Federal NIH Cuts Hit Greater Yellowstone Disease Research

April 2, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

A tick comparison: The smaller deer tick, right, can carry Lyme disease. NIH confirmed in February the first deer tick in Montana

Lab workers studying tick expansion lose staff, resources involved in Lyme, chronic wasting disease, coronavirus research and related threats.

Crazy Talk

March 27, 2025 // Book

by Robert Chaney

The Crazy Mountains from Paradise Valley, Montana

In her new book on Crazy Mountain property battles, journalist Amy Gamerman explores the contrasting values of cattle, renewable energy and wilderness altering an ancient landscape.

Wolves Need Federal Protection to Survive

March 24, 2025 // OPINION: Op-ed

by Writers on the Range

Bumper stickers supported by the anti-wolf contingent read, "Smoke a pack a day"

As wildlife proponents in January celebrated the 30th anniversary of wolf reintroductions to Yellowstone National Park, wolves remain under fire.

How Deep Does It Go? Future of Area Water Monitoring in Question

March 21, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

The future of Greater Yellowstone water monitoring USGS performs may be in jeopardy

With USGS offices in Greater Yellowstone among dozens of regional government buildings on the chopping block, DOGE savings efforts leave anglers wondering if streamflow monitors will survive.

Proper Protection or Perverse Incentive? Orgs Challenge ESA Process

March 14, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Centennial Valley, Montana, west of Yellowstone National Park

Two Montana nonprofits have filed suit against the Endangered Species Act’s ‘Blanket Rule.’

Sowing Uncertainty from DC Beltway to Yellowstone Gateways

March 13, 2025 // NEWS: Feature

by David Tucker

Workers install a fire ring at a campground for Friends of Bridger-Teton

How the federal budget purge is impacting regional landscape conservation and stewardship.

MSU Lyme Disease Research Squeaks Through NIH Funding Freeze

March 11, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

MSU's microbiology lab received a $2.8 million grant for Lyme disease research

Montana scientists join protests across the U.S. against White House interference.

When I Need to say 'NO'

March 5, 2025 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

Range fire: The Tetons and Grand Teton National Park

When we pick our battles, sometimes we must stand up and call a spade a spade.

Will Federal Freeze Stymie Wildland Fire Fights?

March 4, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Firefighters hold the line at the September 2018 Roosevelt Fire near Bondurant, Wyoming

Delays in hiring crews and funding hazardous fuels projects worry officials as the 2025 fire season approaches.

Grizzlies: Double Vision

February 25, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Approximately 2,100 grizzlies currently inhabit the Lower 48

With the Endangered Species Act comment period ending March 17, states and advocates are at odds over the future of grizzly bears.

The Fight for Wild Lands: Part 2

February 18, 2025 // MoJo Special Series

by Robert Chaney

The federal government employs as many as 10,000 wildland firefighters each year. With hiring freezes in place nationwide, fire season is in limbo

Executive orders coming from the White House could transform a range of core issues affecting Greater Yellowstone. From Forest Service and BLM priorities to national park staffing cuts, public lands advocates must brace for a long season of conflict.

The Fight for Wild Lands: Part 1

February 17, 2025 // MoJo Special Series

by Robert Chaney

Axolotl Lakes southwest of Ennis, Montana, in the foothills of the Gravelly Range

As organizers prepare for the biennial Rally for Public Lands, the conservation world faces down a changing climate, an administration determined to dismantle environmental protections, and its own internal contradictions.