Bear Creek Council
Join the effort to protect Yellowstone's gatewayby Dr. Nathan Varley
Sept. 22, 2022
Bear Creek Council has taken on a new identity in recent decades. Once a grassroots movement to address community and environmental concerns of the residents of Gardiner, Montana, BCC now maintains those members but have added many from afar who care deeply about the issues BCC tackles.What are those issues?
Most recently BCC members went to Montana's capitol to argue for more protection of Yellowstone's wolf packs when they stray from the park. Last year about 20 wolves were killed by hunters and trappers. In response to the outcry, a quota was reinstituted and lowered from 10 to 6. While we have many partners to thank for this win, BCC was part of producing a new economic study, the formation of a wildlife-friendly business coalition, and face-to-face meetings with decision makers.
We've also bought and placed bear-resistant garbage cans in our area, helping to protect Yellowstone's bears from becoming problem bears, which often leads to their death. We've advocated for free-roaming bison herds in the Gardiner Basin, and been a voice for change to address ugly management practices. We've held to task all management decisions that erode the foundation for why we live and visit the Gardiner Basin.
Admirers from around the country have gotten involved--they have encountered these tough issues and seen how BCC has responded. Many think, if we can not have healthy wildlife populations and sustainable economies at the gateway to Yellowstone, where can we have these? Yellowstone is near to the heart for many, and its local community is equally dear as a home-away-from-home.
Consider joining BCC today. Your membership fees will go toward these and future efforts. As a small, all-volunteer group of concerned, informed citizens, Bear Creek Council makes a difference.
Our webpage has more details. Visit and click JOIN to become part of the difference we make.
Thank you, Nathan Varley, president of BCC
