednationalparksintheNationalParksystem–GlacierandYellowstone.TheregionalsocontainsaportionoftheLewisandClarkNationalHistoricTrail,alongwithfourNationalHistoricLandmarks.TheregionalpartnershiplookstofurthercapitalizeonthesedestinationassetsandtobuildtheNHA,therebygeneratingmoretourists,tourismdollars,andtherelatedeconomicbenefits,includingjobsandtaxrevenuesthatresultfromtheseactivities.TheBigSkyCountryNHAhasalreadycollaboratedwiththeVisitGreatFalls,Montana,thelocaltourismorganization,onpromotinghistoricsitesintheregion.
Montana’sagriculturaltraditioncontinuesontheRobisonfarminChouteauCounty.CourtesyofKenRobison
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 76
Furthermore,consistentwiththegoalsofNHAs,BigSkyCountryNHAcelebratesandconservestheregion’sagriculturalheritageasanessentiallivingculturaltraditionandeconomicmainstay.ThisindustryisakeyeconomicdriverforthepeoplewholiveinMontanatoday,generating$2.4billionannually.
9.Aconceptualboundarymapissupportedbythepublic.
AboundarythatincorporatesthenationallysignificantresourcesofCascadeandportionsofChouteaucountieshasbeenstudied,vetted,andfinalizedwiththecommunitiesandthebroaderpartnership.Thisboundarysupportsthenationallysignificantstoryandthemes,includesnationallysignificantresourcesthatexpressthosethemes,isonethatcanbemanaged,andisalsorespectfuloftherightsofallprivatepropertyowners.ThepublicprocessbywhichtheconceptualboundarywasestablishedisdescribedindetailinChapter3.Thatprocessincludedcarefullyexamining,andthenlayeringuponeachotherthetraits,traditions,andactivitiesthatareimportanttotheregion’sheritage,ledtoaboundarythatiscomprehensive,easilydefined,anddefensible.
AsdescribedinChapter3,abroadboundarywaspresentedtothepublicpriortothebeginningofthefeasibilitystudy.Basedoninitialfeedbackthattheboundarywastoolarge,amuchnarrowerboundarywasintroducedatthefirstfeasibilitystudypublicmeeting.Overthecourseofthestudy,themesandresourceswerearticulatedthroughamanagementworkshopandreviewbysubjectmatterexperts.Thisinput,aswellasfeedbackonthenarrowboundarypresentedatthefirstpublicmeeting,ledtoaboundaryrevisionthatultimatelybecamethepreferredboundary.Thenew,revisedboundaryencompassedtheMissouriRiveranditstributaries,keyresources,thelandscapefeaturescapturedinRussell’sart,and,asstatedinChapter3,“thevastspacesinbetweenwheretoday’sMontananslivetheirdailylivesimbuedwiththehistoryandheritageoftheregion.”Thisfinalboundaryproposalandthereasoningbehinditweresharedwiththepublicatthesecondandfinalroundsofpublicmeetings.
10.Thecoordinatingentityproposedtoplanandimplementtheprojectisdescribed.
BSCNHA,Inc.,acceptsthemantletoleadtheNHA,including administration,operations,jointfund-raising,programming,andprojects.Thisdeterminationwasreachedthroughaprocessthatinvolvedkeypartnersandstakeholders,allofwhomagreedthatBSCNHA,Inc.,shouldcontinueasthecoordinatingentity.Throughouttheplanningprocess,theorganizationhasexercisedtransparency,anddemonstratedleadershipanddiplomacytobuildthecapacityofthepartnershipnetworktodevelopandimplementasharedregionalvision.
Kayaksfor“floatin’theMo’”linethebanksoftheMissouriinfrontofthebridgeinFortBenton.Builtin1888,thebridgewasthefirsttospantheMissouriRiverinMontana.CourtesyofGayleFisher
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 77
StudyConcusion
IntheupperMissouriRiverregionofcentralMontana,thestoryofthetransformationofthewesternUnitedStatesisetchedontheregion’sdistinctivelandscapeinthephysicalfeaturesandlivingtraditionsthatremain.Duetotheimportanceoftheculturalchangethatoccurredinlittlemorethanacentury,aswellasthenumber,significance,andintegrityoftheresourcesrelatedtothisstory,thisregionmeetsthenecessarycriteriafordesignationasanNHA.Furthermore,throughparticipationinpublicmeetingsandeventsoverthelastfouryears,throughlettersreceivedinfavorofanNHA,aswellasthroughfinancialdonationsfortheeffort,thepublichasexpressedstrongsupportfordesignationoftheBigSkyCountryNHA.Finally,theproposedcoordinatingentityanditspartnershipnetworkhavedemonstratedtheexpertise,will,andcapacitytosupportanNHAincentralMontana.
RecommendationsonNextSteps
Giventheconclusionthatresidentsoftheregion,undertheleadershipofBSCNHA,Inc.,shouldpursueNHAdesignationbyCongress,theorganizationhasconsideredthenextstepsthatmustoccur.Asetofrecommendationscameoutofthediscussionswithstakeholders,communitymembers,regionalleaders,andtheboardofdirectorsofBSCNHA,Inc.,overthecourseofthefeasibilitystudy.ThesearedescribedinChapter1,andaresummarizedhere,asfollows:
1. PursuefederallegislationbywhichtheU.S.CongresswoulddesignatetheBigSkyCountryNHA.2. Carryoutearlyimplementationprojectsidentifiedinthisplanningprocess.3. Worktowardthecompletionandimplementationofamanagementplan.4. ContinuetobuildtheNHApartnershipnetwork.5. Buildthestaffandboardtomeettheevolvingneedsoftheorganization.6. GrowfundraisingtoensureasustainableorganizationandNHA.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 78
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ambrose,Stephen.UndauntedCourage:MeriwetherLewis,ThomasJeffersonandtheOpeningoftheAmericanWest.NewYork:Simon&Shuster,1997.
Banks,Eleanor.Wandersong.Caldwell:CaxtonPrinters,1950.Barkey,PatrickM.,GeorgeHaynes,andJoelSchumacher.TheEconomicContributionsofHutterite
CommunitiesinMontana.UniversityofMontana:BureauofBusinessandEconomicResearch,2019.
Barkwell,LawrenceJ.,LeahDorion,andDarrenR.Prefontaine,eds.MetisLegacy:AMetis
HistoriographyandAnnotatedBibliography.Winnipeg:PemmicanPublications,2001.Baumler,Ellen.MontanaMoments:HistoryontheGo.Helena:MontanaHistoricalSocietyPress,2010.Berry,GeraldL.TheWhoop-UpTrail:Alberta—MontanaRelationships.Edmonton:AppliedArtProducts
Ltd.,1953.BlackEagleBookCommittee.IntheShadowoftheBigStack:BlackEagle.BlackEagle:BlackEagle
BookCommittee,2000.Bodkins,SharonLenington.ALightattheEndoftheCanyon,1889-1989:ABriefWrittenandPictorial
HistoryofMonarch,MontanaandtheSurroundingArea,CompletewithFamilyHistories,BothPastandPresent.Monarch:MonarchCentennialCommittee,1989.
Buckley,Jay.WilliamClark-IndianDiplomat.Norman:UniversityofOklahomaPress,2008.Corbin,Annaliese.TheLifeandTimesoftheSteamboatRedCloudor,HowMerchants,Mounties,andthe
MissouriTransformedtheWest.CollegeStation:TexasA&MUniversityPress,2006.Cutright,PaulRussell.LewisandClark:PioneeringNaturalists.Lincoln:UniversityofNebraskaPress,
1989.Dougherty,MichaelandHeidiPheilDougherty.TheUltimateMontanaAtlasandTravelEncyclopedia,
ThirdEdition.Bozeman:UltimatePress,2005.EdenAreaHistoricalCommittee.ACenturyintheFoothills1876to1976:AHistoryoftheEdenarea
CascadeCounty,Montana.CascadeCounty:EdenAreaHistoricalCommittee,1976.Ewers,JohnC.TheBlackfeet:RaidersontheNorthwesternPlains.Norman:UniversityofOklahoma
Press,1958.Fritz,HarryW.,MaryMurphy,RobertR.Swartout,Jr.,eds.MontanaLegacy:EssaysonHistory,People,
andPlace.Helena:MontanaHistoricalSociety,2002.
Frohlicher,S.V.“StoneAgetoSpaceAgein100Years”CascadeCountyHistoryandGazetteer.GreatFalls:CascadeCountyHistoricalSociety,1981.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 79
Furdell,WilliamJ.andElisabethLaneFurdell.GreatFallsAPictorialHistory.Norfolk:DonningCompanyPublishers,1987.
Grau,Kara.2018EconomicContributionofNonresidentTravelSpendinginMontanaTravelRegionsand
Counties.Missoula:InstituteforTourism&RecreationResearch,UniversityofMontana,2019.Graybill,AndrewR.TheRedandTheWhite:AFamilySagaoftheAmericanWest.NewYork:Liveright
Publishing,2013.Guthrie,A.B.,Jr.TheBigSky.NewYork:WilliamSloaneAssociates,1947.Hanson,JamesA.TheEncyclopediaofTradeGoods:FirearmsoftheFurTrade,Vol.1.Chadron:Museum
oftheFurTrade,2011._________.TheEncyclopediaofTradeGoods:Tools&UtensilsoftheFurTrade,Vol.3.Chadron:
MuseumoftheFurTrade,2018._________.TheEncyclopediaofTradeGoods:Clothing&TextilesoftheFurTrade,Vol.4.Chadron:
MuseumoftheFurTrade,2014._________.TheEncyclopediaofTradeGoods:ProvisionsoftheFurTrade,Vol.6.Chadron:Museumof
theFurTrade,2017._________.WhenSkinsWereMoney:AHistoryoftheFurTrade.Chadron:MuseumoftheFur
Trade,2005.Howard,JosephKinsey.Montana–High,WideandHandsome.NewHaven:YaleUniversityPress,1943._________.StrangeEmpire.NewYork:WilliamMorrowandCompany,1952.Hunter,LouisC.SteamboatsontheWesternRivers:AnEconomicandTechnologicalHistory.Cambridge:
HarvardUniversityPress,1949.Jackson,JohnG.ThePiikaniBlackfeet:ACultureUnderSiege.Missoula:MountainPress,2000.Johnston,Lloyd,ed.WeCalledThemBack:MontanaHomesteadersandPioneersofTheOldWilsonPost
OfficeCountry.Fairfield:FairfieldTimesPrint,1974.Kennedy,MichaelStephen.TheAssiniboinesFromtheAccountsoftheOldOnesToldtoFirstBoy(James
LarpenteurLong).Norman,UniversityofOklahomaPress,1961.Kennon,Bob.FromthePecostothePowder:ACowboy’sAutobiography.Norman:Universityof
OklahomaPress,1965.Kirk,CecilH.AHistoryoftheMontanaPowerCompany.PleasantHill:DonnB.Kirk,2008.Lass,WilliamE.NavigatingtheMissouri:SteamboatingonNature’sHighway,1819—1935.Norman:
ArthurH.Clark,2008._________.AHistoryofSteamboatingontheUpperMissouriRiver.Lincoln:UniversityofNebraska
Press,1962.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 80
Lepley,JohnG.BirthplaceofMontana:AHistoryofFortBenton.Missoula:PictorialHistoriesPublishing,1999.
_________.BlackfootFurTradeontheUpperMissouri.Missoula:PictorialHistoriesPublishing,2004._________.PacketstoParadise:SteamboatingtoFortBenton.Missoula:PictorialHistories
Publishing,2001.Malone,MichaelP.JamesJ.Hill:EmpireBuilderoftheNorthwest.Norman:UniversityofOklahoma
Press,1996.Malone,MichaelP.,RichardB.Roeder,andWilliamL.Lang.Montana:AHistoryofTwoCenturies.
