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Beaverhead County LEPC Agenda Thursday, July 15, 2021 @ 7:00 P.M. Commissioners’ Room-County Courthouse *Due to COVID-19 Zoom attendance is also offered, please see the link below: https://zoom.us/j/94165491816?pwd=cFFJcEsrSDE2cjlOOXB2MGNjY0pRdz09 Meeting Call to Order Introductions Committee Reports: DES- (Tom Wagenknecht) 1. Fire & Current updates Public Health- (Sue Hansen) 1. Capability Work Plan (3 Year Plan) a. Emergency Public Information & Warning Completion Date: 6/30/2021 Activate the emergency public information system Determine the need for joint information system Establish and participate in information system operations 2. Complete COVID Response AAR-Include risk communications 3. Training and Exercise Plan a. Identified (PH) gaps b. Sustain current training/exercises c. Collaborate with response partners to build community resilience 4. Chempack Plan Review Public Comments & Questions Next LEPC Meeting Adjourn

Public Service Announcement The City of Dillon is sorry to announce that the Splash Pad will be closed until further notice. The UV system is not functioning properly at this time. This system disinfects/purifies the water and is a must to keep the splash pad operational. We are doing everything we can to get the system up and running. We will notify you as soon as it is functioning correctly. If you have any questions please contact Todd Hazelbaker, Director of Operations, at 683-4245.

Trail Creek Fire CURRENT SIZE: 1900 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT, north of Hwy 43 near Shoofly Creek PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: 4 engines, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, 1 helicopter, 1 Dozer, 2 Heavy Equipment Task Force, 1 Wild Fire Management Module and miscellaneous support under a Type 3 organization. NARRATIVE: The fire grew to 1900 acres yesterday. Due to Red Flag Warning and continued dry weather with gusty winds in the afternoon, the fire actively burned with numerous spot fires. Fire perimeter progression is in an area difficult for firefighters to access due to rough terrain, numerous snags, and a significant amount of dead and down trees. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: The fire burned actively, spotting to the east and south of the main fire. One helicopter dropped water to try and slow the spread of the fire. Crews completed an indirect line to protect the private property in Trail Creek and a small burnout was implemented to further the goal. Sprinklers were installed at the May Creek Cabin to help protect the cabin and nearby area. Indirect options are being assessed to the east and south of the fire. TODAY’S PLAN: Continue to assess progression of the fire north and south of Hwy 43, limit fire spread to the east and south utilizing suppression tactics and existing natural barriers, protect the May Creek and Hogan Cabins, and hold fire in Elk Creek. Implement indirect options on the east flank. A dozer line is being assessed for the east side of the fire. The fire will transition to a Type 1 Incident Command team tomorrow. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Dry conditions continue today, with northwest winds gusting to 16 mph, along with very unstable conditions will lead to elevated fire weather conditions. Northwest winds relax after 7:00 p.m. SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighters safety is always the primary concern . There is currently an area and trail closure in effect. This order closes a portion of Continental Divide Trail. Closure orders and maps are located on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest web page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices Hwy 43 remains open to traffic but could be closed if fire behavior becomes extreme. Alder Creek Fire YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Inversions yesterday slowed fire activity until early evening when winds picked up and pushed the fire east. The fire is currently at 282 acres, with group torching and spotting. TODAY’S PLAN: Today’s weather calls for cooler temperatures and lighter winds. However, relative humidity values remain low with poor humidity recoveries overnight, which means fire activity will occur earlier in the day. Crews will continue to construct fireline in the Alder Creek drainage, install sprinklers, and lay hose in preparation for burnout operations. There are currently seven engines and two dozers assigned to the fire, with aviation resources available for initial attack. The fire will transition to a Type 1 Incident Command Team tomorrow.

