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Governor Greg Gianforte today issued an executive order declaring a statewide drought emergency in Montana. “Every region of the state faces severe to extreme drought conditions, and the situation is getting worse. These alarming drought conditions are devastating our ag producers, challenging our tourism industry, and could bring a severe wildfire season,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This emergency order makes available all necessary state government resources to mitigate the impacts of this drought and protect Montanans.” Executive Order 11-2021 directs the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources and Conservation to provide maximum assistance to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on drought-related activities to secure timely economic assistance from the federal government. It also suspends regulations for motor carriers and persons operating commercial vehicles while they provide direct drought-related support. According to data in the Summer 2021 Montana Drought Forecast Report released yesterday, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates approximately 91 percent of Montana faces abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions as of June 22. Drought conditions at this point in 2021 are substantially worse than at the same time last year when approximately 52 percent of the state confronted similar conditions. The July forecast projects below-normal precipitation throughout the state and a 40 to 50 percent chance of above-normal temperatures across much of Montana. The governor’s executive order declaring a statewide drought emergency is effective immediately and can be viewed here .

Press release from UMW: University of Montana Western Director of Athletics, Bill Wilson , announced today that he will not be returning to UMW. Wilson plans to pursue professional opportunities that allow him to be closer to his family. Montana Western athletics has experienced tremendous success during Wilson's three-and-a-half-year tenure as athletic director. Montana Western student-athletes have achieved an overall department GPA of at least a 3.18 or higher in the last three years. The UMW athletic department was awarded the NAIA Champions of Character award for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. On the court and field, the Bulldogs achieved great heights capped off by a Women's Basketball NAIA National Championship in 2019. Women's Cross Country crowned an individual Frontier Conference champion in 2018, Women's Basketball qualified for the NAIA National Tournament four years in a row and won a Frontier Conference championship in 2019. Men's Basketball made the NAIA Elite Eight in 2018. Football had two second place finishes in the Frontier Conference in the last two full seasons. In the past three and half years, the UMW athletic department has had 12 NAIA All-Americans, 23 College National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, 40 Academic All-Americans, one NAIA National Player of the Year and one NAIA National Coach of the year. "When I look back at the things we accomplished in such a short period of time, I can't help but be very proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff," Wilson said. "We have such a great athletics staff that cares as much about student success as I do. There are so many people at the university that have supported athletics, but I would like to thank Chancellor Michael Reid and Dean of Students Nicole Hazelbaker for their support and friendship over the last three and a half years. The university is in very capable hands. We have had to overcome obstacles internally, externally and unforeseen, but we did so with one goal in mind; the student-athlete experience. I am proud of that, and now I'm looking forward to the next step in my personal and professional life." Wilson was instrumental in helping to raise funds for scholarships, operations and facilities. He developed and raised the funds for the UMW Athletics Hall of Fame Room. He oversaw several remodeling projects in the Straugh Gymnasium, including the new digital score tables, bench chairs, sound system, and the Volleyball and Men's Basketball locker rooms. A principle member of the committee to develop and raise money for a new football stadium, Wilson also established the Bulldog Club with an initial membership of over 175 members. In addition, he procured an all-school agreement with the Under Armour Apparel Company in his first year, and implemented an Athletic Department Policies and Procedures Manual and Student-Athlete Handbook. Most recently, he established and chaired the Athletics COVID-19 Safe-Start Task Force. "The University of Montana Western is sad to lose such a dynamic Athletic Director that Bill Wilson has been for our institution. However, we wish Bill the best as he moves to be closer to family and pursues his future endeavors. Thank you, Bill, for your dedication to Montana Western and our student-athletes over the past three and a half years," said Chancellor Michael Reid. Montana Western will conduct a national search to find its next athletic director.

