Environment

The Sheep Creek Project has been removed from the Bitterroot National Forest Projects webpage. The public can no longer access the plan of operations submitted by US Critical Minerals Corporation.

The dam at the head of Placid Lake is leaking water, prompting state officials to remove a boat dock and work with the dam's owners on repairs.

Missoula County in partnership with Trout Unlimited entered into an agreement this week to remove a culvert and restore the stretch of Marshall Creek at Marshall Mountain Park.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed last week the detection of non-native brown trout in two sections of the Flathead Watershed and is asking anglers for help to determine the extent of the species.

An updated model of wolf population shows an estimated 725 wolves, down from nearly 1,100 based on prior methodology. State proposes lowering trapping and hunting quota by half.

Montana has had 15 brucellosis cases in livestock animals since 2010, and all 15 of those have been or are suspected to be from elk, according to the state Department of Livestock.

Amy Cilimburg writes, "Our fire seasons are lengthening, and we’re breathing more pollution."

Critics say Nationwide Permit 12, which has already been used to authorize controversial oil and gas projects, cuts out crucial steps like informing the public and evaluating risks to species.

The birds rarely live long, a draft environmental assessment for the project states, and less than 10% of the released pheasants survive a winter, according to advocacy organizations.

The Trump administration finalized a major change to the Endangered Species Act, rolling back protections for the forests, wetlands, deserts and other critical habitats that many plants and animals rely on.