Current Events, December 9

Wolves in the News

Montana is extending its inaugural wolf hunt through February 15 in order to reach the 220-wolf quota.  Currently, 105 wolves have been killed in the state. Montana wolf hunt extended

In related news, the Obama administration proposed a new rule that would end the practice in which endangered species are listed differently in neighboring states.  Currently, wolves are de-listed in Idaho and Montana, but are still protected in Wyoming.

Read the full story here: No more species listing by state

BLM Releases Study on Treatment of Mustangs

A  recently released internal BLM report found some mistreatment of horses by contractors during wild mustang roundups, but stated that none of the incidents rose to the level of being inhumane. Currently there are over 30,000 wild horses living in western states, and the BLM heads up the federal government’s wild horse programs and supervises contractors working roundups annually.

Read the full story here: BLM: Mustangs mistreated but not inhumanely

Elderly Man Survives Being Stranded in Mountains

An 86 year old man and his 82 year old wife were stranded recently in an Arizona mountain range after they became lost and their car ran out of gas. The man’s wife expired, but the he was able to walk out 8 miles before being discovered by law enforcement.

Read about it here: NM man talks of ordeal in Arizona mountains 

Current Events, December 8

U.S. Supreme Court Weighs into Montana Water Issues

The power company, PPL Montana, is embroiled in a dispute with the state of Montana over who owns the land beneath several reservoirs on three Montana rivers. The state claims they own the land, and as a result, PPL owes Montana several million dollars in rent. The case will likely turn on the Court’s determination of whether the rivers were navigable at the time Montana gained statehood. As evidence, both sides are reaching far back into history and citing journals from the Lewis & Clark expedition.



Could this journal decide a U.S.S.C case 200 years later?

You can read more about the case here: High court hears Montana dam dispute

Idaho Lodge & Fishing Destination Named Must See

Henry’s Fork Lodge at Henry’s Fork on the Snake River, Idaho and Harriman State Park have made the newest edition of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. The lodge is cited for its aesthetically pleasing modern look, as well as its stunning views of the Grand Teton & Yellowstone peaks. Nearby, anglers can cast on the pristine waters at Henry’s Fork, Snake River.

Read More: Island park gets brief mention in before-you-die-guide   

*Information about the lodge can be found here: Henry's Fork Lodge

Winter Weather Brings Snow to Western Ski Resorts

It looks like winter is finally here as more ski resorts are opening across western states. Five ski resorts are set to open this weekend in Montana.

And a recent storm in Arizona has dumped enough snow for several resorts to open this weekend.  Yeah, they have skiing in Arizona! Arizona Skiing

Skiing, Arizona style

Current Events, December 7

Montana Gov Allows Bison to be Transferred to Reservations

Montana Governor, Brian Schweitzer stated on Monday that he will not block the relocation of 68 bison to two Native American Reservations. This reverses a previous stance that the bison could not be removed from Yellowstone National Park for fear they may harbor Brucellosis. However the Interior Department indicated that they do not believe the animals are infected.



Yellowstone bison crossing the Firehole River

You can read more about it here: Governor says bison can go to reservations