Environment

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 The work looks different but is moving forward after federal funds were rescinded.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.

Missoula urban foresters the last 10 months clearing debris left by a powerful storm that tore through the region last July.That storm and another in August destroyed thousands of trees in western Montana. Now, volunteers and grant dollars are helping fill in that lost canopy.

For decades, people have been trying to find the ivory-billed woodpecker, convinced it’s still out there, despite many – including the federal government – claiming it’s gone extinct. But some avid birders are convinced it still exists. Some think they’ve seen it. Today: A bird lost to extinction, or maybe just the deep, dark Southern hardwood forest. The search for the ivory-billed woodpecker.