In what is turning into one of the worst fire seasons in decades, fire crews are managing to report some early successes. But they can never celebrate because other fires pop up that demand attention. Over the weekend, the Lolo National Forest announced that fire crews had made enough headway on the West Lolo Complex northwest of Missoula that they could scale down the level … [Read more...] about Granite Complex fires at Lolo Pass worsen while West Lolo improves

(CN) — The Montana Department of Environmental Quality failed to properly evaluate the environmental impacts of a new mining technique to be used in a proposed copper mine in the headwaters of Montana's Smith River, attorneys argued in state district court Friday. The proposed underground Black Butte copper mine near White Sulphur Springs, Montana, would extract 440 tons of … [Read more...] about Watchdogs: DEQ failed to assess impact of copper mine in Smith River headwaters

Environmental groups are condemning the Gianforte administration for green-lighting two proposed mines beneath the Cabinet Mountains, even though the CEO has failed with other Montana mines to comply with environmental safeguards. On Wednesday, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued a statement saying it would not enforce the state’s “bad actor” provision … [Read more...] about Gianforte administration pulls out of Hecla mining oversight

When wildfire smoke descends into our valley, it has the ability to transform the abstract, global nature of the climate crisis into a tangible, local experience. Last night at Imagine Nation Brewing, the idea of longer and more intense wildfire seasons was so real that you could taste it. Let us explain. Inspired by New Belgium Brewing’s purposefully bad beer, Torched … [Read more...] about Sustainable Missoula: Stay safe during the smoky days of summer

Citing critical fire conditions, Missoula County on Thursday implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, a move that bans all campfires and forbids a number of other activities. That includes mowing lawns after 1 p.m., operating vehicles off designated roads, and smoking in most outdoor locations. The restrictions are the county's first this fire season and they come one day … [Read more...] about Missoula County adopts Stage 2 fire restrictions as conditions worsen