AGP Executive Report

Seasonal Road Closures: Beartooth Highway is scheduled to close for winter on Oct. 13, though approaching weather could bring an earlier shutdown. The route usually reopens around Memorial Day. Montana is also forecast to turn much colder this weekend, with rain and mountain snow—check conditions before heading out. Glacier Planning: A new three-day itinerary recommends splitting your stay between the park’s west and east sides. Vehicle reservations are no longer required in 2026, but Logan Pass has a three-hour parking limit and a ticketed shuttle. Wildlife Viewing: Elk numbers at Slippery Ann, a fall draw east of Lewistown, have been lower in recent years. One visitor counted about 80 elk, compared with the 200 to 300 often seen there; refuge officials say numbers shift with habitat conditions. Public Lands: Montana advocates are campaigning to keep the federal roadless rule, which protects more than 6 million acres in the state from most new road building and development.

Park County Arts: Livingston photographer Tom Murphy was named the 2027 Park County Artist Laureate, honored for a career documenting wildlife and wild places, including the Yellowstone ecosystem. Glacier Travel Planning: A new 3-day Glacier National Park itinerary maps out the west side, Going-to-the-Sun Road/Logan Pass, and Many Glacier—plus reminders about 2026 parking limits and the need to plan around seasonal trail openings. Public Health & Travel Safety: Fergus County confirmed a measles case tied to an Amtrak stop in Malta and a wood products business in Moore; officials warn travelers who were on the westbound Empire Builder route to watch for symptoms. Local Growth & Housing: Big Sky leaders held a “State of the Community” event focused on connect, collaborate and create, highlighting how an unincorporated town relies on multiple districts and commissions to manage growth. Community Support: Arrowhead School received a $225,000 grant for on-site staff housing and the area’s first licensed childcare facility, aiming to stabilize recruitment and enrollment. Outdoor Retail: Helena’s Capital Sports owner Ed Beall is retiring after 41 years, leaving a legacy tied to community involvement and conservation. Weather Watch: Western Montana is seeing unseasonably warm conditions, but a colder, wetter weekend is expected with mountain snow and difficult pass travel.

Solo Travel Inspiration: A 22-year-old Monroe woman just finished an 80-day, mostly solo hike-and-camp trek through 10 western states and 23 national parks, saying the journey was about beating fear and planning smart. Big Sky Community & Governance: Big Sky leaders held the “State of the Community” address, spotlighting how an unincorporated town relies on HOAs, the resort district, and county commissions to tackle growth, housing, and community needs. Forest Service & Recreation Debate: A Swan View Coalition chair urged the Forest Service to reject Pursuit’s tram proposal again, arguing it would fragment wildlife habitat and harm views in the Flathead area. Local Dining Stop: In Babb, Two Sisters Cafe is drawing Glacier-area travelers with Montana classics plus a New Orleans twist, including huckleberry desserts. Wildlife Safety: Montana FWP reported 32 grizzly deaths this year, with the latest incident in Lincoln County, and reiterated that securing attractants is key for safer fall hiking. Road Trip Watch: Deer are most dangerous on fall roads during breeding season, when animal-vehicle collisions spike. Diesel Prices: Deer Lodge County hit a weekly low diesel price of $6.19, while the statewide average rose to $6.28.

Montana Travel & Tourism: Montana’s grizzly bear deaths are climbing, with FWP reporting 32 grizzlies dead this year after another Lincoln County shooting; FWP urges hikers to secure food and trash to prevent conflicts. Local Culture & Community: Lewistown’s first-ever “Harvest Train” filled nearly every seat on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, pairing farm demos and local “harvest hosts” with a fun ride through central Montana agriculture. Outdoor & Wildlife Safety: Fall hiking season is in full swing, and FWP’s bear dashboard update is a timely reminder that October encounters can spike—plan ahead before you hit the trails. Arts & Travel Events: The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants will stop in Bozeman at Wilson Auditorium for free concerts Oct. 15 and Oct. 17, with additional dates across Montana. Big Sky Politics (Travel Impact): President Trump is expected to make a Montana stop in the final month before Nov. 3, likely in the western district, as House race attention ramps up.