Seattle:UniversityofWashingtonPress,1991.Martinell,Carol,etal.TigerButteRecollections.GreatFalls:TigerButteExtensionHomemakers,1990.McBride,SisterGenevieve.TheBirdTail.NewYork:VantagePress,1984.McDermott,PaulD.,ed.TheMullanRoad:CarvingaPassagethroughtheFrontierNorthwest,1859-62.
Missoula:MountainPressPublishers,2015_________.EyeoftheExplorer:ViewsoftheNorthernPacificRailroadSurvey1853-54.Missoula:
MountainPress,2010.Meinig,D.W.TheShapingofAmerica:AGeographicalPerspectiveon500YearsofHistory;Volume2,
ContinentalAmerica,1800-1867.NewHaven:YaleUniversity,1993._________.TheShapingofAmerica:AGeographicalPerspectiveon500YearsofHistory;Volume3,
TranscontinentalAmerica,1850-1915.NewHaven:YaleUniversity,1993.Merrill,AndreaandJudyJacobsen.MontanaAlmanac.Helena:FalconPublishing,Inc.,1997.Morand,Anne.YourFriend,C.M.Russell:TheC.M.RussellCollectionofIllustratedLetters.GreatFalls:
C.M.RussellMuseum,2008.Morton,Claudette,ed.EssentialUnderstandingsofMontanaHutterites,AResourceforEducationsand
Students.Helena:MontanaOfficeofPublicInstruction,2010.Moulton,GaryE.,ed.TheJournalsoftheLewisandClarkExpedition,Vols.1-13.Lincoln:Universityof
NebraskaPress,1983-2001.Murphy,JamesE.HalfInterestinaSilverDollar:TheSagaofCharlesE.Conrad.Missoula:Mountain
PressPublishingCompany,1983.Overholser,Joel.FortBenton:World’sInnermostPort.Helena:FalconPress,1987.Peavy,LindaandUrsulaSmith.FullCourtQuest:TheGirlsfromFortShawIndianSchoolBasketball
ChampionsoftheWorld.Norman:UniversityofOklahomaPress,2008.Point,Nicholas.WildernessKingdom:IndianLifeintheRockyMountains,1840-1847,theJournals&
PaintingsofFatherNicholasPoint.NewYork:Holt,Rinehart&Winston,1967.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 81
PortageHistoricalSociety.PrairiePioneers:ANarrativeofMontanaHomesteadDays.PortageHistoricalSocety,1966.
Richards,KentD.IsaacI.Stevens:YoungManinaHurry.Pullman:WashingtonStateUniversity
Press,2016.Robison,Ken.CascadeCountyandGreatFalls.Charleston:ArcadiaPublishing,2011.________.Yankees&RebelsontheUpperMissouri:Steamboats,GoldandPeace.Charleston:The
HistoryPress,2016.Robison,Ken,ed.LifeandDeathontheUpperMissouri:TheFrontierSketchesofJohnnyHealy.Great
Falls:CreateSpaceIndependentPublishers,2013.Ronda,JamesP.LewisandClarkamongtheIndians.Lincoln:UniversityofNebraskaPress,1984.Sage,JeremyL.,CarterBermingham,andNormaP.Nickerson.Montana'sOutfittingIndustry-2017
EconomicContributionandIndustry-ClientAnalysis.Missoula:InstituteforTourism&RecreationResearch,UniversityofMontana,2018.
Schultz,JamesW.MyLifeasanIndian:TheStoryofaRedWomanandAWhiteManintheLodgesofthe
Blackfeet.NewYork:Doubleday,Page&Company,1907.Scriver,Bob.NoMoreBuffalo.KansasCity:LowellPress,1982.Sharp,PaulF.Whoop-UpCountry:TheCanadianWest,1865-1885.Minneapolis:UniversityofMinnesota
Press,1955.SmithRiverHistoricalSociety.TheSmithRiverJournalAHistoryfromLewis&Clarkto1979(Cascade&
MeagherCounties).GreatFalls:TribunePrinting,1979.SunRiverValleyHistoricalSociety.APictorialHistoryoftheSunRiverValley.SunRiver:SunRiver
ValleyHistoricalSociety,1989.__________.SunRiverValleyHistoryII.SunRiver:SunRiverValleyHistoricalSociety,2014.Sunder,JohnE.TheFurTradeontheUpperMissouri,1840-1865.Norman:UniversityofOklahomaPress,
1965.Swartout,RobertR.,Jr.,ed.Montana:ACulturalMedley,StoriesofOurEthnicDiversity.Helena:Far
CountryPress,2015.Taliaferro,John.CharlesM.Russell:TheLifeandLegendofAmerican’sCowboyArtist.NewYork:Little,
Brown,andCompany,1996.Thomson,Jan,ed.EarlySettlersofGreatFalls:1884-1920,Volumes1-2.GreatFalls:CreateSpace
IndependentPublishers,2012.Toole,K.Ross.Montana:AnUncommonLand.Norman:UniversityofOklahomaPress,1959.UlmHistoryCommittee.FromtheBeginning:Ulm,Flood,GoreHill,Riverdale1805-1997.Cascade:
Courier,1997.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 82
UnitedStates.WarDepartment.ReportsofExplorationsandSurveystoAscertaintheMostPracticableandEconomicalRouteforaRailroadfromtheMississippiRivertothePacificOcean.Washington:BeverleyTucker,A.O.P.Nicholson,ThomasH.Ford,1855.
Vaughn,Robert.ThenandNoworThirty-SixYearsintheRockies.Minneapolis:TribunePrinting
Company,1900.Vrooman,Nicholas.TheWholeCountrywas...OneRobe:TheLittleShellTribe’sAmerica.Helena:
DrumlummonInstituteandLittleShellTribeofChippewaIndiansofMontana,2013.Wahlberg,Donna.SoBeIt:AHistoryoftheBarkerMiningDistrict(HughesvilleandBarker,Montana).
Self-published,1989.Walker,Mildred.WinterWheat.NewYork:Harcourt,Brace&Co.,1967.Welch,James.FoolsCrow.NewYork:VikingPenguin,1986.West,CarrollVan.“Montana’sHistoricLandscapes:35YearsinBigSkyCountry.”AccessedJanuary
18,2020.http://montanahistoriclandscape.com._________.ATraveler’sCompaniontoMontanaHistory.Helena:MontanaHistoricalSocietyPress,
1986.Wissler,ClarkandAliceBeckKehoe.AmshkapiPikuni:TheBlackfootPeople.Albany:StateUniversityof
NewYorkPress,2012.Wischmann,Lesley.FrontierDiplomats.TheLifeandTimesofAlexanderCulbertsonandNatoyistsiksina.
Norman:ArthurH.Clarke,2000.
Wischmann,LesleyandAndrewErskineDawson.ThisFar-OffWildLand:TheUpperMissouriLettersofAndrewDawson.Norman:ArthurH.Clarke,2013.
Witte,StephenS.andMarshaV.Gallagher,eds.TheNorthAmericanJournalsofPrinceMaximilianof
Wied:April-September1833,Vol.2.Norman:UniversityofOklahomaPress,2012.Wylie,PaulR.BloodontheMarias:TheBakerMassacre.Norman:UniversityofOklahomaPress,2016.Yuill,EllanR.ACentennialCelebration(GreatFalls,CascadeCounty).GreatFalls:ArtcraftPrinters,1884.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 83
APPENDICES
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 84
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 84
APPENDIX I CONCURRENT PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Education Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Great Falls Public Schools Strategic Plan for 2019-2020, approved August 5, 2019
Great Falls Public Schools
https://gfps.k12.mt.us/wp-content/uploads/ 2019/08/2019-2020-Final-Goals-Key-Results-Objectives.pdf
One of the goals of this plan emphasizes student achievement and the goal to be creative beyond the traditional means and to explore additional project-based learning opportunities for K-12. The plan includes goals to strengthen community/business partnerships, improve curriculum materials, and continue focus on Indian Education best practices. Future collaboration could include projects to enhance the curriculum materials in the areas of MT history, social studies, and Indian education.
Indian Education for All Curriculums
Montana Office of Public Instruction
http://opi.mt.gov/Educators/Teaching-Learning/Indian-Education-for-All/Indian-Education-Curriculum-Development-Implementation
Given the geographic region associated with the Big Sky Country NHA, schools can use expertise and community resources to ensure Indian Education for All as mandated by MCA 20-1-501 and the Montana Constitution. Given the funding from the State Legislature to support Montana Schools in this effort, the BSCNHA, Inc., can build and foster relationships in local communities to shape the success of rural schools in the implementation of Indian Education for All students. The OPI resource will provide a framework for implementation.
APPENDIXIBIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREACONCURRENTPLANNINGDOCUMENTS
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 85
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 85
Economic Development & Growth Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Cascade County Growth Policy Update, 2014
Cascade County Board of Cascade County Commissioners
http://www.cascadecountymt.gov/df/departments/public-works/planning/Adopted2014_GrowthPolicy.pdf
There are mutual purposes of the Cascade County Growth Policy and Big Sky Country NHA. Goal 1 is to sustain and strengthen the economic well-being of the county’s citizens by promoting development of cultural resources and tourism to broaden Cascade County’s economic base. Goal 2 focuses on protecting and rural character and the historic relationship with natural resource development. Goal 5 is to preserve and enhance the rural friendly and independent lifestyle of citizens by preserving and promoting the county’s cultural heritage, rooted in natural resource development and reflected in its numerous cultural, historic, and archaeological sites. BSCNHA, Inc., will honor traditions through education, supporting local events, and providing technical support for preservation activities desired by local citizenry.
Chouteau County Growth Policy, updated 2017
Chouteau County Commission, MT
http://www.co.chouteau.mt.us/index_htm_files/Chouteau%20Growth%20Policy%202017. pdf
The growth policy, in part, addresses the goal to enhance the recreational and cultural tourism opportunities throughout the county's rural areas, while protecting the environment, unique geological features, and national resources of the area as a means to diversify the economy.
City of Belt Growth Plan, adopted July 18, 2018
City of Belt City of Belt The Belt Growth Plan states the community supports the NHA initiative. Many action items align with NHA efforts. Big Sky Country NHA can assist the city with plans for improvements in the historic district through interpretive assistance, coordinating manpower for landscaping projects, promoting events at the Belt Performing Arts Center, the PRCA Rodeo, and events planned by the Belt Park Board. Big Sky Country NHA can also offer research assistance for the inventory of historic assets and the history of the coal mining region.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 86
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 86
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
City of Great Falls Growth Plan and Update 2013, Imagine Great Falls
Planning & Community Development Department, City of Great Falls, MT
https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_community_development/page/27411/growth_policy_update_-_august_6_2013.pdf and https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_community_development/page/29271/imagine_great_falls_publicparticipation_results.pdf
Coordination with the City of Great Falls to maximize the benefits of the Big Sky Country NHA potential with the City.
City of Great Falls Downtown Master Plan, October 2011
Planning & Community Development Department, City of Great Falls, MT
https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_community_development/page/27411/dtmp_cc_public_hearing_final.pdf
The plan builds upon the assets and advantages of downtown as the cultural and civic center of Great Falls, with its historic buildings, parks and open spaces, and proximity to the Missouri River. The primary goal of the plan is to facilitate the creation of a downtown that is more active, vibrant, accessible, and livable, just as the NHA does.
Fort Benton Planning Area Growth Policy, 2010 update
Fort Benton City-County Planning Board
Fort Benton City-County Planning Board
Coordination with the City of Fort Benton to maximize the benefits of the Big Sky Country NHA potential with the City.
