Power Schools students enjoy eating beef born, raised, and processed in Montana, thanks in part to investments made in communities by Montana Farmers Union.

Montana Farmers Union leaders were on site earlier in June when Power Schools received its most recent delivery of hamburger. The investments necessary for the beef to get from Missoula to Power began several years ago, with MFU's donation of a refrigerated van to Missoula FFA to use with School House Meats and a $10,000 grant to Power Schools to purchase a freezer and expand their dry good storage.

“Montana Farmers Union is always looking for opportunities to support our local, rural communities. It’s incredible when our support multiplies upon itself and results in something special like our kids getting to eat Montana-grown beef from a local rancher,” said Matt Rains, MFU’s chief of staff.

Feeding Power students locally grown and processed food is a priority for Power Public Schools and Power’s Farm to School coalition, but a lack of freezer storage hampered efforts. The grant from Montana Farmers Union Foundation in 2022 allowed the school to purchase a new freezer and quadruple their freezer capacity.

It's in that very freezer where hamburger is now stored after being delivered to Power by School House Meats.

Initially, Missoula County Public Schools’ School House Meats program delivered meat short distances using coolers. Then, in 2022 Montana Farmers Union donated a refrigerated van to enable School House Meats to deliver more meat further distances. The van has made many deliveries since, including to Power.

Investments in both the van and freezer are part of Montana Farmers Union’s work to strengthen local food supply chains through the grassroots organization’s core tenets of education, legislation, and cooperation.

“MFU Foundation grants aren’t temporary fixes,” Rains said. “These investments are helping create long-term solutions, including keeping quality produce in Power’s school lunches for years to come.”

Learn more about grant opportunities through Montana Farmers Union Foundation at https://montanafarmersunion.com/

.

On June 16, 2024, at 11:23 am, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call from a pair of skiers who had been injures while skiing “The Great One” couloir southeast of Sacagawea Peak. Due to one skier having an injured shoulder, and the other sustaining a compound fracture on one arm, the skiers were unable to safely continue down the couloir.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and GCSSAR Volunteers responded, and it was determined that a helicopter “short haul” extraction of the skiers to an ambulance waiting at the nearby Battle Ridge trailhead would be the safest course of action. Intermittent cell phone reception caused some initial communication issues, but an uninvolved individual further up hill was able to yell down and relay information to emergency responders.

GCSSAR volunteers from the helicopter short-haul team were inserted near the injured skiers and were able to access the subjects. GCSSAR volunteers conducted medical evaluations and provided first aid for the injuries before preparing the pair for extraction. In two trips, the helicopter from Central Copters, Inc. was able to safely transfer the injured skiers and two rescuers to the Battle Ridge trailhead with the remaining two rescuers electing to walk out on foot.

One injured skier was transported by AMR ambulance to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for follow-on medical care, while the second was given a courtesy ride by Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies to the same hospital.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind all who recreate in the backcountry that cell phone reception is not always available; and especially when engaging in high risk or extreme sports, having the means to contact emergency services is crucial. A GPS paging capability like a Garmin inReach or similar is strongly encouraged. Furthermore, this is a reminder that it is not a good idea to recreate alone, having a friend around to call for help and stop the bleeding saves lives.

HELENA – They look so cute and helpless. But your efforts to help could end up harming the animal and reducing its chances to survive.

It’s important to understand that wildlife care for their young much differently than humans. One strategy that some species, particularly those species typically preyed upon by other animals (deer, rabbits, birds), use is to distance themselves from their young for many hours at a time. This helps to keep predators away from their young. For example, fawns are born without a scent, and it is safer for them if their mother, who has a scent, is not nearby. This also can potentially distract a predator into focusing on the doe rather than its offspring.

Wild animals thrive better where they have plenty of natural habitat (food, water, shelter, space). The potential to spread wildlife disease is also a good reason to leave young wildlife alone. Baby ground squirrels, racoons and rabbits can carry zoonotic diseases, which means diseases that are infectious for humans. Examples include plague, hemorrhagic diseases and tularemia.

If you see a baby animal, whether a goose or a grizzly, keep your distance and leave it alone. Handling baby animals can be dangerous, and usually once young animals are picked up by people they can’t be rehabilitated.

FWP does not accept, hold or rehabilitate moose, deer, elk and most other animals, including waterfowl. If you bring a deer or elk to FWP, you'll be asked to take the animal back to the site where it was found.  If the animal can't be returned, it may need to be humanely euthanized. 

