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Gallatin Celebrates Centennial

The Fiddlin’ Foresters perform “Smokey the Bear” for employees of the Gallatin National Forest.

March 29, 2005 – Bozeman, Montana - Employees of the Gallatin National Forest celebrated the Forest Service’s 100th birthday by hosting a fun-filled all-employee day in Bozeman, Montana on March 29. Forest Supervisor Becky Heath set the stage for the day of celebration by recounting the year’s accomplishments and looking to the challenges of the future.

"You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd" - The Yellowstone River Band, Ranger Ken Britten (right) and members of the Gardiner Ranger District, share some bluegrass music for their Centennial presentation.

Talented employees from each Ranger District and the Supervisor’s Office performed a skit that depicted the unique challenges that face management of the beautiful Gallatin National Forest. It was refreshing to see employees poke fun at themselves and enjoy the lighter side of their important jobs.

Gallatin National Forest employees enjoy a potluck meal at he Bozeman Fairgrounds during their all-employee Centennial celebration.

The Fiddlin Foresters performed a Centennial program for the employees during the day and again performed for retirees and the public in the evening. Mary Beth Marks, Forest Archeologist, provided all the logistics and sound system, handled all the details, and made the Fiddlin’ Foresters feel welcome for their first Montana performance.

For the first time, the Fiddlin Foresters sang “In the Long Run,” a special Centennial song written for them by Lance Bendiksen. In 1905, Gifford Pinchot, first Chief of the Forest Service gave direction for the future by saying that in matters of natural resource controversy, decisions will be based on “the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run.” Bendiksen produced the Fiddlin’ Foresters new CD, “In the Long Run” which is available from the Rocky Mountain Nature Association.

Bendiksen also scored and produced the musical sound track for the highly acclaimed two-hour documentary, “The Greatest Good”, which is currently being shown across the nation as part of the Forest Service Centennial.