Big Sky Football Rankings: After Idaho stunned No. 1 Montana State 35-34, the Bobcats slipped to No. 6 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 while the Grizzlies bounced back to No. 2 following a 36-14 Homecoming win over Northern Colorado. Player Spotlight: Idaho QB Joshua Wood was named Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week for a career night—315 yards, two TDs, and a last-play two-point conversion in the upset. Montana Trade Mission: Gov. Greg Gianforte is in Delhi leading a delegation pushing Montana pulse-crop exports and new business ties, with India highlighted as a major market for chickpeas, lentils, and peas. Wildfire Planning in Whitefish: Whitefish City Council will review a draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan identifying 14 high-risk areas, including zones north and east of Whitefish Lake, with impacts on tourism and water supplies. Travel & Tourism Watch: Bozeman in winter gets a fresh guide for skiers and hot-spring seekers, with driving tips and seasonal costs for 2026-27. Local Events for Families: Lewistown’s first Harvest Train brought passengers aboard a vintage rail car for Central Montana agriculture demos and local food.

Trade & Tourism: Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte is leading a 30+ person trade mission to India and Sri Lanka (Oct. 5–9), aiming to grow business and education ties—especially for Montana’s pulse crops like chickpeas and lentils. Wildfire Preparedness: Whitefish’s draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan is headed to City Council review, outlining 14 at-risk areas and mitigation priorities tied to tourism, water supplies, and community safety. Recreation Access: A local effort is working behind the scenes to reopen public recreation access at Fort Keogh near Miles City, after gates and vehicle limits tightened in recent years. Winter Travel Guide: A new Bozeman in winter guide highlights skiing, hot springs, Yellowstone access, Hyalite Canyon climbing, and practical driving/cost tips for the 2026–27 season. Local Events for Visitors: Lewistown’s first “Harvest Train” brought agriculture demos and local food onto a vintage rail ride, blending the feel of an ag tour with a passenger experience. Health Alert: Fergus County issued a measles exposure notice tied to Amtrak Train #7 and an Evergreen Wood Products visit—monitor for symptoms after exposure.

Recreation Access: A local effort is underway to reopen public recreation access at Fort Keogh near Miles City, with residents saying gates that once allowed walking access have tightened in recent years. Winter Travel Guide: A new Bozeman in-winter guide lays out what to do, what it costs for the 2026-27 season, and driving tips for getting to ski areas, hot springs, and nearby outdoor spots. Military & Aviation: The Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Airlift Wing wrapped up its C-130H era with a final tactical flight over Montana and a water-salute welcome in Great Falls. Tourism & Culture: Glendive’s 100-year-old grain silo is getting a mural upgrade, funded through a Montana Department of Commerce tourism development grant, aiming to draw travelers off the interstate. Public Health: Fergus County issued a measles exposure notice tied to Amtrak Train #7 and two local sites, urging people to monitor for symptoms. Local Events: October is packed with cozy fall happenings in the Flathead Valley, including Whitefish Oktoberfest and Barktoberfest in Kalispell. Safety on the Road: A fatal two-vehicle crash near Evergreen shut down attention on Montana Highway 206/35 after a T-bone collision. Wildlife & Outdoor Caution: Rangers are reminding fall hikers about bear encounter rules as October brings more wildlife activity.

Health & Safety: Montana officials issued a measles exposure notice tied to Fergus County, including time on Amtrak Train #7 westbound (Chicago Union Station to Malta) and stops at Evergreen Wood Products in Moore; people present are urged to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the last exposure. Local Culture: UM is launching “Griz Fridays,” a weekly tradition asking fans across Montana to wear maroon and silver every Friday, timed with a busy Homecoming stretch. Tourism Planning: Red Lodge is seeking public input on a draft tourism asset inventory and development strategy, with open-house and drop-in sessions at the Roosevelt Center Oct. 8–9. Travel Watchouts: A new travel roundup flags rising radon concerns in popular destinations, reminding travelers that invisible risks can matter as much as scenery. Getting There: Southwest announced new international routes from Austin for summer 2027, including service to Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Road News: A fatal two-vehicle crash near Evergreen left one dead and two injured, according to Montana Highway Patrol.

