All posts by nfpa

Searching for the biggest Western larch

July 25, 2012Environmental Issues, NewsBig Tree Registry, Bob Marshall Wilderness, larch, Seeley Lake, Western Larchnfpa

Andrew Larson, an assistant professor of ecology at the University of Montana, is on the hunt for the biggest Western larch in the U.S. . . .

The largest Western larch in the land is a giant, standing 153 feet over the placid waters of Seeley Lake in a quiet, shady grove.

Visiting the tree is akin to a quest and standing in its presence, where the air is fresh and light, brings one a sense of serenity…

As large and distinguished as the old larch is, Larson thinks there’s a bigger tree awaiting discovery in northwest Montana’s vast tracts of wild and remote lands.

Continue reading . . .

Canadian Flathead Valley scheduled for ‘BioBlitz’

July 25, 2012Environmental Issues, NewsCanadian Flathead, Waterton Lakes National Parknfpa

A team of scientists will be conducting a biological survey in early August of the area being proposed as an expansion for Waterton Lakes National Park in the Canadian Flathead drainage . . .

British Columbia’s North Fork Flathead drainage will soon be swarming with scientists looking to document as many forms of life possible in a first-ever “BioBlitz” for the area.

The search will involve about a dozen scientists and support personnel combing the drainage for birds, bees, bats, fish, fungi, flowers, lichens, trees, reptiles and mammals of all types…

The scientists will be working in an area of southeastern British Columbia that is proposed as an expansion area for Waterton Lakes National Park…

Continue reading . . .

Lightning sparks wildfires in Flathead National Forest

July 24, 2012NewsFlathead National Forest, wildfiresnfpa

This explains the increased low-flying air traffic yesterday . . .

A late-night storm on Sunday generated more than 100 lightning strikes in the Flathead National Forest and sparked seven small fires. On Monday, crews were working to suppress the fires and flying over the Spotted Bear Ranger District to get a better idea of what was burning.

According to the forest’s public affairs specialist, Wade Muehlhof, five of the fires are located within the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The Snow Peak Fire is the largest and had burned 8 acres of land as of Monday afternoon.

Continue reading . . .

Grizzly bear deaths spike in Yellowstone region this summer

July 22, 2012Environmental Issues, Newsbear mortality, grizzly bears, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, Yellowstone National Parknfpa

It could just be statistical anomaly, but there have been 16 grizzly bear deaths in the Yellowstone region this summer. Most are natural losses, but they are much higher than normal . . .

Bear biologists are refraining from assigning a single reason for a two-fold increase in the rate of natural grizzly bear deaths in the Yellowstone National Park region.

Ten of the 16 grizzlies that have met their ends this summer have died of natural causes, according to data from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.

Historically, humans are to blame for more than 75 percent of the bear deaths in the first half of the summer. While the rate is just 37 percent this year, it is derived from a small sample size, and biologists aren’t jumping to any conclusions.

Continue reading . . .

Larry Wilson: North Fork summer in full swing

July 22, 2012Commentary, NewsFirewise, Fourth of July parade, Larry Wilson, North Fork Interlocal Agreementnfpa

The title pretty much says it. Larry covers everything from the Fourth of July festivities onward . . .

July has had a hot beginning, and not just because of the weather. As always, the Fourth of July parade at Polebridge started the real North Fork summer.

Continue reading . . .

Grizzly bear taste for chicken makes for conflicts — and dead bears

July 22, 2012Environmental Issues, Newschickens, grizzly bears, human-bear conflictnfpa

We mentioned this last year, but it bears repeating: Human-bear conflict is not just caused by garbage, dog food and bird feeders. There is a growing problem these days with unprotected chicken coops. The New York Times ran a story a couple of weeks ago . . .

Longing for fresh eggs, Levi and Nauni Griffith began raising chickens in their backyard. They started with a few, and eventually had 116. Until late last summer, that is, when a grizzly sow and her cub, filling the night with fearful growling, got in among the shrieking chickens and then lumbered off, leaving bits of 99 birds behind…

In northwestern Montana, as in much of the country, more people are keeping chickens. And bears of all kinds are developing a taste for poultry that lures them into populated areas, presenting a dangerous situation for both people and, especially, for bears.

Continue reading . . .

Montana FWP Commission approves new wolf hunt rules; allows trapping

July 15, 2012Environmental Issues, NewsMontana FWP Commission, wolf hunt, wolvesnfpa

To no one’s surprise, the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Commission approved new wolf hunt rules late last week, including a provision for trapping . . .

Montana wildlife commissioners approved new wolf hunting rules Thursday that allow trapping and the killing of up to three of the predators by one trapper.

The move came after the officials waded through thousands of written comments regarding management of the species that evokes strong emotions…

Wildlife managers will allow some trapping, lift most quotas and expand the length of the season…

Continue reading . . .

Park Service acquires Doody Ranch property in Glacier’s Middle Fork

July 9, 2012NewsDoody Ranch, Glacier National Park, National Park Servicenfpa

The Park Service has bought out the second largest remaining inholding in Glacier Park . . .

The National Park Service has acquired the second largest privately owned property remaining in Glacier National Park, the park service announced Monday.

The Trust for Public Land bought the 120-acre homestead property named Doody Ranch on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Harrison Lake. The property was purchased for $900,000 and sold to the park service for the same amount using royalties from offshore energy leases.

Continue reading . . .

North Fork Inter Local Agreement meeting this Wednesday

July 9, 2012NewsNorth Fork Inter Local Agreement, Sondreson Hallnfpa

This summer’s North Fork Inter Local Agreement meeting will be held this Wednesday, July 11 at Sondreson Community Hall near Whale Creek.

Programs for Fire Wise Day begin earlier at 9:30 am and run until noon.

The Inter Local Agreement provides for face-to-face contact with representatives of agencies whose policies and actions affect the North Fork. Inter Local Agreement meetings are held in the winter (in town) and summer (at the hall). Signatories to the agreement include the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Hamburgers/sausages will be provided at noon. You bring side dishes.

This meeting is hosted by the North Fork Preservation Association.

Here’s the agenda . . .

Inter Local Agreement Landowner Updates:

North Fork Compact
North Fork Landowners’ Association
North Fork Preservation Association
North Fork Road Coalition for Health & Safety

Agency Updates:

US Fish & Wildlife Service
MT FW&P
MT Department of State Lands
Flathead County
Flathead National Forest
Homeland Security (US Border Patrol)
Glacier National Park