Interesting Ways To Actually Make 2024 A Better Year For Montana

Montanans certainly don't always agree - and that's been much more evident in the last 5 or 6 years. However, there are several ways that we can improve our towns and our lives in general. 2024 can be an epic year for Montana...if we all work together a little bit more.

SUPPORT THE SMALLEST OF MONTANA TOWNS: In-state road trips are a favorite pastime for many of us, but they might be an incredibly important thing to do in 2024. Montana's smallest towns can struggle with some of the same issues as Montana's biggest towns. Local dollars (from traveling Montanans) can be a real lifeline to small town economies. Plus, Montana has some incredible history packed into our smallest communities.

(We've got more interesting ideas on how to make 2024 a great year for Montana, but if you want some "small towns to visit" ideas, here are some of Montana's MOST rural communities...)

GET OUT THERE AND VOTE: Montana has an impressive voter turnout for national elections - it's one of the highest in the nation, actually. But when it comes to smaller, local elections and bond issues - we could do a hell of a lot better. Few things affect your community and your own pocket book more than local elections. Knowing your local candidates and bond issues automatically makes you a more involved citizen.

CONSERVE WATER HOWEVER YOU CAN: Why? Because it looks like Montana could go up in flames next summer. Sure, fire season is a pretty regular thing around here, but as of this writing, huge areas of the state are incredibly behind on their snowpack. Cities like Bozeman have already instituted year-round watering restrictions and adjusted how water consumption is billed to customers.

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Even if you live in an area that isn't prone to wildfires, low snowpack and winter moisture can wreak havoc on all of our rivers and streams. Nobody wants to think about their favorite river running dry, but hoot owl hours are becoming a more regular thing almost everywhere. Is turning off the tap while brushing your teeth going to prevent a draught? No. But Montana's general obsession with keeping their lawns perfectly green is not healthy and not sustainable in most parts of the state.