Our world gets most of its power from the Sun. A lot of heat from the Sun hits Earth every second—10,000 times more than all the energy used in the world.
 
People are becoming more aware of the economic, environmental, and other issues that come up when they use regular energy sources. As a result, interest in solar systems grows every day.
 
The amount of energy used is expected to rise by at least two and a half times, and maybe even five times, in the twenty-first century. All possible futures show that fossil fuels, nuclear power, and big hydroelectric power will still be used. But "new sources of renewable energy" will grow the most, and all of the possibilities show that these sources will be widely used by 2050.

Indeed, predictions show that by 2050, the amount of energy coming from new green sources will be higher than the amount of energy coming from oil and gas put together. This would lead to the biggest energy infrastructure in the world and a huge growth in solar businesses.

Possible Ways for the Solar Power Industry to Grow
Solar energy satellites have been trying to collect energy from the sun in space and send it to Earth since 1967. During the energy crisis of the early 1970s, it was seriously thought about as an alternative to using fossil fuels to make power. Solar energy harvesting from space is once again getting a lot of attention. This is because the world needs more power and people are worried about smog in cities and the greenhouse effect.

 
Since there are no clouds or nights in high Earth orbit, solar energy can be collected 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is about three times stronger in space than on Earth's surface. Space-based solar power can be sent to places that need it the most at any given time.
 
Photovoltaic cells like the ones used in home solar panels and road sign panels will be used in most of these systems. Others will use reflectors and mechanical collectors that are like those used in large-scale solar setups in France and the Barstow desert in California. Reflective concentrators are also used in some PV systems.
 
Most of these systems gather energy from the sun in space and send it to Earth via an antenna, where it is turned into electricity that can be used on Earth.
 
Due to their short wavelengths (less than visible light), microwave beams do not seem to be dangerous to Earth's environment. Since more than thirty years ago, phone companies have been sending microwaves through the air without any known problems.
 
High start-up costs are the main thing that is stopping the growth of sending solar power from space. But as the need for electricity grows, it may be more than what can be produced in the usual way. This could cause prices to rise to the point where solar power from space is competitive. To cut down on pollution, limits could be put on burning coal to make energy. This could make solar power from space even more competitive.

Four important steps for the future of solar energy:

 
Making sure all the right conditions are in place to enhance electricity generation is the most important thing. Being oriented and inclined at an angle with respect to the horizon is one of them. Therefore, face the unit southward so that its light-absorbing surface is facing the sun.
 
Optimal sunlight exposure would be at the right angle to it. Depending on the local climate, choose the optimal angle of inclination to accomplish this effect. This varies from one place to another.
 
Most often, multi-story commercial or apartment buildings will have photovoltaic systems installed on the front. Two types of facades are differentiated: chilly and warm. Installing the solar modules right on top of a cold facade not only generates electricity but also acts as a thermal insulator, shielding the structure from the elements and adding visual appeal to its design. A solar system acts as a sort of building cover on a warm facade. Different companies produce both solar panels that let in light and those that block out noise. But the hefty price has prevented these items from becoming popular just yet.

 
A fascinating new product from a German photomodule maker has just hit the shelves: a solar panel with several uses thanks to its clever folding design. This unique table is perfect for outdoor settings, cafes, or open office layouts because of its capacity to turn sunlight into electricity. The built-in USB ports make it easy and convenient to charge your mobile devices straight outside.

 
Installing solar panels is undeniably one of the most popular renewable energy ideas in 2023, and the development of green energy is expected to skyrocket in the next few decades. In addition, the solar energy future seems bright, and a larger transition to renewable energy sources is almost inevitable.

Big Sky  – Thanks to an additional week of warm and dry weather, downhill biking trails at Big Sky Resort’s bike park will open for the season on Thursday, June 13.

The Explorer lift will start spinning on Thursday at 10 a.m., with lift service to all trails in the Explorer terrain pod: Easy Rider, Fade to Green, Fox Trot, Otter Slide, Rabbit Run, Takes Two, and Lower Tango.

On Friday, Ramcharger 8 will open for downhill biking, with access to Snake Charmer, Flicker, and Mountain to Meadow Connector. Ramcharger 8 will run daily for biking through September 15.

