Public Comment and Review of Environmental Review Record for the Bearcreek
Water System PER
The Town of Bearcreek will hold a public hearing on March 5th , 2026 at 7:00 PM at
Town Hall located at 143 Main Street, Bearcreek, MT 59007 for the purpose of
obtaining comments regarding the following:
• The environmental review record for the proposed water project that would
upgrade the Town’s water system.
At the public hearing, the environmental assessment will be discussed, and a decision
will be made on the environmental assessment. All interested persons will be given the
opportunity to ask questions and express opinions regarding the environmental
assessment.
Comments may be given orally at the meeting or submitted in writing before April 2nd,
2026 at 7:30 PM.
Anyone wanting to review the environmental review record and project impacts or submit
questions and comments should contact Jane Swanson-Webb, Clerk/Treasurer at 143
Main Street, Bearcreek, MT 59007. Copies of the draft environmental record are
available at Town Hall and will also be available at the public meeting.
Public Comment and Review of the Bearcreek Water System Preliminary
Engineering Report (PER)
The Town of Bearcreek will hold a public hearing on March sth
, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Town
Hall located at 143 Main Street, Bearcreek, Montana 59007 for the purpose of obtaining
comments regarding the following:
• Findings of the Water System PER including scope of the project and potential
cost and influence on user rates;
• The possible funding sources for design and construction of the recommended
improvements and;
• The possible submission of grant applications to the Montana Coal Endowment
Program (MCEP), Montana Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), and
the Department of Natural Resource Conservation (DNRC) Renewable Resource
Grant Loan (RRGL) program.
At the public hearing, the proposed project will be explained, including the purpose and
proposed area of the project, activities, budget, possible sources of funding and any costs
that may result for local citizens as a result of the project. All interested persons will be
given the opportunity to ask questions and express opinions regarding the proposed
project and any environmental impacts.
Comments may be given orally at the meeting or submitted in writing before April 2nd,
2026 at 7:00 PM.
Anyone wanting to review the Water System PER or submit questions and comments
should contact Jane Swanson-Webb, Clerk/Treasurer at 143 Main Street, Bearcreek, MT
59007. Copies of the PER will also be available at the public meeting.
Bearcreek, Montana
The story of this historic, once-booming, coal-mining town is one of heartbreak and hope. Nestled between Red Lodge and Belfry, Bearcreek is more than a dot on the map, it’s a place to stop and ponder the dreams of hard-working families and the resilience of a community.
In 1866, James George, known around those parts as “Yankee Jim,” discovered the Bear Creek area to be a treasure trove of coal deposits, but it wasn’t until 30 years later when entrepreneurs realized the coal in the Bear Creek district was better coal than that found closer to Red Lodge. Platted in 1905, Bearcreek became the center of an extensive underground coal mining district. At its height, during World War 1, Bearcreek boasted a diverse population of nearly 2,000 Serbians, Scotsmen, Montenegrins, Germans, Italians and Americans and their families.
But on a cold Saturday in February 1943—February 27, to be exact—Bearcreek was the scene of Montana’s worst mining disaster, and forever changed. The explosion killed over 75 miners, devastating the town. It didn’t take long for this community once bustling with seven mercantiles, a bank, two hotels, two billiard halls, a brickyard and numerous saloons to become somewhat of a ghost town. Many buildings in Bearcreek were moved to other communities or demolished, leaving haunting reminders of their presence along Main street. The railroad tracks were removed in 1953 and the last mine closed in the 1970s. In 1953, but a 1964 revival began, bringing partial restoration to this little community named for the creek that runs right through it, where bears are known to stop and fill up on berries.
In the hills a short distance from the “center” of town stand the remains of the Smith Mine, and the Smith Mine Disaster memorial, which lists the names of the men who perished in the explosion. The town’s historical marker stands near the foundation of the old Lamport Hotel. The Carbon County Historical Society & Museum (in Red Lodge) has a life-like mining exhibit, and shares the tragic story of so many who lost their lives in the mine that fateful day.
The Bearcreek Bank, a one-story Romanesque Revival-style building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still stands today. It once served as a hub for the Bearcreek commercial district, and later as the Bearcreak Town Hall. Its noteworthy, thick stone walls once meant to assure customers that their money was safe.
BEARCREEK Montana
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Bearcreek Montana has a large amount of wildlife that can be seen. Travelers can see bison, deer, elk, and even a grizzly bear.
WHY BEARCREEK MONTANA
Unique Places
Good Accommodations
Interesting Routes
New Friends
WHAT TRAVELLERS SAY ABOUT US
James B.
Beautiful country! So peaceful, loved it!
Libby F.
It was my first trip and I will certainly be back. It did not disappoint!
James S.
Breathtaking views, great food, amazing people! Need I say more?
Richard W.
Bear Creek, Montana is a hidden gem! The natural beauty of this town is breathtaking.
Alex & Maria
Bear Creek, Montana is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts! With activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, you’ll never be bored.
GET IN TOUCH!
Welcome to Bearcreek Montana
Please message us with your questions.