Press release from UMW: Last fall, the University of Montana Western Foundation awarded the Department of Health and Human Performance financial support from the Fund for Experience One to purchase Innovision’s Motion Capture Package for use in kinesiology courses at Montana Western. This innovative collection of technologies, often used in advanced scientific, private industry, and military research, represents the pinnacle of two-dimensional movement analysis and is used in a variety of medical assessments to predict and prevent injury and to assist in rehabilitation. The Motion Capture Package includes multiple components that allow for precise analyses of human movement that can exceed the speed and sensitivity of normal cameras and the human eye. The department integrated the infrared, high-speed, high-resolution camera system, retro-reflective anatomical markers, and automated tracking software MaxTRAQ for the first time during the spring semester in Kinesiology 325: Biomechanics, an upper division analytics course that serves as one of the scientific cornerstone courses for Kinesiology and Physical Education and Health majors. “Without the Foundation’s support, students would not have had the opportunity to learn about and employ these technologies themselves; with its support, students now graduate from the degree programs with practical experience that benefits them in both successive graduate programs and in their career positions,” said UMW Assistant Professor and Kinesiology 325 course instructor, Dr. Mitchell Stephenson. Through a problem-based learning approach, students in the Biomechanics course become familiar with the benefits and restrictions of kinematic technology and approaches, and then employ them in student team-designed research projects. In comparison to previous projects, the Motion Capture Package has expanded the types of research questions students can pursue to include significantly higher precision and movement speed. “The camera is six times faster than the human eye. It captures movements that we can’t even see, which makes it easier for us to make recommendations to increase athletic performance and potentially reduce an athlete’s injury risk,” one student said. This gift from the Fund for Experience One will benefit multiple groups of students as the course is offered by the HHP department every semester. Its integration into Kinesiology 325 has also inspired two students to design capstone research projects for Fall 2021 to investigate ligament injury risk and prevention strategies in two underserved, high-risk populations. “The Department of Health and Human Performance cannot thank the Foundation and its benefactors enough for this gift,” said Stephenson. “This funding allows every student to become an expert in technologies and techniques that are rarely available outside of graduate school.” For more information about the Montana Western Foundation and the Fund for Experience One, please visit www.umwfoundation.org.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers Wednesday, July 14, 2021 12:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Continue Plans for Dillon History Days 3. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 4. Adjournment Committee Members: Stan Smith, Chair Bill Shafer Mitch Staley Stacey Roundy, Vice Chair Debbie Sporich Raymond Graham Brenda Womack Michelle Cohen Rebecca Jones Cory Birkenbuel

CURRENT STATUS: Due to strong winds associated with the passage of a cold front, the fire doubled in size over the past 24 hours according to overnight aerial mapping. The infrared mapping shows the fire at 2,214 acres, with the majority of the fire's expansion north, toward the southern end of Cliff Lake. The fire crossed the handline previously established on the southwest side of Cliff Lake. Crews are now scouting areas to put in new line north of the fire. As a precautionary safety measure, fire managers worked with Madison County Sheriff's Office to move people out of the Wade Lake, Hilltop, and Cliff Point campgrounds due to increased fire behavior and northerly fire progression. These campgrounds are now closed, per the Forest's expanded closure. Engines were on-scene at various structures throughout the night. The handline on the east side of Cliff Lake is now complete and effectively holding the fire from moving further north in that area. Previous retardant drops, northeast of Hidden Lake, are effectively preventing the fire from spreading eastward currently. Heavy equipment is continuing to strengthen the fireline along Jackpine Gulch Road northwest of the fire for use in future burn operations. All resources will work to strengthen lines and fuel breaks, connecting to natural barriers and existing roads. WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today's forecast calls for temperatures in the low 90s and relative humidity at 10-15%. Winds are forecast to be 6-11 mph with gusts up to 20 mph from the north/northwest. There is a chance for thunderstorms this afternoon and evening; little to no precipitation is expected. Overnight infrared mapping indicated numerous spot fires and active fire intensity on the northern portion of the fire. Fire activity is forecast to be most active in the northeast area of the fire today. Direct winds and slope alignment could produce short crown runs and spotting up to 1/2 mile.

The Goose fire has moved to the north, towards the lower tip of Cliff Lake and is currently approximately 400-500 yards away from the lake. The fire is active on the rim that extends from there to the west. Fire managers are working in conjunction with Madison County Sheriff's Office to coordinate the evacuation of Cliff Lake, Hilltop and Wade Lake Campgrounds. Fire engines are en route to provide structure protection at Cliff Lake Lodge.