Angling restrictions on several additional rivers in southwest Montana go into effect today due to warming temperatures and low flows. The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” restrictions, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Some waters are under full fishing closures, which prohibit fishing at all times of day. These closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. These restrictions and closures go into effect today: A hoot owl on the Big Hole River from the North Fork of the Big Hole River downstream to Dickie Bridge, and from the Maidenrock Fishing Access Site downstream to the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site. A full fishing closure on the East Gallatin River from Penwell Bridge Road downstream to the confluence with the Gallatin River. A hoot owl on the East Gallatin River from the confluence of Bear Creek and Rocky Creek downstream to Penwell Bridge. A hoot owl on the Shields River from the U.S. Forest Service Crandal Creek Bridge downstream to the confluence with Rock Creek. A hoot owl on the Gallatin River from Montana Hwy. 84 in Four Corners downstream to the confluence with the Missouri River. Upper Clark Fork – From the confluence of Rock Creek near Clinton upstream to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek. Silver Bow Creek, including Warm Springs Ponds -- From the creek’s confluence with Warm Springs Creek to Montana Street in Butte. These closures and restrictions were enacted earlier and remain in effect for southwest Montana waters: A hoot owl on the Beaverhead River from Laknar Lane Bridge downstream to the confluence with the Big Hole River. A full fishing closure on the Shields River from Rock Creek downstream to the confluence with the Yellowstone River. A hoot owl on the lower Big Hole River from the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site downstream to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. A full fishing closure on the upper Big Hole River from the North Fork of the Big Hole River downstream to Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road. A hoot owl for the entire Jefferson River. A hoot owl on the Madison River from Ennis Dam downstream to the confluence with the Jefferson River. A full fishing closure on the Ruby River from the Duncan District Road crossing downstream to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ drought policy provides for angling closures when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue during the coming weeks. These restrictions and closures are designed to protect fish, such as trout, that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when drought and warm water conditions combine with additional stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. All stress to fish at this time of year is cumulative, and anglers should consider fishing in cooler waters during times of low flows and high water temperatures in rivers. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur: Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. Land the fish quickly. Keep the fish in water as much as possible. Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier. Let the fish recover before releasing it.

Notice this meeting will take place in Lima at the Community Hall. SWMT News will try to livestream it, or we will record it and release it afterwards.

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY PLANNING BOARD WEDNESDAY JULY 14TH, 2021 1:00 PM REGULAR MEETING - SHERIFF’S ANNEX MULTIPURPOSE ROOM AGENDA **All times are approximate** 1:00 P.M. Minutes and Reports • Minutes of June 10th regular meeting • Planning Board Member Reports • Planner’s Report • Public Comments & Questions 1:30 P.M. Discussion on Growth Policy w/Jerry Grebenc Great West Engineering 2:30 P.M Public Comments & Questions of Non-Agenda Items Adjourn

Dillon Volunteer Fire Department responded to 10 calls during the month of June 2021. 06-02 MVA I-15 Grasshopper exit 06-05 Grass fire Mutual aid with Madison county Hwy 41 MM 15 06-05 MVA I-15 MM 86 06-07 MVA I-15 MM 80 06-08 MVA I-15 MM 63 06-17 MVA I-15 MM 59 06-23 Smoke Alarm 76 W. Center St 06-28 Fire Call E. Cornell St 06-29 Fire Alarm Activation E. Helena St. The first training for the month of June we trained with wildland engines. Our 2nd training we were fortunate to have Jim Mastin come & discuss fire behavior. Jim has a long history in the fire service that includes leading his departments response to the 911 attack on our pentagon.

Today Governor Greg Gianforte announced via a Facebook post that he has ended the state of emergency in Montana related to the pandemic. The statement reads: "Today in Billings, I officially ended the pandemic-related state of emergency in Montana. Montanans can be proud of the work they’ve done to overcome this pandemic and take care of themselves and each other. Working together, we have come through this stronger on the other side."

