TRAIL CREEK Location: 20 miles West of Wisdom Star t date: July 8, 2021 Size: 39,243 acres (IR mapping) Percent Contained: 26% Cause: Lightning Total personnel: 192 TRAIL CREEK FIRE: Crews plan to start clearing the fire debris from the Highway 43 corridor today, during the Montana DOT closure of the highway for bridge repairs through Friday morning. Two Type 2 Initial Attack crews will begin constructing line along the western boundary of the fire from the Continental Divide, northeast into May Creek. This line will help slow the fire's forward progression in the area. Firefighters continue to "mop-up" residual heat along the fire's perimeter and closely monitor interior and perimeter hot spots. Should the projected drying trend bring an increase in fire activity, the preventative work implemented by fire crews will strengthen containment lines and decrease the probability of spread. Crews will continue to maintain structure protection measures (water-handling equipment like pumps, hose, and sprinklers) in the Gibbonsville areas. Crews continue to work on a suppression repair plan in consultation with Tribal officials and representatives from the National Park Service, Big Hole Battlefield. ALDER CREEK Location: 7 miles west of Wise River Star t date: July 8, 2021 Size: 14,066 acres (IR mapping) Percent Contained: 15% Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 109 ALDER CREEK FIRE: The recent rain provided a much needed increase in fuel moisture, creating a lull in activity. Suppression actions will be to work the fire where accessible to help prevent the fire from impacting private property. Crews will continue structure protection and look for opportunities to keep the fire from south of the Big Hole River. Crews will proceed with patrol, monitor, and mop-up operations, as heavy fuels remain a concern with continued drying trend this week. Log removal and chipping operations will progress as weather and safety permits. CHRISTENSEN Location:12 miles west of Wise River Star t date: July 16, 2021 Size: 11,089 acres (IR mapping) Percent Contained: 15% Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 19 CHRISTENSEN FIRE: Crews continue to monitor the threat to primary residences and agricultural infrastructure along Highway 43 north of the Christensen Fire. The Sawlog Creek area will be monitored closely in anticipation of drying fuels and potential increased fire activity. TODAY'S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Temperatures over the fire yesterday were in the mid to high 60s with a minimum relative humidity around 30% and winds up to 25 mph. RH recovery last night was approximately 50%. We will continue to see a drying trend emerge from the weekend. Today, southwesterly winds are expected to average 15 mph with gusts around 30 mph. Temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 60s to low 70s with minimum relative humidity in the 20% range. Southwest winds will carry in smoke from northern California, increasing the smoke cover in the area. The warming and drying trend is projected into Tuesday and Wednesday, with precipitation and cloud coverage moving in later in the week. CLOSURES: The Continental Divide Trail is closed from Rock Creek to Mussigbrod Creek. The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. Campground Closures: May Creek Forest Closure orders are in effect on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon- Challis National Forests. Road Closure: Montana DOT will close Highway 43 from Wisdom to mile marker 7.5 for bridge repairs. The closure is in effect from 6 a.m. on Monday, August 23 until 6 a.m. on Friday, August 27.

