Trump Budget Proposal Portends Deep Cuts to Public Lands

May 5, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

President Donald Trump's budget proposal includes allocating $1.1 trillion to defense spending while reducing non-defense federal spending by $163 billion

Recommendations include new consolidated wildfire service, more tasks in state hands, less science.

Peeling Back the Science of Grizzlies’ Favorite Food

April 30, 2025 // NEWS: Feature

by Robert Chaney

Grizzlies forage for army cutworm moths high on talus fields in the mountains of Greater Yellowstone

In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, grizzly bears need a calorie-dense diet. That can consist of more than 40,000 moths in a day.

Forest Service Braces for Restructuring as Timber Orders Add to Workload

April 25, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

A Forest Service memo calls for a 25 percent increase in timber production by July 4

Feds look to consolidate regional offices while planning to roll out new strategies over the next two months.

Draft National Wildfire Plan Under White House Consideration Returns Firefighting ‘to the 1930s,’ Experts Say

April 18, 2025 // NEWS: Feature

by Robert Chaney

Looking back at the "10 a.m. rule," a 1930s wildfire policy to suppress all fires by 10 a.m. the morning after they are discovered

On the cusp of wildfire season, a new proposal recommends consolidating all federal firefighting resources, calls for immediate fire suppression.

Future of Grizzly Bear Study Group in Dire Straits

April 14, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

'Someone to watch over me': Grizzly 399 and Spirit look to the future

As Interior Secretary Doug Burgum touts successful dire wolf revival, IGBST fights for survival.

Public Opinion Boils Over as Feds Continue Slashing Jobs, Budgets

April 4, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Protesters rally at MSU in Bozeman, Montana last month

Demonstrators attended more than 1,000 “Hands Off” protests across the nation and Greater Yellowstone.

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.

Trump Administration Bars NPS from Reporting Visitor Data

April 1, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Old Faithful is one of the central attractions bringing visitors to Yellowstone National Park

As national parks gear up for another busy tourist season, muted visitor data leaves experts ‘shocked.’

Inside the Battle Over the ESA

March 31, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Since the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973, has it been a winning or losing proposition? It depends on who you ask.

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.

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.