In 2014, the Hartig Family offered, free of charge, over 530 acres of land to Gallatin County with the conditions that the land would never be sold or developed for housing or commercial use. In other words, they wanted it to stay a green-space.

The county accepted the gift, but really had no clear idea of how to best utilize the gift. The Judge Executive at that time of Gallatin County approached the Gallatin County Extension Service (Ag Agent) and asked that we take a leadership role in defining how the park will be used.

As previously reported, the park has been used for hiking, camping, regulated deer hunting, and picnicking. But over the past year, other park features and activities have emerged, and even more improvements have been made. Examples include:

• Six more hiking trails have been opened bringing the total up to 16 trails
• Four more picnic areas have been developed
• Barriers have been placed to restrict vehicle traffic

Perhaps the most exciting thing to happen at the park deals with all the volunteer involvement that has taken place. During the last year, over 500 volunteer and community service hours have been served at Hartig Park!

This will be a long-term project; 500 acres is a big piece of ground. So progress will continue as funding becomes available. But based on the enthusiasm and early efforts of the working group and other volunteers, we are well on our way to creating one of the best county parks in the Commonwealth.