Bozeman Residents Hold 'Snowman Protest' Over Warmer Winters

Community members highlight climate change impacts on Montana's snow pack and economy

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents of Bozeman, Montana, including students, activists, and community members, gathered for a 'Snowman Protest' to highlight the impacts of warmer-than-usual winters in the state. The protest featured melting snowmen and a call to action for Congress to support policies reducing heat-trapping emissions. Organizers expressed concerns about the effects of diminished snowpack on the region's water supply, agriculture, and outdoor recreation economy.

Why it matters

Bozeman and other Montana communities have experienced a trend of warmer and drier winters in recent years, which threatens the state's water resources, agricultural production, and winter tourism industry. The 'Snowman Protest' aims to raise awareness and spur action on climate change policies that could help mitigate these impacts.

The details

The protest, organized by the Bozeman chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, featured melting snowmen and stations for attendees to write letters to Montana's congressional representatives. Protesters cited concerns about reduced snowpack, which is critical for Bozeman's limited water supply, as well as the NCAA's decision to move its Collegiate Ski Championships from Bozeman to Utah due to insufficient snow.

  • The protest took place on Saturday, February 23, 2026.
  • Bozeman has experienced warmer-than-usual winters in recent years, with the snowpack arriving later and diminishing earlier each season.

The players

Paige Frumkes

A sophomore at Montana State University studying environmental science, who is a born and raised Montanan concerned about the impacts of warmer winters on the state's water resources.

Kristen Walser

The organizer of the 'Snowman Protest' and a member of the Bozeman chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, a non-profit focused on federal climate solutions.

Citizens Climate Lobby

A non-profit organization that advocates for federal climate policies to reduce heat-trapping emissions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This isn't just a normal, mild winter. I've never seen a winter like this. Our continuous snow pack, like, it's been getting later and later every year I've noticed, never this late, never this little though.”

— Paige Frumkes, Environmental Science Student (kpax.com)

“It was nice having that nice warm weather in January and February this year, but then you have to think ahead and think what's going to happen in the summer? What are the fish going to have and the cows and the crops?”

— Kristen Walser, Protest Organizer (kpax.com)

What’s next

Organizers plan to continue advocating for federal climate policies that could help mitigate the impacts of warmer winters in Montana, including writing letters to Congress and organizing future protests and awareness campaigns.

The takeaway

The 'Snowman Protest' in Bozeman highlights the growing concerns of local residents about the effects of climate change on Montana's environment, economy, and way of life. By raising awareness and calling for policy action, the protesters hope to spur meaningful change to address the challenges posed by warmer and drier winters in the state.