About Benefit Big Sky
Benefit Big Sky is a 501c3 non profit organization in the Community of Big Sky, Montana. The Huntley-Kern Pond is our flagship project, restoring the West Fork of the Gallatin River, while transforming the pond into a more welcoming community space.
Named in honor of Big Sky founder Chet Huntley and the Kern family, the environmental restoration phase is complete— with the pond now separated from the river, allowing natural flow patterns to resume and fish populations to recover. Work will continue this summer on recreational amenities.
This summer marks the beginning of preliminary community access to the pond, with improvements continuing throughout the project timeline.
Huntley-Kern Pond / West Fork Gallatin River
Restoration Project
The Restoration Project is a community and sustainability-focused initiative that’s happening at Huntley-Kern Pond, next to Big Sky’s Meadow Village. This project will benefit everyone in Big Sky! The first step is to improve the flow, fish passage, and filtration of the West Fork Gallatin River, and clean up the pond. This construction phase was completed and the pond was refilled with water.
The next step is to use the restored space to create a new Community Recreation Facility for everyone in Big Sky. The area will include a fishing dock, a perimeter trail, beach area, benches, Adirondak chairs and picnic tables to take in the views of the pond and Lone Peak. The goal of the Huntley-Kern Pond/West Fork Gallatin River Restoration Project is to enhance the quality of life for long-term and seasonal residents, tourists, vendors, and commuting employees alike, all while improving our beloved Gallatin River. This land has been allocated to be used by the public for free into perpetuity, by the Big Sky Owners Association!
Benefit Big Sky staff is working hard to fundraise, apply for grants, and share information, but this project cannot be completed without your help! Consider donating to this initiative and sharing this information with others in our community. Every little bit helps!
Thank you to our donors and partners who have helped us get to where we are today!
