The Church Universal and Triumphant, known locally as CUT, purchased some 25,000 acres near Gardiner. The massive presence of the church made locals wary, and when the group began drilling geothermal wells, it was too much. Even env i ronmental i sts jumped in, demanding studies to determine the impact on area geysers. Subsequently, the well was capped. Church members have since worked hard at good relations Another hurdle for Gardiner residents is the ongoing controversy over Yellowstone Nat i onal Park's migrating buffalo.
Overpopulated herds seeking new winter feeding grounds migrate out of the park.
Whether danger of the disease to cattle is only perceived or real, the problem it has created is absolute. In 1997, several hundred buffalo were killed by Montana government hunters, drawing national attent i on to the situat i on. Led by a public seeking the cessation of this killing, pol i tic i ans seeking votes may determine the outcome. Conflict has never been a stranger in these parts. Gardiner's fi rst settlers battled the Crow, who fought to keep their ancient hunt i ng grounds.