Michelle McIsaac Morganthaler will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, July 14, 2021. She will provide information on the local real estate market including recent trends and future outlook. Visitors are welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should come at noon to be a guest for lunch. The Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale St. For more information, email John O’Brien at john@highpeaksfcu.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

The Beaverhead DeerLodge National Forest District has released updates on the fires in our area. Goose Fire Forest Closure Order North Meadow Creek Trail Closure Order (due to bridge out) Trail Creek Fire Forest Closure Order Alder Creek Fire Forest Closure Order Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Forest Order Trail Creek Fire WHAT: Wildland Fire DATE OF DETECTION: July 8, 2021 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 440 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT, north of Hwy 43 near Shoofly Creek JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Four (4) engines, one (1) Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, two (2) helicopter and miscellaneous support under a Type 3 organization. NARRATIVE: The Trail Creek Fire was caused by lightning and was detected July 8, 2021. This fire is located on the Wisdom Ranger District and is approximately 440 acres in an area difficult for firefighters to access due to rough terrain, numerous snags, and a significant amount of dead and down trees. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: The fire burned actively to the south crossing Hwy 43 to the south. Two (2) helicopters dropped water to try and slow the spread of the fire. Crews constructed an indirect line to protect the private property at Trail Creek. TODAY’S PLAN: Monitor progression of the fire south of Hwy 43, keep fire west of the Trail Creek Road (FS road #3120)and east of the 7 Mile Cutoff Road. TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Hot dry conditions will persist through Saturday as high pressure strengthens and drops relative humidity (RH) and raises temperatures each day. Winds will be northwest 6-8 mph. Alder Creek Fire WHAT: Wildland Fire DATE OF DETECTION: July 8, 2021 CAUSE: Lightning CURRENT SIZE: 30 acres CONTAINMENT: 0% LOCATION: 7 miles west of Wise River, SW of HW-43 JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Forest Service, Beaverhead County Due to the difficult terrain, significant down fuel, and numerous snags in the area, it is unsafe for firefighters to engage the fire. The local sheriff has contacted homeowners in the area and the Incident Commander is actively assessing and working to create defensible space. Full suppression measures are being taken, including utilizing aircraft for point protection for values at risk. Goose Fire Current as of 7/10/2021, 8:05:15 AM Incident Type: Wildfire Cause: Unknown Date of Origin: Wednesday July 07th, 2021 approx. 10:10 AM Location: 32 miles SSE of Ennis, MT near Hoodoo Pass Incident Commander: BDNF Current Situation Total Personnel 93 Size 400 Acres Estimated Containment Date: Wednesday October 13th, 2021 approx. 12:00 AM Fuels Involved Timber (litter and understory) Significant Events Active, running, torching Outlook Projected Incident Activity: The fire will continue to spread at a moderate pace. Remarks: An infrared flight on July 10 more accurately mapped the fire at 691 acres.

If you have an old car or even a new exotic Virginia City Montana is the place to be. The Vigilante Car Show hosted by the Montana Heritage Commission is going on today tell 4 pm. Both old and new cars lined main street Virginia city. Participants polish and shine their pride and joy in hopes it will catch a vote or two in winning one of the many categories offered. If you are looking for something to do today the show runs tell 4 pm and Montana Exit will be playing at the Bale of Hay Saloon starting at 2:30.

CURRENT STATUS: The Goose Fire started on July 1, 2021. Initial attack forces responded to suppress the fire, initially located in a 250-acre rock slide area, inaccessible to crews. On the afternoon of July 9, the fire moved easterly, south of Cliff Lake and north of Hidden Lake and up onto the Hidden Lake Bench. Several air tankers dropped retardant to slow further progression eastward, aiding the crews on the ground. The fire burned into sagebrush and grass fuels, where it lost radiant heat and died down. These lighter fuels are more favorable for suppression tactics. The fire remained active in the timber stringer along the chain of lakes on the east side. Local resources were on-scene throughout the night. A more accurate overnight aerial mapping of the area estimated the fire to be 691 acres. Firefighters will continue work to create fuel breaks along adjacent roads (Jackpine Road on the north and west flanks), in preparation for potential burnout operations. Crews will work to minimize fire progression in heavier fuels and limit northeast progression towards the private structures approximately 5-6 miles away. WEATHER: High pressure continues to build across the region, resulting in continued hot and dry conditions. Winds will gust up to 25 mph today and lessen overnight and into tomorrow. On Sunday, as the high pressure system breaks down, winds are forecast to be northwesterly between 8-17 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 80s, with relative humidity in the single digits through the weekend. FIRE BEHAVIOR: Fire behavior is anticipated to be moderate today with individual and group tree torching in the rockslide area. Short-range spotting up to a quarter of a mile has been observed over the last several days and will likely occur more frequently as the fire reaches the edge of the rockslide area. In the grass and sage area to the south of the fire, rapid rates of spread and higher flame lengths are expected. CLOSURES: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest will be implementing a closure of the area surrounding the Goose fire for public and firefighting safety. STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions yesterday. Campfires and stove fires (including charcoal barbecues and grills) are prohibited in the area unless using permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites. Smoking, unless in a vehicle, a building, or an area 3 feet in diameter cleared of vegetation, is also restricted.