WATER RESTRICTION PUBLIC NOTICE UPDATE Change to Days of The Week for Watering The City of Dillon has determined the water supply of the City is seriously short for fires, health and general operational functions of the City. Starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning, July 1 st ,2021 and continuing until further notice it is unlawful for any person to water lawns, gardens, or use any outside water for any purpose whatsoever, except at the following hours and on the following days: 1. The hours shall be from either five a.m. to eleven a.m., or five p.m. to eleven p.m. at the selection of the person, but such person may not water at both times. 2. The houses with odd numbers shall water on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 3. The houses with even numbers shall water on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday For any violation of this notice upon conviction thereof, the violator shall be subject to the following fines and penalties: 1. For the first violation, the violator will be issued a warning ticket 2. For the second violation, the violator will be subject to a fine of ten dollars 3. For the third violation, the violator will be subject to a fine of twenty-five dollars Any person violating the restrictions as imposed by the City or who wastes water by letting it run in avenues, streets, alleys or roadways shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The City of Dillon would like to thank you for your cooperation

Madison County Board of County Commissioners enacted a burn and fireworks ban today. Citing the extremely dry conditions, record high heat, and lack of precipitation as reasons for the ban. The full ban can be seen below. RESOLUTION 27 - 2021 A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 26-2021 A BURN BAN/FIREWORKS BAN IN MADISON COUNTY WHEREAS, high winds, record high temperatures, low relative humidity, lack of precipitation in previous months, and current severe drought conditions within Madison County resulting in dry fuel conditions, poor soil moisture conditions and low water supplies which have contributed to a above normal forecast for a high fire hazard/wildland fire danger; and WHEREAS, the Madison County Board of Commissioners declares that all the private land not under the jurisdiction of the municipalities or state or federal agencies is a high fire hazard area, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that A Burn Ban, and Fireworks Ban is in effect for all private lands in Madison County, due to HIGH wildland fire danger, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all activities that might potentially cause a fire shall cease immediately and be prohibited until further notice. Activities that might cause a fire include but are not limited to: NOT ALLOWED: • No open burning of any kind. • No use of fireworks. ALLOWED: • Fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grill • Fires within wood burning stoves within buildings only. • Fire suppression or fire department training fires. • Small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in fixed permanent metal/steel fire pits (ROCK RINGS ARE CONSIDERED TEMPORARY NOT PERMANENT) with flame lengths not in excess of three feet. • Residential use of charcoal grills, Tiki torches, fires in chimneys or other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits, as long as the fires are supervised by a responsible person at least 18 years old. • Professional fireworks displays approved by the District Fire Chief for the location of the event. • Persons with approved exemption that authorizes the prohibited act (exemptions obtained through Madison Office of Emergency Management/Fire Warden) • Federal Lands are not included in this County Burn Ban. Please check with USFS Office for federal land status or visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ • Check with local municipalities for ordinances or resolutions concerning the authorized use of fireworks. Any exemptions to the Burn Ban must be approved in writing by the local District Fire Chief, and the Madison County Fire Warden. An exemption must be applied for and submitted to the Office of Emergency Management/Fire Warden 5 business days prior to the scheduled event. AN EXEMPTION DOES NOT ABSOLVE AN INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION FROM LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBLITY FOR ANY FIRE STARTED BY THE EXEMPTED ACTIVITY. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in accordance with MCA section 7-33-2206 any person found in violation maybe charged with a misdemeanor, and may also be billed for the costs of an emergency and/or rural fire department response. BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that this resolution becomes effective once passed and adopted on June 30, 2021 and shall remain in effect until such time as it may temporarily be lifted by the Madison County Fire Warden or amended or rescinded by the Madison County Board of Commissioners. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Madison County Board of County Commissioners this the 30th Day of June, 2021

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture July Board Meeting Thursday, July 8 at 8:30am 4B’s Restaurant in Dillon The Public is Welcome to join us!

