SGCRA

PO Box 922

Big Timber MT 59011

(406)459-6769

www.sgcra.org

A letter to potential sponsors or donors:

The Sweet Grass County Recreation Association (SGCRA) is organizing the 2026 Family Fun Day and Snowmobile Poker Run, planned for February 28, 2026.  This is our annual fundraiser. Proceeds fund trail maintenance and winter grooming as well as maintenance of a public safety shelter, the Tin Shack, maintained at 9500 feet for backcountry users.  The shelter is located along the popular route to Blue Lake above the old ghost town of Independence in the Main Boulder River Valley south of Big Timber. 

The Association Board of Directors decided recently to devote a share of the funds raised toward repairing and replacing the roof of the Tin Shack.  The cost estimate for materials is $2500.  When the fundraising goal is met, we will purchase the roofing material and transport this winter via snowmobiles to the remote site before the snow melts. We also donate a portion of the proceeds each year to local non-profit organizations for their critical needs. After the 2025 fundraiser, the association contributed to projects for Sweet Grass County High School and the Big Timber Grade School

I invite you to be a co-sponsor or supporter of our annual fundraising event! As a leader in the community, your involvement with us will support safer backcountry recreation.  Our association will award safety equipment through door prizes and the raffle.  Attached to this letter you will find a sponsorship form that describes the opportunities to sponsor prizes for our fundraiser raffle.  Please consider sponsoring one or more prizes, donate a custom prize from your company (gift certificate, merchandise, services, etc.), or make a one-time donation.

The Association incorporated in 1973 and for over 50 years has dedicated volunteer hours and proceeds from fundraising for summer and winter maintenance of the upper Main Boulder River Road to Independence and Blue Lake.  The road to Independence and beyond is within the Gallatin National Forest.  While the road itself is under Park County jurisdiction, the County does not maintain it.  The historic floods in 2022 destroyed two bridges south of Box Canyon.  Since losing the bridges and closure of the road in September 2023, SGCRA has raised awareness, championed solutions, and is actively pursuing grant funding to repair and reopen the road.

On behalf of the SGCRA, I appreciation your consideration and support

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                            Lloyd H. Rue

                                                            President, Sweet Grass County Recreation Association