HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and several environmental assessments (EAs). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.


Draft Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan
The draft 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan incorporates updates in wolf-related research, more than 20 years of management experience, evolution in conflict management, new laws, social perspectives, and public input. The draft plan also references the transition to using the number of individual wolves as the population metric, rather than breeding pairs.

Comments due Dec. 19.


McGillivray Private Pond-Checklist EA
McGillivray has applied for a private fish pond license authorizing stocking of rainbow trout in an existing artificial, self-contained pond that is not connected to a perennial stream via surface waters or within the 100-year floodplain of Lolo Creek. The pond was constructed (excavated) for the purpose of private recreation, including fishing. The applicant has indicated (with documentation) that the pond water source (groundwater) is maintained through a valid water right. The pond has no defined inlet or outlet. 

Comments due Nov. 1.


Home Run Pond Drawdown and Fish Removal Draft EA
The purpose of the proposed project is to drawdown Home Run Pond in November 2023 to minimum pool levels to ensure the existing fish assemblage (undesirable species and illegally introduced species) will not overwinter. FWP will restock the pond with rainbow trout in the pond in spring 2024 following refill using the existing well (or alternate water sources). 

Removal of undesirable and illegally introduced species should improve survival and growth of hatchery stocked rainbow trout. Additionally, improved water quality, removal of undesirable species and the slight increase in water depth (removal of trash and sediment) will enhance fish survival overwinter.  

Comments due Nov. 2.


Eagles Roost Conservation Easement Scoping
The proposed Eagle’s Roost CE consists of approximately 438 deeded acres consisting of approximately 70 acres of cropland, 60 acres of riparian and 308 acres of native rangeland habitat. The property lies in Cascade County approximately 5 miles northeast of Cascade. The land lies in the Hunting Districts 445 and 440. The property is adjacent to the Missouri River, an FWP fishing access site and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation School Trust Lands (DNRC) property. The property is currently a working farm/ranch with a small cow/calf operation. The property is currently enrolled in FWP’s Block Management Program as a Type 2 property (access via reservation).

The primary objectives of this CE are to provide perpetual conservation and enhancement of high-quality native riparian habitats, maintaining traditional land uses, and to provide public recreational opportunities. The owners wish to protect the property in perpetuity to preserve habitat and maintain open space. The landowners are committed to maintaining a viable agricultural operation. This project would be the fifth FWP conservation easement between Ulm and Cascade, further protecting lands along the Missouri River from subdivision and development and ensuring the protection of fish and wildlife habitat.

Comments due Nov. 2.


Lellhame Private Pond Draft Environmental Checklist EA
A private landowner is applying for a private pond license and is proposing to stock an existing pond on his property located at 980 Jensen Road in Columbia Falls. The pond is approximately a half-acre and drains to terminal wetland that was dry at the time of viewing and is said to dry annually. There is also a shallow pond upstream of this wetland that is unlikely to support fish year-round. The outlet of the pond is a screened headgate structure. If necessary, removal of fish from this pond could be accomplished with rotenone.

Comments due Nov. 8.


Flathead Lake State Park -Yellow Bay Road and Tent Camping Improvements Draft EA
The proposed project would reconfigure and pave Flathead Lake State Park-Yellow Bay’s (FHLSP-YB) entrance and internal road system and would create five to seven additional parking spaces designed to accommodate vehicle-boat trailer combinations. A cul-de-sac would be incorporated near the entrance to FHLSP-YB to provide a space for park visitors to turn around and to control traffic flow during peak use periods. The cul-de-sac would also function as a location for a small visitor contact station providing information about FHLSP-YB and for fee collection. To accommodate the proposed project, one of the two existing park host sites and five existing tent campsites would be relocated. An existing non-functional shower-house would be removed, and the existing wooden vault latrine would be replaced with a new concrete vault latrine. Further, six passenger vehicle parking spaces would be added at this location. Finally, FWP proposes to refurbish the existing flush toilet restroom and a small maintenance shed would be added in proximity to the refurbished restroom.

Comments due Nov. 25.

BOZEMAN — Brian Gillespie, associate professor and associate dean of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Montana State University, has been selected as the new dean of the college. He will begin his new position on Jan. 1, 2024.

The Jabs business college is the third largest college at MSU, with an enrollment of nearly 2,200 students. The business school offers four undergraduate degrees — accounting, finance, management and marketing — and two graduate programs, a master of professional accountancy and a master of science in innovation and management. Gillespie has been with the college since 2022.

“I’m honored to serve Montana State and the Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship in this capacity,” Gillespie said. “I look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff and community partners as we continue our mission to serve as the leader in business education for our state.”

