Judge restores protections
Wolves Returned to Endangered List
A federal judge in Montana has ordered gray wolves in the Northern Rockies be returned to the endangered species list.
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy granted a preliminary injunction today, restoring federal protections for the wolves.
Guest Commentary: Roy Brown
All Voters Deserve to Hear From the Governor
I believe in democracy, and I believe that every vote counts and every citizen matters. That’s why, in late June, I challenged Governor Schweitzer to 18 debates around Montana – to give the large majority of voters the chance to hear directly from myself and Governor Schweitzer about where each of us stands on the issues that matter. I believe this is one of the most important obligations we have as public servants: meet the people face to face, address their concerns and let them decide for themselves who they want to support.
[read more]Park Blasting
Glacier Park Officials Reject Blasting Plan
HELENA – Glacier National Park officials, citing concerns about wildlife habitat, have rejected a BNSF Railway proposal to use explosives for preventing avalanches that could send snow onto railroad tracks.
Instead, the railroad should spend millions of dollars to build more snowsheds — canopies over segments of track — to keep snow from blocking the route along the park's southern edge, according to an environmental document released Thursday by park officials, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the Montana Department of Transportation.
New water permits to be reviewed without Avista case
Policy Change Frees up Flathead Water Rights
The state Department of Natural Resources changed its process for reviewing new water rights applications for the Flathead River and lower Clark Fork basins last month, opening up the possibility for appropriations that have been held up over the past year and a half.
“This particular ruling for exemption in the Flathead is huge,” Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, said. “We’ll hopefully be able to make some progress in terms of the log jam in applicants. There are lots of people who’ve been left in limbo, sometimes after spending thousands of dollars on these applications.”
Election 2008
Obama Campaign to Open Six Montana Offices
HELENA – Barack Obama's campaign is holding events over the next week for the opening of six offices in Montana.
The campaign is opening offices in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula. It has previously announced the hiring of full-time staff.
Surgeon General Visit
Acting Surgeon General to Visit Montana
BOZEMAN – The country's top public health educator will visit three Montana cities in an effort to curb underage drinking across the nation.
Acting U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson will be in Helena on Aug. 18, Butte on Aug. 19 and Bozeman on Aug. 20.
