Under the microscope their colors vary. They float in oceans and rivers, and they were recently found as high as the French Pyrenees. Microplastics could be everywhere. To establish how much so, Environment Montana and a team of interns this spring plan to test 50 waters across Montana for microplastics. The results will be posted this fall with the magnified images of … [Read more...] about Research effort to test for microplastics at 50 Montana water sites, both big and small

(CN) – Environmental groups have standing to sue the U.S. Department of Agriculture for neglecting to study the impact of killing gray wolves in mountainous portions of Idaho and whether the slaughter affects elk populations, the Ninth Circuit ruled Tuesday. The ruling gives plaintiffs Western Watersheds Project, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Clearwater, … [Read more...] about Ninth Circuit revives suit to save gray wolves in Idaho, Northern Rockies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vj3L5MnUX4&feature=youtu.be (KPAX) Nearly a year after historic flooding in Missoula, residents in the Orchard Homes area are again preparing to deal with rising waters. Water levels are still low, although some residents are already pumping water out of their basements and filling sandbags. Water is pooling in low-lying areas on … [Read more...] about Spring floods: Orchard Homes residents prepare as water begins to rise

Controversy continues to hound Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ management of the Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area, only this time hunters are the ones who feel slighted. At the end of February, FWP Region 2 in Missoula published a draft environmental assessment of a plan to allow limited livestock grazing on the Spotted Dog WMA. Sportsmen’s groups were surprised by … [Read more...] about Hunters push back on cattle grazing in Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area

The Blackfeet Tribe has battled for decades against oil and gas development in the Badger-Two Medicine, but co-managing the national forest might be the best strategy for heading off future threats, according to a University of Montana professor. Martin Nie, director of UM's Bolle Center for People and Forests, said the Blackfeet could better protect the Badger-Two Medicine … [Read more...] about UM prof: Blackfeet Tribe should co-manage Badger-Two Medicine with Forest Service