Environment

Weather officials have issued their seasonal weather forecast for the Northern Rockies this winter. Montana’s weather outlook for December through February is trending colder than average. Some places could see more snow than normal.

Drought experts say unpredictable precipitation patterns are making drought forecasts more difficult.

The Montana Department of Livestock has identified, and is tracking, a population of feral pigs in Phillips County.

Federal officials have rejected an offer to mine coal on federal lands in southeastern Montana. It was the only bid for the lease following the Trump administration's push for increased fossil fuel extraction.

A federal judge Wednesday dismissed a climate lawsuit brought by a group of young people in Missoula. In their case, they requested the court strike down Trump administration executive orders promoting fossil fuel development.

In 2023, the DEQ listed sections of the Gallatin River as impaired due to recurring algal blooms. The blooms choke out fish and degrade water quality. State scientists are amid a six-year study trying to understand what's causing the harmful blooms. The state says it will use the results to inform local development regulations and a plan to protect the river.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved changes to how Montana determines water quality. A major water leak at the state prison in Deer Lodge has led to significant disruptions at the facility.

Three hunters in two separate incidents recently came face to face with grizzly bears near Big Sky. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says there were no injuries, but advises recreationists to be wary.

Congress has voted to overturn part of the federal management plans for millions of acres of BLM lands in eastern Montana. The development of the Miles City plan involved mineral owners, industry groups, landowners, ranchers, farmers, hunters and 17 tribal nations.

This week: A second edition of "The Little Why," where we tackle questions from our younger listeners. Saddle up, grab the reins and ride along with us as we learn about wild horses in Montana.