A team representing the University of Montana Western will compete in the Road to the Horse Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge during the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo in South Jordan, Utah on July 23 and 24, 2021. The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo is excited to continue to add to its legacy in the Salt Lake Valley by expanding events featured in conjunction with the World’s Only Gold Medal Rodeo. In 2021, the Road to the Horse Collegiate Colt Starting Competition will be added to the schedule. With an emphasis on education, Road to the Horse has inspired and fostered a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of natural horsemanship within its fan base. Since its inception in 2003, cultivating a solid foundation of natural horsemanship and strengthening equine partnerships have served as key principles of Road to the Horse, and one is hard pressed to find a more fitting classroom than the collegiate equestrian arena. Road to the Horse is honored to co-host the Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge in conjunction with the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo on July 23 and July 24 at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan, Utah. “There is no better way to create a legacy, than to invest in the future,” states Morris Equine Group President, Tina Battock. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with the Days of ’47 Rodeo to create an amazing platform to showcase the region’s top collegiate teams. We’re excited to bring Road to the Horse colt-starting action to Utah for the very first time!” Three top collegiate teams will compete for $30,000 in scholarships during the Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge, which requires each team to gentle a colt and display the highest standards of horsemanship over a two-day period. Three top regional horsemanship teams will represent the University of Montana Western, Utah Valley University, and Casper Community College. The judging panel will consist of Road to the Horse celebrities including Jeff Williams, Ken McNabb, and Wade Black. The event schedule, brimming with colt starting action, includes invaluable clinics from Ken McNabb and Wade Black. “As we continue to look for events to showcase as part of our overall Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo, this event felt like a natural fit,” said Tommy Joe Lucia, General Manager of the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo. “Road to the Horse not only reminds us of the importance of horsemanship fundamentals but showcases it in a competitive environment. We are excited to bring this unique event to the great State of Utah.” Students representing the University of Montana Western will be Katie Ross, James Ramirez, and Jacob Christenson. Head Natural Horsemanship Instructor, Eric Hoffmann, will accompany the students to the event. From left to right: Katie Ross, James Ramirez, Jacob Christenson, and Eric Hoffmann. Ross is a sophomore from Elko, Nevada, majoring in Ag Business with a minor in Natural Horsemanship. Ross lives for ranch rodeos, roping and playing basketball. She brings a great personality and a willingness to learn while working with horses. After college, she plans to work on the ranch with her father back home in Elko as well as other ranches in the area. Eventually, Ross would like to become a Western Video Market Representative. Ramirez is a senior from Churchill, Montana, double majoring in Biology and Natural Horsemanship with a minor in Equine Science. Ramirez is also a member of the rodeo team and will be a student senator this coming fall at UMW. He enjoys roping, riding horses, and attending team roping and calf roping jackpots. Ramirez qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in team roping this past June. After college, he hopes to continue training horses and would like to rodeo professionally. Christenson is a junior from Buffalo, Minnesota, majoring in Natural Horsemanship with a minor in Ag Business. He serves as the President of the Horseman’s and Young Farmers and Ranchers clubs and is currently the Vice President of the Montana Associated Students organization and Student Senate at UMW. Christenson likes to show in sortings, cuttings, ranch rodeos, and reined cow horse. After college, he wants to take care of his family ranch in Minnesota. Hoffmann is the Director of Horsemanship and Head Horsemanship Instructor at the Montana Center for Horsemanship and the University of Montana Western. He has taught horsemanship classes at MCH and Montana Western since 2008. Hoffmann holds an A.A.S. in Equine Management and Training from Laramie County Community College and has earned both a B.S. and M.S. degree in Agriculture Education from the University of Wyoming and Montana State University. He currently serves on the Ranching Heritage Committee for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). The competition will get underway on Friday, July 23 at 8:30 a.m. and Saturday, July 24 at 8:15 a.m. Tickets are available for sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/160875993427 as well as on-site daily. To learn more about Road to the Horse, visit www.RoadtotheHorse.com . To view the schedule of events for The Days of ’47 Cowboy games, and to purchase tickets, visit www.daysof47cowboygames.com .