The Mountain to Meadow Climb is also open for uphill travel and access to Mountain to Meadow trail.

Stay tuned to the resort’s summer trail and lift report for real-time trail status and additional openings throughout the summer season.

MORE BIKE HAPPENINGS IN BIG SKY

Lone Mountain Ladies Bike Clinic: Lone Mountain Ladies, a new two-day women’s bike clinic, begins on Saturday, June 27. Big Sky Resort’s top-notch women instructors will provide skills clinics, a bike maintenance workshop, and personalized instruction. This clinic is best suited for riders who have a grasp on the basics of downhill biking and looking for specialized instruction to take their riding to the next level.

Women’s Bike Skills Series: Coached by women, for women, this skills clinic is for beginner to advanced riders looking to gain confidence and skills in downhill mountain biking. The Women’s Skills Series is held on select Fridays starting July 12 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Elevated Wellness: Elevated Wellness returns to the Everett's 8800 deck on July 12 with a spin class by Zephyr Cycling Studio. Enjoy an adventurous twist on a spin class at 8,800 feet with breathtaking views of Lone Peak. In addition to spin, Elevated Wellness will also offer Pilates on July 19 and yoga on July 26.

The Big Sky Biggie: Big Sky's favorite cross-country bike races return for another season on August 17. Starting in Big Sky’s Town Center and climbing into the beautifully distracting views from Lone Peak and Buck Ridge, riders will connect on some of the area’s most exhilarating (and challenging) pieces of single-track, double-track, gravel roads and the occasional paved

In this photo captured by a team from Virginia Tech, the moon's shadow on Earth during a total solar eclipse is captured from a high-altitude balloon April 8, 2024. The team is a part of the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project founded at Montana State University. Photo courtesy Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project

BOZEMAN – A Montana State University researcher has announced the first confirmed detection of eclipse-induced gravity waves in Earth’s stratosphere in data collected by students participating in an MSU-led nationwide atmospheric science program.

Angela Des Jardins, director of the Montana Space Grant Consortium and an associate professor in the Department of Physics in MSU’s College of Letters and Science, presented the findings Wednesday at the summer meeting of the American Astronomical Society. The conclusions were drawn from data collected last October by student participants in the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project, a NASA- and National Science Foundation-sponsored program founded at MSU 10 years ago. During the past academic year, 53 teams of students from 75 institutions participated in the project, conducting advanced engineering and atmospheric science experiments from high-altitude balloons during the Oct. 14, 2023, annular and April 8, 2024, total eclipses.

The data Des Jardins presented were collected by four student atmospheric science teams during the annular eclipse, when the moon blocked all but the outer edge of the sun when viewed from the path of annularity. The four teams were stationed along that path in New Mexico, where conditions on Oct. 14 were ideal for sending weather balloons into the stratosphere every 15 minutes to collect pressure, temperature and humidity readings that were then collated into a high-resolution dataset.

Des Jardins said the data were processed and analyzed by a scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and NEBP students from Idaho and New York. The results confirm that the moon’s shadow during the eclipse lowered temperatures enough to generate atmospheric gravity waves. Gravity waves are common and normally generated by day-to-night temperature changes or features like mountain ranges. The data collected over New Mexico confirmed the hypothesis that the fast-moving cold, dark shadow cast by the moon during an eclipse creates a thermal shock that sends out ripples in the atmosphere, similar to the way a rock tossed into a pond sends out ripples in the water.

Data from the 15 other atmospheric science teams elsewhere along the path of annularity are still being analyzed, said Des Jardins, as are data from the April total eclipse collected by all 19 teams. She expects all the data to be published on the MSU Dryad system, a service that supports researchers in archiving and preserving data, by the end of 2024 so that anyone can view and analyze them.

This is the third time NEBP students have gathered evidence of eclipse-driven atmospheric gravity waves. The first was in Chile during a 2019 total eclipse, and a paper on those findings was published in the journal Nature in 2020. However, Des Jardins said, the data in 2019 were taken from just one site on flights launched hourly, rendering the results inconclusive. The second was again in Chile in 2020, but the data collected at those two sites was distorted by an atmospheric river, or large amounts of rainfall. NEBP designed the 2023 and 2024 experiments to yield higher-resolution data, and Des Jardins said the findings represent a significant scientific advancement.

“By observing how the atmosphere reacts in the special eclipse cases, we can understand more about the atmosphere in general, which can help us better predict the weather and model climate change,” she said.

