YC Environmental Stewardship
Yellowstone Club is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and has invested tens of millions of dollars to uphold the highest standards in water, habitat, and land management.T
Our established, proven environmental management program prioritizes fuels reduction, forest health, water conservation, land reclamation and rehabilitation, wildlife management, and sustainable operations. Approximately 20 percent of Yellowstone Club’s land is permanently protected under conservation easements. Read below for details on specific initiatives.
Sustainable Snowmaking Solutions
In December 2023, we launched a robust water recycling initiative to use reclaimed water for snowmaking, benefiting the broader Big Sky community’s resources. This effort builds on our long-standing partnerships with respected environmental organizations and is part of a $10 million water recycling project endorsed by American Rivers, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Trout Unlimited, Gallatin River Task Force, and other leading groups.
Prior to our permit was issued, Trout Unlimited recognized our leadership, stating, “TU appreciates the leadership of YMC in developing an innovative approach to protecting water quality.” The Greater Yellowstone Coalition also commended this initiative, noting, “Rather than consuming groundwater resources to make snow, snowmaking with reclaimed water recycles and stores water during the cold months, which augments stream flows during the spring and summer months to better protect fish and wildlife habitats while supporting downstream irrigators. This is an innovative climate adaptation approach.
Protecting Whitebark Pine on the Slopes
In December 2023, the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation certified Yellowstone Club as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area, recognizing its substantial management efforts to protect whitebark pine, a threatened tree species under the Endangered Species Act.
A list of other certified ski areas certified can be found below.
Cultivating Forest Sustainability
Yellowstone Club is dedicated to enhancing forest health and resilience through diligent monitoring and targeted management practices. To support this commitment, we have formed a five-person working group focused on developing and implementing a comprehensive, long-term fuel reduction management plan. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with Big Sky Firewise, a community-wide working group led by Big Sky Fire, ensuring alignment with broader regional efforts to promote forest health.
Wildlife Stewardship
Yellowstone Club has established a dedicated wildlife working group and a mobile wildlife education center to foster safer interactions between the community and local wildlife. Through these initiatives, we are committed to providing residents with the knowledge and information necessary for coexisting with and respecting the surrounding wildlife.
Read more from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle here
or visit Wild Big Sky below:
Advanced Water Treatment Solutions for Big Sky
The broader Big Sky community, with support from the Yellowstone Club, has committed over $50 million for a new water treatment plant for the Big Sky Water and Sewer District. This significant investment underscores the community’s dedication to ensuring best environmental practices continue into the future, especially in a town the size of Big Sky.
Additional Initiatives Include:
- Native land reclamation and seeding program.
- Significant donations to local nonprofits, including a Big Sky ride share program to reduce emissions, Big Sky SNO, Gallatin River Task Force, Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, etc.
- LEED certified buildings throughout Yellowstone Club.
- Real-time metering on homes to identify water conservation opportunities.