Robert Mokwa, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, described Gillespie as an excellent leader and communicator.

“Brian understands the many challenges and opportunities of leading a premiere business college at a research land-grant university, and he has the intelligence, communication skills and experience leading collaborative, forward-looking team that will position him as a strong leader of the business college,” Mokwa said.

Gillespie was one of two finalists interviewed last week after a national search. The interview process included meetings with faculty, administrators and students. Members of the public were also invited to participate in open forums and submit comments online.

“We had a strong pool of applicants and great finalists who each participated in a full day of interviews that were attended by more than 100 faculty, students and staff members. This is a testament to the vibrancy and sense of community in the business college,” Mokwa said. “The college’s faculty and staff have been key contributors to MSU’s success, and I am confident that under Brian’s leadership, the college will continue on an even stronger trajectory in achieving excellence in teaching, research and outreach.”

Gillespie will replace Dan Miller, who has been interim dean of the business college since 2021.

Since coming to MSU, Gillespie has taught classes, overseen the college’s Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation process, managed faculty resources and orchestrated a faculty-led study abroad program in Germany.

Before MSU, Gillespie was the associate dean for student success at the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. He received his undergraduate degree in engineering from Northern Arizona University and his Master of Business Administration from Washington State University, where he also earned a doctorate in marketing.

“With our record enrollment growths, our successful reaccreditation efforts and the launch of our global programs, this is an exciting time for the college and our stakeholders,” Gillespie said. “Jabs has positioned itself as a resource for the broader community and corporate partners. I am excited to continue to develop and grow these relationships as we work to prepare the next generation of students for successful careers in business and entrepreneurship.”

Photography encompasses diverse genres, each capturing unique facets of life. Landscape photography immortalizes nature's grandeur, portrait photography reveals individual essence, and event photography chronicles social dynamics.

Despite their distinct focuses, they share core principles and techniques. This article delves into their differences and similarities.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography captures the grandeur of natural and urban settings, from calm nature scenes to bustling cityscapes. It evokes emotions and tells a story about a place.

Technically, it relies on tools like wide-angle lenses for broad views and tripods for stability during long exposures. Composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, guide viewers' attention. However, landscape photographers face challenges, including unpredictable lighting conditions.

The "golden hour" is highly sought after for its flattering light, and changing weather can both enhance and hinder a shot. Whether it's unexpected fog or rain, these elements can either enhance the ambiance or disrupt the intended image.

Portrait Photography

Portrait photography delves deep into capturing the essence of individuals or groups, emphasizing human emotions, expressions, and features. Technically, it leans on specific tools like prime or zoom lenses with wide apertures to blur backgrounds and emphasize the subject. 

Effective lighting, whether natural or studio-controlled, is vital to highlight facial features and emotions. Different angles and perspectives add depth to the images. However, portrait photography presents challenges. 

Building a connection with the subject to elicit genuine emotions is essential, and selecting the right backdrop is crucial to ensure it complements rather than overshadows the subject.

Event Photography

Event photography focuses on capturing the essence of various occasions, from weddings and corporate gatherings to lively parties. Its goal extends beyond simple image-taking, aiming to depict an event's overall ambiance, attendee interactions, and pivotal moments. 

As an event photographer, zoom lenses are essential for their adaptability in capturing both close-ups and broader views. Proficiency in low-light photography is key, especially for events in the evening or indoors. While flash is useful, its careful application ensures subjects aren't overly illuminated. Despite the tools at their disposal, event photographers face challenges. 

The ever-evolving nature of events requires constant vigilance to capture fleeting moments. Moreover, navigating crowds, adjusting to varied lighting, and sometimes contending with unpredictable weather conditions introduce added intricacies to this vibrant field of photography.

Similarities

First, all types of photography need good lighting. It's like having the perfect amount of sunshine on a beach day. Landscape photographers often chase the "golden hour" to get warm, soft light. In portraits, the right lighting can make facial features pop and look amazing.

Next, choosing the right lens is key. Think of it as picking the right tool for the job. Landscapes often use wide-angle lenses to capture grand scenes. Portraits and events may use lenses that blur the background, focusing attention on people.

Finally, composition matters a lot. It's about arranging the elements in your photo well. In landscapes, you might use the rule of thirds to frame a mountain or lake. For portraits, how you frame a face can show emotion. At events, capturing the crowd and the setting tells the story of what's happening.

Differences

In timing, landscapes give you more leeway. You can wait for the sky to turn the perfect shade of orange. Portraits and events are more like sports, where you need fast reflexes to catch great moments.

