A lot of content that you may see at our BTC website is obviously focused on trails, recreational programs, and events around town. However, we'd like to stop every now and again to speak to the folks both involved with the organization as well as people who utilize these resources. Thanks to Chris for volunteering to be our first trail user profile. If you would like to share your story please contact us, we'd love to hear from you.
Chris Carparelli takes a break with his dog Jibz while hiking to the Dillon Town Overlook.
Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself.
Howdy! I'm Chris Carparelli. I'm a native of Colorado. Last May I finished my Master's degree in Natural Resources Science at the University of Nebraska. I've got family that farm and ranch in North Dakota and I hold deep affection for that way of life. It's great to be here in a place that has both the Rocky Mountains and a rich ranching heritage.
Why are you in Dillon?
I'm an AmeriCorps member with the Big Sky Watershed Corps. This program places recent graduates with water resources backgrounds with host sites around Montana. My host site is the Beaverhead Watershed Committee and I was brought here to work on the National Drought Resilience Partnership. I feel incredibly blessed to have been placed in Dillon. I've found it to be a tight-knit and welcoming community full of hard working and caring people.
How do you recreate around town?
Exercise and socialize. I like to go walking/running with my dog, Jibz. I usually go up to the "W" or out to Birch Creek. I work out at the YMCA. My friend runs the Spark Into Motion yoga studio so I checked that out for the first time the other day. My roommates and I went to the gun range west of town one Friday afternoon and I hope to get over there some more. Maverick Mountain has quickly become my favorite ski hill of all time. I'll start fishing here in March when the new season starts. And of course after any outdoor activity a guy's gotta wet his whistle at the brewery.
Why are trails and open space important to you?
Well my dog gets ornery if he doesn't get out enough. So it's important to have a place to take him. Besides that, it's just good for the mind, body, and soul to get outside. I can quiet my mind or I can think deeply. I can explore and feel the sunshine and the wind on my skin. I can get my blood pumping (especially walking up to the "W"). And looking out at the landscape gives me a sense of peace and gratitude.
What is your vision for recreation/pedestrian travel for Dillon in the future? And/or What is the number one thing that you’d like to see Beaverhead Trails Coalition do in the future?
I really like riparian trails and scenic overlooks. Connectivity is handy, especially when that allows you to be able to walk from town to a trailhead without having to go too far. I think BTC has done a good job of working to incorporate these elements into the trails around here.
Open floor-anything that you’d like to say/share?
"Big city turn me loose and set me free-Somewhere in the middle of Montana"
Chris Carparelli and his dog Jibz hiking along the Dillon Town Overlook Trail