2020/02/04 - The Montana Conservationist, v14 i1
February 4, 2020
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This week in The Montana Conservationist:
- The BLM is proposing new regulations for grazing, and now is your time to submit your comments on the changes!
- The EPA has published a new “Navigable Waters Protection Rule” (the rule formerly known as WOTUS), with a significant reduction in jurisdictional waterways. Read what the new rule will mean for farmers and ranchers.
- A new computational model shows how crop rotation helps combat plant pests, and calculates the best rotational scenario. (Hint: it’s not just a two crop, every-other-year model)
- Scientists in Colorado are studying the respiration rates of the tiny prairie smoke wildflower (OMG plant breath! so cute!) to help figure out how a changing climate will affect water in the west.
- Montana has joined a new multi-state invasive species council, formed recently by the Western Governors Association to help coordinate efforts to fight invasive species, especially the dreaded quagga mussel (is that a monster in the Princess Bride? I can’t recall)
- Montana DEQ has selected the lower Gallatin as its next focus Nonpoint Source Management Focus Watershed (move over, Bitterroot)
- Economic studies are showing that investments in combating climate change could help rural economies, which sounds like a win-win to me. One example: the large number of wind farms currently lining up to call Rapelje home.
- MTPR has a story about concerns that recent environmental regulation rollbacks could hurt the burgeoning water protection business.
All of that, plus grants! and jobs! and events! Read the Montana Conservationist:
TMC-2020-02-04.pdf