Wild Montana

Environmental groups are sounding the alarm over changes made to the federal government’s largest conservation and recreation fund. The changes to the Land and Water Conservation Fund put up new barriers for private land owners seeking to sell their property to state and federal agencies to expand public land.

New laws signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte set aside tens of millions in marijuana revenue for conservation and wildlife habitat improvements, including the construction of wildlife crossings over busy roads.

A multiyear project to restore a portion of central Montana’s Judith River is complete. Project collaborators hope the work will boost stream health and support the trout and insects that rely on the cold-water stream.

Two groups filed lawsuits Wednesday against the governor and the secretary of state arguing that they are violating the Constitution by not allowing lawmakers to vote on whether to override the governor’s veto of a popular bill.