D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 8
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Sticking together during times of need is second nature to Montana com-
munities. ey always rise to the occasion. Telephone trees instantly form,
matching available pastures, corrals, and shelters with evacuated animals need-
ing a temporary home. Livestock trailers appear to pick up stranded cattle,
horses, llamas, pigs, and goats. Facebook posts, tweets, and emails light up the
internet with offers to help, places to sleep, supplies ready to deliver, as well as
pleas for assistance. e best thing to do is to jump on these organic networks
and get the word out about what you have to contribute.
Dunrovin has played many distinct roles during past fires. In 2013 a
small town of tents and trailers formed in our winter pasture to house
the Canadian National Guard who stayed for nearly two weeks to
provide support to the Lolo Creek fire. ey shared the pasture with
evacuated draft horses that were separated by a quickly erected electric
fence. Later that same year, a late-night lightning strike shook all Dunr-
ovin's guests as they slept and started a fire directly across the Bitterroot
River. Dunrovin suddenly became command central for TV cameras
and emergency personal monitoring the fire's progress. Dunrovin set up
its irrigation system to spray water over all the buildings, evacuated the
horses from the forested areas, and alerted everyone to be ready to leave
at a moment's notice. Hours later as the storm passed and the wind
subsided, Tess made an appearance. e soft rain drops began to fall
and quiet the fire. On my last trip up from the hill from the river to the
house, I discovered a pair of green cougar eyes following me. It no doubt
swam the river to escape the fire. It was a memorable night!
Aftermath of the 2013 fire
BITTERROOT VALLEY
Dis nc ve Cra�sman Co ages in a
55+ Pocket Neighborhood Planned Community
"Downsize Beautifully"
www.riversidecrossing.org
riversidecrossingcoop@gmail.com
406-282-4776
Downsize Beautifully
BITTERROOT VALLEY
Distinctive Craftsman
Cottages in a
55+ Pocket Neighborhood
Planned Community
riversidecrossingcoop@gmail.com
406.282.4776 www.riversidecrossing.org
BITTERROOT VALLEY
Dis nc ve Cra�sman Co ages in a
55+ Pocket Neighborhood Planned Community
"Downsize Beautifully"
www.riversidecrossing.org
riversidecrossingcoop@gmail.com
406-282-4776
