14/07/2022
As you've likely followed, historic flooding from snowmelt and rainfall greatly impacted communities in South and Central Montana over the past few weeks. In response, our team reconnected with local voices in Yellowstone Country to learn more about how the floods affected the national park and nearby towns. We're especially grateful to Livingston-based photographer , whom we interviewed for the Western Montana guide. Chloe graciously shared some images from recent days.
Livingston, county seat of Park County, Montana, saw extensive damage to homes and other property. As one of the crossroads of Yellowstone Country culture, the town is also in the thick of recovery efforts. The Park County Community Foundation leads a significant fundraising effort aimed at helping individuals and businesses that suffered damage.
We spoke with a few folks close to the situation, and heard a story of resilience among the challenges of those closest to the flooding and amid the devastation.
"If I could lead with one message, it’s that Park County is open for business. Don’t cancel your trips. I wish that instead of repeatedly showing houses falling in the river, the media would show the hiking trails, the high mountain lakes, people floating the river–because you can. There’s plenty to do. Keep your hotel reservations, eat in our restaurants. Our businesses basically have 90 days of summer to make the year." – Gavin Clark, Executive Director of Park County Community Foundation
The Park County Community Foundation’s Southwest Montana Flood Relief Fund is providing immediate aid to households and businesses that suffered flood damage, and planning longer-term reconstruction and economic recovery projects. ’s Yellowstone Resiliency Fund aids in-park community programs and recovery efforts.
