Broadwater County Commissioner
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 07/03/2026 Volume: 4 Edition: 52June 24, Broadwater County Commission Meeting
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
Townsend District Ranger Aaron Weber and district fire management officer Cody Chrismore opened Tuesday's Broadwater County Commission meeting with a wide-ranging update on Forest Service activities — from new picnic areas and vault toilets to fire preparedness and a newly signed timber management plan with local economic implications.
Weber told commissioners that the Gypsy Lake day-use project up Duck Creek has been completed, adding four ADA-accessible day-use slots with picnic tables and fire rings near the lake. Coming later this summer, likely in July or August, two new vault toilets will be installed at Hellgate Canyon. Weber also noted that the annual whitebark pine planting effort in the Duck Creek Pass fire scar — which has seen 20,000 to 40,000 saplings planted each of the past two years — is scheduled again for this September, and that a public field trip to see the project may be organized for interested residents.
Weber also briefed commissioners on the recently signed Montana Tri-Forest Federal Sustained Yield Unit Management Plan, a multi-forest agreement covering the Helena-Lewis and Clark, Custer Gallatin, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge national forests. The plan requires that timber harvested within the geographical unit also be processed within it — a provision intended to support local mills and the regional timber economy.
On fire, Chrismore said local fire indices are currently sitting around the 80th percentile, though he cautioned against reading too much into that figure, given a shift to a new tracking system. Conditions have followed a pattern of moisture followed by drying, and a strong El Niño pattern adds uncertainty to the season outlook. "I'll tell you in November how it was," he said. Closer to home, crews are already working on conifer reduction at Norris Gulch in the Elkhorns under a recently signed forest-wide prescribed fire decision, with an eye toward broadcast burning in coming years. Longer term, the Forest Service is looking at treating roughly 5,000 acres in the Crow Creek, Slim Sam, and Johnny's Gulch area on the south end of the Elkhorns.
Weed trucks approved under budget
Noxious Weed Coordinator Jessica Bushnell received commission approval to purchase two trucks, coming in at $67,000 — well under the $80,000 authorization. Bushnell explained the vehicles will allow a full fleet reorganization: a 2019 flatbed truck will be converted to a tender vehicle, which means they will put water on it and use it to tow. A 2022 model will serve as a utility and landowner-visit truck for her assistant Grace, the current vehicle will transition to larvicide duty, and the oldest truck in the fleet will be sold. Bushnell also noted that weed crews have completed spraying on approximately 90% of county roads and that no Rush Skeletonweed has been found at previously identified sites, and that mosquito trap counts so far this season are low.
Centerville trail grant moves forward
Parks and Recreation Board Chair Carol Hatfield presented a recommendation — which commissioners approved — to use Concept 2 from the parks and open space master plan as the basis for two upcoming grant applications through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Commissioners were careful to specify that the approval covers only the trail and parking area elements of Concept 2, not the broader amenities depicted in the plan, such as a pool, fitness center, or dog park. The Broadwater County Development Corporation Trails Committee will apply for both a stewardship grant and a recreation grant this fall, with Interwest Engineering contracted to complete a draft trail location and parking area design at the Centerville property. Commissioners also approved a memorandum of understanding with BCDC to oversee the grant contract and funds.
County adopts investment and capital improvement policies
In a pair of votes aimed at improving financial transparency, commissioners approved both a Broadwater County Investment Policy and a Capital Improvement Plan Management Policy. County Administrative Officer Bill Jarocki said the policies formalize practices already in place and clarify how public funds may be invested and how capital improvements are planned and funded across county departments. Commission Chair Debi Randolph noted the policies make county financial operations more transparent to the public.
Bridger Brewing road dispute continues
Community Development Director Nicole Brown briefed commissioners — without seeking a decision — on the approaching expiration of a subdivision improvement agreement tied to the Bridger Brewing East Minor Subdivision. The agreement, which requires construction of an internal road known as Vigilante Way North, expires September 4, 2026, with a related letter of credit from Citizens Alliance Bank for $327,203.75 expiring in September 2027. Developer David Sigler argued the road is no longer necessary given that alternative access has since been constructed, but the county's legal position, as stated by the deputy county attorney, is that the road construction remains a condition of final plat approval. No action was taken, and discussions are expected to continue.
The commission approved claims totaling $18,850.04 and adjourned at 11:14 a.m.
