Laying Low

Eastern screech owl laying low in eastern Montana. Over a dozen owl species call Montana home. 
Dan Casey photo

2017 Smoke and Fires Hurt Montana Tourism

Forest health matters to Montana tourism, outdoor recreation, and to Montana's economy.

Taking Flight

Montana's spectacular snow geese and waterfowl migration is underway. 
Photo by Laura Verhaeghe

License Plate Donations Help Conserve Bitterroot Ag Lands

Over $100,000 in license plate donations to the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge - in turn donated to Bitter Root Land Trust - are helping area farmers and ranchers conserve key lands in the Burnt Fork drainage.

Ties to the Land Workshop Helps Forestland Succession Planning

Forest health and family succession of private forestland are key topics in the upcoming Ties to the Land Workshop, sponsored by the Montana Forest Stewardship Foundation.

Sign of Spring

A sure sign of spring: Won't be long until we start seeing grizzly sows and cubs freed from their winter dens. Randy Smith photo #wildlifewednesday

Big Snow in Big Sky Country

Record and near-record snow accumulation in Montana. Hope it leads to a good water year and manageable wildfire year.

Support for the Flathead Sandhill Cranes

This is a very cool project: Access, outdoor education, wetlands, sandhill cranes and more. Perfect for commission approval in April.

Helena Community Trails Add $4 million to Local Economy

Study shows 63,000 hikers, runners, and bikers used the Helena community trails system last year and provided an over $4 million economic boost to the area. PPLT photo

Outdoor Recreation is Booming, Which is Good News for US Economy

Outdoor recreation contributes a whopping $374 billion annually to the US economy, and is growing faster than the overall US economy.