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.

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.

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.

Montana Launches Study to Verify Accuracy of Bobcat Population Data

January 22, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Bobcat populations drive harvest quotas set by FWP

FWP aims to close potential gender identification gaps in harvest reports over five years, seeks hunter participation.

Why ‘Yellowstone’ Became a Dirty Word to so Many Montanans

January 21, 2025 // OPINION: Essay

by Darby Minow Smith

The complexity of reality versus fiction

No one ever claimed the hit cowboy soap opera was aiming for realism. But for Montana locals, the show’s many day-to-day inaccuracies are hard to swallow.

Jackson Tourism Board Reports on Ski Town's Sustainable Future

January 21, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Crowds at Jackson's Wold Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb

With nearly 3 million annual visitors to Jackson Hole, community gathers to review progress of five-year tourism management plan.

Forest Service Authorizes Controversial Crazy Mountain Land Swap

January 20, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Amanda Eggert

For nearly a century, the Crazy Mountains have been the site of heated access debates

A handful of conservation easements and deed restrictions are incorporated in the Forest Service’s final iteration of the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange.

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.

Study Models Impact of Elk Feeding on CWD and Herd Health

January 16, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Elk herd at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming

Researchers analyze alternative management plans for Jackson Elk Herd and bison as FWS update nears.

Feeling Through Fire, Part 4: When the Fire Comes

January 15, 2025 // MoJo Special Series

by Bella Butler

The Bridger Foothills Fire of 2020 burned 8,000 acres and destroyed 68 structures north of Bozeman, Montana

In the conclusion to our four-part series, we look at the profound sense of loss wildfires can leave in their wake.

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.