Little Coyote Pond/West Fork Gallatin River Restoration Project: Amenities
Benefit Big Sky
April 11, 2024
Benefit Big Sky, a community nonprofit founded in 2022, focuses on enhancing Big Sky’s natural environment, safety, infrastructure, and recreational opportunities. We are currently fundraising to complete the Little Coyote Pond/West Fork Gallatin River Restoration Project.
One goal of the project is to improve the flow, fish passage, filtration, and overall health of the West Fork Gallatin River. It also serves to rejuvenate Little Coyote Pond, setting the stage for a new Community Recreation Facility in the Big Sky Meadow Village. The pond will feature amenities including, two beaches, fishing docks, trails, boat rentals, a picnic spot, restrooms, an observation deck, and an ADA ramp for accessibility. The area also provides direct access to public trails and the Big Sky Community Park. The restored river and pond are a gift to the community from the Big Sky Owners Association, and will remain free for public use in perpetuity.
Construction on the first phase was completed in February 2024. Through a combination of grants, fundraising, a donation from LMLC, and BSRAD support, about 70% of the approximately $2 million total project cost has currently been secured.
We are now dedicated to raising funds for the amenities and finishing touches. If you are interested in supporting the completion of this restoration project, Benefit Big Sky is offering a limited number of unique opportunities for amenity naming rights.
Please read the descriptions below, commit to a donation, and help build a legacy.
Once you commit to donating, a Benefit Big Sky representative will reach out directly about specifics, and coordinate your contributions.
Be forever acknowledged as a contributor to this project on our recognition wall.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Receive an inscribed railing post on the ADA accessible ramp to acknowledge your contribution.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Kick back and relax in an Adirondack chair. For an extra touch, consider adding a folding ottoman.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Support sustainable travel and safe bike storage by funding one of four bike racks.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Create a lasting tribute with a Memorial Bench. There will be a number of benches around the perimeter of the pond for visitors to sit and relax.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Provide the perfect gathering spot with a picnic table. Sponsor one of four picnic tables near the south beach of the Pond.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Be an anonymous contributor for a cupola and weathervane to top of the recreation building that will feature a deck, restrooms, and boat storage facility.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Make waves with a floating dock in the center of the pond.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Cultivate a native garden. Plant sustainable Montana species throughout the recreation area.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Support one of two fishing docks. Celebrate the project's positive impacts on the West Fork and native trout populations.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Sponsor a beach! One will be situated on the south side of the pond, and is family friendly, ADA accessible, and close to the picnic area and parking lot.
The second beach, on the north side by the river, is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the views.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.
Leave a lasting legacy by helping to build the Community Recreation Facility. The facility will feature restrooms, an upper viewing deck, and boat storage. Option to donate the entire building for $150,000.
To donate, click “Receive” and a Benefit Big Sky representative will be in touch to coordinate your contribution.