Town of Cascade Growth Policy, approved 2019
Town of Cascade Town of Cascade This is a planning document for the Town of Cascade. The plan specifically mentions identifying, protecting, rehabilitating/reusing historically and culturally significant structures and sites in town, as well as expanding recreation and cultural tourism as it pertains to parks, trails, and activities on the river. Big Sky Country NHA could offer technical assistance and volunteer resources as needed.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 87
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 87
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Town of Cascade Capital Improvements Plan, approved 2018
Town of Cascade Town of Cascade The CIP is a budgeting and financial tool to establish public works rehabilitation and maintenance priorities and to establish funding for repairs and improvements. Part of this plan outlines current and future needs of parks, trails, and other recreational facilities that Big Sky Country NHA could potentially partner on to enhance their viability for residents and tourists to Cascade.
Downtown Great Falls Targeted Block Redevelopment Visioning, February 2020
Downtown Development Partnership
Great Falls Development Authority
The targeted block redevelopment visions seek to protect and restore historic features of properties in the downtown Great Falls historic districts, attracting private investment that will lead to historically sensitive renovations and the opening of businesses that will attract more cultural tourists to the market.
Historic Preservation Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Preservation Montana, The Montana Historic Preservation Plan, 2018-2022
State Historic Preservation Office, State of Montana
https://mhs.mt.gov/Portals/11/shpo/docs/MontanaStatePlan_2018_2022.pdf
This plan is a guide for state and local preservation efforts and a tool in setting priorities and creating partnerships for the preservation of significant historic, archeological and traditional cultural places.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Benton Lake NWF Complex
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/ completedPlanPDFs_A-E/bnl_ccpfinal_all.pdf
The plan includes visitor services and cultural resources goals. Future partnerships could be in supporting both goals.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 88
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 88
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Cascade County/Great Falls Historic Preservation Advisory Commission Annual Goals and Objectives
Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission
https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_community_development/page/40821/goals_and_objectives.pdf
Assist the Big Sky Country NHA board in their effort to create Montana’s first NHA. Create a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines future cooperation between the two entities. Partner on preservation projects in Cascade County.
List of High Potential Historic Sites, NPS Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, 2017 - an addendum to Comprehensive Management Plan (underway).
U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/lecl/learn/historyculture/places.htm
Several Lewis and Clark sites within the Big Sky Country NHA boundary are considered high potential historic sites, to include Decision Point, Great Falls Lower Portage, Rainbow Falls, Giant Springs, Great Falls Upper Portage, Square Butte, and Tower Rock. Each of these sites are important to the Lewis and Clark story within our project area.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Long-Range Interpretive Plan, September 2018
U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/lecl/getinvolved/upload/LECL-LRIP-508_LowRes.pdf
With a portion of the LCNHT running through the Big Sky Country NHA, there are opportunities to partner with the NPS to assist with implementation of their interpretive plan in this area.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 89
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 89
Interpretive Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Malmstrom AFB Museum Mission/Purpose, 2019
Malmstrom AFB Museum
Malmstrom AFB Museum
The Malmstrom Museum and Air Park is a non-profit museum operated by the USAF whose mission is to preserve the heritage and traditions of the USAF and share the story of missions from pre-WWII to today. The story aligns with the New West theme. Big Sky Country NHA can collaborate with the museum to promote educational programming and connect airmen/women to the greater community to garner support and understanding of the importance of their role in keeping America safe.
Montana’s Missouri Riverway – Great Falls Interpretive Program Plan, December 1997
Great Falls Interpretive Working Group
Park and Recreation Department, City of Great Falls
Coordination with various agencies along the Missouri riverway, one of the area’s premier attractions and the second-longest river in the U.S.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 90
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 90
Land Use Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILAVILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
EPA DRAFT Land Use Plan (former Smelter Site, 2019)
Water Environmental Technologies, Inc. (WET)
Board of Cascade County Commissioners
Cascade County has been working in partnership with the Black Eagle community to determine acceptable future uses for repurposed Super Fund properties owned by ARCO. The county has contracted the services of WET to prepare a draft plan that will eventually be acted upon by the Cascade County Commission. When the final plan is approved and ready for implementation, Big Sky Country NHA can provide research and technical assistance for the county to use in their interpretive signage; partnership opportunities for implementation of the county’s planned infrastructure; and/or assistance with future onsite recreation management.
Missouri River Urban Corridor Master Plan
Missouri River Urban Corridor Plan Work Group and Great Falls City and Cascade County Planning Department
https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_community_development/page/27411/mrucp1.pdf
The Missouri River is a tremendous community asset. Not only is it a center for recreation and activity, it is part of Great Falls’ collective history, playing a key role in the economy and industry of the city. The Missouri River is also a central theme of the Big Sky Country NHA.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 91
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 91
Recreation and Natural Resource Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
First Peoples Buffalo Jump (Ulm Pishkun) State Park Management Plan, December 2005
Ulm Pishkun Advisory Committee and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
Ulm Pishkun (now, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park) is an important cultural and educational site, offering visitors opportunities to learn about buffalo and the cultures that depended on them. Big Sky Country NHA is an important partner to assist with aspects of implementing their education/interpretation, cultural resource management, and recreation management goals.
City of Great Falls Park and Recreation Master Plan, adopted October 2016
Park and Recreation Department, City of Great Falls, MT
https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/park_and_recreation/page/166661/great_falls_master_plan. pdf
Coordination with the city of Great Falls for future projects in city parks and with respect to area recreational opportunities. Great Falls is the largest municipality in the proposed NHA.
River’s Edge Trail Maintenance Plan, adopted April 2014
Montana State Parks; Great Falls Park and Recreation Dept.; River’s Edge Trail, Inc. (TD&H Engineering)
https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_community_development/page/41061/trail_maintenance_plan_2014.pdf
Coordination with Montana State Parks, the city of Great Falls and Recreational Trails Inc., who strive to maintain one of the highest-rated attractions in the region.
Smith River State Park and River Corridor, Recreation Management Plan, July 2009
Montana State Parks, division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
State Headquarters, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Helena, MT
Smith River State Park and River Corridor, partly within Big Sky Country NHA, has natural features and settings, fishing opportunities, and moderate degree of difficulty for floaters. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks manages Smith River through partnerships with the people of Montana and their guests, landowners, outfitters, the US Forest Service, county officials, and other people who have a passion for this resource and how it is managed.
Giant Springs State Park, Park Area Management Plan, January 2004
Montana State Parks, division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Region 4 Montana State Parks, Great Falls, MT
This plan provided management guidance for Giant Springs State Park, a significant site centrally located within Great Falls and Big Sky Country NHA.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 92
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 92
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILAVILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Draft Environmental Impact State (DEIS) for the Draft Revised Forest Management Plan (June 2018)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Helena Supervisor’s Office
Many of the goals of the draft Forest Plan align with the role of an NHA. The Forest Service manages the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls, which aligns with the Lewis and Clark theme. Big Sky Country NHA anticipates partnering with the Forest Service to assist with educational programming about the LC story and the valuable natural resources and landscapes of the National Forest. Additionally, there are many historic recreation residences and special use resorts within the National Forest. Big Sky Country NHA can assist with technical assistance on the preservation practices to retain their historic character.
Kings Hill Scenic Byway Master Plan
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Great Falls Supervisor’s Office
Big Sky Country NHA could partner with the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest to expand upon the management goals of the plan: 1. Improve the local, rural economy by encouraging more and longer visits to the general area. 2. Enhance the present and future recreation opportunities. 3. Improve the public’s understanding and awareness of the resources of the Little Belt Mountains and how these resources continue to provide for society.
Montana State Parks Heritage Resources Strategic Plan, 2017-2024, February 2017
Montana State Parks, division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
State Headquarters, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Helena, MT
This plan helps further inform program coordination and management of heritage resources within the park system and the parks included in Big Sky Country NHA.
A New Day for Montana State Parks/ Parks in Focus Commission Final Recommenda-tions, December 2018
Parks in Focus Commission
https://resourceslegacyfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/A-New-Day-for-Montana-State-Parks_1-2-2019-00473280xA1C15.pdf
This document contains recommendations for Montana State Parks, which would have an impact on tourism, economic growth, and recreational opportunities in the state and within Big Sky Country NHA.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 93
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 93
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILAVILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Charting a New Tomorrow: Montana State Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, 2015-2020
Montana State Parks, division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
State Headquarters, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Helena, MT
One of the goals stated in the plan is to foster strategic partnerships and an engaged constituency with visitors and key stakeholders that have a shared interest in the success of the Montana State Park system. With five state parks (one of them also an NHL) within our project area, Big Sky Country NHA is a logical partner in this endeavor.
Enhancing Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy: State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 2020-2024
Montana State Parks, division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2019-2020/EQC/ Meetings/Jan-2020/ scorp-2020-2024.pdf
Identifies major outdoor recreation trends, needs, and issues of statewide importance, both at the state and regional level, including within the Big Sky Country NHA.
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan, 2008
U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Lewistown Field Office
https://ia801603.us.archive.org/35/items/uppermissouririv00unit/uppermissouririv00unit.pdf
This National Monument adjoins the Big Sky Country NHA to add 149 miles of Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. A strong relationship with the Bureau of Land Management is important in promoting education and tourism throughout our Upper Missouri region.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 94
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 94
Tourism and Marketing Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Great Falls MT Tourism Strategic Plan – Adopted April 18, 2019
Great Falls Montana Tourism
Great Falls Montana Tourism
Cultural tourism is a key component of the Great Falls Montana Tourism Alliance’s strategic plan, seeking to protect, enhance and promote visitor experiences in Great Falls and in a day trip radius of the city, which encompasses all of the proposed NHA. Tourism strategic themes include the arts, historical locations, museums, natural environment, and cultural events.
Montana’s Basecamp for Art and Adventure: 2020 Marketing Plan, July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020
Great Falls Montana Tourism
https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2020-Plan.pdf
This marketing plan implements the Great Falls Montana Tourism Strategic Plan listed above. The plan promotes cultural, historical, arts, museum, and events in the region.
Central Montana Tourism Marketing Plan, approved April 11, 2019
Central Montana Tourism Board of Directors
https://marketmt.com/Portals/129/shared/RegionsCVBs/docs/FY20%20Marketing%20Plans/October%202019/Central%20Montana%20Oct%202019.pdf?ver=2019-10-29-113057-273
The characteristics of Central Montana’s target market include those who value local business and locally grown or produced items; enjoy our scenic landscapes; and value access to public lands, waterways, and open space. This plan’s objectives focus on heritage travelers and those seeking an educational experience.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 95
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 95
Transportation Plan
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Transportation Improvement Program, FFY 2019-FFY2023
Great Falls Planning Board
https://greatfallsmt.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_community_development/page/41061/great_falls_tip_2019-23_ amendment. pdf
The TIP is a multi-year program of transportation projects developed by the city of Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana DOT, and the Great Falls Transit District that includes a list of priority road improvement projects. BSCNHA, Inc., can provide input about events that might attract large numbers of travelers and/or tourism developments (i.e. trail connections) for consideration in future transportation priority setting.
Other Plans
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Strategic Plan, City of Belt, Montana, approved March 21, 2018 and Strategic Plan Annual Review, 2019, August 7, 2019
City of Belt, MT City of Belt, MT This annual review proposes historic preservation and interpretive programming enhancements to the city. Big Sky Country NHA can offer technical assistance in the effort to inventory historic sites and provide research and mapping assistance to create the proposed Now and Then map of historic asset locations.
Great Falls, Montana Development Authority Strategic Plan, September 2019
Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA)
https://growgreatfallsmontana.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GFDA-Strategic-Plan_Clean.pdf
This regional economic development plan encompasses the entire Big Sky Country NHA region. Priorities include growing the tourism sector, downtown revitalization, enhancement of the river corridor, and continued community improvements to retain and attract talent. The plan details economic development services like gap and bridge financing, business planning, business development, and brownfield redevelopment important for historic preservation and renovation projects.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 96
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 96
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Project, 10 Year Report, 2006-2016. July 7, 2016
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
This endowment was a gift to the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation for stewardship projects across the LCNHT and the Eastern Legacy route. Considering Lewis and Clark is a major theme of the Big Sky Country NHA, this could potentially be a funding source for Lewis and Clark-related projects within the project area.
