Clyde Park Resident Concerns Over Crazy Mountain Ranch Golf Course Development
Tim Sundling recalls first hearing about a proposed golf course in Shields Valley, an agricultural area near the Crazy Mountains. Despite its resistance to the ongoing real estate boom affecting other communities, interest grew around Crazy Mountain Ranch, acquired in 2021 by a subsidiary of the exclusive Yellowstone Club.
As a cattle rancher on land owned by his family for generations, Sundling followed rumors about the ranch’s future. Local residents feared the influence of the Yellowstone Club, where celebrities mingle with the wealthy. During a May 2024 meeting, Crazy Mountain Ranch representatives assured residents that the ranch would remain unchanged, claiming any golf course developments would not replicate the Yellowstone Club’s model. However, Sundling theorizes these remarks were merely PR.
Within months, construction began on the golf course, prompting concerns over water rights as crews delivered sod and began rerouting water. Sundling noted that the ranch had not secured necessary state approvals to alter its water usage, leading him to believe their activities contradicted Montana law, which mandates regulatory approval for changes to water rights.
Phil Gilbert, another local rancher, voiced similar frustrations when Crazy Mountain Ranch submitted applications to change its water use, seeking to claim more water than historically allocated. Although the ranch later withdrew two applications, Gilbert said the construction continued regardless, radically affecting local water systems and ecosystems.
Despite Crazy Mountain Ranch’s claims that it was complying with water regulations, localized tensions brewed among ranchers. Gilbert expressed distrust and historical grievances, questioning the ranch’s commitment to keeping local hydration needs intact while pursuing its development goals. He expressed skepticism that enforcement measures would deter Crazy Mountain Ranch’s actions given their financial backing.
The situation highlights broader issues regarding Montana’s water management. Attorney Graham Coppes criticized the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for its lack of enforcement against illegal water use, describing a regulatory inefficiency. He noted that failures to monitor water usage create opportunities for exploitation by wealthier irrigators while undermining conservation efforts.
Community organizer Keegan Nashan is concerned about potential cultural changes in Shields Valley due to the influx of development. Surprised by new construction and road developments, she has started raising awareness about Crazy Mountain Ranch’s plans, fearing that the unique cultural landscape could vanish if development proceeds unchecked. Nashan, alongside local residents, seeks to ensure that water rights and community values are preserved amid these changes.