Joe Sampson's Northern Rockies Team #5 assumed command of the fires at 6 a.m. this morning. Members of Northern Rockies Team #5 worked closely alongside the Southern Area Blue Team yesterday, with all sections "shadowing" their counterparts to ensure a smooth transition. Command of the Black Mountain Fire has been transferred back to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Given recent precipitation and much cooler temperatures, firefighters were able to monitor current activity on all three fires. Rain (and hail in some places) affected the area roads, limiting travel and operations to some degree. TRAIL CREEK Location: 20 miles West of Wisdom Star t date: July 8, 2021 Size: 39,196 acres Percent Contained: 26% Cause: Lightning Total personnel: 223 TRAIL CREEK FIRE: Crews are monitoring and "mopping up" residual heat in the area between Three Mile Creek and the Gibbonsville Road, where they completed a strategic burn operation earlier this week. Crews are also working to rehabilitate an area where handline was constructed near the Big Hole Battlefield. Crews are keeping a close eye on areas of residual heat in the Salix Creek area, in the Shoefly area south of Hogan's Cabin, and in the Three Mile Ridge/Nez Perce drainage areas. Structure protection measures (pumps, hose, and sprinklers) remain in place for structures in the Gibbonsville area. ALDER CREEK Location: 7 miles west of Wise River Star t date: July 8, 2021 Size: 14,056 acres Percent Contained: 15% Cause: Unknown Total per sonnel: 290 ALDER CREEK FIRE: Crews continue to strengthen containment lines and "mop up" areas of residual heat, specifically in the Foolhen Ridge area where heavy fuels continue to smolder and the fire is backing downhill slowly. Some heat is present in the Deno/Stein Creek areas, where the fire continues to smolder in heavy duff. Firefighters will check these areas for increased activity, with the warmer and drier conditions forecast for next week. CHRISTENSEN Location:12 miles west of Wise River Star t date: July 16, 2021 Size: 11,067 acres Percent Contained: 15% Cause: Unknown Total per sonnel: 33 CHRISTENSEN FIRE: Crews are removing heavy fuels to improve fuel breaks in the area north of the fire. Fire activity remains minimal, with very little heat observed. Fire managers will monitor a small pocket of heat in the Trident Peak area. TODAY'S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The fire areas received up to 1/4 inch of precipitation over the last 24 hours. Cooler temperatures and moister air further resulted in decreased fire activity temporarily. Relative humidity recoveries reached 90% last night. Today's forecast calls for temperatures in the 60s and relative humidity in the mid-50% range. Winds from the south/southwest could gust up to 20 mph. Today brings the best chance for thunderstorms for several days, with 75% cloud cover and the potential for gusty, erratic winds; brief, heavy rainfall; and small hail. Precipitation is likely from mid-afternoon to the evening hours. Another disturbance enters the area on Sunday/Monday, followed by a gradual drying and warming trend through next week. Fire behavior is limited to smoldering in the heavy fuels and minimal creeping in thick duff on the forest floor. Potential for large fire growth remains a concern, given the combination of warmer and drier conditions and strong, gusty winds. CLOSURES: The Continental Divide Trail is closed from Rock Creek to Mussigbrod Creek. The Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. Campground Closures: North and South VanHouten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes, May Creek and Divide Bridge Forest Closure orders are in effect on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon- Challis National Forests.

Dillon Beaver Football held their annual Blue VS Gold scrimmage game tonight at Vigilante Field. We have a photo gallery below The Beavers are looking good this year be sure to follow us for Beaver Sports highlights.

CITY HALL COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers August 24, 2021 4:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Discuss/Recommend Rental Agreement with Home School Group 3. Discuss/Recommend Roof Repairs on Bus Barn, Pump #3, Shop Building 4. Discuss/Recommend Elevator Addition and ADA Restroom Upgrades to City Hall 5. Discuss/Recommend Changing Council Rules of Procedure for Time Limit of Public and Censure of Council 6. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 7. Adjournment Committee Members: Raymond Graham - Chairperson Dan Nye John McGinley PLEASE NOTE : The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal (pre-virus). Any who would like to physically attend, are asked to please wear a face covering and practice 6-ft social distancing at the meeting. For those who are cautious about physically attending, a Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528 , allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 . Please mute your mic until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Thank you, Michael L. Klakken, Mayor