As boaters flock to the amazing rivers and lakes across the state for the July 4th weekend, keep in mind the rules aimed at preventing aquatic invasive species from spreading. Just like in past years, watercraft owners must stop at all open inspection stations they encounter. Typically, these stops are very brief and include a short series of questions and an inspection of the boat and trailer. Watercraft owners can make this process quick and easy if they consistently practice Clean, Drain and Dry: Clean all mud and debris from the watercraft and trailer. Pull drain plugs and make sure all compartments, bilges and ballasts are drained. Dry out your watercraft, including dry wells, storage areas and compartments. Following these simple instructions will not only protect Montana’s waters, but will also expedite inspections. In response to the busy weekend, FWP inspection station and enforcement staff will be working hard to make sure everyone knows the AIS rules and has a safe and fun time on the water. Do I need to be inspected? Confused about whether or not you need to get your watercraft inspected for aquatic invasive species? Don’t worry, the answer is simpler than you might think. What types of watercraft need an inspection? All watercraft must be inspected. All motorized boats must be inspected, including trolling motors. All nonmotorized watercraft including, but not limited to, drift boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, fishing pontoon boats, row boats, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards must be inspected. Are you bringing your watercraft into Montana from out of state? Yes: You must stop at all open roadside inspection stations. You must be inspected prior to launching on Montana waters. Find watercraft inspection stations at CleanDrainDryMT.com . Nonresident watercraft launching in Montana will also need to purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass . Are you crossing the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin? Yes: You need to be inspected prior to launching on waters west of the Continental Divide. Are you launching on waters within the Flathead Basin and your watercraft was last used on waters outside the Flathead Basin? Yes: You need to be inspected prior to launching. No: If you launch your boat within the Flathead Basin, then transport your boat outside the Flathead Basin but do not launch it, then you do not need to seek out an inspection when you travel back into the Flathead Basin. However, you must stop at all open inspection stations as directed by signs. Are you encountering an open inspection station? Yes: If you have any type of watercraft, you must stop and get inspected, even if you have been previously inspected. These rules are not just good ideas, they’re the law. Failure to stop at an inspection station can result in a fine up to $500. The three steps of Clean, Drain, Dry greatly minimizes the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species. It also minimizes the time required for inspection at a station. To find a watercraft inspection station and to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that the state will devote ARPA funds to increase access to quality child care services for Montana families, protect Montana seniors, and provide home energy and home water assistance to low-income Montanans. The governor is dedicating more than $38 million in ARPA funds to increase access to child care for Montana parents and to stabilize the child care system in Montana following the pandemic. “For too long, Montana’s working families have faced a shortage of child care providers, putting them on long wait lists and between a rock and a hard place. The pandemic only made the problem worse, further destabilizing the system,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Montanans get back to work, these funds will help stabilize our child care system, increase access to quality child care providers, and address child care deserts throughout our state. We are determined to use this one-time-only federal funding to produce long-term solutions that begin to fix this longstanding problem.” According to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), 171 child care programs closed in Montana since the start of the pandemic, reducing the number of providers by nearly 16 percent to 916. More than $31 million of the funding will be directed toward subgrants for child care businesses. Priority will be given to child care providers that expand hours or capacity to serve more children; family, friend, and neighbor caregivers; faith- and community-based child care providers; and child care providers that serve unique populations such as children with disabilities, infants and toddlers, and low-income families. More than $6.8 million will be devoted to program administration and operations, with at least half dedicated to providing Montana child care providers with needed grant application assistance, capacity building, technical assistance, and business professional development services. In addition to providing resources to stabilize the child care system and increase access to services, the governor also announced nearly $8 million in funding to support and protect Montana’s aging population. More than $7.3 million will fund supportive services, congregate meals, home delivered meals, preventative health services, family caregiver support, and the DPHHS long-term care ombudsman. Nearly $650,000 will be allocated to establish three additional Elder Justice Councils and to fund a forensic investigator, prosecutor, and training team to improve the identification, investigation, and prosecution of adult maltreatment. “Cases of elder abuse are heartbreaking, and sadly they’re increasing,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These Elder Justice Councils will help protect aging Montanans from abuse and financial exploitation.” The governor also announced the allocation of nearly $29 million in ARPA funds for home energy and home water assistance for low-income Montanans with a focus on lasting solutions, including home weatherization. DPHHS will serve as the lead agency in implementing these programs and allocating funds.