The Fight For Wild Lands: Part 3

February 19, 2025 // MoJo Special Series

by Robert Chaney

A packed Capitol rotunda in Helena, Montana, for the February 19 Rally for Public Lands

The U.S. Constitution gives citizens the right to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” As a blizzard of public lands change sweeps out of Washington, D.C., activists around Greater Yellowstone ponder tactics to help them keep what they hold dear.

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.

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.

Trump’s Tariff Tussle Tangles Montana

February 7, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Montana-made whiskey isn't the only commodity affected by trade with Canada

Fast-moving announcements of U.S. trade wars against Canada, Mexico and China leave state stakeholders bracing for market turmoil.

Runaway Runways

January 31, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Buckle up. As airlines add direct flights to and from Bozeman and elsewhere in Montana, the GYE expects a busy season of visitors

Surging direct-flight jet service portends another busy tourist summer in Greater Yellowstone and beyond.

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.

Trump Energy Policy Aims to Unplug Endangered Species Act

January 24, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Bull trout, as well as Canada lynx and the grizzly bear could be imperiled with President Trump's recent Executive Orders

Executive orders direct agencies to minimize consultations, giving priority to energy and mining permits.

Federal Judges Find New Power as Chevron Precedent Falls Away

January 23, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

The Supreme Court overturned Chevron deference, which could affect power plants like Colstrip going forward

Supreme Court ruling drops deference to administrative agency experts. The implications for environmental cases are vast.

Back to the Land

January 19, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

BLM's Missouri Breaks National Backcountry Byway in North Central Montana

Tracy Stone-Manning turned in her BLM keys last week. As she exits civil service, she reflects on her career, the incoming administration, and the public’s love for public land.

Fighting for Survival

January 14, 2025 // NEWS: Analysis

by Robert Chaney

FWS on Jan. 8 announced its decision to keep grizzlies protected under the Endangered Species Act

At a charged time for grizzly bears, MoJo takes you inside the complex U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to keep grizzlies on the endangered species list.