First Responders received a call of a vehicle wreck on mile marker eight of the Sweetwater Road Thursday evening. A semi attempted to make a turn and ended up rolling on its side. Two occupants were taken from the scene by ambulance. This is a developing story, and we will update it if more information becomes available. Update: The driver of the truck was making a delivery and became lost. After realizing this they were able to turn around and head back down the road, but lost control in a corner as they drove to close to the edge of the road and slid off.

Wildlife officials shot and killed a grizzly bear early Friday morning less than two miles from Ovando, where a woman was killed in a grizzly bear attack early Tuesday morning. The bear was killed at the scene of a second chicken coop raid that was very similar in nature to the one that happened in Ovando the night of the fatal attack. Given the proximity to Tuesday’s attack, the evidence found at the scenes and the fact another chicken coop was raided, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials believe this is the same bear but confirming DNA analysis will take a few days. The second chicken coop raid occurred Wednesday night, about 48 hours after the attack in Ovando. FWP specialists set a trap at the second coop on Thursday and USDA Wildlife Services specialists were monitoring the trap Thursday night when the bear approached and was shot. Wildlife Services specialists were assisting at the request of FWP officials, anticipating the bear would return to the coop. They used night vision technology to aid in shooting the bear. DNA samples from the bear will be compared to samples taken from the scene of the fatal attack Tuesday to determine if this was the same bear. In the meantime, FWP staff will remain vigilant and keep at least one trap set near the first chicken coop on the outskirts of Ovando. If people see a bear in the area of Ovando, please call FWP at 542-5500.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been enacted in parts of southwestern Montana by interagency fire management officials. Starting at midnight on Friday, July 9th they become effective tell further notice. These restrictions will apply to various areas in the following counties: Madison County, Beaverhead County, Deer Lodge County, Silver Bow County, Powell County south of I-90 and highway 12, and Granite County south of I-90 and east of Lolo National Forest Boundary. These restrictions also apply to lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, MT DNRC, BLM, US Fish & Wildlife & Parks, NPS within the Dillon dispatch zone. Stage 1 fire restrictions are as follows: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire unless noted in the exemption below or as designated in the specific closure order. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Exemptions to the above Stage 1 prohibitions include the following: Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. All land within a city boundary is exempted. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

