In brief

FWP seeking sharecropper lessee

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants for an agricultural lease of 174 acres at the North Shore Wildlife Management Area on the north shore of Flathead lake, Kalispell (T27N; R20W, E1/2 of Section 21). The lease will be for a single growing season ending September 15, 2016.  The lessee will cultivate, plant and harvest agricultural crops keeping up to 85 percent of crops for his/her own possession and use.  The remaining 15 percent will be left standing in the field for wildlife as lease payment to FWP.  Required qualifications, including factors to be used to evaluate the respondents and a description of the services to be provided by the selected producer, can be obtained by contacting: Franz Ingelfinger, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, (406)751-4580, fingelfinger@mt.gov.

Montana gas prices fall again

Average retail gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 6.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.83 per gallon yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 615 gas outlets in Montana. This compares with the national average that has fallen 6.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $1.82 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. 

Including the change in gas prices in Montana during the past week, prices yesterday were 8.9 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 17.8 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 17.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 20.0 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

Warden warns not to feed wildlife

FWP Game Warden Ron Howell would like to remind folks that the supplemental feeding of game animals is illegal under Montana code (MCA 87-6-216) on private and state land on the Flathead Reservation, as well as off the reservation.

The law specifically prohibits the feeding of ungulates—(deer, elk, moose, and antelope), mountain lions and bears. The recreational feeding of birds (song birds, turkeys, pheasants, etc) can also be unlawful if it attracts ungulates or bears. Supplemental food includes grain, processed feed, hay, and other foods.

Journalism scholarships available

The University of Montana School of Journalism has a new scholarship fund to encourage and attract the best and brightest young journalists.

Journalism Dean Larry Abramson created the Dean’s Scholarship for Incoming Freshman, and multiple students can be supported by the fund.

“I hope these new scholarships inspire incoming students to specialize in areas that are a priority for this school,” Abramson said. “International reporting, diversity and digital skills are all critical needs for the future of our profession. These scholarships will encourage students to develop interests that are marketable skills going forward.”

The J-school will provide scholarships for as many as four incoming freshmen beginning in academic year 2016-17. The awards will range from $500 to $1,000.

Tester pushes Obama on Canada

Senator Jon Tester is urging President Obama to address economic policies, conservation efforts, and border security with Canada during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s first official state visit to the United States.

In a letter to Obama, Tester pushed the President to address five specific issues that directly impact Montana families with the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister when they meet on March 10.

“Montana’s relationship with Canada is critically important in strengthening our economy, national security and outdoor way of life,” Tester said.  “Folks across Big Sky Country want this international relationship to improve our safety, our forests, our water and our world class agricultural products.”  

Tester is putting pressure on the Obama Administration to work with Canada to modernize the Columbia River Treaty and better protect watersheds that are threatened by Canadian resource development.

Tester also wants to ensure the Administration works closer with Canadian law enforcement officials to address vulnerabilities on the northern border and disrupt criminal activities while ensuring that American law enforcement has everything they need to conduct joint duties across the border.