Montana
Fort Missoula’s Forest Service Office Will Close As Headquarters Relocates
The Forest Service’s decision to move its headquarters back to the West is gathering some expressions of support, with the plan to shut down the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and relocate to Salt Lake as soon as next year.
But a lot of questions remain over how that will affect Region 1, the oldest of the Forest Service regions and a legacy in Western Montana for more than a century.
The transition to a “state model” will mean the closure of the regional office at Fort Missoula. However, the agency says an operations center will stay in Missoula, along with research functions, like the Fire Science Lab. Local offices for land management, recreation, and fire protection aren’t expected to see changes.
But the change has been on the minds of Missoula leaders since the proposal was first made last year. Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis told me previously that the city is concerned about losing some high-paying jobs.
“We value our Forest Service employees in the way that that organization and agency has contributed to the culture of Montana and in Missoula and in particular.”- Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis
Mayor Andrea Davis; Dennis Bragg photo
Mayor Davis says it’s also going to be critical for the Forest Service to maintain a presence in Missoula to help with fire safety concerns in a warmer climate.
“Obviously, we’re very fortunate in Missoula to be living next to the largest contiguous wilderness in the Lower 48 states,” Davis observed. “And we all know that with increasing temperatures and increasing wildfire risk, wildfire management and wildfire science are essential to the health of our communities, and we rely on the Forest Service for that.”
Bye-bye to the “Border Road”
One of the most iconic backroads in Montana is set to close this summer, with the Trump Administration announcing the short route known as the “Border Road” will be shut down in July.
The road stretches for 9 miles right along the Montana-Canadian border east of the Coutts-Sweet Grass crossing, and has served both Montana and Canadian ranchers for generations. It’s a symbol of the peaceful, “open border” and is actually maintained by Alberta’s Warner County.
But the BBC is reporting Warner County officials are preparing to build a replacement on the northern side after learning the route will close. That’s expected to cost nearly $6 million. There’s been no comment from DHS on the decision.
Supreme Court rejects Gianforte tax suit request
The Montana State Supreme Court won’t take expedited action in that fight over property tax reform.
Last month, Governor Gianforte had asked for the justices to make an expedited ruling in the fight with some conservative GOP lawmakers, who claimed SB 542 violates the Montana Constitution.
Gianforte had said the suit could derail plans for $95 million in rebates and skew property tax rates.
But the Daily Montana is reporting all the justices ruled against the request, saying the Governor hadn’t provided proof of the urgency for stepping into the case, which is filed in Gallatin County.
Family help as SNAP changes
While parts of Montana continue to adjust to the SNAP changes of the past year, including the state’s decision to cut off “junk food and sugary drinks” this week, JD Knite reports some families are finding that another state program is a source of help.
Montana’s Top 10 Warmest Aprils since 1895
Montana’s Top 10 Warmest Aprils since 1895 according to NOAA
Gallery Credit: Chris Wolfe
While jobs are not on the line at the Ysleta Independent School District, the school district faces another budget year with a deficit for its ongoing operations.
District officials are recommending an operating budget with a deficit that may be up to $15 million, mainly driven by falling school enrollment and funding from the State of Texas. SISD anticipates collecting $379 million in revenue for the 2026-2027 year.
Superintendent Xavier De La Torre said the district plans on selling properties, offering incentives to teachers and administrators interested in retirement and consolidating the Cesar Chavez Academy with the Thrive Academy to address YISD’s financial challenges.
https://www.ktsm.com/news/ysleta-isd-counting-on-school-consolidation-attrition-property-sales-to-deal-with-budget-crunch/
BOZEMAN — Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — and while that’s good news for fish, it poses serious risks for recreators.
Even with a lighter-than-average snowpack, river conditions across the state remain hazardous. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is urging anyone planning to get on the water to prepare carefully, know current conditions, and understand every hazard along the full length of their route before launching.
WATCH: Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — even with lighter snowpack. Before you hit the water, FWP says preparation could save your life
Spring runoff on Montana rivers poses serious safety risks
Morgan Jacobsen of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks pointed to specific locations as examples of the dangers that can catch people off guard.
“The Highway 89 Bridge has some, you know, particular dangers at that site with the pylons of the bridge, and that’s caused problems for people before, so knowing your trip and knowing what hazards exist as best you can, doing that research is always a good idea,” Jacobsen said.
Spring runoff serves an important ecological function for Montana’s fisheries, acting as a kind of seasonal reset for rivers and streams.
“Flooding plays an important ecological function. It washes out sediment and provides new, clean gravels that are important for fish spawning. Creates new habitat for a variety of species, and it’s a good thing, but when it comes to recreation, it’s something you’ve got to be careful with,” Jacobsen said.
FWP is not discouraging people from getting on the water, but the agency is emphasizing that safety planning must come first — especially during high water.
“We’re not saying people can’t come on the water by any means, and you know, especially in high flooding conditions, and because of those dangers, it’s not recommended, but if you are going to recreate, you know, you’re doing it at your own risk. Make sure that you take precautions so that you can make it home safely,” Jacobsen said.
Anyone heading out on Montana’s rivers this spring should check current conditions, know their route, carry and wear a personal flotation device, and be prepared for water that was snow just minutes before entering the river.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
-
Wyoming6 minutes ago‘It’s going to kill us.’ Electric utility’s latest rate hike request especially steep for Wyoming ag irrigators
-
Crypto9 minutes agoSpaceX Could Enter Major Index Funds Within Weeks After Trillion-Dollar IPO
-
Finance13 minutes agoMaster Your Money: Seton Hall Expands Curriculum with New Financial Literacy Course
-
Movie Reviews29 minutes ago
Movie Review: ‘Leviticus’ makes a demon out of desire in an auspicious debut for Adrian Chiarella
-
World39 minutes agoSocial Media Overtakes Traditional Media as Top News Source, Reuters Study Finds
-
News44 minutes agoHow Republicans Are Breaking Up Majority-Black Districts
-
Lifestyle1 hour agoOn a flight home, a stranger helped her understand what came next
-
Technology1 hour agoIn a big year for horror, Widow’s Bay still stands apart
