Despite recent rains, high fire danger conditions persist throughout much of Montana. As a result, hunters may encounter closures or restrictions at Block Management Areas. Closures could change daily. The best resource for hunters making plans for late summer trips is the BMA closures and restrictions webpage at https://fwp.mt.gov/ hunt/access/blockmanagement/ restrictions. This page will

Eleven industry trade groups including the Montana Petroleum Association and the American Petroleum Institute filed a lawsuit last week challenging the Biden administration’s moratorium on oil and natural gas leasing on federal lands. “Congress has mandated quarterly mineral lease sales, but the Department of Interior has failed to abide by that mandate,” MPA executive director Alan Olson

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District has begun the public scoping period and is seeking public comment regarding the development of the Fort Peck Lake Shoreline Management Plan through Sept. 30. An SMP establishes policies and guidelines for the protection and preservation of the environmental characteristics of the shoreline while maintaining a balance between public and private

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is beginning the biennial hunting regulations review process, and this year the department is looking to take a fresh approach. In the past, the biennial hunting regulation process typically had few changes to the existing regulations. This year, FWP will tackle more significant changes such as combining hunting districts and simplifying license structures,

Montana health care providers can now offer third doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to certain immunocompromised individuals following new recently announced federal recommendations. “This is great news because we know the impact COVID-19 has with high-risk groups,” DPHHS director Adam Meier said. “The updated recommendations will ensure those most vulnerable to complications

Culbertson Aug. 27: Beef stew, French bread and dessert. Aug. 30: Chicken ala king, vegetable and dessert. Sept. 3: Scalloped potato and ham casserole, vegetable and dessert. *** Bainville Aug. 26: Baked ham and mashed potatoes, vegetable, and dessert. Aug. 31: Hamburger steaks, mashed potatoes, vegetable and dessert. Sept. 2: Beef barley soup, sandwiches and dessert.