It’s the end of the week, that means it is time for the Weekend Rundown. Events are happening all around from car shows to live entertainment and we have all the info in one spot. Friday, 07/09 10th Annual Madison Duathlon Olympic Distance Duathlon Run: 3 kilometers Bike: 40 kilometers Run: 10 kilometers Second Leg of the Madison Trifecta (a.k.a. The Road to the TBA) The original Madison Duathlon (bike/run) started out as a natural expansion of a good idea (i.e. the Madison Marathon), but it quickly became a good idea on its own. It was an A to B that started in Ennis right near the banks of the Madison River and then went up and over the mountains to Virginia City. It was a great route and many duathletes who have competed in the Madison Marathon say they had more fun on the duathlon. For 2021, we have an expanded route. It will be an official Olympic distance Duathlon. This means a run-bike-run race at distances of 3K-40K-10K. The staging area will be at Lion's Club Park in Ennis. The first run will essentially be a sprint of sorts. We shuttle everyone 3 KM away to the little community of Jeffers and the athletes run back to Lion’s Club Park where their bikes are ready to go. The cycling leg starts from the park and heads out Montana Highway 287 to Varney Bridge Road. The paved route goes along Varney Road for about seven miles to the turnoff (to the right) onto Shining Mountains Loop Road. The route turns to gravel and cyclists head towards Axolotl Lakes. Follow the cones which take cyclists pass Axolotl Lakes and then out to Highway 287 and then they return to the lakes for the final transition. This is a 40 KM ride. Next, put on your running shoes for the final 10 KM run to Virginia City. This is down Axolotl Road or the Old Dump Road. It’s a rough road suitable for ATVs and jeeps, but easily passable for runners. The best news is that it’s mostly downhill. The final stretch is right up Wallace Street in Virginia City (the main drag) with a finish line in front of the Madison County Court House. The duathlon is the second leg of the Madison Trifecta. The first leg is Thursday evening (Madison Triathlon), the second leg is this duathlon, and the third and final leg is the very next morning with the Madison Marathon. You get all three races in, and you're a TBA- Total Bad Ass! If you get just this duathlon in, you're a bit of a bad ass as well. At the very least, you get to participate in Montana's only Olympic duathlon. That alone is pretty bad ass! Dan Henry at Ruby Valley Brew The Ruby Valley will be alive with the sound of music as Dan "The Harp Man" Henry rolls into Sheridan, Montana with his trusty guitar in hand and waling harmonicas at the ready. So head on over to Ruby Valley Brew July 9th and get yourself a table and a beer and then settle in for some live music Montana Style. Live Music at Willie's Distillery We will be back playing at Willies on Friday July 9th from 5:30 to 7:30. Hope to see you there. Come on out, order up some Honey Moonshine, grab hold of the saddle horn and hang on for some great fun.. Of course we don't want you to miss our show but if you get a chance, drop by Willie's anytime. Willie's has great décor and of course it's always fun to sample their moonshine and other spirits! Open Mic Night Rocky's Roadhouse Montana 6 to 9 pm Come out and share your talent with us! Willy James @ The Den 7 to 10 pm Come join the fun and joy of live music! Come support Local Live Music! Beary Aware! This comprehensive program for adults and older children will explain where bears can be found in Montana, how to avoid encountering bears, how to avoid attracting bears to campsites, and how to deal with bear encounters. Meanwhile, Marti will present a special storytime for young children, focusing on what bears eat and the simple basics of bear safety. Porch programs will take place in the morning and early afternoon at the cave visitor center. This is the seventh presentation in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park’s annual Friday Summer Speakers Series, which introduces a new speaker each Friday at 8 p.m. throughout the summer. About the speakers: Bill and Marti Cook are bear awareness instructors for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Graduates of the University of Montana and longtime hikers, backpackers and campers, they live in Helena and have presented bear trainings across Montana to a wide range of audiences: from Forest Service firefighters to cub scouts. In their programs, the Cooks draw on decades of experience in the Montana backcountry Playing July 9th - 13th Silver Bow Drive In Playing July 9th - 13th Side one: Black Widow Rated PG-13 Runtime 2 hr 13 min Side Two: The Boss Baby: The Family Business Rated PG Runtime 1 hr 37 min Gates open at 8:30 pm. Shows start at dusk (about 9:30 pm) Tickets are $6 ages four and up. Ages three and under are free. Cash only. Live Music at the Long Branch Saloon 8 to 10 pm Join us at the Long Branch Saloon for beers, spirits, food and live music. Left For Dead is a fiddle and banjo duo that plays an exciting array of Old Time, Folk, and Country Genres. Together they take you on an exciting journey of familiar and some not so familiar tunes with roots reaching back as far as the 1700’s and up to the present. Come out and sing along with some old favorites while you enjoy a an ale, a spirit of your choice, and/or a delicious steak. Saturday, 07/10 Vigilante Car Show Virginia City Montana from 10 am to 4 pm Dillon Farmers Market Dillon Farmers' Market on Saturdays. Come see us on Washington Street between Sebree and Reeder Streets, by the Splash Pad, from 9 am to 1 pm. Live w/ Chandler Huntley 5 to 8 pm at The Star Restaurant Paul Lee Kupfer LIVE! 6 PM Live music on a Saturday afternoon! Paul Lee Kupfer will be returning to Dillon to play some summer jams. The Knotty Pine Come on down and check out the newly owed Knotty Pine and listen to 100% Montana made music by Willy James Sunday, 07/11 7th Annual Big Sky Marathon Full and Half Marathon race The Big Sky Marathon is the result of our success with the Madison Marathon. We held our Inaugural race in 2015 to appease marathoners from around the world who were screaming for a double (both full and half) in Montana. To non-marathoners, this is completely counter-intuitive. After all, why would you host a second marathon immediately after one of the most difficult marathons in America? To the likes of Marathon Maniacs and other running groups, it makes perfect sense. Why run just one marathon over a weekend when you can run two? Why not earn Four Stars as a Marathon Maniac over the course of 48 hours vs. possibly earning just one star and only if all your other stars line up? We couldn’t answer the why not questions other than to say, ‘Yeah, why the hell not?’ We started a new route in 2020. It's still one hell of a downhill. Give or take it has a net drop of 3,600 feet. Turns out, it’s the Second Longest Downhill Road Marathon on Planet Earth, or at least in the top five. The new route will once again start up on the Gravelly Range Road. The full marathon will start at approximately Mile 17 of the Madison Marathon route. Then, runners head downhill to the Madison Valley floor. Once on the valley floor, runners will no longer run along Varney Road. Instead, they will turn right at the T-junction, cross Varney Bridge over the Madison River, and run out to US Highway 287. That will be the turn-around point. Runners return to the Madison River and finish at Varney Bridge. So for full marathoners, it will be about 22 miles out and four miles back. For Big Sky Half Marathoners, the starting line will be still up on top but not quite as high as before. It will be around five miles further down the route from the Big Sky Marathon starting line. It will then be a straight 13.1 mile shot to Varney Bridge. None to little traffic. Only a mile or so of pavement instead of more than 10 miles of pavement. And, the race ends on the tranquil waters of the Madison River, not a town park. A good means to describe the route in terms of its challenges and level of difficulty is to break it down into three sections. Section One – This is from the starting line to the point on the route where the significant downhill begins. The starting line is at approximately 8,500 to 8,700 feet above sea level. The full marathon start is at about Mile 17 of the Madison Marathon. The half marathon start is about 1.5 miles from the intersection of Road 292 and 290. The runners will not drop in elevation too significantly over the first five to eight miles (depending on which race you’re running). There are few or no uphills on this section of the route. It is essentially flat and on top of the Gravelly Range though everything is trending downhill. This entire section is within the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. As runners get close to the border of the National Forest, there will be long, gradual downhills of two to three miles in length crossing enormous bowls and meadows, but they will not necessarily be quad burners. Section Two – This is the quad burner section. It begins almost immediately after runners leave the National Forest. Runners will cross a cattle guard gate and then the next several miles will be a quite steep downhill. This is a series of switch backs that drop the runner from 8,500 feet to 6,000 feet in a relatively short distance. The “official end” of this section is when the road hits a T-junction after going through most of the Bar 7 ranch. The estimated distance is about seven miles. Section Three – This section is a flat area that gradually declines in elevation as it gets close to the Madison River. The lower part of the Bar 7 Ranch is approximately 6,000 feet and Ennis and the Madison River is at about 5,000 feet. The first few miles will be on gravel road, but eventually the runners hit pavement near the Ennis Fish Hatchery turn-off. Once pavement is hit, runners are quite close to Varney Bridge and the Madison River (the finish line). When runners reach a T-junction, they turn right to Varney Bridge. The half marathon runners cross the bridge and run into the Varney Bridge Fishing Access to the finish line. The full marathoners continue on this road out to Highway 287 which is about four miles away. This section is entirely on gravel road and crosses an enormous open space area with fantastic views of both the Madison and Gravelly Range. At the highway, runners turn around and run back to Varney Bridge and the finish line. That is how you run one of the longest downhill road marathons on Planet Earth! Fan Mountain Frog Dogs Music by Fan Mountain Frog Dogs starts at 3 pm.

Hunters interested in participating in game damage hunt opportunities need to register online for the Hunt Roster by Thursday, July 15, through MyFWP . The roster is used by Fish, Wildlife & Parks to quickly respond to landowners who are eligible for game damage assistance in the prevention or reduction of property or crop damage primarily caused by deer, elk and/or antelope. To register, hunters can log into their MyFWP account or click “look up draw results, register for lists” within the menu. Then select a preferred hunting district(s) for potential deer, elk and antelope damage hunts and submit. Hunters are asked to sign up for districts where they know the landscape and can respond quickly to game damage issues typically within 24 to 48 hours. After registration closes, a randomly generated list will be created from the online registrations and will be posted to MyFWP accounts by July 20. FWP will contact hunters if they are selected for a damage hunt opportunity via phone and/or email, so hunters are asked to ensure they have accurate contact information in their licensing profile. FWP may also utilize other means of hunter selection in lieu of the Hunt Roster, including first-come, first-served advertised opportunities, unsuccessful special license or permit applicant lists or lists of names supplied by landowners depending upon each damage situation. For more details on the FWP game damage assistance program visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/landowner-programs/game-damage-program .