Gov. Greg Gianforte has announced Montana’s economy grew an inflation-adjusted 6.7% in 2021, the seventh largest rate of growth in the country. It also marks the sharpest rate growth in Montana in more than 40 years. Montanans’ personal income also grew by 8.5 percent in 2021, the fastest increase in 15 years. “Thanks to hardworking Montanans, our state had an economic boom last year,

Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are increasing law enforcement efforts on wildlife management areas while seasonal closures continue for many of these areas. So far this year, FWP wardens in southwest Montana have prosecuted four cases of trespassing on WMAs, including Fleecer Mountain and Wall Creek WMAs. Wardens work diligently to protect WMAs and the wildlife on them,

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on proposals for mountain lion quotas and special limited licenses, trumpeter swan reintroductions, new Rainbow Lake fishing regulations, and pheasant releases. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will make a final decision on these proposals at its June 23 meeting. Under the new commission process, FWP is taking public comment on

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Hunter Education course dates have been set for Wolf Point. An in-person classroom course runs May 4-7, starting at 5 p.m. on May 4 and will be located at the Sherman Inn. All hunter education classes are free of charge. In-person, instructor-led hunter education classroom courses are available to anyone age 10 and older and provide new hunters with a hands-on

By Amanda Eggert Montana Free Press The Bureau of Land Management has fired up its oil and gas leasing system again in Montana. The restart follows a hiatus that was initiated last January when President Joe Biden placed a moratorium on federal oil and gas leasing while the White House reviewed the practice’s contribution to climate change. BLM’s regional office announced the new sale April

Humanities Montana is partnering with Dr. Marsha Goetting to host a virtual conversation on estate planning in Montana on Wednesday, May 18, at noon. Dr. Goetting will address topics such as how Montana law provides for the disposition of real and personal property without a will and joint tenancy, as well as describing scenarios families may face in probate. The hour-long presentation will

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $420 million in 132 infrastructure projects in 31 states, including a $330,000 investment in six projects in Montana. These projects include rehabilitating dams, flood prevention, and watershed restoration projects, and they are part of the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), building