Photos courtesy of Arianna Line and MCC crew.
In 2024, a dedicated crew from Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) spent their entire season improving trails throughout the Great Burn. Arianna Line, the Women’s+ Crew lead, reflected on not only a season of trail work, but a journey of connection — to place, to people, and to purpose.
Crew installing check steps.
Throughout their season, the MCC crew laid a hand on a majority of the Great Burn trails in the Ninemile Ranger District. One project stood out in particular to Arianna: the North Fork Fish Creek trail, winding toward Goose Lake. “It was the hardest project we did, but also one of my favorites,” she recalled. “We finally made it up high enough to dig tread with a view of the whole valley — it was our last hitch in the Great Burn, and we got to finish the trail we started months before.” It was a full-circle moment that reflected a season shaped by wild beauty and hard labor, spent in a landscape few people have experienced.
There was a lot of joy that came from working in the same area the entire season. Arianna described the satisfaction of seeing their work take shape, and knowing it would make a lasting impact. “I can say, ‘I put in this water bar’ or ‘I dug this section of tread,’ and now people are out there using it. That’s incredibly rewarding.” The crew worked on many key stretches of trail in the Great Burn, including the North and West Forks of Fish Creek, Indian Creek, and parts of the Stateline Trail near Admiral Peak and the saddle above Kid Lake.
The seasons shifted during the course of Arianna’s time on the crew. She noticed “what different species were doing — either flowering or fruiting” where she found herself “able to live by the seasons and enjoy what was edible in the moment.”
She reflected on a hitch where they traveled to a place with more development, and the contrast hit hard. “Seeing the difference of the ATV trails, more recreation, and built out campsites… how different it looked and how much I appreciated working in an area that was still so natural… and feeling almost like you were there by yourself.” This experience deepened her understanding of land management and reinforced her commitment to conservation. “I want to help maintain it. And I’m thankful we were able to be there, especially knowing there won’t be as many crews going out this year.”
The Great Burn leaves its mark. On boots, on hearts, and on every stretch of trail the crew worked to improve. Through the hands of MCC Women’s+ Crew, love and intention were laid into each piece of trail they touched. Their vital work will outlast the season, embedded in rock steps, water bars, and memories.
Arianna is now a senior crew lead with MCC, visiting several crews throughout the season and serving as the invasive species point person. Her story, and that of her crew, will live on in the heart of the Great Burn. Listen to Arianna as she recounts an interaction in the Great Burn in Wild Montana’s StoryCorps Archive.
Arianna on the Stateline trail.