28 May From the Editor: The Beauty of a Place

June in Montana is billowing clouds swelling across a sky that’s met by the spine of the mountains and a bed of verdant greens. The varied hues of plants harmoniously blend into a rich landscape of forests and meadows, mountains and plains. 

Defined by the stunning high-alpine peaks, diverse array of plant and animal inhabitants, and rich opportunities for adventure, the Northern Rockies are a kind of oasis — a place where life is sustained. Experiencing the Rockies, whether through outdoor forays or literary and artistic works, has a way of harmonizing with our human hearts. And in these times, when many new faces are arriving throughout the region, a perplexing question arises: How do we keep this place special?

The answer, of course, isn’t singular. It’s the derivative of community and landscape needs, of careful planning and research tailored to specific sites and locales. And it may take several attempts to get it right. Even then, the answer may change over time, as evolving knowledge informs action: Once we know better, we do better.

The responsibility, as it were, falls on the collective; the implementation, though, is all about the individual.

Big Sky Journal celebrates the full range of life in the Northern Rockies, paying tribute to the characteristics and qualities that set this region apart. In this issue, we recognize the beauty of public lands, discuss how people are working to maintain and pay homage to the region’s spectacular qualities, and look back on how we have gotten where we are today, so that we might look ahead toward where we are going.

It is my hope that the pages that follow can be a means for inspiration, encouraging awareness and appreciation for the way diverse people share in the profound experience of this special place. Enjoy!