During the two recent eclipses, NEBP also engaged 34 engineering teams from across the country – including the lead team based at MSU – to fly balloons carrying instruments, individually designed payloads and at least two types of cameras to livestream video and capture all-around images from a space-like perspective. Links to their interactive, 360-degree videos and a collection of images showing the moon’s shadow and curvature of the Earth against the blackness of space are available on the NEBP website at eclipse.montana.edu, with more to come.

Like their atmospheric science counterparts, the engineering teams were paying close attention to what was happening in the atmosphere as they went about their duties.

“We anticipated massive cooling during the eclipses – this occurred, and the air depressed,” said Mike Walach, MSU assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Technology Education and Montana Space Grant Consortium co-flight director. The depression caused the MSU team’s balloons floating at 85,000 feet above Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 8 to descend to about 65,000 feet during the total eclipse – about twice as far as the team’s balloons dropped during the annular eclipse nearly six months before over Nevada, he said.

Walach said all the NEBP engineering teams experienced many triumphs, thanks in large part to engineering innovations developed and shared with them by the MSU team. Among those were improvements to the balloons’ helium-venting systems, which worked well on the ground but not at altitude during practice flights prior to the NEBP eclipses.

To figure out why, the MSU team used dry ice to cool the components to 50 degrees below zero – well below the temperature of the cold room where they had previously tried troubleshooting, but within the parameters encountered in Earth’s stratosphere – and the valves failed. Adding a heating system fixed the venting problem, but the vents interfered with the parachutes responsible for returning equipment safely to the ground after the balloons burst. To address that, the students devised a parachute-packing system. All the innovations were successful.

“People said you can’t vent helium off a balloon at altitude, but they did it,” Walach said, adding that the fixes allowed the balloons to remain at altitude for longer periods, prevented parachutes from tangling and gave ground-based pilots the ability to steer the balloons to different wind layers to better control their direction.

Just last week, Walach welcomed a new group of student interns who have begun working on yet more innovations to the system designed by their predecessors.

“The purpose behind the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project was to teach other institutions academic ballooning, but we use it as a way of giving students in Montana an aerospace experience,” said Walach, who believes solving the engineering challenges provides students with invaluable technical, teamwork and communication skills that are highly valued by employers.

“This is pure research – they will make changes, then share and pass on that knowledge to the next group,” he said. “For undergraduates, it’s a good taste of what research is all about.”

In recent years, towel radiators have transformed from a luxury item to a must-have feature in many homes, particularly in modern bathrooms. Offering comfort, warmth, and functionality, these appliances come in various types, with electric and hydronic heated towel radiators being the most popular. Yet, the question persists - which of these is the best option? The answer greatly depends on your specific needs and circumstances, but we can explore the pros and cons of each type to help you make an informed decision.

Electric Heated Towel Radiators
Electric towel radiators operate independently of your central heating system. They come with an attached heating element which heats up when electricity flows through it. This process warms the radiant tubes, effectively heating up your towels and the surrounding space.

Advantages
● Independent operation: Since electric models operate independently of your central heating system, they only need an electricity supply to function. This means you can switch them on whenever you need, even during summer when the central heating is off.
● Easy installation: Without the need for complex piping to connect to your heating system, electric models can be installed easily and quickly.
● Energy efficiency: Some of the latest models are energy efficient, shutting off automatically when the set temperature is reached. This feature limits electricity consumption, hence, reducing energy bills.

Disadvantages
● Can be pricey: While electric towel radiators use less energy, they can be costlier than hydronic models because of their higher purchase price.
● Slow heating: Electric models generally take longer time to heat up compared to their hydronic counterparts.

Hydronic Heated Towel Radiators
Hydronic towel radiators use hot water from your central heating system to generate heat. When the central heating system is running, it channels hot water through the pipes and into the radiator, thus radiating heat in the process.

Advantages
● Cost effective: As they use your existing heating system, hydronic models are generally cheaper to run in terms of energy consumption.
● Fast heating: They provide quick warmth, as they heat up as soon as the central heating system is in operation.

Disadvantages
● Dependent on central heating: Hydronic models only function when your central heating system is running. This means your towels may not stay warm if you switch your heating off, particularly during warmer months.
● Difficult to install: Since they need to be connected to your central heating system, installation can be complex and may require professional help.

