Planned Repeal of ‘Public Lands Rule’ Could Unleash Federal Resource Development

May 6, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

The Bureau of Land Management oversees 245 million acres of public land across the country

The Interior Department is exploring multiple ways to ‘restore American prosperity’ by capitalizing on timber, grazing, fossil fuels at the expense of conservation. It could also push billions of dollars of management costs onto state taxpayers.

Wild and Domestic Sheep are Comingling, Raising Concerns Over Disease Transmission

May 2, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Researchers have been surprised by the numbers of domestic sheep they've found are living near wild bighorn sheep

Researchers for MSU, FWP study are analyzing wildlife-livestock interactions, and seeking public input.

A Case of Mistaken Identity? Some Hunters are Confusing Grizzlies with Black Bears

April 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

While some black bears and grizzly bears look decidedly different, some can be similar colors and sizes. Nevertheless, hunters mistaking grizzlies for black bears say they can do better.

Over the last decade, more than a dozen Greater Yellowstone grizzlies have been killed by hunters who say they mistook them for black bears.

As CWD Spreads, Elk Occupancy Agreements Give Wyoming Elk Room to Roam

April 23, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Wyoming has a century-old tradition sustaining of elk on feedgrounds. Meanwhile, chronic wasting disease cases are increasing.

Wildlife managers say winter range agreements may be one pathway to reducing deadly disease transmission among elk on feedgrounds.

Wyoming Looks to Designate Famed Path of the Pronghorn

April 21, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Alex Hargrave

Pronghorn are North America's fastest land mammal and migrate hundreds of miles along Wyoming's Path of the Pronghorn

A Wyoming Game and Fish Commission vote in July could bring a long-deliberated migration corridor for imperiled pronghorn a step closer to designation as a state corridor.

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.

Considering Grizzlies, Judge Stalls Grazing Plan North of Yellowstone

April 11, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

High ground in Paradise above grazelands

In a win for environmental coalition, wildlife agencies ordered to review livestock grazing impacts on grizzly bears.

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.