Montana State Parks recorded more than 1.5 million visitors from January through June of this year. Compared with same time period last year, visitation increased by 11.1% and increased 44.1% in comparison with 2019 visitation. Of the 45 state parks that were seasonally open during the first half of the year, 27 experienced an increase in estimated visitation compared with last year. “For the second straight year, the state parks system has experienced significant visitation growth for the first half of the year,” said Beth Shumate, state parks division administrator. “Our staff, volunteers, and partner organizations have done an excellent job of providing a safe and inviting place for people to experience some of the most outstanding historical, cultural, and recreational opportunities that Montana has to offer.” The top five most visited parks between January and June of this year were: Giant Springs State Park, Great Falls – 212,329 visits (up 6.3% from last year?) Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Helena – 152,515 visits (up 91.5%) Flathead Lake State Park (all units), Flathead Lake – 147,003 visits (down 8.4%) Cooney Reservoir State Park, Roberts – 124,834 visits (down 16.6%) Lake Elmo State Park, Billings – 106,754 visits (down 11.6%) State park snapshots from around the state: Northwest: Flathead Lake State Park (all units) had the highest visitation in the region at 147,003, visits, a decrease of 8.4% West: Milltown State Park had the highest visitation in the region with 48,361 visits, an increase of 88.1% Southwest: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park had the highest visitation in the region with 57,177 visits, an increase of 262.8%. North-central: Giant Springs had the highest visitation in the region as well as the state at 212,329 visits; an increase of 6.3% South-central: Cooney Reservoir State Park had the highest visitation in the region with 124,834 visits, a decrease of 16.6%. Southeast: Makoshika State Park had the highest visitation in the region with 72,650 visits, an increase of 24.3%. For more information on state park visitation call Kyan Bishop at 406-444-3364. To view the complete report visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/stateparks/reports/2021-midyear-visitation-report.pdf . Or visit online and click on “Montana State Parks Visitation Reports.”

Alder Creek Size: 14,056 Acres Containment: 15% Location: 7 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 282 Alder Creek Fire: Heat located above Foolhen Ridge in heavy fuels is smoldering due to the wet weather and high humidity. Structures near Deno and Stein creeks continue to be patrolled, and monitored for changes in activity. Firefighters will focus efforts on strengthening containment lines and removing pockets of heat that remain throughout the fire. Trail Creek Size: 39,169 Acres Containment: 26% Location: 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Lightning Total personnel: 240 Trail Creek Fire: Crews performed a tactical firing operation between Threemile Creek and Gibbonsville Road to provide an anchor point and increase control on fire. Structure protection remains and residents in Lemhi County in and near Gibbonsville remain in a “Set” evacuation status. weather continues to assist crews in containing the little heat detected. Although probability of spreading in the next few days is low, crews will continue to monitor the fire for increased activity as drying trend approaches. Along with mop up operations, crews will also focus on rehabilitating the handline that was used as an alternative to heavy equipment on the culturally sensitive Big Hole Battlefield. Christensen Size: 11,067 Acres Containment: 15% Location: 12 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 16, 2021 Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 52 Christensen Fire: Crews focused on securing the north side of Toomey creek, and refining fuel breaks near private land by removing logs and heavy fuels. Minimal fire activity was observed on the Christensen Fire, and similar conditions are expected today. Crews will continue to move timber and monitor the area around the fire. Fire Weather Today: We can expect showers and isolated storms with about 0.25”-0.5’’ of rain. Showers are expected to the North and West of fires, and expected to clear by late morning with 50-60% cloud cover. Highs today are projected to be in the upper 50’s with humidity in the low 40’s. Major Closures: Hwy 43 and Pioneer Byway remain open. Motorists are asked to slow down and be on thealert for firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please check the Montana DOT RoadReport website for current conditions. Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Mussigbrod Creek. Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South VanHouten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes, May Creek and Divide Bridge Campgrounds are closed. Forest Closure orders in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis National Forests are in effect for all three fires. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for SW Montana Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for Central ID

A 72 year old woman was struck while walking on the sidewalk. The accident happened on North Montana St. Wednesday afternoon. The driver of the vehicle Michael Stathem left the scene of the accident and was later arrested. Stathem is being held on a $75,000 bond for leaving the scene of an accident and other charges. The 72 year old victim had to be life flighted to a hospital that can treat her for her injuries. This is a developing story and as more information becomes available we will update it.