In conclusion, the choice between an electric or hydronic heated towel radiator largely depends on your circumstances and needs. If you value flexibility and ease of installation, an electric model may suit you best. On the other hand, if you are after cost-effectiveness and quick heat-up times, a hydronic model might be more suitable. Regardless of your choice, both options surely offer the luxury of having warm, fluffy towels and a cosy bathroom atmosphere.

Preparing for the ACT can be difficult, especially when balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities. One of the most frequent questions parents and students ask is how much time should be spent on ACT tutoring sessions each week to get the best results. Finding the right balance is key to achieving a high score without feeling overwhelmed. Factors such as current score level, desired score increase, and individual learning pace all play a role in determining the ideal amount of tutoring time.

Factors like tutoring style, student motivation, and progress tracking also impact the efficacy of tutoring sessions. By considering these factors and striking a balance that maximizes results, you can achieve your ACT goals and confidently take the next step in your academic journey.

What is the Importance of ACT Tutoring?

ACT tutoring is essential for enhancing a student's performance. It provides personalized instruction, targeted practice, and expert guidance. Unlike self-study, tutoring sessions address unique strengths and weaknesses, ensuring efficient study time. 

According to a 2023 study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), students who received ACT tutoring saw an average score increase of 3 points. A qualified tutor provides vital support, teaching strategies, and motivation. Consistent tutoring ensures progress and confidence, unlike sporadic sessions, which can lead to knowledge gaps.

What is the Ideal Time for ACT Tutoring?

Determining the ideal time for ACT tutoring depends on individual needs and goals. It's essential to balance tutoring with self-study for effective preparation. The optimal tutoring time varies, but consistent practice yields the best results.

To determine this, consider the following key considerations:

Assessing Your Starting Point
Assess your starting point before deciding on tutoring hours. Take a diagnostic test to identify your baseline score, understanding how much improvement is needed and which areas require attention.

Setting Realistic Goals
Set realistic goals based on your baseline score and time available. Spread study sessions over months to avoid burnout, or increase frequency if the test date is near.

Balancing Tutoring with Self-Study
Tutoring is beneficial, but self-study is equally important. Combine tutoring with independent study, applying learned material, and practicing consistently to master the content.

Recommended Tutoring Hours Based on Timeframe

The recommended tutoring hours based on your preparation time frame are as follows:

Long-Term Preparation (6-12 months)
A gradual and consistent approach is ideal for students with a longer preparation time. Aim for 1-2 hours of weekly tutoring, complemented by 3-5 hours of self-study. This allows ample time to thoroughly cover all sections of the ACT and supports learning through regular practice.

Medium-Term Preparation (3-6 months)
For those with a medium-term preparation window, increasing the tutoring frequency to 2-3 hours per week can be beneficial. This ensures that all areas are covered sufficiently and students have enough time to address weaknesses. Self-study should also be increased to 5-7 hours per week to reinforce what is learned during tutoring sessions.

Short-Term Preparation (1-3 months)
Students with a shorter time frame need to maximize their study time. In this case, 3-4 hours of weekly tutoring and 7-10 hours of self-study are recommended. This intensive schedule helps to quickly identify and address problem areas, practice test-taking strategies, and build confidence before the test day.

What Factors Influence the Ideal Tutoring Time?

Your starting score and desired improvement impact the ideal tutoring time. The frequency and quality of self-study outside of tutoring sessions also play a role. Additionally, your learning style, pace, and schedule influence the optimal tutoring duration.

Various factors affect the ideal amount of tutoring time needed for optimal results. These include:

Tutor Availability and Expertise
The availability and expertise of your tutor also play a vital role in determining the ideal tutoring schedule. Consulting highly experienced ACT tutors can provide more efficient and targeted instruction, potentially reducing the hours needed for preparation. Discuss your goals and timeframe with your tutor to develop a customized plan that works best for you.

Individual Learning Style
Each student has a unique learning style, and the optimal tutoring time may vary accordingly. Some students may benefit from shorter, more frequent sessions, while others prefer longer, in-depth sessions. Understanding your learning preferences can help you tailor your tutoring schedule for maximum effectiveness.

Subject-Specific Needs
Different sections of the ACT (English, Math, Reading, Science, and the optional Writing section) may require varying amounts of preparation. If a student excels in one area but struggles in another, more tutoring time should be allocated to the weaker sections. Customized tutoring plans that address specific needs can lead to more efficient and effective study sessions.

