Blackfoot River

Two Montana organizations are suing the state of Montana for not responding to an information request in enough time to allow the public to properly oppose mine exploration in the upper Blackfoot Valley.

The exploration license amendment authorizes Sentinel Metals to use core drilling to characterize the Columbia Gold Project area, building on prior exploration conducted in 2016.

Citing an interest in downstream impacts, Missoula County on Monday said it was tracking the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's review of an amended mineral exploratory project at the headwaters of the Blackfoot River.

Fans of the Blackfoot River are concerned about an Australian mining company’s renewed interest in gold deposits in the mountains southeast of Lincoln.

Missoula County has put a permit for a Blackfoot Valley gravel pit on hold in response to public concern.

More Blackfoot valley residents are becoming aware of a gravel pit proposed within yards of the Blackfoot River, and they’ve added their names to a petition asking the Missoula County Board of Commissioners for help.

Bill Lombardi writes, "Montanans soon won’t forget this TikTok moment – “An ATV Runs Through It.” The Scotsman Maclean, whose prose laid the bedrock for fly fishing and writers to come, would roll in his grave had he witnessed this numbskull event."

After a weed crew hired by Powell County was filmed driving through the Blackfoot River, the state has fined the county for not getting the required permit.

A coalition of individuals and conservation groups are asking Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to press charges against Powell County for driving an ATV for miles down the Blackfoot River.

The University of Montana has compiled a report on what locals think about recreation issues in the Blackfoot River Valley, but it’s up to the Blackfoot Challenge and others to come up with some actions.