Only two weekends left in August, and it's getting closer to back to school. The summer is winding down and events are still happening. Lucky for you we have them all in one convenient place. Thursday, August 19 2021 Rocky Days Come join us August 19th & 20th from 9:30am-6pm for our Annual Rocky Days Sale! You won’t want to miss out on the lowest prices of the year! Crazy deals and great prices in Clothing, Hardware, Pet and Animal Health, Sporting Goods and more! This is one event you don't want to miss!! Sheridan, MT Cruise-In On Main Starting May 27th, we will be hosting a classic car/motorcycle Cruise-In on main every Thursday throughout the summer. This year we will be changing it up a bit by offering season ending prizes for most attended, furthest travelled and most cars entered. The prizes will be awarded at the KENNY STEINER MEMORIAL on September 11th. Come show off your classic cars or motorcycles and enjoy an evening in our beautiful town of Sheridan, MT. Even if you are interested in cars or just a passer-by, come hang with us! This is a free event to all. Our local Street Bazaar will be taking place at the same time! Please pass on the good word and we look forward to lining main street with some old time classics! Tri County Showdown, Boxing in Deer Lodge Boxing Returns to Deer Lodge! Last time we were spoiled with Knockouts and Upsets, I'm sure this year wont be any different! This card with stacked with the same locals from before, Tristen Mckinnon VS Jace Lane is gonna be the Main Event, Followed by Deer Lodges own Chad Wenz VS Erlan Bowman. Special Guest Ariel O’Neil will be there. Tickets are only $10 or VIP $300 for a table of 10. Friday, August 20 2021 Hardwood Heart at the Golden Bar (Dillon MT) Golden Bar music starts at 8 PM Summer Social! Come eat, drink and compete! All while mingling with your local Jaycee Chapter Members to learn more about what we all do for the community! There will also be THREE GIVEAWAYS! Ever been curious about what the Jaycees do? What events we put on? Or been curious about becoming a volunteer?! Come down and learn more from the members themselves! There will be food, a corn hole tournament, music, and also THREE GIVEAWAYS! Come down and visit! We'd love to see you! Reckless at Rocky's Roadhouse Live music starts at 7 PM LIVE MUSIC w/ Ennis City Ramblers Welcome to the Willie's Distillery Tasting Room! We like to sip whiskey, make cocktails, and listen to music in the small town of Ennis, MT. See you there. Full Moon ride on the Fire truck Join us for lots of FUN! Get a beverage for the ride... starts at 10PM Buck Ford , performing at Horse Prairie Stage Stop on Aug 20, 8:00 PM Cave Science - What & Why? Cavers are in the front lines of a new branch of geology, biology, physics, and general science. In this talk, you will discover some state-of-the-art cave science, its future and who exactly is a cave scientist. This is the thirteenth presentation in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park’s annual Friday Summer Speakers Series, which introduces a new speaker each Friday at 8 p.m. throughout the summer. About the speaker: Ethan Oleson is a geologist studying at Montana State University in Bozeman. He began caving in South Dakota at the age 16 and has been an avid caver ever since. He studies cave paleoclimate, minerals, and formation. Saturday, August 21 2021 12th Annual Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering Join us for the 2 days of highland games, dancing, live music, pipe & drums bands, vendors, food, hands-on & kids activities, clan gathering and much, much more! Daly Mansion Hamilton Montana. Every 3rd weekend in August. Paid parking at the Mansion, free parking and shuttle from Hamilton High School. Tickets will be available to purchase on-line starting in June. 2021 Butte Ride for Respect On August 21, 2021, riders will gather to take place in both a short ride (200 miles) and the Iron Butt ride (400-500 miles). At the completion of the rides, Copper Canyon Harley-Davidson will host a post-ride event, featuring the raffle drawing for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide with a custom paint job. Tickets for the Street Glide raffle can be purchased above. Register on the site below and raise funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Montana! https://www.classy.org/.../2021-ride-for-respect.../e335847 Squirrel for The Moose games! Lots of pool, games, fun and stuff to be had! End of summer games at the Moose! Salvage Safari Meet the artist reception Saturday August 21st 5-8 pm. Bring the kids!!! Exhibit Dates: Aug. 16th - Sept 30th Metal artist Steve Cook is featuring his whimsical trophy heads for the family friendly exhibit. Come take an adventure into the world of assemblage art! There will be Safari hats and stickers for the kids (while they last). Lions, Elephants and Gators are just a few of the creatures that will be on display. Summer Street Party Music - Food - Cornhole Tournament Come have some fun and enjoy the great weather with us!! Live Music W/Kailey Marie Music starts at 6 PM Sunday, August 22 2021 Hatch Chile Roast Our produce department will be roasting Hatch Chiles in our parking lot.