Equipment varies, too. Tripods are common in landscapes to get super-steady shots. In portrait and event photography, you're often on the move, so tripods aren't as useful.

Subjects also differ. Landscapes focus on beautiful scenes. Portraits zero in on people and emotions. Events are a mix, capturing both the setting and the people in it.

Lastly, control over your environment changes. In portrait photography, you can set up the lighting and backdrop. In landscapes, you have to work with the weather you get. And in event photography, you're mostly adapting to the scene, capturing it as it unfolds.

Montana State University will celebrate its beloved football rivalry with events scheduled throughout the week of Cat-Griz.

The annual Cat-Griz football game between MSU and the University of Montana – popularly known as the “Brawl of the Wild” – will be played in Missoula this year. Kickoff is at noon on Saturday, Nov. 18, in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The game can also be viewed on Scripps Networks, ESPN+ or at a local watch party.

Additional events open to all Bobcat fans are listed below:

Can the Griz
The annual Can the Griz food drive, an off-field competition between MSU and UM to see which school can collect the most donations for its local food bank, is being held Nov. 4-18. The friendly battle is now in its 24th year and is hosted by the Office of Student Engagement. For more information, visit canthegriz.org.

Bobcat Brawl Bingo
Bobcat fans are invited to play Bobcat Brawl Bingo from home, at a watch party or in the stands. Participants who get a bingo will be entered to win two $100 giveaways to the on-campus MSU Bookstore. The giveaways and event are hosted by the MSU Alumni Foundation. Rules may be found online at msuaf.org/bingo. Registration is required before Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Cat-Griz watch parties
Across the nation, MSU and UM alumni, friends and fans are expected to gather at more than 90 locations to watch the Brawl of the Wild together. A complete list of watch parties hosted by the MSU Alumni Foundation can be found at msuaf.org/catgrizwatchparty. Online registration will close on Friday, Nov. 17.

Events in Missoula
Per tradition, the MSU Alumni Foundation will host Bobcat Friday Night the evening before the game and a Bobcat Tailgate the morning of the game. For more information, visit msuaf.org/tailgate.

Red Cross Blood Battle
In November, fans will see who can collectively donate the most blood at drives in Bozeman and Missoula. Bobcat fans can donate on campus Nov. 7-9. Appointments may be made online with the American Red Cross. For more information, visit msuaf.org/bloodbattle.

HELENA – In Montana, many landowners allow hunting on their lands with permission or as part of a Fish, Wildlife & Parks access program. Now hunters have a simple way to say thank you for the privilege of access.  

Today FWP is launching a portal for hunters to say thank you to landowners who provided access and helped make their hunting season a success.  

Hunters can go online, identify a landowner by name and/or block management area and FWP region, provide a note of thanks and even upload a photo. FWP will collect these thank you notes and distribute them to landowners at the end of the year.  

“We frequently hear from hunters how grateful they are for the access they get from landowners across the state,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “Many hunters enjoy incredible access to private lands. We want to help facilitate communicating their gratitude to the landowners who provide that access.” 

This new online feature is part of the “It’s Up To Us” campaign to promote ethical hunting. This campaign is an annual effort with FWP and several partner organizations to encourage hunters to take the initiative to promote good hunter ethics and behavior, particularly on private lands. The campaign website is fwp.mt.gov/ItsUpToUs. Here hunters can find tips on ethical hunting, links to informative video content and the new “Thank a Landowner” portal.  

The page also features access to the Hunter Landowner Stewardship projects and links to campaign partners.   

BOZEMAN — Montanans can open a Medical Care Savings Account or make deposits into existing MSAs before Dec. 31 to reduce their state income taxes for 2023, according to Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist.

MSA account holders may deposit up to $4,500 to use for eligible medical and long-term health care expenses. The Montana Legislature has extended the Montana Medical Care Savings Account Act into 2024.

A person with taxable income over $19,800 could save approximately $304 in state income taxes by opening an MSA and depositing up to $4,500 for tax year 2023, Goetting said. Interest earned on the MSA is not subject to Montana income tax, and the balance at the end of the year rolls over for future use.

Goetting added that an MSA can be passed to others when an account owner dies. By placing a payable-on-death designation on the account, individuals can leave those funds for spouses, children or grandchildren to use for medical expenses. MSAs are not subject to inheritance or federal estate tax if an individual’s estate is valued at less than $12.92 million in 2023.

If a person dies without designating a payable on death, or POD, beneficiary, the money in an MSA will pass to heirs designated in a written will, Goetting said.

