After driving 3 days and 1,775 miles, I was greeted by Sky Country! Coming from the corn and soybean fields of Ohio, I was in awe of the snow peak mountains that enveloped me in every direction. Montana is the definition of beauty. From its towering peaks, to brimming hills of conifers above and sages below, to winding rivers and the allure of catching a glimpse of mountain lions, grizzly bears and wolves; this is a land that is flowing with biological and cultural treasures. Treasures that I, as a Conservation and Land Management Intern, can not wait to discover.

My first week in Dillon, MT partnering with the BLM proved to be an adventure. In addition to journeying to remote field sites, using 4×4 trucks following dirt paths up steep mountains, I was trained in several range management techniques. I learned how to take aerial cover using the Dauben-mire method, how to check exclosures and allotments, and most excitedly I started expanding my Montana floral knowledge, learning the forbs and grasses native to this unique Intermountain Region.

Field site near Dillon, MT.

Abandoned gold mine near the ghost town of Rochester, MT.

I am excited to see what this summer field season has in store. It has always been a professional and a personal goal of mine to work in the Western United States, and I am thrilled to embrace this opportunity to the fullest.

Until next time!

Steph Smith, BLM- Dillon, MT