Environment

A new lawsuit claims the Montana Department of Environmental Quality failed to assess how nutrient pollution from septic systems near the town of Big Sky will harm the Gallatin River.

Highway 93 cuts through the heart of the Mission Valley and crucial habitat for turtles and other wildlife. Researchers with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes want to build safer routes.

A group of local, state, and federal partners is studying how to better prepare for future large flooding events in the Flathead. The work looks different but is moving forward after federal funds were rescinded.

Senate Bill 188 would have established a voluntary, subscription-style option for businesses or individual homeowners to purchase shares of a solar array. They could then be credited on their monthly bill for the electricity generated by the solar panels.

BLM to begin speedy review of central Montana gas pipeline plan. Flathead Lake dam operators aim to preserve water levels. Ag irrigation ends early on the Milk River.

Pesticides threaten the health of Montana’s wildlife and people when they’re disposed of incorrectly. Montana’s Department of Agriculture is working to keep pesticides out of the state’s waterways.

In 2023, a state audit found a culture of retaliation among Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks’ leadership. Last week, legislators were told the agency has made progress, but there’s more work ahead.

For the last 25 years, intrepid groups of teens have set out to explore, document and preserve some of the most fragile ecosystems around Montana: caves. Ahead of National Cave Week, Montana Public Radio’s Ellis Juhlin joined them for a trip deep into the Judith Mountains.

Montanans could see their power bills spike this year, but by how much is still up for debate. Utility regulators Tuesday heard public comment on NorthWestern Energy's latest request to hike electricity rates. The hearings are scheduled to run through June 20.

Amid ongoing federal efforts to revitalize the timber industry, an annual intertribal timber symposium took place in Montana last week.