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Strategic Plan and Action Plan March 2018, updated November 2, 2018
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
Several goals of the strategic and action plans align with the purpose of Big Sky Country NHA; and the NHA can assist with promotion, technical assistance, interpretive planning, event promotion, and collaboration on programming related to the Lewis and Clark story to help implement these plans.
Keepers of the Story, Stewards of the Trail: An Administrative History of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Jackie Gonzales, and Emily Greenwald, Historic Research Associates, 2019
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
A partnership with the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, headquartered in Great Falls, is important to keeping the story of Lewis and Clark alive in the Big Sky Country NHA, particularly through projects.
C.M. Russell Museum 2019-2024 Exhibition Schedule, Sept. 2019
C.M. Russell Museum
C.M. Russell Museum Our focus on increasing heritage tourism in Big Sky Country NHA should add increased visitation for exhibitions at the C.M. Russell Museum.
C.M. Russell Museum Strategic Plan for 2019-2022, approved June 2018
C.M. Russell Museum
C.M. Russell Museum One of the goals in the plan is to work with other interested educational, cultural, and historical entities to enrich programming. This fits within the scope of Big Sky Country NHA as the C.M. Russell Home and Studio NHL is within our boundary.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 97
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 97
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Commemora-tion and Collaboration: Administrative History of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, 2018, Jackie Gonzales and Emily Greenwald
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Omaha Office, NPS
http://npshistory.com/ publications/lecl/adhi. pdf
As the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail continues to build its legacy in the post-bicentennial era, reengaging tribal and other partners are crucial to ensuring the Lewis and Clark story maintains viability. A strong partnership between the Big Sky Country NHA and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail could be key for success.
Get Fit Great Falls Strategic Plan 2020-2023
Get Fit Great Falls
Get Fit Great Falls Get Fit Great Falls intends to increase walkability and improved wayfinding in the Great Falls community by incorporating opportunities for interpretive walks through historic districts in the downtown area. GFGF also plans to expand interpretive opportunities in the south side of Great Falls to bring awareness of the city’s history into those walking neighborhoods. BSCNHA, Inc., can collaborate on the assembly of those historic stories and assist with walking tours during the annual Summer Trails Day event sponsored by GFGF to introduce the community to these interesting, walkable routes.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Foundation Document, December 2012
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Omaha Office, NPS
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Omaha Office, NPS
This management document assists the NPS LECL staff in establishing goals, assessing planning needs, and identifying and analyzing resources and values of the trail. A collaborative relationship with BSCNHA, Inc., could assist the NPS LECL in implementing their goals on the L&C Trail in our area.
Monarch-Neihart Historical Group Long Range Plan 2018-2023
Monarch-Neihart Historical Group
Monarch-Neihart Historical Group
The plan supports both the MNHG’s and the Big Sky Country NHA’s goals of promoting and preserving the Monarch-Neihart area.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 98
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 98
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
Montana Performing Arts Consortium Strategic Plan, 1993 and updated 2015
Montana Performing Arts Consortium
Montana Performing Arts Consortium, Great Falls, MT office
Art is one of the main themes of the Big Sky Country NHA, and a relationship with the Montana Performing Arts Consortium could be beneficial in promoting the arts in our project area, as well as helping develop new communities and presenters to an arts series and providing education and training for artists and presenters.
The Montana History Foundation Strategic Priorities 2017-2020, adopted May 2017
Montana History Foundation
Montana History Foundation
The History Foundation helps preserve Montana history by making grants and creating collaborative initiatives. They leverage the generosity of donors to create opportunities for Montana communities to expand economic development through heritage tourism and historic preservation. This plan focuses solidifying the History Foundation’s internal and external capacity to achieve those goals through 2020 and beyond.
Montana Wilderness Association Strategic Plan 2018-2021, approved September 2017
State Office of MWA, Helena, MT
State Office of MWA, Helena, MT
MWA’s strategy of preserving outdoor opportunities while working with diverse communities to conserve multiple human and natural values and connections to place integrates well with the NHA’s vision and mission of preserving area heritage and enhancing the human connection to it.
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art Strategic Plan, 2016-2020
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
This significant cultural center plans for the presentation of contemporary art exhibitions; builds a substantial permanent collection; preserves and utilizes a National Register listed building; and provides art education for all ages echoing a significant focus on art by the Big Sky Country NHA.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 99
Big Sky Country NHA Feasibility Study 99
PLAN NAME ORGANIZATION PLAN AVAILABILITY INTEGRATION WITH BIG SKY COUNTRY NHA
University of Providence Strategic Plan, December 1, 2017
University of Providence Board of Trustees
https://www.uprovidence.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/UP_Strategy_FINAL-BOARD-APPROVED.pdf
As Central Montana’s only four-year university, University of Providence provides students with the opportunity to obtain a liberal arts education for living and making a living. UP offers a link to both academia and students looking to further their education, both which help to build the economic framework of Big Sky Country NHA.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 100
APPENDIXIIBIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREA,INC.BOARDOFDIRECTORSJune2020
OFFICERSJaneWeber,CascadeCountyCommissionerChairRichEcke,Journalist(retired)ViceChair
LynetteScriver-Colburn,RSVPManagerUnitedWayofCascadeCountySecretaryJerryL.Lehman,ShareholderJunkermier,Clark,Campanella,Stevens,P.C.Treasurer
BOARDMEMBERSCarolBronson,CommunityEngagementCoordinatorNeighborWorksGreatFallsBrettDoney,President&CEOGreatFallsDevelopmentAuthorityGayleFisher,ExecutiveDirectorCentralMontanaTourismRegionConnieJenkins,CoordinatorFortBentonSummerCelebrationChrisLaTray,AuthorLittleShellTribeofChippewaIndiansofMontanaReneéMcDonald,EducatorFortBentonElementarySchoolHon.MurryMoore,MayorTownofCascade
CharlenePorsild,Ph.D.,President&CEOMontanaHistoryFoundationKenRobison,HistorianEllenSievert,CulturalResourceConsultantSievert&Sievert
JohnTaillie,RegionalManagerMontanaStateParksRegional
MaryWillmarth,Co-OwnerVisionWestLEGALCOUNSELTOTHEBOARDBillBronsonEX-OFFICIOMEMBERKateMcCourt,HistoricPreservationOfficerGreatFalls-CascadeCountyTheboardacknowledgesthetime,intellectualcontributions,andcommitmentofpreviousboardmembersnotlisted,includingthelateDr.RuthKnudsenandthelateDr.NicholasVrooman.ItisinappreciationofalloftheireffortsthattheBigSkyCountryNHA,Inc.,BoardofDirectorsproudlyadvancesthisfeasibilitystudytotheNationalParkServiceandtheUnitedStatesCongress.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 101
ORGANIZATIONACTIVITY/MISSION of
ORGANIZATION
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: CURRENT CONTRIBUTOR
(CC) POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTOR (PC)
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR OTHER IN-KIND SERVICE
Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO)
Preservation & development of Superfund recreational site
Annual financial contributions (CC)
Black Eagle Superfund Site re-purposing
Bear Paw Development Corporation
Economic development Grants (PC), loansHaz-mat surveys (Brownfields) & removal, business development, grant writing assistance
C.M. Russell MuseumPreservation, tourism, education
In-kind (CC)Planning, protection, & promotion of C.M. Russell NHL
Cascade CountyEconomic development, preservation, conservation, recreation
In-kind (CC), funding of Historic Preservation Officer & other staff time (Jane) (CC)
Board membership (CC); identification, evaluation, & protection of significant resources within the NHA; meeting space for committee meetings; growth policies
Certified Local Government/Great Falls-Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission
Preservation, economic development, recreation, tourism
In-kind (CC)Project assistance, preservation planning, National Register assistance, cultural resource surveys
Chouteau CountyEconomic development, preservation, conservation, recreation
In-kind (PC)Board membership (PC), growth policies
City of Great Falls Preservation, conservation, recreation, tourism
In-kind & funding of HPO (CC)
Heritage database mapping, IT support, office space, meeting space, staff assistance, events & projects (City Parks and Recreation)
Fort Benton Community Improvement Association
Economic development, tourism, preservation
Contribution (CC) & in-kind (PC)
Operations funding & project funding & assistance
Key Partners
APPENDIXIIIBIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAPARTNERS
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 102
Great Falls Development Authority
Economic development Grants (PC), loans
Board membership (CC), haz-mat surveys (Brownfields) & removal, business development, grant writing assistance
Great Falls Montana Tourism
Tourism promotion Grants (PC), in-kind (CC)Online tourism promotion for significant resources within the NHA, project asssistance
Historic Preservation Officer
Preservation, economic development
In-kind (CC)
Ex-officio board membership (CC), project assistance, technical assistance in historic preservation, heritage database assistance
Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
Preservation, conservation, recreation, tourism
Grants (CC)Preservation & promotion of the L & C National Historic Trail
Montana History Foundation
Preservation of significant historic resources in Montana
Grants (PC)Board membership (CC), grant writing assistance
Montana State Historic Preservation Office
PreservationIn-kind (PC), grants (PC), contributions (PC)
Technical assistance on historic matters
Montana State ParksPreservation, conservation, recreation
In-kind (CC)
Board membership (CC), recreational trail acquistion & development, preservation/promotion of First Peoples Buffalo Jump NHL & 4 other state parks within the NHA
NorthWestern Energy Economic developmentAnnual financial contribution (CC)
Recreational development, historic preservation, NHL evaluation, dam & powerhouse preservation, tourism
Sweetgrass Development
Economic development Grants (PC), loansHaz-mat surveys (Brownfields) & removal, business development, grant writing assistance
Town of BeltPreservation, conservation, recreation, tourism
In-kind (PC)
Board membership (PC), preservation & promotion of Belt National Register district & other significant resources, recreational trail development
Town of CascadePreservation, conservation, recreation, tourism
In-kind (PC)
Board membership (CC), preservation planning for Cascade, National Register identification & evaluation
Town of Fort BentonPreservation, conservation, recreation, tourism
In-kind (PC)
Board membership (PC), preservation planning for Fort Benton NHL & other significant resources
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 103
Town of NeihartPreservation, conservation, recreation, tourism
In-kind (PC)Preservation of significant resources in Neihart, recreational trail development
Central Montana Tourism
Tourism Grants (PC), in-kind (CC)Board membership (CC), promotion/marketing of significant resources within the NHA
Lewis & Clark Foundation (local)
Tourism, educationIn-kind (CC), contributions (PC)
Member of Fundraising Committee (CC), planning & promotion for the L & C Interpretive Center
Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana
Education, heritage tourism, culture
In-kind (CC)Expert panel (CC), project assistance, technical assistance on cultural matters
Monarch-Neihart Historical Group
Preservation, conservation, recreation, tourism
In-kind (CC)
Land acquisition; identification, evaluation, & preservation of significant resources; recreational trail development
Montana Historical Society
Preservation, heritage tourism, education, intepretation
In-kind (PC)Technical assistance on historic matters
Montana Preservation Alliance
Preservation In-kind (PC), grants (PC)Technical assistance on historic matters
Sun River Valley Historical Society
Preservation, tourism, education, intepretation
In-kind (PC)Planning, preservation, & promotion of Fort Shaw & other area resources
The History MuseumPreservation, heritage tourism, education, intepretation
In-kind (PC)Technical assistance on historic matters
1st Bank of MontanaEconomic development, banking
Contribution (PC) Project funding
1st Interstate BankEconomic development, banking
Contribution (CC) Project funding
Belt Valley BankEconomic development, banking
Contribution (CC) Project funding
BNSF Railroad TransportationAnnual financial contribution (PC)
Operational and/or project funding
Bureau of Land Management
Recreation In-kind (PC)Upper Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center events, programming, and/or staffing
CargillEconomic development, food, agriculture, research & development
Contribution (PC), in-kind (PC)
Project funding and/or assistance, events
Cascade BankEconomic development, banking
Contribution (PC) Project funding
Current Partners
Potential Partners
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 104
Community Beautification Assn.
