The Greater Yellowstone Region
The Greater Yellowstone Region of Montana is rich in history, wildlife and geological wonderments. While many people travel to the region for Yellowstone National Park, fewer people explore the surrounding region, with its historic, educational and recreational sites. As an Amizade volunteer, you will experience parts of the region often overlooked by the majority of visitors, while contributing to historic preservation projects and renovation of cabins in the region’s backcountry lands.
The Partnership
USDA
Forestry Service - Gallatin National Forest
Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, charged with
the management of public lands in national forests
and grasslands. Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief
of the Forest Service, summed up the mission of the
Forest Service: "to provide the greatest amount
of good for the greatest amount of people in the
long run." 
National forests and grasslands encompass
191 million acres (77.3 million hectares) of land,
which is an area equivalent to the size of Texas.
The Gallatin National Forest is part of these public
lands.
With the continued expansion of the American Northwest, there are fewer opportunities to protect and preserve American historical sites. Such places serve as symbols of our own heritage, and provide opportunities for education and recreation. In fulfilling its mission, the US Forest Service recognizes its role in preserving and maintaining our public lands, including historic buildings and places. Amizade and the Gallatin Nation Forest Gardiner Ranger District have worked together since 1996 on projects including the OTO Dude Ranch, backcountry cabins, and public campground improvements.
The Commitment
The OTO RanchAmizade and the Gardiner Ranger District are working together to preserve and restore the 3,000 acre OTO Ranch, located 10 miles north of Gardiner, Montana in the Gallatin National Forest. The OTO is a magical place that holds significant environmental, historic, and architectural importance. The land serves as a grizzly bear habitat and a migration corridor for elk. During the winter, elk move onto the OTO for its rich pasture lands.
Unfortunately, over past 80 years since the OTO Ranch was built, it has changed owners several times and is in need of a significant amount of repair and preservation. In the late 80's, with the help of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the United States Forest Service acquired the OTO Ranch and the surround lands. The US Forest Services, Gardiner Ranger District, has taken the lead in this effort and partnering with volunteer organizations like Amizade to take on the historic preservation. The result has been that the buildings have begun to decay. There is a lot of debris such as old farm implements, old barbed-wire fences, etc. that need to be removed to make it a safe habitat for elk and other wildlife.
The Impact
By working with the Forest Service, Amizade volunteers learn about our American heritage while making significant contributions to a variety of on-going efforts. Past Amizade volunteers contributions include:
OTO Dude Ranch Restoration – ongoing
efforts include restoring eight residential cabins;
rebuilding horse stables, water turbine cabin, and
a bunk house; and improving the 3,000 acre ranch
to properly support animal habitats.
Repairing a backcountry cabin
in the BearTooth Wilderness – involving
replacing the front proch, installing fences, and
repainting the roof
Repairing the Four Mile Cabin – involving repairing
and replacing a roof and front porch structure
Improvement to public campgrounds
in Gardiner District – including
installing fences, and repairing campsite amenities.