Balancing Other Commitments

Balancing ACT preparation with schoolwork and extracurricular activities can be challenging, but creating a realistic schedule accommodating academic responsibilities and personal interests is compulsory. Prioritize your commitments and ensure that your ACT tutoring and study plan fits your routine without causing undue stress. 

Moreover, maintaining a healthy balance between study and relaxation is vital for mental health and well-being, as overloading yourself with too many tutoring hours can lead to burnout and decreased performance. Make sure to schedule breaks, engage in physical activity, and get adequate sleep to stay refreshed and focused.

What Practical Suggestions are Helpful for Effective ACT Tutoring?

Set specific, achievable goals with your tutor and track progress. Utilize a variety of study materials and resources to stay engaged.

The following practical tips can help maximize the effectiveness of ACT tutoring:

Create a Study Schedule
Develop a structured study schedule to stay organized and motivated. Break preparation into manageable chunks, allocating specific times for tutoring sessions and self-study. Consistency is key, so stick to your schedule closely.

Track Your Progress
Regularly track your progress to stay on course and adjust your study plan. Take interval practice tests to assess improvement and identify areas needing more attention. Use this information to tailor tutoring sessions and self-study.

Stay Engaged and Motivated
Remain engaged and motivated throughout the preparation process. Set short-term goals and reward yourself for achieving them. Stay positive and focused on your long-term objective of achieving the ACT and gaining college admission.

FAQs

How many weekly hours should I dedicate to ACT tutoring for optimal results?
Dedicate 1-2 hours/week for long-term preparation, 2-3 hours/week for medium-term, and 3-4 hours/week for short-term. Balance tutoring with self-study for optimal results.

Is it better to have more frequent, shorter tutoring sessions or fewer, longer sessions?
The ideal session length depends on your learning style. Shorter sessions keep information fresh, while longer sessions dive deeper into the material. Discuss with your tutor to determine the best approach.

Conclusion

Determining the right amount of time to dedicate to ACT tutoring sessions per week is necessary for achieving optimal results. By assessing your starting point, setting real goals, and balancing tutoring with self-study, you can create a personalized and effective study plan that caters to your unique needs and learning style. 

Whether you have a long-term, medium-term, or short-term preparation window, finding the perfect balance between tutoring and self-study is vital to maximizing your progress and achieving a high score on the ACT, ultimately opening doors to your dream colleges and universities.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several private pond applications, two environmental assessments (EAs) and an emergency closure. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

Spanish Peaks Land Holdings, LLC private pond license review

A private landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 0.2 surface acre pond located on 630 Bitterbrush Trail in Big Sky.

The pond is near Big Sky about 1 mile from the Middle Fork of the West Fork (Middle Fork), which is a tributary to the Gallatin River. The Middle Fork contains westslope cutthroat trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. The pond is fed by a groundwater well located at the site. The outlet consists of a screened Argi-Drain control structure. The discharge is perennial and flows onto a vegetated swale on the property with little chance to reach state waters.

Comments due June 14.

Home 40 Homeowners Association, LLC private pond licenses review

A private landowner is applying for private fish pond licenses and proposes to stock rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout in two unnamed private ponds. The upper pond is 1.2 surface acres, and the lower pond is 3.4 surface acres. Both ponds are located on 392 Clancy Way in Bozeman. The ponds are about 1 mile east of Hyalite Creek, which is a tributary to the East Gallatin River. Hyalite Creek contains brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. The pond is fed from Hoy Ditch, which is a diversion of Hyalite Creek. This project consists of two ponds that are connected by a small channel. The outlet consists of a screened Clearwater suction screen that flows into a Agri-Drain control structure. The ponds discharge to Hoy Ditch over a manmade waterfall and eventually reach the Middle Creek Ditch.

Comments due June 14.

188 Foxtail Pine, LLC private pond license review

A private landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 2 surface acres. The pond is located on 188 Foxtail Pine Road in Big Sky. The pond is about 1 mile north of the South Fork of the West Fork (South Fork), which is a tributary to the West Gallatin River. The South Fork contains brook trout and westslope cutthroat trout. The pond is fed from a groundwater well located at the site. The outlet consists of a screened Agri-Drain control structure. The outlet of the pond is directed to a vegetated swale on the property.