Community beautification Contribution (PC) Project funding
DA DavidsonFinancial planner, wealth management, investment banking
Annual financial contribution (PC)
Operational and/or project funding
Downtown Development Partnership
Preservation, economic development, downtown revitalization
In-kind (PC) Project assistance, wayfinding
Farmers UnionEconomic development, education, recreation
Annual financial contribution (PC), in-kind (PC)
Project assistance
Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce
Tourism, economic development, promotion
In-kind (PC)Events and assistance with business promotion
Friends of the Missouri River Breaks
Conservation, recreation In-kind (PC) Project assistance
Great Falls Business Improvement District
Tourism, economic development, downtown revitalization
Grants (PC), in-kind (PC)Project assistance, promotion of Downtown Historic District, urban art
Great Falls Chamber of Commerce
Tourism, economic development, promotion
In-kind (PC)Events and assistance with business promotion
Montana Grain GrowersEconomic development, education, ag producation
In-kind (PC) Agri-tourism projects
MT Department of Commerce
Preservation, economic development
Grants (PC), in-kind (PC) Operational and/or project funding
Museum ConsortiumPreservation, tourism, education, intepretation
In-kind (PC) Projects and events
Pacific Steel Economic developmentAnnual financial contribution (PC)
Operational and/or project funding
Portage Route ChapterPreservation and promotion of Great Falls Portage NHL
Contributions (PC), in-kind (PC)
Educational programming, interpretive signage, events
Preservation Cascade, Inc.
Preservation of significant resources
In-kind (PC) Project assistance
Rivers and Plains SocietyPreservation, education, tourism
In-kind (PC) Project assistance and events
River's Edge TrailPreservation & promotion of National Recreation Trail
In-kind (PC)Project and technical assistance, promotion
Rural Electric Co-opsEconomic development, promotion, education
Contribution (PC) Project funding
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 105
Service Organizations (Kiwanis, Optimists, Lions, Rotary, etc.)
Community service In-kind (PC) Project assistance
Stockman BankEconomic development, banking
Contribution (PC) Project funding
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Recreation In-kind (PC)Events at Benton Lake, interpretation and education
US Forest Service Recreation In-kind (PC)
Events, programming at the Interpretive Center, staffing at the Interpretive Center, Sulphur Spring Trail and/or other trails, possible trailhead at the Monarch area
Wells Fargo BankEconomic development, banking
Contribution (PC)Project assistance, preservation planning, National Register assistance, cultural resource surveys
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 106
1. PortageRouteChapterMembers–LeeEbeling,WaltWalker,NormAnderson,DonPeterson2. RiverandPlainsSociety–LarryCook3. MayorofFortBenton–RickMorris4. President/CEOofNorthWesternEnergy–BobRowe5. PresidentandBoardMemberofRiver’sEdgeTrail–BrucePollingtonandAndersBlewett6. BusinessDevelopmentatGreatFallsDevelopmentAuthority–JoleneSchalper7. GreatFallsMontanaTourism–RebeccaEngum8. President/CEOofGreatFallsChamberofCommerce–ShaneEtzwiler9. ChairmanofGreatFallsAreaCommunityFoundation–LoriEckhardt10. MayorofGreatFalls–BobKelly11. MontanaFarmer’sUnion–ChrisChristiaens12. ChairmanofLittleShellTribeoftheChippewaIndiansofMontana–GeraldGray13. MayorofBelt–JimOlson14. BeltPerformingArtsCenter–AmyOlson15. MontanaFlourandGrains–KarynGiles16. GrandUnionHotel–CherylGagnon17. MontanaOfficeofTourismandBusinessDevelopment–SeanBecker18. Administrator,MontanaStateParks–BethShumate19. ForestSupervisor,Helena/LewisandClarkNationalForests–BillAvey20. RepresentativefromBP/ARCO–DougBirkbeck,BusinessLiabilityManager21. ChouteauCountyPerformingArts–RandyMorger22. LocalHistorianandPreservationActivist–CherylHutchinson
APPENDIXIVBIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREASTAKEHOLDERINTERVIEWSCONDUCTEDSPRING&SUMMER2018
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 107
DATE of PRESENTATIONORGANIZATION RECEIVING
PRESENTATIONPRESENTER(S) ATTENDANCE
2015Friday, January 30, 2015 & Saturday, January 31, 2015
Grand Tour I Lee Nellis 100
2016
Friday, April 1, 2016 Grand Tour IIJohn Taillie, Lynette Scriver, Bill Bronson, Jane Weber
70
Tuesday, April 26, 2016Lewis and Clark County Commissioners and HPAC
Ellen Sievert and Jane Weber
14
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Fort Benton (Chouteau County Commissioner, Fort Benton City Council, Planning Board and Community Members
Bill Bronson, Jane Weber, Ken Robison
14
Monday, May 16, 2016Fergus and Phillips County Commissioners and Community Members (Winifred, MT)
Bill Bronson, Jane Weber, Ken Robison, Ellen Sievert
50
Wednesday, May 18, 2016Business Advocacy Committee of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce
Jane Weber, Ellen Sievert, Mary Willmarth
12
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Cascade County CommissionersTracy Houck, Ruthann Knudson, Ellen Sievert, Ken Robison
3
Thursday, May 19, 2016Follow-up Meeting, Cascade County Commissioners Briggs and Larson
Ken Robison and Ruthann Knudson
2
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Chouteau County Commissioners Ken Robison 4Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce Ken Robison 7
Monday, June 13, 2016Follow-up Meeting, Cascade County Commissioners Briggs and Larson
Ruthann Knudson and Ken Robison
2
Tuesday, June 14, 2016GOP Party - Roger Hagen, Brian Hoven, Ed Buttrey, Steve Fitzpatrick, etc.
Bill Bronson and Jane Weber
12
Monday, June 20, 2016 Fort Benton City CouncilKen Robison and Bill Bronson
17
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Lion's Club, Great FallsJane Weber and Ruthann Knudson
19
Tuesday, June 21, 2016River and Plains Society Board Meeting, Fort Benton
Ken Robison 16
Thursday, June 23, 2016 TBID/CVBJane Weber and Gayle Fisher
9
APPENDIXV(A)BIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAPUBLICINVOLVEMENT—PRESENTATIONS
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 108
2017
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 PEO at NeighborWorksJane Weber and Bill Bronson
21
Wednesday, March 1, 2017 North Central MT RC&DJane Weber and Ruthann Knudson
3
Sunday, March 12, 2017 Montana Dude Ranchers AssociationJane Weber and Gayle Fisher
25
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Kiwanis Club Jane Weber 7
Monday, April 3, 2017 Sun River Valley Historical SocietyJane Weber and Ken Robison
30
Monday, April 10, 2017 Cascade Conservation DistrictJane Weber and Bill Bronson
11
Monday, April 17, 2017 Portage Route Chapter of the LCHTFJane Weber and Lindy Hatcher
9
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Helena Rotary ClubBill Bronson and Ellen Sievert
30
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 Black Eagle Civic Group Carol Bronson 12
Monday, June 5 2017Gates of the Mountains Chapter of the LCTHF
Carol Bronson, Ellen Sievert, Lindy Hatcher
10
Friday, August 18, 2017NHA Montana Exploratory Group (Bozeman)
Bill and Carol Bronson 6
Monday, August 28, 2017 Montana History FoundationKen Robison and Charlene Porsild
26
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Business and Professional WomenJane Weber and Lindy Hatcher
7
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Town Council Cascade Jane Weber 8
Friday, October 6, 2017NHA Montana Exploratory Group (Bozeman)
Bill and Carol Bronson 17
Wednesday, October 18, 2017Great Falls Conservation Consortium & MT Wilderness Assn.
Jane Weber and Bill Bronson
36
Friday, November 3, 2017 NorthWestern EnergyJane Weber, Bill Bronson, and Heidi Hockett
1
Monday, November 13, 2017 Salvation Army Women's Auxilliary Jane Weber 35
Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Great Falls RisingJane Weber and Bill Bronson
64
Thursday, January 19, 2017Community Dinner at Ag Museum, Fort Benton
Augie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber
30
Saturday, January 21, 2017Community Presentation at Cascade Senior Center
Jane Weber, Bill Bronson, Murry Moore
10
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 109
2018
Thursday, February 1, 2018 L&C-Helena National Forest, SOJane Weber and Bill Bronson
8
Thursday, February 8, 2018 PEO Organization Jane Weber 25
Friday, February 9, 2018NC Montana Retired Teachers Association
Jane Weber 38
Tuesday, May 1, 2018Meeting with State of Montana officials, Lt. Govornor, L&C County Commission, USFS, City of Helena Mayor
Augie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber
20
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Community Conversation, HelenaAugie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber
12
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Community Conversation, Fort BentonAugie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber
41
Thursday, May 3, 2018 Community Conversation, Great FallsAugie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber
60
2019
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Community Conversation, Fort BentonAugie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber
65
Thursday, January 31, 2019 Community Conversation, Black EagleAugie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber
105
Saturday, June 15, 2019Information Booth at the Lewis and Clark Festival
Jane Weber, John Taillie, Rich Ecke, Gayle Fisher
100
Saturday, June 29, 2019Information Booth at the Summer Celebration, Fort Benton
Ken Robison, Charlene Porsild, Gayle Fisher, Kate McCourt, Jane Weber
40
Saturday, August 24, 2019Information Booth at the Little Shell PowWow/ First People's Buffalo Jump
Jane Weber and Gayle Fisher
95
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Final Community Coversation, BeltAugie Carlino, Nancy Morgan, Jane Weber, Ellen Sievert
110
Thursday, October 17, 2019Presentation to the Community Improvement Association, Fort Benton
John Taillie, Jane Weber
6
Total Number of Presentations: 51Total Number of Attendees: 1,474
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 110
APPENDIXV(B)BIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAPUBLICINVOLVEMENT-PRESENTATIONS
SincetheinceptionofcreatingaNationalHeritageAreainMontana(early2015),boardmembersoftheBigSkyCountryNHACorporationhavemade51formalpresentationstostateandlocalelectedgovernmentofficials,businessleaders,ranchers,andthegeneralpublic.Nearly1,500peopleattendedthesemeetings,someofwhichundoubtedlyattendedmorethanonepresentationorpublicmeeting.Fortyofthosemeetings(820attendees)wereconductedpriortothestartoftheFeasibilityStudyandtheformalpublicengagementprocess.Boardmembersmadethesepresentationstolocalelectedofficialsandmanyservice/education/businessorganizationstwiceinlargepublicsessions,butofteninsmallgroupsettings.AnintroductoryPowerPointprogramwascreatedbytheboardtointroducecommunitymemberstothepurposeofNationalHeritageAreas,theeconomic,preservationandeducationalvalueNHAsprovidecommunities,theprocesstoachieveNHAstatusandmakeattendeesawareofthevolunteerboardmemberswhohaveraisedfundsandworkedthroughtheprocesstogainfederaldesignation.AlthoughalistingofallthepresentationsmadeisprovidedintheAppendixIV,followingisasummationofseveralimportantsessionsconductedbyboardmembers.January30(evening)andJanuary31,2015(morning)GrandTourIPublicMeetingintheMissouriRoomintheCivicCenterinGreatFalls,MT(100attendees)DeterminingthepotentialforthecreationofaNationalHeritageAreawasagoaloftheGreatFalls-CascadeCountyHistoricPreservationAdvisoryCommission,aCertifiedLocalGovernmentboard.Theinitialproject,fundedbyaStateHistoricPreservationOfficegrantandtheTourismBusinessImprovementDistrict,includedbothaprofessionalheritagetourismassessmentandapublicmeetingtodiscussthepotentialofadesignationofaNationalHeritageArea.