“If you do not have a written will, the MSA passes by Montana law to your heirs with priority given to a spouse,” Goetting added. “Either way, you create a legacy. If you do not have beneficiaries, you could name your favorite nonprofit as the POD beneficiary.” 

The amount used to reduce income tax for Montana residents is the total amount deposited in an MSA during the tax year, not the amount withdrawn for eligible medical care expenses between January and December. 

Eligible expenses include any items accepted by the IRS, including medical insurance premiums, prescription drugs, medical and dental services, nursing home care, eyeglasses, crutches and transportation for medical care. IRS Publication 502 provides a detailed list of eligible expenses and can be found at irs.gov/publications/p502. 

All resident taxpayers 18 and older are eligible to set up an MSA with a financial institution even if they have a similar plan, like a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account or a Federal Health Savings Account, provided by their employers. A taxpayer is not required to be covered by a high-deductible health insurance plan to be eligible for the MSA.

A written guide, “Montana Medical Care Savings Accounts (MSAs) for the 2022-2023 Tax Year,” is available at store.msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT199817HR.pdf. Paper copies are available from county or reservation Extension offices.

The Downtown Bozeman Association, Sweet Pea Festival, and First Interstate Bank invite you to register for the 43rd annual Christmas Stroll Gingerbread House Contest, brought to you in part by the American Legion Post #14.
 
Registration for the Gingerbread House Contest is live and can be accessed on our website along with contest rules. Community members of all ages are invited to participate in this festive and free Christmas Stroll tradition!
 
The Gingerbread House Contest registration closes on Friday, November 24th at 5 PM; entries must be delivered on Friday, December 1st between 2-6 PM to Sweet Pea Festival volunteers on the second floor of American Legion located at 225 E. Main Street in Bozeman (entrance can be found East of main entrance; elevator access through the American Legion).

 
Three winners will be chosen from each of the 5 divisions:
 
• Children: 6 and under
• Children: 7-12
• Teens: 13-17
• Adults: 18 and over
• Professional Baker/Pastry Chef
 
In addition to the five categories, one “People’s Choice” award will be chosen by stroll attendees. “People’s Choice” ballots will be available at the door during Christmas Stroll for $1. All donations will go towards the Sweet Pea Festival.
 
Gingerbread houses are to be constructed prior to the event and will be on display at the American Legion’s Second Floor Event Space (225 E Main, Second Floor) Saturday, December 2nd from 2:30-7:30 PM. Winners will receive a ribbon for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as a prize package including Downtown Dollars, Sweet Pea Festival Day passes, and other great prizes! Winners will be notified by the phone number or email address provided on the registration form. 

Entries must be picked up on Sunday, December 3rd between 12-4 PM.
 
For more information, please visit www.downtownbozeman.org/gingerbread.
 

BOZEMAN — Bozeman has taken another step towards managing their water supply and demand. Last night, Bozeman City Commission adopted the 2023 Water Conservation Plan, a tool that will serve as a roadmap for the water conservation program through 2040.
 
“This plan is truly forward-thinking and ensures that the city implements cost-effective program measures,” Jessica Ahlstrom, Water Conservation Program Manager explained. “Bozeman is drought-prone and located in a closed basin that poses a challenging legal framework to developing new water supplies, making conservation a key component of the city’s water resource management strategy. Existing program efforts have been successful in reducing water use, thanks to community members doing their part to conserve. Because of these improvements in water conservation, we have been able to see stable levels of water usage, despite having more residents move here.”

 
The Plan includes a water demand analysis, an evaluation of the existing water conservation program as well as additional program measures for future implementation and an implementation plan and schedule. The Plan recommends seven new measures be implemented in addition to existing ones, including a landscape ordinance that requires new development to install landscape features that reduce water use. That ordinance is set to be reviewed by the Commission in the coming months.

 
In 2013, the City Commission adopted an Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP), which identifies water supply and use policies and practices for future consideration and recommends that water conservation be a cornerstone of Bozeman’s water resource management. Specifically, the IWRP recommends that water conservation measures reduce the projected water supply/demand gap by fifty percent by the year 2062. 

 
The City has implemented numerous water conservation education and incentive-based initiatives, including education campaigns, four indoor rebates, six outdoor rebates, free product giveaways, free sprinkler system assessments, free commercial site assessments, five drought-tolerant demonstration gardens, a free customer water use portal, free publications, and community event participation in which over 9,000 people have been reached.

 
Some of the major regulatory measures that have passed include drought management plans, water conservation-based rates and drought rates, and permanent time of day and day of week outdoor watering restrictions.
 
More information on water conservation, including a link to the full Plan, is available at www.bozemanwater.com.