As recent graduates of the Leadership Billings program, these community members decided to take on the project of improving and advocating for public access and use of the Yellowstone River Greenway in Billings.
Because the Yellowstone is undammed, the flooding and shifting of the river channels makes built infrastructure a challenge. The newly-formed YRPA, however, embraced this reality as a positive, committing itself to habitat preservation and just enough amenities (benches, trails, trailhead picnic shelters) to encourage enjoyment and exploration of the beauty of the river system.
In 1991, a small group of energetic community members had an idea…
YRPA Mission
The YRPA MISSION is to improve public access along the Yellowstone River by developing parks and trails.
YRPA Board and Staff
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Carolyn Sevier
Executive Director
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Bob Mackin
President
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Gene Wade, Vice President
Vice President
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Jill Hickson
Secretary
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Steve Varela
Treasurer
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Dr. Susan Gilbertz
Board Member
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Boris Krizek
Board Member
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Bob Wilson
Board Member
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Anna Wilson
Board Member
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Terry Steiner
Board Member
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Kris Schmidt
Board Member
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Jim Bauer
Board Member
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Merle Froslie
Board Member
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Tim Chamberlin
Board Member
We stand on the shoulders of giants
“These projects don’t just happen. YRPA’s luck has been favorable because we do things.”
The success of our parks and trails work in Billings is fully the legacy the people involved. Our early vision was set by Earl Guss, Cal Cumin, Gary Buchanan, Jean Smith, Norm Schoenthal, Terry Zee Lee, and those on the first boards of directors, and has continued through the years with equal dedication by dozens of leaders, volunteers, board members, and supporters. For all of our archived newsletters, look for the link on our archive page. Thank you, all.
YRPA Past Presidents
Earl Guss: 1991 - 1995
Noreen Burris: 1996-1999
Paige Spalding: 2000-2003
John Spencer: 2004-2007
Earl Guss: 2008-2009
Mary Walter: 2010-2011
Roger Williams: 2012-2013
Darryl Wilson: 2014-2021
Bob Mackin: 2022 - present
Three founders of YRPA honored with a custom kite by Ron Bohart as part of the “Go With the Flow” kite exhibit organized by Terry Zee Lee. Read more here.