Mediaincluded:on-lineelectronicpostcard,noticesonCityofGreatFallsPlanningDepartmentwebsite,NewsreleasestothelocalmediainGreatFalls;postersinthecommunity.Alsoincludedanon-linesurvey.
MeetingStructure:PresentationsbyCharlesFlynn,ExecutiveDirectoroftheYumaCrossingNHA,AZaboutthecreationandmanagementofaNHA,partnershipsandthecommunity’ssuccessinmanagingtwostatehistoricparksthreatenbyclosureduetostatebudgetcuts.VickySoderbergofCygnetStrategiesreportedontheVisitorAssessmentconductedduringthesummerof2014byateamofprofessionaltravelerswhoutilizedon-lineinformation,on-siteinformationtoplantripstotheGreatFallscommunity.TheAssessmentresultsprovidedsuggestionsonwaystobuildonGreatFalls’senseofplaceandheritage.ConsiderableQ&Athroughoutthemeeting.Thepublicworkedattablestodrawtheirfavoritehistoric,heritageorrecreationplacesintheGreatFallsvicinityandbeyondthecitylimits.
Attheculminationofthemeeting,LeeNellis,DeputyPlanningandCommunityDevelopmentDirectorfortheCityofGreatFalls,askedforashowofhandsindicatingwhetherthecommunityshouldpursuetheconceptofseekingfederaldesignationofaNationalHeritageArea.Theresponsewasoverwhelminglyinsupport.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 111
April1,2016GrandTourIIPublicMeetingintheMissouriRoomattheCivicCenterinGreatFalls,MT(70attendees)MeetingwasorganizedbythenewlyestablishedboardofDirectorsfortheUpperMissouriRiverHeritageAreaPlanningCorporation,Inc.forthepurposeofupdatingthosewhoattendedtheinitialGrandTourI;introducingattendeestotheUMRHAPCboardofdirectors;reviewingwhataNHAisandcandoforcommunities;revealingproposedboundaryfromresourcesidentifiedattheGrandTourIpublicmeeting,theextensivedatabaseofresourcesthatwasbeingdevelopedandmaintainedbythecityGIScoordinator;reviewingthestrategicplan(mission,goalsandactionsteps)createdinFall2015withtheassistanceoffacilitatorMarkWillmarth;reviewingtheadministrativeaccomplishments(501(c)(3)soontobefiled,articlesofincorporationandbylawscompleted;revealinginitialsixthemes(AmericanIndians,ExplorationandSettlement,Transportation,Military,Industrial/Agriculture,andArt).Largedisplaysofeachofthethemesandtheirsubthemeswaspostedoneaselsthroughouttheroomsoattendeesfullyunderstoodtheintentofeachtheme.
Commentformswereprovidedonallthetablesaskingforinputinthreeareas:1. DraftNHAboundary(headerread:Iwouldliketomakesomesuggestionsabout
historical/culturalsitesofsignificancethatyoushouldconsider).Commenterswereaskedtoidentifythecountytheirstorywaslocatedinanddescribethenationalsignificanceofthesiteorstoryanddescribethelocationofthesiteindetail.NOTE:atthistimetheboundaryincludedallofCascadeandChouteauCountiesaswellastheMissouriRiverbeyondChouteauCountytoincludetheentireupperMissouriNationalWildandScenicRiverterminatingatKippbridgeonUS191,andthelandsborderingtheMissouriRiverBreaksNationalMonument,andlandsalongtheMissouriRiverbeyondCascadeCountytoGatesoftheMountains
2. Themes(headerread:Iwouldliketoaddsomeideasorstoriesforoneofthethemes.Circlethethemeyouarechoosingtoprovidecomments.Pleaseuseadifferentformforeachthemeyouchoosetoaddress)
3. Volunteering(headerread:Iwouldliketovolunteerforoneofthecommittees.Pleasecirclethecommitteeyouareinterestedinandwewillcontactyouwithmoreinformation–Fundraising,Database,Communications/PublicEngagement)
MediaIncluded:on-lineelectronicpostcardnoticeusingexistingemailsofattendeestoGrandTourI,newsreleasestothelocalmediainGreatFallsandtheairingofaPSAonradiostations.
MeetingStructure:PowerPointpresentationbyUMRHAPCboardofdirectorsandProBonoCounselfollowedbytablediscussionfacilitatedbyUMRHAPCboardmemberstoenlistmembersforthefollowingcommittees-FundraisingCommittee,DatabaseCommitteeandCommunications/PublicEngagementCommittee.
Contributions:FirstInterstateBank,Pizazz,CommunityImprovementAssociationinFortBenton,CMRussellMuseum,DADavidsonCompany,GreatFalls-CascadeCountyHistoricPreservationAdvisoryCommission,JCCSCorporation,RandyMorger,NorthwesternEnergy,andtheTourismBusinessImprovementDistrict.April26,2016MeetingwiththeLewisandClarkCountyCommissionersandtheCity-CountyHistoricPreservationAdvisoryCommissionintheCountyofficesinHelena,MT(14attendees)UponinvitationoftheHPAC,severalboardmembersmadeapresentationtothecommissionandtoLewisandClarkCountyCommissionersAndyHunthausenandSusanGoodGeiseontheprogressoftheUMRHAPC.ThemeetingconsistedofaPowerPointpresentationfollowedbyQ&A.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 112
May5,2016PresentationtotheChouteauCountyCommissioners,membersoftheFortBentonTownCouncilandtheCityPlanningBoard.ThiswasanopenpublicmeetingintheSheriff’sOfficeareainFortBenton.(14attendees)
MeetingStructure:APowerPointpresentationwasmadefollowedbyQ&A.Severalfarmer/ranchersattendedandaskedquestionsaboutpotentialinfringementofprivatepropertyrights.May16,2016PresentationtotheFergusandPhillipsCountyCommissionersandfarmers/ranchersinthetwo-countyarea(50attendees)ThroughoutApril,theUMRHAPCmademultiplecallstotheFergusCountyCommissionersrequestinganopportunitytodiscusstheproposedNHAeffortandthepreliminaryboundarywiththecommissionersandtheirconstituentsinapublicforum.Theinitialrequestswererebuffedseveraltimes.Afterseveralfailedattemptstoschedulethismeeting,theFergus/PhillipsCountyCommissionersrelentedandagreedtoscheduleapresentationinWinifred,MT.
MeetingStructure:FourUMRHAPCboardmembersandtheirprobonocounselattendedthemeetingandsharedinthepresentationofaPowerPointprogram,thenfollowedbyaQ&Asession.SincetheFergusandPhillipsCountycommissionshadalreadypassedresolutionsopposingconsiderationofanNHAintheircounties,thismeetingwasessentiallydesignedtosimplyprovidethefactsaboutNHAdesignation,allayconcernsaboutprivatepropertyrightsissuesandthankthecommunitiesforlistening.TheUMRHAPChadbythistimealreadydiscussedremovingalllandswithinthosetwocounties.May18,2016PresentationtotheCascadeCountyCommissionersintheCommissionChambersinGreatFalls,MT.ThePowerPointpresentationwasshown,followedbyaQ&Asession.January24,2017PressReleaseandattendanceatNorthwesternEnergy’sAnnualPublicmeetinginGreatFallsTheUMRHAPCreleasedapressannouncementstatingtherecentaccomplishmentsoftheUMRHAPCboardofdirectorsandinvitingfolkstocontactaboardmemberiftheirorganizationwouldlikeapresentationontheNHAprocessandprogress.ThenewsreleasewassenttoallradioandprintmediaintheFortBenton,Helena,GreatFallsarea.
AttheNorthwesternEnergyannualcommunitymeetingonJanuary24,2017attheHistoryMuseuminGreatFalls,theUMRHAPCprovidedpostcardsonalloftheattendees’tablesidentifyingthefollowing:
• MissionoftheUMRHAPC• Listingofthewebsite• InvitationforanUMRHAPCboardmembertoprovideapresentationtoanypublicorprivate
organizationApproximately75businessandcommunityleadersattendedthismeetingandhadtheopportunitytoobtainapostcard.May1,2018BriefingattheGovernor’sOffice
• LtGovernorMikeCooney• BruceWhittenberg,DirectoroftheMontanaHistoricalSociety• WilmotCollins,MayorofHelena• AndyHunthausen,LewisandClarkCountyCommissioner• SeanBecker,DivisionAdministrator,MTOfficeofTourismandBusinessDevelopment• BethShumate,MontanaStateParksAdministrator
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 113
• KateHampton,SHPOOfficer,MTHistoricalSociety• MartyMitzkus,Helena-LewisandClarkNationalForestrepresentativeforForestSupervisor,Bill
Avey• JasonSmith,MontanaIndianAffairs• TashWisemiller,MTMainStreetCoordinator,CommunityDevelopmentDivision,MTDept.of
Commerce• KenFichtler,Director,Governor’sOfficeofEconomicDevelopment
May1,2018CommunityConversationatMT.HistoricalSocietyMay2,2018CommunityConversationatMTAgriculturalCenterinFortBentonMay3,2018CommunityConversationinMissouriRoomatCivicCenterinGreatFallsMediaincluded:recordedPSAs,LiveRadioBroadcastsatSTARadio,CherryCreekRadioandMTPublicRadioVoicesandViewsPrograminGreatFallsandPressReleasestoallprintmedia(Helena,FortBenton,GreatFalls)andJennRowellaton-linemedia(TheElectric)andelectronicpostcardmailingstotheConstantContactemaillist.
MeetingStructure:WiththeexceptionoftheHelenaMeetingwhichhadasmallattendance,thepublicwasinvitedtoworkinsmallgroupsattablesandidentifyresourcesandreviewdraftthemes.PostcardswithastatementoftheUMRHAPCmission,listingofthethemes,identificationofthenamesoftheBoardofDirectors,andcontactinformationfortheUMRHAPCorganizationwasprovidedonallthetablesforattendeestotakehome.January30,2019CommunityConversationinBlackEagleCommunityCenter,BlackEagle,MTJanuary31,2019CommunityConversationintheMTAgriculturalCenterinFortBentonMediaincluded:recordedPSAs,LiveRadioBroadcastsatSTARadio,CherryCreekRadioandMTPublicRadioVoicesandViewsPrograminGreatFallsandPressReleasestoallprintmedia(FortBenton,GreatFallsandBlackEagleNews)andJennRowellaton-linemedia(TheElectric)andelectronicpostcardmailingstotheConstantContactemaillist.
MeetingStructure:PresentationofwhatanNHAis,thedraftthemes,revisedmapincorporatingresourcesfrompreviousmeetingsandQ&Asession.AninformationhandoutsheetwasprovidedateachofthemeetingsSeptember12,2019FinalCommunityConversationintheBeltPerformingArtsCenter,Belt,MTMediaincluded:recordedPSAs,LiveRadioBroadcastsatSTARadio,CherryCreekRadioandMTPublicRadioVoicesandViewsPrograminGreatFallsandPressReleasestoallprintmedia(FortBentonandGreatFalls)andJennRowellaton-linemedia(TheElectric)andelectronicpostcardmailingstotheConstantContactemaillist.FortBentonsponsoredabusforattendeeswhodidnotwishtodrivetoBelt.
MeetingStructure:SincethiswasthefinalmeetingpriortothepackagingoftheFeasibilityStudy,thiswasprimarilyapresentationandrevealofthenewname,theStatementofSignificance,revisedmapandrevisedthemes.AcommentcardwasprovidedforfolkstosubmitcommentstotheNHABoardofDirectorswhowereidentifiedatthemeeting.
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 114
Contributions:HarvestMoonBrewingCompany;DelDarko;JimandAmyOlsonforpartialpaymentoftheuseoftheBeltPerformingArtCenter;BoardmembersoftheBeltPerformingArtsCenter;Pepsi;TheDiamond;andBeltValleyBank.
