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.

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.

Rejecting Despair in the Arms of Nature

April 22, 2025 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

A mountain chickadee celebrates spring in Greater Yellowstone

In an effort to rise above a vicious news cycle, incessant politics and threats to our wildlife and public lands, MoJo columnist Susan Marsh seeks solace in nature and good friends.

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.

Montana Updates Wolf Management Playbook as Hunting Bills Advance

April 3, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Wolves on the move in Yellowstone National Park

Wildlife managers release first wolf management plan in 22 years, set minimum baseline population to 450.

Seasons of Resurrection

March 19, 2025 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

The great cottonwood brings renewal and rebirth with the spring equinox

As Easter nears and the vernal equinox is upon us, the concept of resurrection lives in the rebirth of nature and its beings.

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.

Ranchers Weigh Shorter Leases Against Permanent Easements

February 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Conservation easement or conservation lease? FWP looks to incentivize landowners in different ways

Amid concerns over the long-term value of Montana's conservation leases, FWP program races toward 500,000-acre goal.

A Microdose of Hope

January 29, 2025 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

A sign of hope: Pieris brassicae, or white butterfly, perches on a lantana flower

In a time in American history when we can feel confused, helpless and alone, remember the butterfly.

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.

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.