Montana Public Radio

Environment

Montana news covering wildlife, public lands, natural resources and more.

To Combat CWD, State Wants Increased Deer Harvest Outside Libby

By • Jan 13, 2020
A deer showing signs of chronic wasting disease.
Donald Savoy / Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Thirteen percent of the white-tailed deer in the town of Libby could be infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD), the highest prevalence rate in the state. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said this fall’s sampling efforts determined prevalence is almost three times the agency’s threshold for more aggressive management actions.

Reconstruction Completed On Glacier Park's Sperry Chalet

By • Jan 13, 2020
Glacier Park's Sperry Chalet as seen in June 2017.
Eric Whitney

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A chalet in Glacier National Park is ready to begin taking reservations for the first time since a wildfire gutted the structure, officials said

The Sperry Chalet is expected to begin taking reservations online Monday at 8 a.m., KECI-TV reports.

Montana Releases New Bison Management, Conservation Plan

By • Jan 10, 2020

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks this week released a document nearly eight years in the making that outlines how bison could be restored in the state as publicly managed wildlife. 

Flathead National Forest Announces New Leader

By • Jan 10, 2020
Flathead National Forest

The Flathead National Forest announced Friday that it has a new leader. Kurt Steele will replace former Forest Supervisor Chip Weber who retired earlier this month.

The Refuge E5: Path Dependence

By Threshold Podcast • Jan 7, 2020
Vebjorn Reitan on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Nick Mott / Threshold

When the debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge first emerged, most people had never heard of global warming. So over the last four decades, the controversies over oil in the Refuge and climate change evolved on different tracks.

Montana Extends Spring Creek Mine Permit, Questions Over Tribal Immunity Remain

By & YPR News • Jan 7, 2020

Montana officials say a Navajo Nation company may continue operating a coal mine for two more months amid negotiations over the terms of a state permit.

FWP Ends Bull Trout Fishing In Lake Koocanusa

By • Jan 7, 2020
Bull trout
flickr/USFWS Headquarters

Anglers will no longer be able to harvest bull trout in Lake Koocanusa due to a declining population of the threatened species.

Study: Grand Teton Elk Hunt Not A Major Draw For Grizzlies

By • Jan 7, 2020
Elk at a feed ground in Wyoming.
USGS (PD)

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — An annual elk hunt in Grand Teton National Park doesn't draw in and concentrate large numbers of grizzly bears, scientists have concluded.

The November to December hunt probably takes place too late in the year for grizzly bears to seek out animal remains that hunters leave behind, according to researchers with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.

NorthWestern's Energy Sourcing Plan Finds Support In Billings, Colstrip

By • Jan 6, 2020

Hearing sessions across Montana over the last month have given ratepayers of the state’s largest electric utility the chance to sound off on the company’s 20-year-plan for sourcing energy. While many people have lashed out against the fossil fuel heavy plan, a minority of supporters in Billings and Colstrip last week stepped up.

"It's Like Losing A Family Member:" Colstrip Power Plant Closes 2 Units

By • Jan 6, 2020

 

Two of the Colstrip power plant’s four units ceased operation last week. Residents in Colstrip voiced shock and sadness Saturday about the long-planned but still surprising shutdowns.

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