Support:LettersorPublicExpressionsofSupportfromJimOlson,MayorofBelt;RickMorris,MayorofFortBenton;SteveTaylor,MayorofNeihart;BobKelly,MayorofGreatFalls;MurryMoore,MayorofCascade
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 115
Foundations Arts,
Culture & Humanities
EducationEnvironment, Conservation
& Wildlife
General Support
Historic Preservation, Community &
Economic Development
Native Americans
The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation
X X
L.P. and Teresa Anderson Foundation
X X
Michael D. and Susan H. Arenson Family Foundation, Inc.
The Bibler FoundationX X
BNSF Railway Foundation
X X
Boe Brothers Foundation
X
Archie Bray FoundationX
Burke Family FoundationX X X
Burnt Leather Foundation
X X
Canyon Creek Foundation
X X
Carl Carbon, Jr. Charitable Trust
X
Cinnabar FoundationX
Frank and Mary Cipech Charitable Trust
X
Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation
X
Cobb FoundationX
Bill & Marian Cook Foundation
X
APPENDIXVIBIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAPOTENTIALFUNDINGORGANIZATIONS
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 116
Cordingley Foundation X X
Darkenwald Foundation, Inc.
X
Double F Foundation X
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, Inc.
X
The Foley Family Charitable Foundation
X X
Four Times FoundationX
Gerhart FoundationX
Greater Montana Foundation
X
The Harder FoundationX
Humanities MontanaX
Royal and Norma Johnson Charitable Foundation
X
Kongsgaard-Goldman Foundation
X X
Leaw Family Foundation, Inc.
X X
Lee FoundationX X X
Lippard-Clawiter Foundation
X
Lore Kann Foundation X
MDU Resources Foundation
X X X
Jerry Metcalf Foundation
X X X X
MKM FoundationX X
Montana Arts CouncilX
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 117
Montana Community Foundation
X X X X
Montana History Foundation
X
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
X X X
Nance Family Foundation, Inc
X
William and Lorene Nefsy Foundation
X X X
Peter Nelson Charitable Trust
X
Pleiades FoundationX
The Rock FoundationX
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
X
Sacred Ground International
X X
Steele-Reese FoundationX X X
Talbot Family Foundation
X
Jean B. Taylor & Richard Lucian Taylor Family Foundation
X
Ruth and Vernon Taylor Foundation
X X X
Tordik Wildlife Foundation
X
Treacy CompanyX X
Turner Foundation, Inc.X
U.S. Bancorp Foundation, Inc.
X X
Dennis R. and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Inc.
X X
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 118
Resource Nam
e
The M
issou
ri Rive
r
First
Peop
les
Lewi
s & Cl
ark
A Far
Distan
t Lan
d
A New
Wes
t
Natio
nal R
egist
er
Natio
nal H
istor
ic Lan
dmark
Desig
natio
n Date
City
Coun
tyNa
tiona
l Res
ource
State
Reso
urce
Histo
rical Na
tural Cultu
ral (L
iving
Trad
itions
)
Recre
ation
alEd
ucati
onal/
Inter
pretiv
e
Tour
ism
Notes
Anacon
da M
ining Co
mpany
XBlack Eagle
Cascade
++
Pr+
+
The Co
mmun
ity Cen
ter b
uilding may
be eligible fo
r listing in th
e NR. This
is a supe
rfun
d site that will be
repu
rposed
for recreation.
Arvon Block
XS
26‐Sep
‐91
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+
Bank
of N
orth M
ontana
XX
C15
-Oct
-66,
up
date
d 14
-S
ept-7
2Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
Fort B
enton NHL
District
Belt Co
mmercial Historic District
XL
23‐Dec‐04
Belt
Cascade
Pr+
++
15 con
tributing resources, includ
ing
Belt Theater, Be
lt Jail
Belt Creek
XX
XBe
ltCascade
Pr+
++
Belt Jail
XS
10‐M
ar‐80
Belt
Cascade
Pr+
+
Benton
Lake National W
ildlife Re
fuge
XGreat F
alls
(vicinity
)Cascade
+Pr
++
+Mullan Ro
ad locatio
n
Birdtail Divide
XX
Cascade
(vicinity
)Cascade
+Pr
++
+Natural fe
ature alon
g Mullan Ro
ad
Birdtail Ro
ckX
XCascade
(vicinity
)Cascade
+Pr
++
++
Natureal feature along
Mullan Ro
ad,
recently placed un
der e
asem
ent for
public access
Carter Ferry
XX
Carter (vicinity
)Ch
outeau
++
+Pr
++
Cascade Co
unty Cou
rtho
use
XX
S16
‐Apr‐80
Great F
alls
Cascade
PrIndividu
ally listed
, also
includ
ed in
Great F
alls Ce
ntral H
istoric District
Charles M
. Russell Ho
use and Stud
ioX
XX
XN
N15
-Oct
-66
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+
Charlie and
Nancy Russell Ho
neym
oon Cabin
XL
16-D
ec-0
5Cascade
Cascade
Pr+
+
Chicago, M
ilwaukee, and
St. Paul Passenger Dep
otX
S13
-Oct
-88
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Individu
ally listed
, also
a
contrib
uting resource in
the Great
Falls Railro
ad Historic District
Choteau Ho
use
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+
Chou
teau
Cou
nty Co
urthou
seX
XS
29-S
ep-8
0Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr
Decisio
n Po
int (confluen
ce of M
arias R
iver)
XX
Loma
Chou
teau
CPr
++
++
High
Poten
tial Site
along
Lew
is and
Clark NHT
APPENDIXVII(A)BIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAINVENTORY–HISTORICALANDNATURALRESOURCES
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 119
East Side Neighbo
rhoo
d Historic District
XL
19‐Apr‐16
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
36 con
tributing resources,
Craftsman
Bun
galow Historic District
First P
eoples Buffalo Ju
mp
XN
N17
‐Dec‐74,
updated to NHL
21
‐Jul15
Ulm
Cascade
XPr
++
++
+Orig
inally listed
as U
lm Pish
kun on
De
cembe
r 17, 197
4
First U
nited Metho
dist Chu
rch Parson
age
XX
S23
-Dec
-03
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
Brothe
r Van's Re
siden
ce
Fort Ben
ton Blockhou
seX
XX
C15
-Oct
-66,
up
date
d 14
-S
ept-7
2Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
++
Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
the Fort Ben
ton NHL
District
Fort Ben
ton Bridge
XX
SC
6-A
ug-8
0Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
++
+Individu
ally listed
, also
a
contrib
uting prop
erty in
the Fort
Benton
NHL
District
Fort Ben
ton Engine
Hou
se & City
Hall
XS
C20
-Nov
-80
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Individu
ally listed
, also
a
contrib
uting prop
erty in
the Fort
Benton
NHL
District
Fort Ben
ton Levee
XX
XC
15-O
ct-6
6,
upda
ted
14-
Sep
t-72
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
the Fort Ben
ton NHL
District
Fort Ben
ton National H
istoric Landm
ark District
XX
XN
N15
-Oct
-66,
up
date
d
14
-Sep
t-72
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
++
+
13 con
tributing resources. G
rand
Union
Hotel – 188
2; Fort B
enton
Bridge – 188
8; Levee
– 186
0;
Murph
y & Neel M
ercantile – 188
0;
Bank
of N
orthern Mon
tana
– 188
1;
Mason
ic Hall – 188
3; Fort B
enton
Fire Hou
se & City
Hall – 188
3; Pacific
Hotel – 188
3; T.A. Cum
mins B
uilding
– 18
82; I.G. B
aker hou
se – 186
7;
Wackerlin Ha
rdware – 18
82; Fort
Benton
Blockho
use – c. 185
6; and
Fort Ben
ton Fort site – 184
6. 18
90
perio
d of significance.
Fort Shaw Historic District a
nd Cem
etery
XX
S11
-Jan
-85
Fort Shaw
Cascade
Pr+
++
7 contrib
uting resources (6 bu
ildings
and 1 cemetery)
Giant S
prings State Park
XX
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
CX
+Pr
++
++
High
Poten
tial Site
along
Lew
is and
Clark NHT
Golden
Tria
ngle
XCascade and
Chou
teau
+Pr
Grand Union
Hotel
XX
SC
2-Ja
n-76
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Individu
ally listed
, also
a
contrib
uting prop
erty in
the Fort
Benton
NHL
District
Great F
alls Ce
ntral Business H
istoric District
XL
20-A
ug-0
4Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+
99 con
tributing resources, includ
ing
Margaret B
lock, M
ason
ic Tem
ple,
Robe
rts B
uilding, US Po
st Office and
Fede
ral Cou
rtho
use
Great F
alls Ce
ntral H
igh Scho
olX
S1-
Sep
-76
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
Great F
alls High
Schoo
l District
XL
20-M
ar-1
3Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
2 contrib
uting features
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 120
Great F
alls Northsid
e Re
siden
tial H
istoric District
XL
1-A
pr-9
1Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+25
7 contrib
uting resources,
includ
ing Cascade Co
unty
Courthou
se, Lee
M. Ford Ho
use
Great F
alls Po
rtage National H
istoric Landm
ark
XX
NN
15-1
0-66
, up
date
d A
ug-
84Great F
alls
Cascade
CPr
++
++
2 discon
tiguo
us se
ctions, 7,700
acres, also
a High Po
tential Site
alon
g Lewis and Clark NHT
Great F
alls Ra
ilroad Historic District
XS
19-F
eb-9
3Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
40 con
tributing resources, includ
ing
Arvon Block, Chicago, M
ilwaukee
and St. Paul Passenger Dep
ot and
RR
, Great Northern Ra
ilroad (Havre
to FB to GF ‐ B
urlington
Northern
today)
Great F
alls West B
ank Historic District
XX
L30
-Aug
-10
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
3 contrib
uting resources‐‐The
Co
wbo
ys Bar and
Museu
m, the
She
a resid
ence, and
the WPA
wareh
ouse
(3 have be
en lost)
Hardy Bridge
XS
4-Ja
n-10
Cascade
Cascade
Pr
Contrib
uting resource in
Multip
le
Prop
erty Nom
ination for M
ontana's
Steel Stringer a
nd Steel Gird
er
Bridges
Harry E. Randall Ho
use
XL
27-M
ar-8
6Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr
Highland
Soldiers P
lot, Highland
Cem
etery
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
Hill 57
X
Great F
alls
Cascade
++
Pr+
20th Cen
tury Little She
ll commun
ity
I.G. B
aker Hou
seX
SC
20‐Nov
‐80
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Individu
ally listed
, also
a
contrib
uting prop
erty in
the Fort
Benton
NHL
District
J.C. A
dams S
tone
Barn
XS
12‐Ja
n‐79
Sun River
Cascade
Pr+
King's Hill Scen
ic Byw
ayX
Cascade
X+
Pr+
++
71 m
iles o
f Highw
ay 81, timbe
r history interpreted
Korpivaara Finnish Hom
esteads
XS
1‐Jun‐92
Belt
Cascade
Pr+
Confiden
tial information. Crocker‐
Jarvi H
omestead, H
eikkila‐M
attila
Homestead, Kraften
berg
Homestead,
Lewis‐Nevala Ho
mestead, Stone
Ho
mestead, W
argelin
‐Warila
Homestead
Lee M. Ford Ho
use
XL
10‐Aug
‐90
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
Individu
ally listed
, also
a
contrib
uting resource in
the Great
Falls Northsid
e Re
siden
tial H
istoric
District
Lewis and Clark National Forest
XX
XX
Cascade
XPr
++
+
Lewis and Clark National H
istoric Trail
XX
X19
78Cascade and
Chou
teau
XPr
++
++
+
Portion of th
e Lewis and Clark NHT
passes th
rough Cascade and
Choteau coun
ties, 7 High Po
tential
Sites
Margaret B
lock
XX
L2-
Aug
-84
Great F
alls
Cascade
PrMarias R
iver
XX
XX
Chou
teau
+Pr
++
+
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 121
Mason
ic Building (Fort B
enton)
XL
C14
-Oct
-80
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
Individu
ally listed
, also
a
contrib
uting prop
erty in
the Fort
Benton
NHL
District
Mason
ic Tem
ple (Great Falls)
XL
28-D
ec-0
0Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr
Missou
ri River D
ams ‐ Black Eagle Dam
XX
Black Eagle
Cascade
Pr+
++
+
Missou
ri River D
ams ‐ Cochrane Da
mX
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
