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The Bear Creek Fire was reported at approximately 10:30 am on August 11 south of Lemhi Pass on the Dillon Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A late night infrared flight mapped the fire at 4200 acres. The fire is currently 0% contained.  A Type 2 IMT (Northern Rockies Team 5) assumed command of the fire this morning at 6:00 am. Resources assigned to the fire include; 8 helicopters, three Type 1 Crews, three engines and 139 total personnel.  Scoopers and airtankers are available to assist in air operations as needed.  The fire is expected to experience near critical fire weather conditions today, resulting in active fire behavior. Winds will be gusty, and relative humidity will be low. Areas exposed to the influence of the wind are expected to burn actively with short crown runs and potential for short-range spotting. Public and firefighter safety are the top priority. Temporary closures are in effect. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is closed from Lemhi Pass to Bannock Pass. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from Brenner Lane to the Idaho border. All BLM lands south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of U.S. Highway 324, and east of the Continental Divide along the Montana Stateline are closed.  Closure update: the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has instituted a closure for USFS-administered lands south of Lemhi Pass Road, west of Highway 324, and east of the Continental Divide, due to the Bear Creek Fire. Closure update: the U.S. Forest Service - Salmon-Challis National Forest has closed portions of Warm Springs Road (60185) and Agency Creek Road (60013) due to the Bear Creek Fire.

Hard to believe we are halfway through August and the summer is winding down. Still a few events happening but many have been cancelled. Friday August 14th Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM – 1 PM Free gentle yoga in the garden, taught by yoga instructor, Joan Hendrickson. Enjoy the beautiful creekside setting, and living things growing all around. Children welcomed. Roasted Hatch Chiles 12 PM – 6 PM We will be roasting Hatch chilies outside our store from 12-6pm Friday & Saturday Cole Snider Live Music!! 9 PM – 12 AM Come join us for some live music with Cole Snider on Friday, August 14th! Saturday August 15th Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. August Street Party 5 PM – 11 PM Street party! Live music, food, cornhole tournament, and more Fisheries Program 2 PM Bannack State Park. Have you ever wondered what kind of fish are in Grasshopper Creek or why fisheries biologists use electro fishing sampling? If you have, today is your chance to find out. Join FWP Fisheries Technician, Lucas Bateman, as he demonstrates electro fishing sampling and uses the catch to identify the species living in Grasshopper Creek. This is a fun and educational program for all ages. Unfortunately this is all we can find for events that are happening this weekend. As always if you have an upcoming event feel free to email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com so we can ad it to our events calendar. Have a fun and safe weekend.

Dillon, MT August 12, 2020 at 6:00 pm    The Bear Creek Fire was reported at approximately 10:30 am on August 11 in the Lemhi Pass area on the Dillon Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, (B-D). Lightning was determined to be the cause of the fire. The fire size increased to approximately 5,000 acres by 4:00 PM this evening. Fire officials report that it burned actively throughout the day in all fire divisions, in fuels primarily of dead and down timber, heavy timber and some grass sage.  Continued Red Flag Conditions and high winds fueled the fire growth. The Red Flag Conditions are predicted to end at 9:00 pm tonight; however potential for active fire behavior will continue. Aviation resources were grounded today by the high winds, smoke and erratic fire behavior. Additionally, ground resources were limited by active fire behavior and inaccessibility due to the steep, rugged terrain. Fire officials anticipate beginning preps of in-direct fire lines this evening, depending on fire behavior. An area closure will be done for public and firefighter safety, the first priority of fire management officials. There are no evacuations at this time. Resources on scene remain the same, with an addition of helicopters to two Type 1, three Type 2, two Type 3 and two Type 3 scooper helicopters. A variety of other resources are either on site or inbound, including dozers, strike teams and other fire support. There are approximately 200 persons on site, additional inbound, all assigned to Bear Creek Fire. The Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) of the Northern Rockies Team arrived today, led by Incident Commander (IC) Joe Sampson, and held an in-briefing at noon with B-D fire officials. At 6:00 am tomorrow, August 13, the Type 2 team will assume control of the fire. An incident command post, (ICP) will be established in Dillon and limited to 25 people. Other fire personnel will be staged in spike camps to assure social distancing. Smoke continues to be visible over a large area throughout the day, including Dillon, the communities of the Big Hole Valley, Tendoy, Lemhi Valley, and the area surrounding Salmon, Idaho.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced he will direct $10 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to create the Live Entertainment Grant Program to provide long term viability for the live entertainment industry. “Live entertainment businesses that bring together large groups of Montanans and visitors have had to cancel or postpone all of their events during the pandemic. While that effort has certainly minimized transmission of COVID-19 and kept their customers and employees safe, it has greatly impacted their revenues and outlook,” Governor Bullock said. “This funding will offer support to the hundreds of workers employed in the live entertainment industry and provide long term support to businesses to ensure they can resume offering events that are fundamental to our quality of life, as soon as it’s safe to do so.” As Montana continues making progress toward economic recovery and most sectors have reopened, live entertainment businesses across the state have remained closed due to health risks related to large gatherings or acts that have postponed touring. To ensure entertainment businesses can survive extended closures and postponement, the Live Entertainment Grant Program will provide up to 25 percent of a business’ 2019 gross revenue or a maximum of $1,000,000 per applicant. The program is available to Montana based businesses and non-profits in the live entertainment business, and whose revenues primarily come from live entertainment events. Applicants must have derived at least 33 percent of their 2019 revenue from sale of tickets for live events and must be operating at less than 10% of last years’ revenue. Bars, restaurants, and other facilities whose primary business is anything other than live entertainment are not eligible. Applications will be evaluated on a first come first serve basis and will be open on August 12 at covidrelief.mt.gov. Governor Bullock also announced he is doubling the funds available in the Business Stabilization Grant Program to provide working capital for small businesses that have seen their revenue decline as a result of the pandemic. Nearly 8,000 businesses that have already been awarded a Business Stabilization Grant are eligible to receive a second payment equal to the first, and new applicants as well as applications in progress are now eligible to receive up to 6 months of working capital or $20,000, whichever is less. Businesses eligible to receive a second grant will be contacted by the Montana Department of Commerce via email and should not submit a second application. Additionally, Governor Bullock announced a grant program for businesses located along the east edge of Glacier National Park, which have been uniquely hit hard by the pandemic due to ongoing closures on that side of the park. Many businesses are entirely dependent on visitation to keep their operations running throughout the year. Supporting them now will ensure they can sustain their operations for next year’s tourism season. Tourism reliant businesses in the East edge of Glacier National Park may be eligible to apply for a grant for up to 25 percent of their 2019 gross revenue or up to $40,000. To be eligible, businesses must be located along the eastern edge of Glacier National Park in the immediate vicinity of East Glacier, St. Mary or Babb and must be Montana based. The application will be available next week on covidrelief.mt.gov Governor Bullock has allocated nearly 80% of the CARES Act dollars, with over $210 million of that awarded, to help Montanans, small businesses, nonprofits, farmers and ranchers, schools and local governments and more toward economic recovery. A transparency dashboard of awarded funds and a list of all allocated dollars is available at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV.