The State Administration and Veterans' Affairs (SAVA) Interim Committee will meet Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 9 a.m. in Room 102 of the State Capitol Building in Helena. The SAVA Committee will hear presentations on their assigned studies – HJ 8: Interim Study of Montana's Public Employee Retirement Systems and SJ 35: Interim Study of DPHHS Procurement Practices – and then finalize their work plan for the interim. The Committee will take public comment on all agenda items, as well as any other topics under their jurisdiction. To offer public comment via Zoom during the meeting, please complete the online form for remote participation . The deadline to sign up to provide Zoom comments is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24. Written public comment may be submitted either through the online form for written comment or by sending the comments to Rebecca Power, P.O. Box 201706, Helena, MT 59620. An agenda, meeting materials, instructions on how the public can participate and provide public comment, and a link to stream the meeting live are available on the meeting info page on the committee's website .

Alder Creek Size: 13,984 Acres Containment: 15% Location: 7 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 281 Alder Creek Fire: On Wednesday, the Beaverhead County Sheriff rescinded all evacuations around Highway 43 and the Pioneer Scenic Byway; there are currently no remaining evacuations in Beaverhead County. Structure protection will remain in place. Firefighters will focus efforts on strengthening containment lines and removing pockets of heat that remain throughout the fire. Much of this effort will be concentrated in the Dino Creek Drainage near the Pioneer Scenic Byway and Foolhen Ridge along the northwest portion of the fire. Trail Creek Size: 38,845 Acres Containment: 26% Location: 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Lightning Total personnel: 239 Trail Creek Fire: Crews have worked hard to keep the fire from crossing Threemile Creek and have successfully anchored containment lines into Gibbonsville Road. Structure protection remains throughout the area, and smoke will continue to be visible once the inversion layer lifts and the current weather system passes. Residents in Lemhi County in and near Gibbonsville remain in a “Set” evacuation status. Crews will continue to improve control lines and mop-up hot spots in and around Battle Mountain near the Big Hole Battlefield, and Gory Creek on the southeastern portion of the fire. Christensen Size: 11,012 Acres Containment: 15% Location: 12 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 16, 2021 Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 33 Christensen Fire: Minimal fire activity was observed on the Christensen Fire on Wednesday, and similar conditions are expected today. Favorable conditions will allow firefighters to access the northern perimeter of the fire and mop-up hotspots. Black Mountain Size: 1,042 Acres Containment: 90% Location: 13 miles south of Jackson, MT Start Date: July 17, 2021 Cause: Lightning Black Mountain Fire: With containment of the Black Mountain Fire increasing to 90 percent, and no fire activity observed for nearly two weeks, resources will continue to be reassigned to other fires throughout the area. The Black Mountain Fire will continue to be patrolled, and crews will look for and extinguish any remaining heat throughout the fire. Fire Weather: Widespread precipitation across all four fires occurred over the past two days, with total accumulation ranging from 1-4 tenths of an inch. This precipitation has resulted in nearly 100 percent humidity recovery at night, causing minimal fire behavior and favorable firefighting conditions. Today, temperatures will be warmer, with highs varying from the mid-50s to mid-60s, with light winds at 5-10 mph out of the northwest. Minimum relative humidity will be 50 percent. There is a 45 percent chance of precipitation today, with an increase in precipitation occurring in the coming days. Major Closures: • Hwy 43 and Pioneer Byway remain open. Motorists are asked to slow down and be on the alert for firefighters, heavy smoke, and downed trees. Please check the Montana DOT Road Report website for current conditions. • Continental Divide Trail: Closed from Lemhi Pass north to Mussigbrod Creek. • Big Hole National Battlefield is closed until further notice. North and South VanHouten, Miner Lakes, Twin Lakes, May Creek and Divide Bridge Campgrounds are closed. • Forest Closure orders in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis National Forests are in effect for all three fires. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for SW Montana Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for Central Idaho