+
Missou
ri River D
ams ‐ M
oron
y Da
mX
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
+
Missou
ri River D
ams ‐ Rainb
ow Dam
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
+
Missou
ri River D
ams ‐ Ryan Da
mX
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
+
Missou
ri River F
alls‐‐Colter F
alls
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
++
+
Missou
ri River F
alls‐‐Crooked
Falls/Ho
rsesho
e Falls
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
++
+
Missou
ri River F
alls‐‐Rainb
ow Falls
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
++
+
Missou
ri River F
alls‐‐The
Great Falls
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
++
+
Missou
ri River F
alls‐‐Upp
er Pitch Falls/Black Eagle Falls
XX
Black Eagle
Cascade
+Pr
++
+
Missou
ri River F
ord at Fort B
enton
XX
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
+Pr
++
+
Missou
ri River F
ord at Great Falls
XX
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
++
+
Mon
arch Dep
otX
Mon
arch
Cascade
Pr+
+Listing un
der S
HPO re
view
, a
prelim
inary BSCN
HA project
Mullan Military W
agon
Road (Ben
ton Lake Segmen
t)X
XN
13-M
ar-7
5Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
Segm
ent o
f lon
ger trail that has
interpretiv
e po
ssibilitie
s
Murph
y & Neel M
ercantile
XX
C15
-Oct
-66,
up
date
d 14
-S
ept-7
2Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
the Fort Ben
ton NHL
District
Neihart Schoo
lX
L7-
Mar
-03
Neihart
Cascade
Pr
Nez Perce Nee
‐Me‐Po
o National H
istoric Trail
XX
Fort Ben
ton
Cascade
XPr
++
Fort Ben
ton interprets, serves a
s passpo
rt stam
p site
North M
ontana
State Fairgroun
d Historic District
XS
13-J
an-8
9Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
12 con
tributing bu
ildings
O.S. W
arde
n Bridge
XS
26-M
ar-1
2Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr
Contrib
uting resource in
Multip
le
Prop
erty Nom
ination for M
ontana's
Steel Stringer a
nd Steel Gird
er
Bridges
O'Haire M
anor/Sip and
Dip Lou
nge
XE
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+
Old Fort B
enton (Trading
Post)
XX
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
++
Old US Highway 91 Historic District
XL
27-A
ug-1
3Wolf C
reek
(vicinity
)Cascade
Pr+
+Includ
es fishing access sites
Pacific Hotel
XX
C15
-Oct
-66,
up
date
d 14
-S
ept-7
2Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
the Fort Ben
ton NHL
District
River's Edge National Recreation Trail
XX
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
X+
+Pr
++
Robe
rt Vaughn Ho
mestead
XS
14-J
un-8
2Va
ughn
Cascade
Pr
Robe
rts B
uilding
XL
12-S
ep-8
5Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr
Roe River
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
++
Sluice Boxes State Park (Belt C
reek)
XX
Belt
Cascade
X+
Pr+
++
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 122
Smith
River
XX
XCascade
+Pr
++
+
Smith
River State Park
XWhite Sulph
ur
Sprin
gsCascade
X+
Pr+
++
Square Butte (C
ascade
)X
XCascade
PrKe
y natural feature
St. Paul's Episcop
al Chu
rch
XS
29-S
ep-8
0Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+
St. Peter's Mission Ch
urch and
Cem
etery
XX
S3-
Aug
-84
Cascade
Cascade
Pr+
+
Sulphu
r Spring Trail
XX
CCascade
Pr+
++
+Trail w
ithin th
e Great F
alls Po
rtage
NHL
Sun River
XX
XX
Cascade
Pr+
++
Sun River C
rossing
XX
XCascade
Pr+
++
Sun River R
eclamation Area /G
reen
fields Irrigation District
XCascade
++
Pr
T.A. Cum
mins B
uilding
XX
C15
-Oct
-66,
up
date
d 14
-S
ept-7
2Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
the Fort Ben
ton NHL
District
Tenth Street Brid
geX
XL
25-A
pr-9
6Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+
Teton River
XX
XX
Chou
teau
+Pr
++
+
Timothy
Edw
ard Co
llins M
ansio
nX
S27
‐Aug
‐80
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr
Tower Rock State Park
XX
XN
18-M
ar-0
2Cascade
Cascade
XPr
++
++
U.S. Post O
ffice and
Cou
rtho
use
XS
14-M
ar-8
6Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr
Fede
ral cou
rtho
use. Ind
ividually
listed, also
a con
tributing prop
erty
in th
e Great F
alls Ce
ntral Business
Historic District
Union
Bethe
l African
Metho
dist Episcop
al Chu
rch
XS
11-S
ep-0
3Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+
Ursuline Academ
y/Ursuline Ce
ntre (G
reat Falls)
XX
S26
-Sep
-91
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
Vine
gar Jon
es Cabin
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
Relocated to Gibson Park
Wackerlin Ha
rdware
XX
C15
-Oct
-66,
up
date
d 14
-S
ept-7
2Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
the Fort Ben
ton NHL
District
Who
op Up Trail/F
ort B
enton‐Fort M
acLeod
Trail
XX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Orig
inates in
Fort B
enton and en
ds
in Fort M
acLeod
, Canada
N = Nationa
l significan
ce, N
ationa
l Register o
f Historic
Places
S = Statew
ide significance, Nationa
l Register o
f Historic
Places
Pr = Prim
ary reason
for inclusion
in inventory
+ = Supp
ortin
g reason
for inclusion
in inventory
X = Re
source
C = Co
ntrib
uting feature of a larger designa
ted resource
E = Iden
tified as eligible fo
r Nationa
l Register listin
gL = Local significan
ce, N
ationa
l Register o
f Historic
Places
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 124
Resource Nam
e
The M
issou
ri Rive
r
First
Peop
les
Lewi
s & Cl
ark
A Far
Distan
t Lan
d
A New
Wes
t City
Coun
ty
Histo
rical Na
tural
Cultu
ral (L
iving
Trad
itions
)
Recre
ation
alTo
urism
Even
t
Notes
Belt Pe
rforming Arts
XBe
ltCascade
+Pr
+Be
lt Ro
deo
XBe
ltCascade
Pr+
+Be
yond
the Da
m (b
ike race)
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
++
Pr+
+Ho
sted
by NW Ene
rgy
Black Eagle 4th of Ju
ly Picnic
XBlack Eagle
Cascade
+Pr
+AC
M/Black Eagle com
mun
ity tradition
Cascade Ro
deo
XCascade
Cascade
Pr+
+
Western Art W
eek
XX
XX
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
++
PrCM
Russell, m
odern art, Western art, gun
and
antiq
ue sh
ow, crafts, m
ulti‐natio
n po
wwow
Chou
teau
Cou
nty Co
untry Ch
ristm
asX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
++
+Pr
Chou
teau
Cou
nty Fair
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
++
++
PrCh
outeau
Cou
nty Pe
rforming Arts
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
Exceptional Rod
eoX
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Fort Ben
ton Farm
ers M
arket
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Local farmers, Hutterite commun
ities
Fort Ben
ton Ro
deo
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Fort Ben
ton Summer Celeb
ratio
nX
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
++
+Pr
Dusty Gliko Bu
ll Riding
Challenge
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Great F
alls Farm
ers M
arket
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Local farmers, Hutterite commun
ities
Great F
alls Pe
rforming Arts
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
Mon
tana
Pro Rod
eo Circuit F
inals
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Great F
alls Turf Club Ho
rse Ra
cing
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
++
Labo
r Day Picnic
XBlack Eagle
Cascade
Pr+
ACM/Black Eagle com
mun
ity tradition
Lewis and Clark Festival
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
++
++
PrLittle She
ll Po
wwow
X
Ulm
Cascade
+Pr
++
Luminaria W
alk
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
++
+Pr
Missou
ri Breaks Tria
thalon
/Cho
Co Fun
XX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
+Pr
++
Missou
ri River Landing
Farmers M
arket
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
Pr+
+Mon
arch Rocks
XMon
arch
Cascade
++
PrMon
tana
High Scho
ol Rod
eoX
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Mon
tana
State Fair
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
++
++
PrPR
CA Big Sky Pro Rod
eoX
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Big Sky Re
gion
Rod
eoX
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
+Waking the De
ad
XX
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
++
+Pr
X = R
esou
rce
Pr = Prim
ary reason
for inclusion
in inventory
+ = Sup
porting reason
for inclusion
in inventory
APPENDIXVII(C)BIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAINVENTORY–EVENTSANDAMENITIES
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 123
Resource Nam
e
The M
issou
ri Rive
r
First
Peop
les
Lewi
s & Cl
ark
A Far
Distan
t Lan
d
A New
Wes
t City
Coun
ty
Natio
nal R
esou
rce
State
Reso
urce
Histo
rical Na
tural
Cultu
ral (L
iving
Trad
itions
)
Recre
ation
al Ed
ucati
onal/
Interp
retive
Tour
ism
Notes
C. M
. Russell Museu
mX
XX
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
+De
an & Don
na Strand Western Art Galler y
XX
XX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
+Pr
+Cascade Senior Citizens Cen
ter a
nd M
useu
m
XCascade
Cascade
+Pr
+
Cowbo
ys Bar and
Museu
mX
Great F
alls
Cascade
Pr+
++
Not individu
ally listed
, con
tributing
prop
erty in
the Great F
alls West B
ank
Historic District
Eden
Com
mun
ity Hall and
Park
XEden
Cascade
PrFort Ben
ton Ve
terans Park
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
PrGa
lerie
Trin
itas
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
Paris Gibson Square M
useu
m of A
rtX
Great F
alls
Cascade
++
Pr+
Lewis and Clark National H
istoric Trail Interpretiv
e Ce
nter
XX
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
X+
++
Pr+
Malmstrom Air Force Ba
se M
useu
mX
Great F
alls
Cascade
X+
Pr+
Meh
mke Steam
Tractor M
useu
mX
Great F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
+Mon
tana
Museu
m of R
ailro
ad History
XGreat F
alls
Cascade
+Pr
+Mon
tana
State Agricultural M
useu
mX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
X+
Pr+
Museu
m of the
Upp
er M
issou
riX
XX
XFort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
++
Pr+
Old Forts Trail
XX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
X+
+Pr
+
The History Museu
m (C
ascade
Cou
nty Historical Society)
XX
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
++
Pr+
Starr G
allery of W
estern Art
XX
XX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
PrUpp
er M
issou
ri River B
reaks N
ational M
onum
ent
Interpretiv
e Ce
nter
XX
XX
Fort Ben
ton
Chou
teau
X+
+Pr
+
Ursuline Academ
y/Ursuline Ce
ntre (G
reat Falls)
XX
Great F
alls
Cascade
++
Pr
X = R
esou
rce
Pr = Prim
ary reason
for inclusion
in inventory
+ = Sup
porting reason
for inclusion
in inventory
APPENDIXVII(B)BIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREAINVENTORY–MUSEUMSANDINTERPRETIVECENTERS
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 125
APPENDIXVIIIBIGSKYCOUNTRYNATIONALHERITAGEAREA,INC.PRIVATEPROPERTYRIGHTSRESOLUTION
BigSkyCountryNHA FeasibilityStudy 126
Big Sky Country NHA, Inc.PO Box 1323Great Falls, MT [email protected]