Environment
The long journey of water from Yellowstone geysers to the ocean
Yellowstone’s hot spring waters ultimately flow for thousands of miles before entering the ocean. But waters enter two different oceans—the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. There are numerous hot springs and a lot water flowing in Yellowstone, but what is the fate of the hot water erupted from Old Faithful Geyser, for example? Where does that water […]
Fire chief: July 4th holiday and dry conditions ‘can easily overwhelm’ fire departments
A growing coalition of more than 150 fire scientists — including dozens from Montana universities — are warning against the use of fireworks this 4th of July weekend, citing widespread drought, unprecedented heatwaves and bone-dry fuels. In an op-ed published in the Conversation this week, the scientists, including University of Montana natural resource social scientist […]
More fishing restrictions for Montana rivers
Angling restrictions on several additional rivers in southwest Montana go into effect today due to warming temperatures and low flows. The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” restrictions, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Some waters are under full fishing closures, which prohibit fishing at all […]
BLM seeks comments on American Prairie Reserve bison proposal
LEWISTOWN— The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to comment on its draft environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact, often called a “FONSI” for a bison grazing proposal on BLM-administered lands located in Phillips County, Montana. On Sept. 24, 2019, the American Prairie Reserve submitted a proposal (an update to their earlier […]
Yellowstone National Park enacts fire restrictions
Effective immediately, Yellowstone National Park officials have declared the fire danger level “very high.” Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect until further notice. Those restrictions include: Backcountry and trails Prohibited: Charcoal or wood fire campfires in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings. Prohibited: Smoking in the backcountry and on all trails, except immediately adjacent […]
Public comment mostly opposed to proposed wolf hunting rules
In a meeting to get the public’s comments on proposed changes to a wolf hunting season, opponents outnumbered supporters by a margin of nearly 10-to-1, with many criticizing night-hunting, snaring, baiting traps and some threatening to cancel vacation plans to the Treasure State. On June 24, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commissioners put out […]
Biden discusses wildfires with some western state governors
For years, American presidents have held annual meetings with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to plan ahead for the Atlantic hurricane season. In an era when the catastrophic impacts of climate change are accelerating from coast to coast, President Joe Biden on Wednesday convened a first-of-its-kind meeting to make similar preparations for what is shaping […]
Yellowstone shares top ten tips for visiting the park this Fourth of July
Leave the fireworks at home. That’s one of the top things to know to recreate responsibly and safely in Yellowstone National Park this Fourth of July, the park said Wednesday in a news release: Most park camping and lodging is reserved and full. No camping or overnight vehicle parking is allowed in pullouts, parking areas, picnic grounds […]
Gianforte snubbed as Biden announces wildfire initiatives
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte didn’t get the invite to attend a meeting of western state governors at the White House on Wednesday to discuss a worsening forest fire threat across the region, which is once again set to experience a costly and severe fire season amid record-high temperatures, widespread drought and a weather system that’s […]
Montana accepting comments on FWP proposals until July 26
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public review and comment on several wildlife-related items approved for comment during the recent Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting. Proposals include the 2021 wolf hunting and trapping season, nongame check-off workplan, pheasant releases, Jordan urban wildlife plan, 2021 elk and deer muzzleloader season, 2021 elk shoulder season and […]
Warm water, low flow causes Montana to restrict some fishing
Angling restriction on several rivers go into effect today due to warming water temperatures and low flows. The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” closures, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight, and some full fishing closures. The closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. The […]
Short-term rental issues plague Island Park, near Yellowstone
Picturesque views and endless supply of outdoor recreational opportunities have always attracted visitors to the West — tourists and new residents alike. But the dynamic changed in the past decade, with the rise of third-party rental websites like Airbnb, VRBO and Vacasa. These short-term rentals and vacation homes opened up lodging to more visitors in […]