Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 48 48 Sweet Grass County and Big Timber are today home to less than 4,000 residents, many of whom are attracted by the dual benefi t of living in a place where small business is encouraged; and where one is daily rewarded with incredible vistas and landscapes unmatched for living and recreational opportunities. In Big Tim- ber there is room for most every pursuit, whether it be a business that builds world- class golf courses, or an afternoon of fi sh- ing on the Yellowstone River. The local business people seem to have a common bond and connection to each other, born of odd diversity and a distinct common ground. According to Philip Land, a local real estate broker, "people come here because they want to live here, not because they have to." Though the Sweet Grass Chamber of Commerce boasts some 68 members, the true level of small business and entrepre- neurship runs much deeper than the hardware store, restaurants, or salons of main street busi- ness. There are two custom rifl e companies, a substantial honeybee enterprise, a forge opera- tion for specialized iron work, a large, grass-fed beef ranch, a company that does customer survey work worldwide and many "stealth" businesses like that of Ron McAdams, who is a self-styled "business advisor," working with a company in San Francisco. "I live here because of lifestyle," says Ron, "I've got a good one." "Lifestyle," is the common refrain among business owners in Big Timber, who seem to couple rugged, western determinism with a strong desire to enjoy "the great outdoors" and fully appreciate the benefi ts of small town liv- ing. Any sense of isolation is readily buffered by the easy, one hour drive to the bustle of Bozeman or Billings, their cultural attractions, and international airports. Not that Big Timber THE LITTLE TOWN THAT CAN BIG TIMBER: W hether Clark's Rivers Across, Domix at the time of the old sawmill, or Big Timber when the railway left its own legacy, the area around the Boulder and Yellowstone rivers has always been characterized by enterprise and enduring beauty. BY BILL MUHLENFELD 48 Sweet Grass County and Big Timber are today home to less than 4,000 residents, many of whom are attracted by the dual benefi t of living in a place where small business is encouraged; and where one is daily rewarded with incredible vistas and landscapes unmatched for living and recreational opportunities. In Big Tim- ber there is room for most every pursuit, whether it be a business that builds world- class golf courses, or an afternoon of fi sh- ing on the Yellowstone River. The local business people seem to have a common bond and connection to each other, born of odd diversity and a distinct common ground. According to Philip Land, a local real estate broker, "people come the area around the Boulder and Yellowstone rivers has always been characterized by enterprise and enduring beauty. BY BILL MUHLENFELD " eraino a igh t us . [NB: avng otet, & ocoring t fa skin] I ad ehoses C ecd arlyand St t, proeeed or epon o ridgeand rogh noe lo b• o c•o••d arge C•eek wich eds na igh S•o toed Mninto e N W. imedia•e yopo•t - eete•- anceo e C•eek e Se- € ing arge• ‚a s nfro e high S•o onins - e S W. & S€ o• C•eeks I ƒa R„vrs c•o••." ~ W„ iam CarkJrnl J…ly 17, 1806.

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