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public review and comment on several wildlife-related items approved for comment during the recent Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting. Proposals include the 2021 wolf hunting and trapping season, nongame check-off workplan, pheasant releases, Jordan urban wildlife plan, 2021 elk and deer muzzleloader season, 2021 elk shoulder season and 2021 contractual public elk hunting access agreements. More information on these items can be found on the FWP website under “Public Comment Opportunities” at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/public-comment-opportunities . 2021 WOLF SEASON Montana's wolf population is well established, and can support increased harvest without adverse biological effects. Consistent with direction from recent legislation and the wolf management plan, the department has assembled several season options including the following tools. Other tools and a more detailed description of options can be found at the link above. Increase bag limit and allow a person to take more than one wolf per license. Liberalize seasons in quota areas. Allow snaring on private lands during the trapping season and extend season dates. The following is also proposed in relation to the use of snares for wolves: Must be equipped with a loop stop that will close to a loop no smaller than 2.5 inches in diameter (stop placed at no less than 8 inches from end of loop). Must have a breakaway device rated at 1,000 lbs. or less installed on the loop end. Must be placed such that the bottom of the snare loop is at least 18 inches above the surface. Power-assisted (e.g., spring-loaded) snare locks are prohibited on wolf snares on public lands. A relaxing snare lock is required on snares in lynx protection zones. In addition, FWP proposes re-visits to the commission at certain harvest amounts and non-target captures, that all non-targets from traps and snares be reported, and that the wolf season be re-visited each year using the most recent wolf population data available. NONGAME CHECK-OFF WORKPLAN The Fish and Wildlife Commission annually reviews and approves the nongame wildlife program’s projects recommended for funding from the nongame wildlife tax check-off account. While final 2020 tax year donations are unknown at this time, the average received by FWP from the 2004-2018 tax years was $30,000-$40,000/year. FWP is proposing some combination of the following work in FY21 dependent on the final allocation: $30,000 Inventory, monitoring, and conservation work on Montana Species of Concern and species in need of inventory as determined through a formal ranking process and minimize the negative impacts of Endangered Species Act listings to landowners, recreationists and user groups $5,000 Wildlife viewing and outreach projects that encourage more Montanans to appreciate Montana wildlife. $5,000 Competitive graduate student stipend for nongame research. PHEASANT RELEASES Since 1987 FWP has administered a pheasant release program, whereby landowners or pheasant producers raise and release pheasants for population enhancement and expanded public hunting opportunity. Private landowners are reimbursed through the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP). For fall 2021, FWP is proposing the purchase and release of pen-reared pheasants on private lands for population enhancement purposes, as well as state wildlife management areas for hunter recruitment purposes. These releases are intended to expand hunting opportunity on private lands and to be used as a young hunter recruitment tool during the youth weekend pheasant hunting season. The specific locations where pheasants will be released is still being determined, so FWP is seeking programmatic approval for pheasant releases in suitable locations. JORDAN URBAN WILDLIFE PLANS In 2003, the Montana Legislature authorized cities to create plans to control wildlife for public health and safety within city limits. These plans must be approved by the commission before implementation. The Town of Jordan, Montana, developed Deer and Turkey Management Action Plans, in cooperation with the department, to address concerns of its citizens about growing numbers of deer and turkeys within urban areas and an increased risk to human safety and of property damage. The plans lay out goals, actions and a management process to implement the actions. The plans are patterned after plans already approved for the communities of Colstrip, Glendive and Ekalaka. Public hunting, restricted to archery, within the incorporated city limits is the primary tool employed to manage urban deer and turkey numbers. A process has been set up to: 1) incorporate private open space property owners who voluntarily wish to participate in the deer and turkey management program, and 2) involve public hunters in the deer and turkey management program. 2021 DEER & ELK MUZZLELOADER SEASON During the 2021 Legislative Session, House Bill 242 was adopted and signed into law that establishes a nine-day muzzleloader season for deer and elk that begins on the second Saturday following the end of the regular season. To address this new statute, the commission must consider options to establish a muzzleloader season for the 2021 fall season. The department has prepared a recommended approach that any unused license-permit valid during the general season for hunting deer and elk in a specific hunting district would be valid during the muzzleloader season in accordance with the authorizations and restrictions associated with that license-permit. This approach would limit confusion and administrative burden. 