Outdoor recreation remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy, according to a report released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. It accounted for 4.3% of Montana’s gross domestic product last year, a higher percentage than any other state. Montana is toward the head of the pack for employment in the outdoor recreation sector in 2...
Driving Fatalities In Montana On The Rise In Recent Years
As the holidays approach the Montana Highway Patrol is asking everyone to drive defensively and avoid trouble. Doing some research, Quotewizard.com’s team of analysts has found that traffic fatalities increased 41% since 2019 in Montana. Fatal crashes are up 22% since 2020 and 41% since 2019. Statewide 19 more people died in Montana this...
Senator Tester Confidant His COST of War Act Will Pass
Senator Jon Tester is optimistic his bill to provide comprehensive support to U.S. troops who experienced toxic exposure would become law, telling that to a small group at the Veterans Memorial at Helena’s Memorial Park Wednesday. The bill sets up a procedure for Veterans Affairs to process claims of toxic exposure. It allocates $430 billion t...
Yellowstone National Park Reports Decrease In October Visitation
Yellowstone National Park hosted 316,662 recreation visits this October, down 12% from 2020 which was the busiest October on record. Compared to October 2019, recreation visits this October were up 85%. So far in 2021, the park has hosted 4,789,644 recreation visits up 28% from the same period last year and up 20% from 2019. Several short-term...
Infrastructure Bill Looks To Improve Three Forks Flood Protection
With the passage of the $1 trillion plus infrastructure bill in Congress, Three Forks in Gallatin County could see greater flood protections. Patricia Hernandez with the Montana-based nonprofit Headwaters Economics says the new floodplain map would make it hard to build in most of the community. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uplo...
Montana DEQ Sued By Environmental Coalition
A coalition of environmental groups and Indian tribes have sued the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The suit revolves around efforts to mine for copper and silver under the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness near Libby by Hecla Mining Company and its Chief Executive Officer Phillips Baker who was also an executive of Pegasus Gold Incorp...