Montana

Montana inspectors stop mussel-fouled Minnesota boat headed to Georgetown Lake

Published

4 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Montana inspectors stop mussel-fouled Minnesota boat headed to Georgetown Lake

ANACONDA, Mont. — A wake boat headed for Georgetown Lake was stopped at the Anaconda boat check station earlier this week after inspectors found it was carrying hundreds of invasive zebra mussels, preventing the species from potentially being introduced into Montana waters.

Inspectors found some of the mussels attached directly to the boat, while others were attached to pieces of Eurasian watermilfoil on the trailer. Eurasian watermilfoil is also an invasive species.

The boat was coming from Minnesota and had ballast tanks, which never completely drain. That can make them a good environment for transporting mussels.

The following was sent out by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks:

The exceptional skills of inspectors at the Anaconda boat check station stopped an invasive mussel fouled wake boat from Minnesota earlier this week from potentially introducing zebra mussels into Montana waters.

The boat, which was on its way to Georgetown Lake, was transporting hundreds of zebra mussels, some attached to the boat and some attached to pieces of Eurasian watermilfoil, another invasive species, on the trailer. The boat also had ballast tanks, which never completely drain, making them a good environment for transporting mussels.

Because the boat had only been out of the water for four days, inspectors suspected that the mussels were still viable. Mussels can survive up to 30 days out of the water.

“Boats like this can ruin Montana’s waters forever,” said Tom Woolf, FWP’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) bureau chief. “This is the boat that would introduce mussels.”

The boater was unaware that he was transporting mussels. After the inspectors decontaminated the boat, it was locked to the trailer and FWP wardens responded to ensure it would not launch.

As a reminder, all watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species. You must obtain an inspection before launching on Montana waters. Stop at all open inspections stations you encounter. Find inspections stations here

Boats with a ballast or bladder, such as wakeboard or wake-surfing boats, that intend to launch on Montana waters must be decontaminated before launching.

While planning your trip to Montana, if you find you will not encounter a watercraft inspection station on your way to your destination, Idaho, Wyoming, and Alberta inspection stations fulfill the before-launch requirements of Montana.

Stop at ALL open inspection stations you encounter in Montana where your watercraft may be re-inspected.

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Montana

Montana weather: Thunderstorms likely, temps rising to 80s — July 2, 2026

Published

14 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Press Room

ByKECI•

3 hours ago

Updated: July 2, 2026, 9:58 am EDTPublished: July 2, 2026, 9:18 am EDT

Thunderstorms continue for Northern Rockies, especially southwest Montana, with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Highs mid-70s today, warming to 80s this weekend. Next week turns warmer and drier with highs reaching upper 80s to low 90s.

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Montana

Montana state auditor urges homeowners to review flood, wildfire insurance coverage

Published

1 day ago

July 2, 2026

Press Room

Montana state auditor urges homeowners to review flood, wildfire insurance coverage

MISSOULA, Mont. — Amid recent flooding and ahead of wildfire season, Montana State Auditor James Brown is urging homeowners to make sure their homes are properly insured.

Brown said flooding is the leading cause of insurance peril in the nation and can happen year-round in Montana.

He said homeowners should not wait until flooding is imminent to seek coverage because there is typically a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect.

“Number one, by far the number one source of confusion related to flood insurance is the basic homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage, most Montanans may not know that,” said Brown.

Brown said some private flood insurance options exist, but the National Flood Insurance Program remains the main way Montanans can get covered.

He also said wildfire coverage is becoming less common in standard homeowners insurance policies and increasingly expensive.

Brown encouraged homeowners to be careful when shopping for the lowest-cost policy, because cheaper plans may offer less coverage or come with higher deductibles.

“That may not be enough to cover the loss if their house were to burn down, so one of the things we encourage as well is to talk to your agent about what the level of coverage that you have for your home to make sure that it’s fully insured so if you do have a fire or flood or some sort of peril, you’re able to replace your home,” said Brown.

Lower-cost policies may leave homeowners responsible for the first several thousand dollars in losses before insurance coverage begins.

Brown said homeowners should speak with their insurance agents to make sure their policies covers damages if a disaster occurs.

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Montana

University of Montana welcomes Jeremiah Shinn as 20th president

Published

1 day ago

July 1, 2026

Press Room

University of Montana welcomes Jeremiah Shinn as 20th president

MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn on Tuesday as the university’s 20th president.

Shinn’s tenure begins July 1.

“It’s my goal to lead UM in a way that makes this state proud,” Shinn said. “Together, we will build on our strengths to make UM even more aligned with the needs of students and the realities of today’s workforce.”

He joins the university after serving as interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts aimed at enhancing student engagement, strengthening campus partnerships and expanding access to affordable education opportunities for students.

“President Shinn is a proven leader whose commitment to the success of students is unwavering,” said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. “He is a strong addition to the Montana University System, and I am confident he will maintain UM’s positive momentum while also steering the institution in new ways that will serve our state.”

The following was sent out by the University of Montana:

The University of Montana today officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the flagship institution.

Shinn’s tenure leading UM begins July 1.

Shinn joins UM after a successful tenure as the interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts to enhance student engagement, strengthen campus partnerships and expand access to affordable education opportunities for students.

Shinn takes the helm at UM during an important time, as the University prepares to welcome the class of 2030 to campus next month.

“Our students deserve a university built for the world they’re entering, not the one we’re leaving behind,” Shinn added. “At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, UM will meet this moment. Not with arguments, but with proof. In our work, in our graduates and in our service to Montana.”

Prior to serving as Boise State interim president, Shinn was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. He also served as vice president for student affairs at Louisiana State University. Shinn earned a Ph.D. from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas Tech University.

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