2021 ELK SHOULDER SEASON The intent of a shoulder season is to supplement existing antlerless elk harvest, not replace or reduce harvest during existing general archery or firearm seasons. Elk shoulder seasons provide the ability to harvest more antlerless elk, although the distribution of the harvest may not be consistent temporally. Several hunting districts (HDs) currently remain above objective even with late shoulder seasons. The commission is considering extending shoulder seasons to Feb. 15, 2022 in HDs that have late seasons that currently end before Feb. 15, 2022, to increase antlerless harvest or alter elk distributions. Any extension could apply to all license-permit types valid in those HDs with associated restrictions (e.g., not valid on National Forest lands). Currently, those elk HDs include: 262, 290, 298, 390, 391, 393, 411, 417, 502, 510, 511, 520, 530, 540, 560, 575, 580, and 590. 2021 CONTRACTUAL PUBLIC ELK HUNTING ACCESS AGREEMENTS Several bills in the 2021 legislative session addressed agreements with landowners. A summary of those changes include that the department may issue an either-sex or antlerless elk permit, license or a combination, in exchange for allowing three successful elk permit holders (one-third of which may be selected by landowner), as well as additional public hunters to lands enrolled in a contractual public elk hunting access agreement for wildlife management. Agreements require approval by the commission. Under these contracts, the landowner works with the department to define areas open to public elk hunting, the number of elk hunting days that will be allowed on the property, and other factors that the department and landowner consider necessary for elk management on the landowner's property. Two agreements are being considered for 2021: the Robert Lee Ranch and the John Swanz Ranch. The Lee agreement specifies a single 411-20 either-sex permit for the owner, family member or an authorized full-time employee. The Swanz agreement specifies two 411-20 either-sex permits for the owner, family member or an authorized full-time employee. The Lee agreement was first exercised in 2015, and the Swanz agreement was first exercised in 2002. Each has been reapplied annually since those dates based upon continued positive post-hunt evaluations. Both agreements include a provision that allows the landowners to select one-third of the participants (one for Lee and two for Swanz), and the department to notify two-thirds of the public 411-20 permit holders selected (two for Lee and four for Swanz) of the access opportunity. Public hunters are offered the opportunity to hunt on the enrolled property but may also hunt anywhere else the permit is valid. If any of the public hunters declines the opportunity to hunt on the ranch properties, it will be offered to the next randomly selected permit holder. For further clarification or additional materials, please call the Wildlife Division office at 406-444-2612 or send an email to fwpwld@mt.gov . Comments will be accepted online at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/public-comment-opportunities ; in writing sent to FWP Wildlife Comments, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701; and by email to fwpwld@mt.gov . Comments on the proposed 2021 wolf hunting and trapping season will also be accepted at a zoom public hearing from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30. Comments on the proposed items will be accepted until Monday, July 26, at 5 p.m., with final adoption at the August 2021 commission meeting.

Angling restriction on several rivers go into effect today due to warming water temperatures and low flows. The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” closures, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight, and some full fishing closures. The closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. The closures and hoot owl restrictions include: Beaverhead River hoot owl restrictions from the mouth to Laknar Lane Bridge; Smith River hoot owl restrictions from the confluence of the North and South Fork of the Smith River to Eden Bridge south of Great Falls; Shields River full fishing closure from the mouth to Rock Creek; Lower Big Hole River hoot owl restrictions from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Notch Bottom FAS; Upper Big Hole River full fishing closure from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road to the North Fork Big Hole River; Jefferson River entire river hoot owl restrictions; Sun River hoot owl restrictions from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 Bridge. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ drought policy provides for angling closures when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. The current forecasts for hot daily temperatures and existing low flows prompt implementing restrictions now. These closures are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when drought and warm water conditions exist. All stress to fish at this time of year is cumulative, and anglers should consider fishing in cooler waters during times of low flows and high water temperatures in rivers. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur: Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. Land the fish quickly. Keep the fish in water as much as possible. Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier. Let the fish recover before releasing it. If high temperatures and extremely low flows persist anglers may want to consider fishing areas with less stressful temperatures and conditions, such as larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation waterbodies.