MT Public Lands Shakeups
Key Questions
Has Iris the osprey returned to Missoula?
Yes, the 20+ year-old osprey Iris returned to her Hellgate nest on April 6; a live cam is available.
What is the status of Sheep Creek mine?
The Sheep Creek mine proposal was yanked; revised scoping ends end-April, with full process in Aug '26.
What is happening with Lolo NF and USFS R1?
Lolo NF revision starts April 27. USFS R1 keeps fire lab and jobs in Missoula despite reorganization.
How is Montana snowpack this year?
MT snowpack is below average, echoing low PNW (WA 50%) levels, raising early fire risks with warming/drought.
What is Missoula's carbon neutrality policy?
Missoula County has a carbon neutrality policy, adapting to federal changes by working 'grittier and leaner'.
What Land Board issue involves bison?
The Montana Land Board is in a lawsuit with American Prairie over bison lands.
What training and jobs relate to public lands?
Hands-on hunter ed class in Missoula teaches firearm safety and more. Wildfire jobs, BLM salvage, CSKT no burns due to gusts.
What awards did Boone & Crockett give?
Boone and Crockett awarded the Water for Wildlife Foundation for conservation. Billings cleanup and other land efforts ongoing.
Low PNW snowpack (WA 50%) echoes MT below-avg/drought/warming early fire risks; Iris osprey 20+yo Hellgate nest return Apr6 live cam; Sheep Creek mine yanked revised end-Apr scoping Aug'26; Lolo NF revision Apr27; USFS R1 move fire lab stay—jobs/fire risks; Missoula carbon neutrality; Land Board bison; BLM salvage; CSKT no burns gusts; Boone & Crockett; wildfire jobs; hunter ed; Missoula Co parks/env jobs; Billings cleanup.