 Risk of escapement is low. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to the South Fork of the West Fork Gallatin River and the West Gallatin River. A conservation population of westslope cutthroat trout exists upstream of Ousel Falls, which necessitates limiting the permit to cutthroat trout. Westslope cutthroat trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable. 

Comments due June 14.

16MT Ranch, LLC private pond license review

A private landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow trout in a unnamed private pond. The pond is 1 surface acre. The pond is located on 89 Boyer Road in Big Sky.

The pond is about 1 mile east of Wickiup Creek, which is a tributary to Jack Creek. Wickiup Creek likely contains brook trout and hybridized westslope cutthroat trout. The pond is fed from a groundwater well located on site. The outlet of the pond flows into a screened Agri-Drain control structure and directed to a vegetated swale on the property.

Comments due June 14.

Augustine private pond license review

A private landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 0.02 surface acre pond located on 1020 Stonegate Drive in Bozeman.

The pond is located north of Bozeman approximately 400 feet from Churn Creek, which is a tributary to the East Gallatin River. Churn Creek likely contains brook trout and rainbow trout. The pond is fed by a groundwater well located at the site. There is no outlet for this pond. The pond consists of a recirculating pump that returns water to an inlet channel. Risk of escapement is very low. Rainbow trout are not native to Churn Creek or the East Gallatin River but were legally stocked. Rainbow trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence.

Comments due June 14.

Westlope cutthroat trout establishment in Rainbow Lake checklist EA

FWP is proposing to eliminate or reduce Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Rainbow Lake over the next two years by 95 percent using gill nets. This is intended to reduce the prevalence of Yellowstone cutthroat trout genes in this population and the hybridization risk posed to downstream westslope cutthroat trout as well as establishing a native trout population in Rainbow Lake that supports a quality fishery.

Comments due June 17.

Emergency rule closing the Yellowstone River from the Joe Brown Fishing Access Site to the Carbella BLM boat ramp in Park County

There is ongoing construction at Carbella Bridge, which is located between the two above-referenced fishing access sites. Various structural components of the bridge are being replaced with heavy construction activities occurring over the waterway.

Comments due June 21.

Lake trout suppression at Swan Lake draft EA

FWP is proposing to conduct a lake trout removal effort in Swan Lake to reduce the lake trout population. The proposed action would be accomplished by FWP contracting with professional fishery consultants to conduct gillnetting beginning in 2025. These activities would be conducted annually until lake trout numbers are sufficiently low to improve bull trout and kokanee salmon numbers.

Comments due June 28.

Nashville, TN – Legendary band Widespread Panic has announced the surprise release of their new album Snake Oil King, this Friday, June 14th on Widespread Records. Snake Oil King is the first full-length studio album from the group since 2015’s Street Dogs and features John Bell (lead vocals/guitar), Dave Schools (bass/vocals), John Hermann (keyboards/vocals), Sunny Ortiz (percussion), Jimmy Herring (lead guitar) and Duane Trucks (drums).

Always following their own path, Widespread Panic chose to release one track per month over the course of the last five months – "Little By Little," "We Walk Each Other Home," "Tackle Box Hero," "Life As A Tree," and "Cosmic Confidante." Each song offers different sides of the sextet as songwriters and musicians. While the six songs that comprise Snake Oil King only give a snapshot of the wide scope of the band’s artistry, the collection is a stand-out in an already impressive body of work. See full track listing below.

Snake Oil King will be available on vinyl and digitally via DSPs. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Grammy nominee and long-time Widespread Panic collaborator John Keane, and recorded at John Keane Studio in Athens, GA.

Formed in Athens, Georgia in 1986, Widespread Panic created a genre-defying sound that continues to endure after nearly four decades. Their passionate fanbase remains one of the most loyal in all of music. The group has sold out major venues across the country and holds the attendance records at many of these venues, including the Rocks Amphitheatre, where they will extend their record of 72 consecutive sold-out shows later this month. 

Widespread Panic’s music, transcendent live shows, charitable work, and dedication to their fans has created a musical community that continues to grow and endure from generation to generation.

Snake Oil King Track Listing
“Little By Little”
“We Walk Each Other Home”
“Tackle Box Hero”
“Life as a Tree”
“Cosmic Confidante”
“Small Town”

All songs written by Widespread Panic. For Widespread Panic tour dates and latest information,
please visit widespreadpanic.com