Public Health Alert: Fergus County officials say a measles case visited the area Sept. 24–26, including Evergreen Wood Products (Sept. 25) and Amtrak Train #7 westbound from Chicago to Malta (Sept. 24). Yellowstone Travel Buzz: A list of “Yellowstone” episodes to skip is trending with fans as the series keeps pulling viewers back. Air Travel: Southwest announced new summer 2027 routes from Austin, including weekend service to Bozeman and international links to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. Wildlife & Safety: Montana FWP reports a grizzly was shot and killed after a close-range encounter near Trego; officials urge securing outdoor attractants as bears feed heavily in fall. Local Tourism Input: Red Lodge is seeking community feedback on a draft tourism development strategy, with open house and drop-in sessions in early October. Road News: A fatal two-vehicle crash near Evergreen left one dead and two injured. Events: October is packed with local happenings, including Whitefish Oktoberfest and Kalispell’s “Celebrate the ’60s” show.

Tourism Planning (Red Lodge): The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation is gathering community input on a draft Tourism Asset Inventory and Development Strategy, funded through Montana’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, with an open house Oct. 8 and drop-in feedback Oct. 9 at the Roosevelt Center. Glacier Park Access (Tram Proposal): Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality has resubmitted a proposal for an aerial tram from Hungry Horse to Columbia Mountain, with the Flathead National Forest reviewing public need and feasibility before an environmental analysis and more public engagement. Wildlife & Safety (Bears): Montana FWP says a Trego-area landowner shot and killed a male grizzly after a close encounter; officials stress securing attractants as fall feeding ramps up. Health Alert (Measles): Flathead County reports no identified measles cases after an exposure alert tied to West Glacier; testing for a suspected case came back negative. Air Travel (Southwest): Southwest adds new routes from Austin to Bozeman and several international destinations, with seasonal weekend service starting in 2027. Local Culture (Glendive Mural): Glendive’s massive grain-elevator mural is taking shape, funded by a Montana Department of Commerce tourism grant to draw travelers downtown.

Wildlife & Safety: A Trego-area landowner shot and killed a male grizzly after a close-range encounter on Oct. 1; no injuries were reported, and FWP urged securing outdoor attractants as fall feeding ramps up. Wildlife & Safety: Another grizzly incident is reported near Whitefish after a close encounter, keeping bear precautions top of mind for fall hikers. Tourism & Local Economy: Glacier Country’s tram plan is back—hospitality giant Pursuit Attractions has renewed its aerial tram proposal near the west entrance to Glacier National Park, this time aiming for year-round operation. Community & Aging: Butte’s Belmont Senior Citizens Center is hosting a public meeting Oct. 13 to gather community input on services for older adults in Butte and Silver Bow County. Arts & Culture: Glendive’s massive new mural is taking shape on the historic GTA grain elevator, funded by a Montana tourism grant and designed to draw travelers off I-94 into downtown. Outdoor Recreation: Volunteers are playing a key role in maintaining wilderness trails across Montana, helping keep routes safe and accessible for fall use. Public Safety & Health: Blackfeet Tribal EMS is set to strengthen rural emergency response with a new ambulance funded through an $8.7 million CMS-backed investment for Montana EMS agencies. Tech & Privacy: AI-powered cameras are expanding across Montana, with new concerns raised about accuracy, access, and how long data is kept.

Rural Tourism Boost: Livingston commissioners will discuss a new I-90 welcome sign aimed at helping travelers find downtown, parks, museums and recreation, funded by a $67,450 Montana Department of Commerce Rural Tourism Asset Grant. Big Sky Travel Watch: Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality has resubmitted a proposal to the Flathead National Forest for a year-round aerial tram on Columbia Mountain near Hungry Horse, with the company saying public engagement is the key change from the earlier rejected plan. Safety & Access: Montana’s rural EMS network gets an $8.7 million boost for new ambulances and equipment, including a new vehicle for Blackfeet Tribal EMS to strengthen emergency response across remote reservation roads. Tech & Privacy: AI-powered license-plate cameras are expanding across Montana, raising questions for businesses and campuses about accuracy, data access and how long information is kept. Local Hospitality: Downtown Missoula’s Basecamp coffee shop is closing Oct. 4, adding to a run of food-and-beverage closures that’s hitting workers as the slow season approaches.

