Montana

Montana FWP files notice to sue the feds over wolverine Endangered Species Act listing – Daily Montanan

Published

1 year ago

January 26, 2024

Montana FWP files notice to sue the feds over wolverine Endangered Species Act listing – Daily Montanan

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks filed a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Friday within 60 days if it does not overturn its November decision to list wolverines as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

“In Montana, wolverines continue to do well and inhabit much, if not all, of their available habitat,” FWP Chief of Conservation Policy Quentin Kujala said in a statement. “We work closely with our neighboring states to ensure the continued conservation of these iconic species. Federal protections in this case will only get in the way of good conservation work.”

FWP’s objection to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision involves contentions that the federal agency did not use the best available science about interconnectivity between wolverines in the Lower 48 and Canada, the range of the genetic pool between different populations, future snowpack changes due to climate change, nor wolverines’ supposed resilience to the effects of climate change and thinner snowpacks.

FWP’s notice of intent to sue says that USFWS has previously acknowledged wolverines in the Lower 48 “are not currently in danger of extinction” but also that they are threatened because of the effects “of climate change on spring snow.”

“In reaching this conclusion, the service has neglected to fully consider the breadth of evidence regarding wolverine adaptability to climate change, recreation, and genetic connectivity,” FWP’s Chief Legal Counsel Sarah Clerget wrote. “The service speculates on the impact factors A and E will have on the perpetuation of wolverines, while acknowledging the high levels of uncertainty among the factors. In short, the final rule will not protect wolverines, as there is a dearth of evidence supporting the species’ viability is threatened today or will be threatened by climate change impacts in the future.”

Some of the state’s argument involves different scientific studies USFWS has used in going back and forth during the previous 15 years to make different decisions on whether wolverines should be listed under the ESA in the Lower 48.

In 2008, it found there were not significant differences between the U.S. and Canadian populations, then in 2013 proposed listing them as threatened. But that proposal was withdrawn in 2014 before being reinstated in 2016 by a court order.

In 2020, USFWS withdrew the proposal again, and again found minimal distinction between the U.S. and Canadian populations. But conservation groups sued, and a federal court in Montana ordered a reevaluation, which led to a new Species Status Assessment addendum last year that informed the final rule published in November.

FWP says the USFWS 2020 finding that the Lower 48 wolverine population of an estimated 250-300 wolverines “to be the natural result of habitat fragmentation and not reflective of a difference in conservation status” means the more recent finding of a Lower 48 Distinct Population Segment was made in error.

“Under existing scientific evidence, the Canadian and United States’ wolverine population must be considered as one population. In doing so, it is clear that wolverine populations have expanded further south into the United States, not retreated, and that listing United States’ wolverines as threatened is arbitrary and capricious,” Clerget wrote.

FWP also believes the uncertainty in predicting how climate change will affect the landscape and the habitat of wolverines should not be considered as much of a factor because the state believes the wolverine population is expanding, according to the letter.

FWP said new research from last year from Scandinavia showed wolverines were more adaptable than previously thought to climate change and the effects of reduced snowpack in the spring.

“The primary argument the service uses for listing is how a lack of snow, due to climate change, will negatively affect wolverines; however, the service inadequately considered the potential for wolverines to adapt and thrive under a changing environment, as demonstrated by the best evidence available,” the notice of intent says.

FWP said in the letter that even with the USFWS model that predicts a roughly 30% decrease in snowpack during the next 50 years, other science has shown that the high-mountain areas where wolverines typically den will see less reduction than lower elevations.

“Wolverines have been found to use locally available denning structures in lowland habitats, despite a lack of deep snow and persistent spring snow cover … This adaptive behavior suggests that wolverines are more flexible in their distribution than previously assumed,” the letter says. “These studies are not relying on projections, but provide direct evidence to the level of behavioral plasticity that wolverines have to a changing climate.”

The notice also takes issue with the genetic population size and gene flow science used in the final rule, saying the primary study used was flawed and other studies misinterpreted, and that even if there are fewer paths to genetic connectivity than thought, translocation of the animals could be used in the future if that is the case.

“In the Northern Rockies, wolverines are doing well and states are working closely on monitoring and conservation efforts. This listing is not only unnecessary, it fails to recognize current science,” FWP Director Dustin Temple said in a statement.

Before the decision was released in November, Montana’s three Republicans in the federal delegation — Sen. Steve Daines and Reps. Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke — had called on the agency to delay its decision. On Friday, Republican Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said the decision on wolverines was “illogical and ill-informed.”

“In Montana, we’ve worked hard to manage and conserve the wolverine population and have partnered with neighboring states on research and monitoring efforts to ensure the future conservation of the species,” the governor said. “Adding a layer of unnecessary bureaucracy does nothing for conservation but does everything to undermine our responsible management of this species.”

