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.

Update: CWD Spreads to Wyoming Feedground

February 17, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Elk queue to make their way across the flats at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Increase in chronic wasting disease numbers among elk at Dell Creek Feedground marks new territory for always-fatal disease.

Predator Management: What Africa can Teach Greater Yellowstone

February 11, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Ecologist Scott Creel suggests Yellowstone could learn from Africa's wildlife-management practices

MSU ecologist’s new research papers examine large carnivore populations in Zambia’s national parks and explore the best ways to manage wildlife.

CWD Cases Increasing as Feedgrounds Remain in Hotseat

January 30, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

CWD affects cervids and is always deadly

Wyoming Game and Fish report fifth chronic wasting disease case near where federal agencies feed elk, first confirmed case at Wyoming elk feedground.

Fencing Fund Aims to Support Paradise Valley Ranchers, Wildlife

January 29, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

PERC launches privately funded pilot project to address fencing issues, rancher needs and wildlife connectivity.

Grizzly Bear ESA Status in Question as FWS Cancels Public Meetings

January 27, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

FWS announced this month its decision to retain protections for grizzlies under the ESA

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pulls out of all four meetings intended to explain its decision to retain grizzlies’ threatened status.

Myth-Busting and the Great Gray Wolf

January 26, 2025 // NEWS: Feature

by Benjamin Alva Polley

A member of Yellowstone's 8-Mile Pack glances back before nightfall

As we look back on the 30 years since the wolf was reintroduced in Yellowstone, we examine what wolves are and what they aren’t.

Why ‘Yellowstone’ Became a Dirty Word to so Many Montanans

January 21, 2025 // OPINION: Essay

by Darby Minow Smith

The complexity of reality versus fiction

No one ever claimed the hit cowboy soap opera was aiming for realism. But for Montana locals, the show’s many day-to-day inaccuracies are hard to swallow.

Study Models Impact of Elk Feeding on CWD and Herd Health

January 16, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Elk herd at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming

Researchers analyze alternative management plans for Jackson Elk Herd and bison as FWS update nears.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton: What’s in a Timed Entry?

January 10, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Robert Chaney

Even with multiple entry points to Yellowstone, you can still hit bumper-to-bumper traffic

While some national parks are implementing a timed visitor entry to mitigate congestion, the nation’s first and its 18^th are keeping it old school.

Feds Buy Kelly Parcel, Conserving Last of Unprotected Land in GTNP

January 6, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Elk herd on the Kelly Parcel, gateway to the Path of the Pronghorn

‘Decades-in-the-making’ $100 million purchase adds 640 acres to Grand Teton National Park, while protecting a key Greater Yellowstone wildlife migration corridor.

Montana Sues Yellowstone National Park Over Bison Management Plan

December 31, 2024 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Amanda Eggert

The park's plan directs wildlife managers to aim for a herd of 3,500-6,000 animals

Department of Livestock and FWP join Gov. Gianforte in suing park over its plan to increase bison population and tolerance for bison presence outside park boundaries.