University of Montana Western Interim Director of Athletics Janelle Handlos has announced the hiring of JT Robbins as the university’s next head rodeo coach. “We are excited to welcome JT home to Montana Western Rodeo. His exceptional experience competing and coaching events both ends of the arena will serve all of our rodeo student-athletes well,” Handlos said. "JT’s understanding of the support systems for our rodeo program will allow him to get to work quickly preparing for fall competitions and strengthening our many community partnerships." While working in agricultural management for the past two decades, Robbins has also been involved as a Director for the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit, Montana High School Rodeo Association and youth rodeo associations. Though his collegiate and professional experience focused on saddle bronc, Robbins has also competed in timed events and has served as a coach for young cowboys and cowgirls in all rodeo events. "My family and I are excited to be returning to Dillon and Montana Western Rodeo," Robbins said. "I look forward to working with this great group of student-athletes and our supporters." Robbins served as a team captain for UMW rodeo and saddle bronc director for the Big Sky Region during his collegiate career. Professionally, he earned a Montana Pro Rodeo circuit title and qualified twice for the Dodge National Circuit Finals. Robbins will assume his position immediately as the UMW Rodeo Team prepares to begin the fall season at Cody, Wyo. on September 11.

The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture hosts their August Lunch n Learn featuring Chancellor, Michael Reid of University of Montana Western. Mike will share with us any updates from the college and his vision for the future. Join us at The Den, Thursday, Aug. 19th at 12Noon! Cost is $18/pp for a pizza buffet lunch and the speaker. To make a reservation, please email Rebecca at info@beaverheadchamber.org .

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, while still keeping focused on statewide wildlife population management goals. “Hunters have told us for years that our regulations are too complicated,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “Past efforts to simplify the regulations have mostly resulted in small changes every two years. It’s time to take a more holistic look at the regulations to make them more understandable and effective.” Hunters and the public will have multiple opportunities to comment during this year’s season setting process. In late September, FWP will put potential changes to hunting regulations for the 2022 and 2023 seasons out for 30 days of public comment. A second 30-day public comment opportunity will come following the Dec. 14 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting to ensure hunter voices are heard. “We’ll put science-based proposals out for people to chew on early in the process, to promote transparency and encourage public engagement,” Worsech said. The biggest changes hunters can look for will be a reduction in the number of license/permit types (LPTs) and the number of hunting districts. In several instances around the state, adjacent hunting districts have similar regulations. In those cases, FWP may propose combining hunting districts and eliminating duplicative regulations. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will see both the department proposals and public comments before its meeting Dec. 14. At that meeting, the commission will approve a refined, draft set of hunting regulations for further public comment. Then it will adopt the final 2022 and 2023 hunting regulations in February. A simplified approach to hunting regulations is something FWP staff have worked on for the past four years. The first steps were to clarify and simplify some of the legal language in the regulations and make them consistent in all FWP regulation booklets. That step was completed almost three years ago. The next step is to dig a bit deeper in order to provide clarity and reduce complexity. “Ultimately, the aim is to have regulations that are consistent with state law and management objectives, clarify hunter opportunity, and encourage participation,” Worsech said. “It’s time for a better approach, and we’re eager to hear what hunters think. We’ll focus directly on the wildlife resource and look to the public and commission to help us get this right.” These proposed changes will be posted at fwp.mt.gov when they first become available for public comment in September.

