HAILEY SMALLEY
Recent Stories
Volunteer effort stokes historic fire lookouts back into peak condition
Built in 1929, the 14-foot by 14-foot room served as a joint home and office for seasonal fire lookouts employed through the U.S. Forest Service. After the building was decommissioned in 1955, the federal agency left the building to either withstand or succumb to the brutal conditions atop Northwest Peak.
Feds vow to ax restrictions on 1 million acres of Northwest Montana forestland
The federal government pledged to peel back protections on more than 1.1 million acres of forestland in Northwest Montana, opening vast swaths of the region to potential logging projects.
Gianforte signs law cracking down on illegal hiring
During a stop in Evergreen on Wednesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law a bill that expands the state’s authority to police illegal hiring practices.
Water quality study bridges U.S.-Canada divide
This summer, researchers are slated to begin a new $4.9 million transboundary study aimed at promoting “a common understanding” of longstanding pollution concerns in the Kootenai River system.
Officials will consider banning motorized boats on Bull River amidst citizen complaints
Wildlife officials will consider new rules regulating the use of motorized boats on the Bull River south of Libby, following a petition from a local landowner.
Zinke reintroduces efforts to regulate summer water levels on Flathead Lake
Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke has again introduced legislation that would require the Interior Department to maintain water levels in Flathead Lake during the warmer months.
New bill promises harsher fines for boaters ignoring efforts to halt spread of invasive species in Montana
State wildlife officials examine over 100,000 boats annually at roadside inspection stations, searching for signs of hitchhiking critters that could harm local lakes, rivers and streams.
Tribes, wildlife officials oppose proposed hunting bill for Flathead Indian Reservation
Tribal advocates argued during a Tuesday evening hearing in Helena that a proposed hunting bill could jeopardize tribal-state relations and result in years of costly litigation.