Looks like fire season might be less exciting than usual this year . . .
Officials are predicting a mild wildlfire season for Montana.
Forecasters and fire officials from eight state and federal agencies gave Gov. Steve Bullock their annual wildfire outlook briefing Monday in Missoula.
The Flathead Beacon did a nice front page spread on the Polebridge Mercantile this week, focusing on the Merc’s 100th anniversary . . .
In 100 years, ownership of the Polebridge Mercantile has changed hands 10 times, according to records cobbled together by historians and hardscrabble locals, with each set of proprietors playing their own unique role in shaping the store, the community and the far-flung, off-the-grid landscape.
And yet the owners of this lone outpost of civilization along the remote North Fork of the Flathead River have not traditionally considered themselves owners, instead embracing the cozier denomination of “caretaker,” a term of endearment that sets the “Merc” apart from the workaday grind of quotidian life, distinguishing it from the modern trappings and clutter that has even crept into a scantly populated place like Montana.
Time passes slowly here, to be sure, but even the Merc must endure change.
There may be some bright spots in the sage grouse situation . . .
Cattle and greater sage grouse seem to be getting along just fine in southeastern Montana, according to a recent Fish Wildlife and Parks study, and that’s a big deal.
As sage grouse have been listed as a species worthy of protection under the Endangered Species Act, but precluded by higher priorities for now, western farmers and ranchers have been concerned about what the implications of such a decision might mean to the way they use the land.
“They’re real worried that if that bird gets listed, the federal government will come in and tell them how to manage that ground,” said Melissa Foster, an FWP biologist who was the lead author of a four-year study in Powder and Carter counties.
Expected increased runoff from near-record snowpack is triggering warnings about rising river levels.
Reminder: The Flood Information page has links to flood-related information, including river levels, snowpack data and forecasts. . . .
Warm weather could cause area rivers to reach flood stage this week, due in part to a deep mountain snowpack. The National Weather Service in Missoula issued a hydrologic outlook on May 12 for much of western Montana in advance of the rising temperatures.
According to NWS-Missoula meteorologist Trent Smith, the snowpack in the Flathead Basin is 148 percent of normal for this time of year and if it melts rapidly that could cause problems for communities downstream. The snowpack is even larger in other areas.
“There is still plenty of moisture in the mountains and so those small rivers and streams will be running high this week,” Smith said.
Glacier Park has a lengthy press release about visitor safety during the spring. Much of it is good advice for people visiting national forest lands, too, especially backcountry areas . . .
The transition from winter to spring at Glacier National Park is happening, offering some popular recreational opportunities, as well as some challenges and hazards.
Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow said, “Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for a visit to the park this spring. Visitors may encounter snow, cold and swift-running waters and changing weather conditions, as well as spectacular vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities.”
Snow accumulations across the park are above average and there is still much snow at the higher elevations and locations on the east side of the park. Many areas in the park are prone to avalanches and snow slides, so caution should be used in these areas, including along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
As the snow begins to melt, the rivers and streams begin to fill. The water is extremely cold and fast moving. Use caution when crossing or stepping near bodies of water, and be alert to areas with snow as thin snow bridges can be hazardous. Listen for muffled sound of running water under snow, moats, and avoid stepping onto snow cornices. River users should be cautious of avalanche debris along and in the rivers, and always wear a life jacket when boating.
Hikers and climbers visiting some of the higher elevations in the park should expect snow and ice, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. It is important to know the terrain you are about to hike or climb, and carry the appropriate equipment. When hiking may include snowfield travel, visitors should know how to travel in such challenging conditions, including knowing how to use crampons, ice axe and appropriate avalanche gear.
Layers of clothing, extra clothing and appropriate footwear are encouraged, as well as water, snacks and a map. It is a good idea to have a first-aid kit available, and always communicate to someone your planned route of travel and your expected time of return.
Since the park is home to black and grizzly bears, park visitors should be alert for spring bear activity and be familiar with responsible actions to maintain human and bear safety…
Looks like we’re due for above average runoff over the next few months . . .
A hefty mountain snowpack in the Northern Rockies has driven down the summer wildfire potential and bumped up prospects that farmers in most of Montana and Wyoming won’t go dry.
As for flooding, government forecasters say the coming weeks will make all the difference.
A relatively even warm-up would keep streams and rivers in check. Too much warm weather and flooding could threaten downstream communities.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was told in federal district court to get moving on a lynx recovery plan . . .
Saying a decade was long enough, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy this week ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to finish its recovery plan for the imperiled Canada lynx, giving the agency 30 days to present its proposal.
Environmental groups that sued the agency lauded the decision as a critical and long-sought win for the wild cat. FWS said it would review Molloy’s ruling and determine its next move.
“We are reviewing the judge’s decisions and working on a strategy to comply with it,” said Leith Edgar, public affairs specialist with the Mountain-Prairie Region of FWS.
The Whitefish Range Partnership held a meeting last Monday to discuss what could be done to further the ideals of the agreement established last year. The usual suspeccts were there, including the NFPA and the first official appearance of the Trail4 organization. (More on that one later.)
Debo Powers did a nice write-up and posted it to the NFNews site. You can read it here: http://nfnews.net/whitefish-range-partnership-plans-new-projects/
We’ve updated our collection of zoning information. The “Zoning Documents & Links” section of the archives now includes:
These materials were retrieved from the Flathead County Planning and Zoning “Documents Online” page. All are PDF documents.
Apgar is already open and Glacier Park will be opening up more campgrounds over the next few weeks . . .
The campgrounds of Glacier National Park are set to begin opening for the summer season in the upcoming weeks, with Apgar Campground, located on the west side of the park, already open.
The Apgar Campground is the largest campground in the park and hosts almost 200 sites for tents and RV campers. Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities provide flush toilets and sinks with running water. All Apgar Campground sites are first-come first-serve, with a summer overnight fee of $20.
Most campgrounds in Glacier are on a first-come first-serve basis. Reservations are available at Fish Creek and St. Mary Campgrounds beginning June 1, and may be made up to six months in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service at http://www.recreation.gov/ or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Campers without prior reservations are also welcome at these campgrounds, as space is available.