New Resort Opening: Arthur Blank cut the ribbon on Auster at Dome Mountain in Emigrant, a new year-round property with 20 Scandinavian-inspired cabins, dining, and a saloon—aimed at a slower, more connected guest experience. Rural Health & Safety: Montana rural EMS agencies are getting $8.7 million for new ambulances and lifesaving gear, plus training support, to help crews reach patients faster. Hazmat Training Grants: The Short Line Safety Institute and Montana’s DOT received PHMSA hazmat grants for instructor training, emergency response training, and state inspections. Fall Wildlife Warning: October is peak bear activity in national parks, with rangers urging fall hikers to follow specific rules as bears feed heavily before hibernation. Tourism Check-In: Lovell’s chamber says summer tourism was mixed, with high fuel prices and low lake water affecting local operators. Local Film Controversy: Livingston residents are reacting to a “Pawn Shop” project that reportedly transforms downtown and includes ICE-themed scenes, drawing protests and concern. Road Safety Data: State-by-state crash risk analysis highlights where driving is most dangerous, with Montana among the higher-risk states for animal collisions.

Wildlife & Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks euthanized 14 black bears near Bozeman after an investigation found the animals were food-conditioned and habituated to people following alleged supplemental feeding. Travel Planning: The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway reopened in Beaverhead County, but officials warn of hazards left by recent burns, including unstable dead trees, loose rocks/logs, ash, and possible flash flooding and mudflows. Airport Watch: Passenger growth is driving TSA hiring at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, with TSA adding part- and full-time security jobs in Belgrade. Outdoor Tragedy: A 24-year-old hiker died after a cliff fall near Leigh Lake in Montana’s Cabinet Mountains; search and rescue teams recovered the body after limited light delayed retrieval. Local Getaways: A new guide highlights 11 day trips from Bozeman, including Yellowstone entrances, Big Sky, hot springs, and gold-rush towns—plus seasonal closures to watch. Community & Tourism: East Helena police reached full staffing after a new hire, aiming to improve coverage as calls for service rise.

Wildlife & Safety: FWP says alleged feeding near Bozeman led to 14 black bears being captured and euthanized, with an investigation still ongoing—another reminder that “helping” bears can turn dangerous fast. Outdoor Travel: A hiker died after a fall near Leigh Lake in the Cabinet Mountains; search crews recovered the body after a multi-day effort. Fall Weather Prep: October in Montana is flagged as the start of real cold snaps and first frosts, with tips like keeping a window scraper handy. Gas Watch (Road-Trip Costs): Week ending Sept. 19 saw regular gas as low as $4.58 in Granite County and midgrade as low as $4.79 in Glacier County, according to GasBuddy. Indigenous Reporting: Montana Free Press and ICT announced a paid Indigenous Montana reporting fellowship starting Jan. 4, 2027. Travel & Lodging: A remote U.S. Forest Service cabin near the Continental Divide is being readied as a rustic, unplugged stay for hikers and bikers. Sports (Big Sky): Montana and Montana State both return to Big Sky action this week, with TV details for fans.

Wildlife & Outdoors: Montana WILD in Helena unveiled its new Avian Walkway, bringing birds of prey closer to visitors after a six-year, $1.065 million project funded by donations and state grants. Accessible Travel: Flathead Lake State Park is getting more inclusive with a Montana Conservation Corps trail project that widens and levels the Harry Horn Trail for people with disabilities. Fire Watch: Montana’s biggest fires are nearing full containment, but managers are watching for fresh starts as high winds and a potentially dry October loom. Road Safety: Montana Highway Patrol is investigating a Sept. 19 crash in Evergreen that left four teenage girls with life-threatening injuries. Local Tourism Spotlight: A Montana couple behind 1893 Matthew’s House won Montana Tourism Ambassador of the Year for building a community gathering spot that draws visitors. Travel Trend: Train travel demand is surging for 2027, with bookings up sharply for routes across Canada and Europe. Family Travel Picks: A new piece highlights Big Sky, Montana as a top family holiday destination.