Around 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday, officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) shot and killed a female black bear that had been on the loose with her two cubs in Uptown Butte since early Tuesday morning.

MTN’s Chet Layman spoke with Morgan Jacobsen, information and education manager for Montana FWP Region 3, about the factors that led to putting down the food-conditioned bear and what’s next for her two cubs:

Montana FWP explains decision to euthanize black bear sow in Butte

Montana law states that “it is unlawful for any person to permit any noxious weed to propagate or go to seed on the person’s land.” It further states that “…any person who adheres to the noxious weed management program of the person’s weed management district or has entered into and is in compliance with a noxious weed management agreement” is considered to be in compliance. (Montana Code 7-22-2116 (2023)).

Legally, a noxious weed is any plant designated by a Federal, State or county government as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property. Montana Noxious Weed List includes 36 plant species ranging in priority from 1A and 1B to 2B, and five regulated plant species.

The first step in any well executed project is to identify the goals and create a plan that is both realistic and effective. Managing noxious weeds begins with plant species identification, includes taking an inventory of the level of infestation, and involves creating an action plan that is viable.

Invasive plants thrive on disturbed soil and seeds are distributed by many vectors including birds, wind, wildlife, livestock, humans and all sorts of vehicles. Some invasives also have aggressive root systems that spread long distances, often from a single plant. Noxious weeds and other non-native invasives left untreated become established, quickly reproduce and spread and cause harm to the environment as well as the economy. Invasive species compete directly with native and desirable species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients and space. Populations unchecked cause major change faster than native ecosystems can accommodate.

The most effective approach to controlling noxious weeds is the implementation of integrated weed management (IWM), the integration of effective, dependable and workable weed management practices such as cultural (e.g. pulling weeds), mechanical (e.g. mowing), chemical and biological that can be used economically.

Powell County Weed District and Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension work with land owners and managers to promote IWM practices including site visits and vegetation management plan development, loaner equipment programs, cost-share grants, revegetation tools, biological control with insects, organized weed pull events, outreach and education events and no-cost materials such as weed ID books. We offer plant identification and also provide contact information for licensed spray contractors and other resources that promote healthy land use practices.

I would encourage anyone seeking advice on noxious weed management to contact their local county weed board coordinator or Ag Extension Agent. County coordinators and Ag Extension agents are trained and licensed and provide the most accurate and up to date options and resources for managing noxious weeds.

BOZEMAN — July was Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport’s busiest month, so a four-and half-year plan is now in place to help with the growing pains.

Susan Sanders was visiting her family in Billings and said that Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is her preferred place to travel.

“With the change, you have to expand and accommodate for that, whether it’s expanding the airport and the footprint or expanding the availability and the options for people to get in and out,” Sanders says.

The airport handled 1.5 million passengers in 2019 and expects to handle 2.6 million passengers this year.

Brian Sprenger, chief executive officer for BZN, says that with more travelers comes the need for the expansion.

“Overall, we expect this project to cost about 180 million dollars. It will be the largest airport project in Montana history,” Sprenger says.

They noticed challenges with parking, security checkpoints, and continual problems at baggage claim.

“As we continue to grow, we will continue to have challenges in the future if we don’t provide the infrastructure,” Sprenger says.

The airport plans to expand the baggage claim area with three high-capacity carousels, add a second security checkpoint on the east end, and build a third floor for airport administration offices.

“On the second level, the goal is to add three additional gates to take us to 15,” Sprenger says.

Also, with a plan to add more BZN markets, restaurants, and lounge areas, don’t expect to see a Chili’s or an Applebee’s anytime soon.

“A lot of what we focus on here at the airport is local branding, and we focus more on the airport rather than a national base,” Sprenger says.

As the plan unfolds for the next four and a half years, Sprenger says it won’t impact travelers too much.

“We don’t have to go put baggage claim outside like some airport projects have, so it will all be inside. But the biggest constraint will be at baggage claim, where it will have lost some of our space for queuing and circulation,” Sprenger says.

And what about gates?

“We will lose two gates during construction. But luckily, those are utilized only in the peaks,” Sprenger says.

Sanders is excited to keep catching flights at BZN airport amid the changes.

“I knew it way back in the day, and I’ve seen what it’s become, and I understand it’s expanding, so I am sure it’s going to be wonderful,” Sanders says.