The planet is burning, and the arsonists are in charge – so says an environmental writer. Difficult to disagree with that assessment.

Another reality is the rivers of the West are dying and the same class of people – the very rich – are responsible.

Huffpost has a recent article on the pollution and algae blooms on the Middle, South, and West forks of the Gallatin River, which is a tributary, along with the Madison and Jefferson Rivers, of the Missouri River. Much of the pollution is attributed to the growth in the Gallatin Canyon, and specifically the growth in Big Sky, which is a resort area south of Bozeman.

It is beautiful up at the public Big Sky Resort. Looking around, it’s easy to fantasize about living life in such a place. (The nearby, highly-exclusive Yellowstone Club, home to the very wealthy, is much more restricted.  Bill Gates, among others, has a house there.)

But the ongoing growth in the area has caused pollution in the West Fork of the Gallatin River that flows through Big Sky. Sources suspected include fertilizers, septic systems, and runoff from the increasing amounts of land being cleared for development.

Other development, particularly at the Big Sky Meadow Village along the Gallatin Road (US 191), is further adding to the strain on the river.

Montana’s government appears incapable or unwilling to act, given the influence of developers and very rich people to get their own private corner of paradise.

To reflect on what is being lost, watch a River Runs Through It. Many of the fishing scenes were filmed along upper sections of the Gallatin Canyon. The pristine river that inspired those with the means to move to the area, and the countless numbers who visit Greater Yellowstone to fish or sight see, is imperiled.

As is true of so much of our planet, the current generations may be the last to know how truly special some places were.

You can read the article here.