Breeding Pair of Eastern Owl Species Spotted for First Time in Grand Teton

November 30, 2023 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Julia Barton

The barred owl is common in most states east of the Mississippi River. In Wyoming? Not so much.

The first breeding pair of barred owls recorded in the park or Wyoming has experts concerned over potential ecosystem effects.

The Evaporation of Water in the West

November 28, 2023 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Hyalite Reservoir south of Bozeman, Montana, is one of three water sources that supply the rapidly growing city

Bozeman is growing at breakneck speed. As its population ripples outward, the city looks to combat supply and demand challenges with a new water conservation plan, the first of its kind in Montana.

The Arrival of Harriman’s Iconic Trumpeter Swans

November 22, 2023 // OPINION: Essay

by Charlie Lansche

Nearly extinct by the early 1900s, trumpeter swans have made an impressive comeback thanks to conservation efforts

By the early 1900’s trumpeter swans were nearly extinct, but concerted efforts have reinvigorated their numbers. Land around Harriman Ranch State Park has produced more cygnets than any other region in Idaho.

Will Wolverines be Listed Under Endangered Species Act?

November 21, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

The fate of the wolverine lies in the hands of the federal government

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will make a determination about listing Lower 48 wolverines by Nov. 27

With CWD finally confirmed in Yellowstone National Park, Predators Could be Yellowstone's Salvation

November 20, 2023 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Laura Lundquist

A mule deer found near Yellowstone Lake is the first confirmed case of chronic wasting disease ever in Yellowstone National Park

Experts say first-ever CWD case in park was ‘only a matter of time,’ call for Wyoming to eliminate elk feedgrounds

Montana unveils first wolf management plan update in 20 years

November 16, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

The Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan reflects changes in the wolf population over the past two decades

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission reduced this year’s quota from 450 to 313 wolves following slight population decreases since 2020.

The Past 30 Years in Yellowstone, Part 3: Suzanne Lewis

November 14, 2023 // Interview Series

by Johnathan Hettinger

Suzanne Lewis served as Yellowstone's superintendent from 2002-2010, the only woman to have ever held the post

In Part 3 of our interview series with the past four superintendents of Yellowstone, Suzanne Lewis, the first and thus far only woman to lead America's first national park, talks fishing, bison, snowmobiles, and the visitation capacity Yellowstone has (or doesn’t have) down the road.

Yellowstone, Montana Officials Disagree on Bison Management

November 13, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

As it turns out, bison don't know where invisible borders exist

Montana and Yellowstone National Park have disagreed for years about how to manage Yellowstone bison. Those tensions recently ratcheted up.

Wildland Firefighters: Slash and Burn?

November 9, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

On November 17, federal wildland firefighters face a fiscal pay cliff, which could be "calamitous" for America's forests

As wildfires rage hotter and spread faster, federal wildland firefighters are facing a fiscal pay cliff on Nov. 17, and with it a potential 50 percent slash in workforce.

A Piece of the Conservation Puzzle

November 7, 2023 // NEWS: Dispatch

by David Tucker

The Alaska Basin addition to the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Montana's Centennial Valley

Missouri Headwaters Conservation Area could provide an additional tool for private landowners and protect 250,000 acres from subdivision and sprawl.

The Past 30 Years in Yellowstone, Part 2: Dan Wenk

November 6, 2023 // Interview Series

by Johnathan Hettinger

Former Superintendent Dan Wenk speaking at the Albright Visitor Center in Yellowstone National Park

In Part 2 of our interview series with the past four superintendents of America's first national park, Dan Wenk recalls the joy and challenges in running Yellowstone, and his controversial departure.