FWP Proposes Increase Wolf Harvest In Western And Northwest Montana
According to the 2024 Wolf Report released this week their numbers in Montana remain relatively stable despite an increase in harvest. Montana law requires the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to pass regulations that will decrease wolf numbers to a sustainable level statewide. Changes being proposed this year are targeted at trying to increase harvest in western and northwest Montana. Different regulations over the past two years have been tried in an effort to increase harvest and realize a decline in wolf numbers but those changes only had success in certain areas of the state most notably southwest Montana.
New Report Reveals Montana’s Grim Summer Outlook
A newly released Summer 2025 Drought Outlook Report from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation predicts another difficult season across the Treasure State. Nearly 60% of Montana is already experiencing moderate to extreme drought. An additional 15% of the state is considered abnormally dry bringing the total impacted area to nearly three-quarters of Montana.
Montana seeks community feedback on new Medicaid waiver
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has opened a 60-day public comment period for its proposed 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver for the state’s Medicaid Expansion. It requires some enrollees to meet community engagement requirements such as working or attending school and to share in the cost of their health care. Montanans can review the draft waiver and learn about upcoming public hearings starting July 18th on the department’s help webpage.
U.S. District Judge Watters of Montana announces retirement to senior status
U.S. District Court Judge Susan Watters will retire to senior status next June 8th. As a senior federal judge Watters who holds court in Billings will take a reduced workload but continue to be eligible to hear federal cases. President Donald Trump will nominate a replacement who must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Watters was appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2013 the first woman to serve as a federal judge in Montana.
What Impact Will New Tax Policies Have on Montana’s Economy?
The Montana Legislature concluded its biennial session a couple of months ago and tax reform took the center stage. The Midyear Economic update from the Bureau of Business and Research at the University of Montana note the impact these tax shifts will have on Montana’s economy and businesses during 8 statewide update sessions with the first one July 28th in Helena.
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Experts are anticipating a high density of grasshoppers this year and expect Montana to be one of the hardest-hit states in the west. Researchers are predicting a year similar to the 2024 grasshopper forecast with more than 15 grasshoppers per square yard in much of the Treasure State particularly east of the Divide.
A series of fry bread taco lunch fundraising events near the Capitol in Helena will be held during the next three Mondays from 11 to 1:30 with food prepared on-site for hungry people. Proceeds will benefit the Last Chance Community Pow Wow held at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds September 26th 27th and 28th.
Schools across Montana are revisiting their cell phone policies as they prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. The discussions come after Governor Greg Gianforte’s letter last summer asking schools to adopt cell phone-free rules to enhance learning environments and encourage relationship building.
The Custer Gallatin National Forest is conducting road maintenance and reconstruction in the South Plateau Landscape Area Treatment Project area south and west of West Yellowstone this week. Following the road work associated timber harvest operations will begin on the Mosquito Pass timber sale of 2,307 acres and potentially the Plateau timber sale of 1,922 acres.
A loan for the Lights Football field at Montana State University Northern in Havre’s has been paid in full. A total of just over 3 million was raised for the project allowing it to move forward without delay ensuring the Lights football team could start using the new facility much sooner than expected. The stadium is a cornerstone for the future of MSU-Northern and a rallying point for the Hi-Line.”