Letter from Beaverhead County Sheriff Paul Craft. Based on information received from the Southeast Blue Team, it has been decided that all evacuation notices around the Alder Creek and Christensen fire be rescinded. Containment lines and weather conditions are favorable for this decision. Although the eminent threat in the area has been reduced, residents in the vicinity of the Alder Creek and Christensen fires are urged to remain vigilant to the ever changing conditions on these fires. This change in evacuations will go into effect at 8:00 am on August 18, 2021. Please remember that Beaverhead County is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Fire are only allowed using devices with an on/off switch that uses LPG fuels, in a 3-feet diameter area clear of flammable materials are allowed. Smoking in a vehicle, in a building or in a 3-feet diameter area clear of flammable materials is allowed. Only operate motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails. We are just moving into our fire season, please be careful with any activity that could produce a spark or fire.

Several “hoot owl” restrictions currently in effect on portions of some Montana rivers will be lifted at 2 p.m. today. Restrictions will be lifted on: Missouri River from the Cascade boat ramp to Holter Dam (river mile 2,166.2 to 2,202.1) Madison River from Ennis Dam to the border with Yellowstone National Park (river mile 40 to 131) Stillwater River from the confluence with the Yellowstone River to Absaroka Fishing Access Site (river mile 0.0 to 13) The hoot owl restriction on the lower Madison River from the confluence with the Missouri River to Ennis Dam (river mile 0.0 to 40) remains in place due to high water temperatures. Hoot owl restrictions means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Angling restrictions are implemented based on several considerations: stream flow, water temperatures, angling pressure and other angling restrictions in the area that may divert use to waterways where circumstances are increasing stress on the fishery. Before you go fishing, please be aware of the conditions. Numerous other rivers in Montana are also under fishing restrictions. For a full list, visit FWP’s website: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions . If you’re looking for angling opportunities, many ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Montana provide good mid-summer angling options. For more information go online to fwp.mt.gov . Streams at higher elevations that don’t experience higher temperatures are another good option.

Alder Creek Size: 13,984 Acres Containment: 10% Location: 7 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 279 Alder Creek Fire: Smoke and cloud cover limited fire behavior across the area and kept movement slower than expected. Aircraft were able to drop water on the Deno Creek and Stine Ridge areas to keep heat down on the southeast section of the fire. Logging operations continued to remove downed trees from surrounding roads. Crews also tested and ran water pumps for structure protection near the Pioneer Scenic Byway. Trail Creek Size: 38,845 Acres Containment: 26% Location: 20 miles west of Wisdom, MT Start Date: July 8, 2021 Cause: Lightning Total personnel: 273 Trail Creek Fire: Aircraft dropped water on hot spots that remained in areas north of the Big Hole Battlefield. Fire could move slowly through Salix Creek, but will run into wet meadow barriers. Heat remains in the Gory Creek drainage with a little movement to the south. The fire moved off of Three Mile Ridge and backed into the bottom of the Nez Perce drainage. There will be an increase in firefighter presence in the area between Gibbonsville and Three Mile Creek to ensure the fire doesn’t cross Gibbonsville Rd. Crews worked to improve defensive lines around the fire with lookouts posted to identify fire growth to the west. This early detection allows crews to take swift suppression actions. Christensen Size: 11,012 Acres Containment: 10% Location: 12 miles west of Wise River, MT Start Date: July 16, 2021 Cause: Unknown Total personnel: 52 Christensen Fire: Crews took advantage of the weather conditions to continue constructing lines on the northwest side of the fire. These defensive lines near Highway 43 are nearly complete. Fire movement was contained to the interior of the fire. Due to the incoming cold front, fire growth is expected to be minimal through Wednesday. Black Mountain Size: 1,042 Acres Containment: 85% Location: 13 miles south of Jackson, MT Start Date: July 17, 2021 Cause: Lightning Black Mountain Fire: No fire activity has been reported for nearly two weeks now. As chipping operations along Forest Service Road 7335 near completion, resources will become available for other fires. Crews continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter. Fire Weather Today: The weather shifted with increased winds Monday evening, helping clear some smoke from the area, however drift smoke from the south and southwest remains. Cloud cover along with the smoke kept fire behavior minimal. A new weather pattern will bring precipitation to the area Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Cooling temperatures and increased humidity will create favorable conditions for minimum fire growth.