Notice of Intent to Sue Letter_Wolverines 1.26.24

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Montana

Out and About: Made in Montana Trade Show, Former Felons Ball and a Princess Tea Party

Published

1 hour ago

March 6, 2025

Press Room

Out and About: Made in Montana Trade Show, Former Felons Ball and a Princess Tea Party

HELENA — In this week’s edition of Out and About: Made in Montana Trade Show makes it to Helena, Former Felons Ball and a Princess Tea Party.

2025 Made in Montana Trade Show – Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds – 03/08

On Saturday, the Montana Department of Commerce will celebrate 41 years of its Made in Montana Trade Show. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds, there will be tons of vendors, with even more Made in Montana products to shop and browse from. Admission is free and open to the public, along with free parking available.

With the Spring season here, it’s a great way to update your home with the latest in Made in Montana food, gifts and other products. Exhibitors will sell directly to the public at retail prices while building brand awareness and gaining new customers.

Former Felons Ball – 03/08

Also on Saturday, Montana Pride will put on their Annual Former Felons Ball around the Capital City celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community in Montana and around the world.

Starting at 1 p.m. the celebration will begin at the Lewis and Clark Brewery for an ax-throwing event until 4 p.m. Then at 3 p.m., there will be a Drag Story Hour at the Ironfront from community members. Later at 7 p.m., there will be three parties going at the same time all at at different locations, with drag shows starting at 9:30 p.m. to celebrate pride and Mardi Gras. The Gold Ball will be held at the Windbag, the Purple Ball at the Western and the Green Ball at the Rialto. So don’t forget to wear your Mardi Gras masks and for all the latest information on this year’s Former Felons Ball, you can stay updated on Montana Pride’s Facebook Page. You have to be 18+ to celebrate the shows and 21+ to drink.

Princess Tea Party – Helena Civic Center – 03/09

To wrap up the weekend, on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. the Princess Tea Party will commence at the Helena Civic Center. There will be pictures for the mini-monarchs sharing tea with other royalty, tattoos, crown making, nail painting and a silent auction all throughout the event.

If there is an event that you would like to see next week, please send us an email with all of the details to outandabout@ktvh.com.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for March 5, 2025

Published

13 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at March 5, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 5 drawing

24-28-40-63-65, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from March 5 drawing

04-12-21-22-40, Lucky Ball: 17

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from March 5 drawing

10-15-23-35-41, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from March 5 drawing

01-10-12-15, Bonus: 06

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 5 drawing

22-36-39-45-50, Powerball: 14

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from March 5 drawing

02-18-21-24-45

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana Senate takes up school vaccination and election registration bills

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2025

Press Room

Montana Senate takes up school vaccination and election registration bills

HELENA — The Montana Senate is having marathon floor sessions over the next few days as the transmittal deadline approaches.

Among the proposals that got initial approval Wednesday was Senate Bill 474 – on a 29-21 vote. The bill, from Republican Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, would make it easier for someone to claim a personal exemption to school vaccination requirements.

(Watch to hear from senators debating Wednesday’s bills)

Montana Senate takes up school vaccination and election registration bills

Emrich said his daughter had experienced a serious health issue after receiving a vaccination, but he couldn’t get approval for a medical exemption for her.

“People need the right to choose,” said Emrich on the floor of the Senate. “We can’t force everybody to get a vaccine. Most people want to get a vaccine; there’s not that many people that don’t. But we need to give them that option, that freedom to choose.”

Opponents said the current exemption process is working and warned, if more people opt out of vaccines, it will start to affect the state at large.

“The only reason that people in this country can decide not to get vaccines and that this feels like, you know, ‘This is a personal choice, I should be able to choose whether or not I do this,’ is because my kids are vaccinated,” said Sen. Cora Neumann, D-Bozeman, who has worked in the public health field.

The Senate also endorsed SB 490 on a vote of 33-17. It would make significant changes to Montana’s late voter registration laws.

Currently, people can register and vote at county election offices until noon the Monday before an election and as long as polls are open on Election Day.

The bill — sponsored by Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka — would eliminate registration on Monday and close it at noon on Election Day, but allow people to register on the Saturday before the election.

MTN News

Opponents said the change was going to make it harder to register, especially for young voters.

“One thing that I think is going to really suppress the vote is the stop-start — so you can register Saturday, Sunday, but you can’t register Monday, you can register Tuesday only till noon,” said Senate Minority Leader Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade.

Supporters said it would relieve the burden that long same-day registration lines put on election workers, while working within a Montana Supreme Court ruling that blocked a bill to repeal same-day registration.

“We’re trying to work around the court’s decision, and make same-day registration available to people, to the very best of our ability, and still have an efficient, safe election,” said Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton.

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