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Beartooth Recreational Trails Association

WHO WE ARE

MISSION

Our mission statement is simple…. to promote non-motorized trails along the Beartooth Front.

HISTORY

For many years we’ve enjoyed skiing the well groomed trails of the Red Lodge Nordic Center at the foot of the spectacular Beartooth Mountains in south central Montana. Many of our children learned to ski here. When we were skied-out and needed a rest, there were always a warm fire, friendly conversation, and cookies in the yurt.

In April of 2002, a bunch of friends, neighbors, ski bums, and others who didn’t have anything else to do in their spare time got together to help.  We formed BRTA — Beartooth Recreational Trails Association, not only to keep our favorite cross-country ski area alive, but also to work together on our shared vision of a non-motorized trail network along the foothills of the Beartooths.

VOLUNTEERING

We can always use your help!

BRTA is always seeking volunteers willing to work on special functions, such as moonlight skis, ski clinics and children’s programs, help out with trail maintenance and grooming, grant writing, fund raising, etc. We’re always excited to spread the word to other skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts about the non-motorized trail possibilities in the area, and what we can do to help out! Any outdoor enthusiasts are asked to join the fun, since everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained trail system.

GOVERNANCE

BRTA has a governing Board of 7 to 13 volunteers. We do not have paid memberships, but operate off your donations as well as Nordic Center fees and grants. We love fundraisers!  We have one part-time employee to manage the Nordic Center; everything else is done by volunteers.

CONTACT

Please contact us at:

Beartooth Recreational Trails Association
PO Box 1872
Red Lodge Montana 59068
info@beartoothtrails.org

Our Tax ID# 27-0081619

Consider donating to BRTA. Your tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated and will help build and maintain trails in the area.

Our monthly Board meetings are held second Wednesdays, 6:30 at the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation building across Oakes Ave. from the Post Office in Red Lodge (13th & Oakes). Archived Board Minutes are available here.

 

BOARD MEMBERS

Featured
Derek Stiegemeier
Derek Stiegemeier

Derek is the BRTA Board President and is involved in the Finance, Hiring and the Marketing Committees. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a background in MTB, BC Skiing, Alpine Ski Racing and trail running.

His Current job is as Director of Ancillary Services and Facilities which includes Hospital Administration and Project Management for Beartooth Billings Clinic.

Don Carrol
Don Carrol

Don joined the BRTA Board in October of 2023 an. serves as the Vice-President. He worked for 30 years for the US Forest Service serving as a District Ranger in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. He was directly involved with easement acquisition, trail construction and projects involving cities, counties, major ski areas and land trusts. Don has also worked for Montana Land Reliance, monitoring existing conservation easements.

Along with his wife, Traute, he enjoys hiking, biking and backcountry skiing.

Midge Cross
Midge Cross

Midge is the treasurer for BRTA and also serves on the Marketing Committee.

She holds an MBA degree, is an active hiker, and helps build trails.

Thomas Clark
Thomas Clark

Thomas serves as the Summer Trails Committee chair and secretary of the board. He is passionate about building trails with an emphasis on mountain biking. He has been known to go on the odd trail run and now spends a lot of time hiking with a toddler. Outside of BRTA he is primarily an at home dad, but also works as a nurse and a volunteer ski patroller.

Melisa Griffith
Melisa Griffith

Melisa is currently serving as the BRTA Winter Trails Committee Chair. She teaches Nordic skiing lessons and is the Director of the Whistle Pig Adventure Race.

Melisa grew up exploring the Bighorn, Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains and continues to be passionate about hiking, trail running, biking, camping, fishing, hunting and cross country racing. She is also a firefighter for Red Lodge Fire Rescue.

Jacob Cote
Jacob Cote

Jacob is one of the newest BRTA Board Members. Having worked as a professional Land Use Planner, he is sharing his knowledge of land use management and use agreement conversations to help develop new trails.

A fan of all things trails, he spends his free time running, biking and hiking the summer trails near Red Lodge. In the winter, he skis the trails at Red Lodge Mountain as a volunteer ski patroller.

Erika Purington
Erika Purington

Erika Purington grew up loving the Beartooths and gets excited about introducing others to the beauty and magic of them. She is a local business owner and area nonprofit leader.