Next spring, the sun will shine where it hasn't for years on Mount Sentinel. Contractors on Monday began work to thin the forests on 62 acres atop the Missoula landmark, a project years in the making that's being funded by a $67,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. The city last month awarded two contracts to complete the effort, including $41,000 to Miller Creek … [Read more...] about Crews begin forest thinning on Mount Sentinel to improve stand health
Environment
Scientists: Weakened by past management, Montana forests face effects of climate change
By Sherry Devlin September 25, 2017
Past management practices have reduced the genetic diversity of Montana’s forests, limiting their ability to adapt to climate change. The public and private scientists who released the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment last week said “genetic diversity largely determines a species’ ability to survive extreme events and adapt to changing conditions.” That’s why historically, … [Read more...] about Scientists: Weakened by past management, Montana forests face effects of climate change
Montana Climate Assessment: Warmer temps, lower snowpack, longer growing seasons
By Sherry Devlin September 20, 2017
Montana’s average annual temperatures have increased 2-3 degrees since 1950, and are projected to warm 5.6-9.8 degrees by the end of the century, 32 scientists from the public and private sectors said in the first Montana Climate Assessment, released Wednesday. The joint UM-MSU Montana Institute on Ecosystems organized the report, which said the state “is projected to … [Read more...] about Montana Climate Assessment: Warmer temps, lower snowpack, longer growing seasons
Missoula County fire fund nears $90,000 in donations, committees vetting requests
By Martin KidstonSeptember 20, 2017
A fund established by the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management and held in trust by the local chapter of the United Way has received nearly $90,000 in donations to help those impacted by the summer fires. Bob Homer, director of operations with United Way of Missoula County, said Wednesday that donations have come from 43 states and a number of area businesses, the … [Read more...] about Missoula County fire fund nears $90,000 in donations, committees vetting requests
Zinke suggests designation of Badger-Two Medicine as national monument
By Sherry DevlinSeptember 20, 2017
While recommending that 10 national monuments be downsized or opened to development last month, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke also suggested protection for 130,000 acres in Montana’s Badger-Two Medicine area. Considered sacred land by the Blackfeet Tribe, the Badger-Two Medicine lies within the Lewis and Clark National Forest and shares boundaries with the Bob Marshall … [Read more...] about Zinke suggests designation of Badger-Two Medicine as national monument