Dillon, MT August 11, 2020      The Bear Creek Fire was reported at approximately 10:30 am this morning.  The fire is currently located at Lemhi Pass on the Dillon Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.  By midday the fire had grown to approximately 100 acres, and fanned by very high winds it reached over 200 acres by late afternoon. At this time the cause of the fire is not known. Federal, state and local fire officials responded quickly, but both ground and air engagements were not safe and very difficult due to the active fire behavior and continued Red Flag Warning conditions including high winds, low humidity and a significant amount of dry fuels. Fire management’s first priority remains firefighter and public safety. Weather predictions show that the Red Flag Warnings will persist through Thursday, August 13 this week. Currently resources on site include: two Type 1 Crews; two Type 2 Crews; a Type 2 Initial Attack crew; one each Type 2 and Type 3 Helicopters; six Type 6 Engines; 1 tactical Water Tender. Later today additional resources were ordered including four more Type 4 Engines, and three Type 1 Crews. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) was ordered and will arrive take control of the incident the morning of August 13th. Smoke is visible over a significant area, including Dillon, communities of the Big Hole Valley, Tendoy, Lemhi Valley, and the area surrounding Salmon, Idaho. Photo credits Cheri Ford, Forest Supervisor B-D

The crew at Big Tyme want to introduce Beaverhead County to the new and improved version of The Beaverhead County mascot. At the request of Beaver fans, Big Tyme got to work, wanting to get away from the generic and cartoon-looking logos from the past. Their goal was to create a logo unique to Beaverhead County, that not everybody already had. Employees Amanda Morton and Morgan McLaren, along with owner Andy Bartlome, took a different take on a beaver's head. They wanted it to have the beaver profile but also highlight Beaverhead County as the iconic place that it is. They used the scenic outline of the Pioneer Mountains to give the beaver's head depth, the Beaverhead River to separate the upper and lower part of the beaver's head, and the Beaverhead Valley as the lower portion of the head. The fresh, original take on the beaver emblem is sure to leave a lasting impression. Great job Big Tyme! If you would like to get your hands on some new Beaver gear and help out the booster club, follow this link . A portion of the proceeds will go to the Booster Club also, Big Tyme Sportswear and Design will be selling merchandise in their store. Be sure to sport this creative design and show your hometown pride!

Press Release Sadie Caltrider August 11th, 2020 Beaverhead County PIO Cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Beaverhead County As of 12:00pm on 8/10/2020 Beaverhead County Public Health reports 64 total cases in Beaverhead County since the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic. There are currently 8 active cases. There is one current hospitalization (included in the active case count). As with every case if you are not contacted by public health, you are not considered a close contact. A close contact is considered someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. As we’ve seen our cases more than double in the last two weeks, we implore residents to follow social distancing guidelines, wear face coverings in indoor public places or at outdoor events where social distancing isn’t easily performed, perform frequent hand washing, and remain home when you are not feeling well. We are now experiencing community spread in Beaverhead County, meaning that not all cases have identified origins. Our community has begun to experience the fallout of quarantines, meaning many individuals have been unable to go to work or attend social functions because of quarantine restrictions. You can greatly reduce your risk of having to quarantine by following social distancing measures and avoiding gathering with groups of people that don’t live in your household. If you are identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive patient you will be REQUIRED to quarantine for 14 days from your last date of contact. We must stress that this isn’t suggested or optional, it is an enforceable order. Be safe, stay vigilant. These measures help yourself, your family, your friends, and the businesses in this community that you support.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced nearly $100,000 has been awarded to 12 applicants through the Montana Farmer Student Loan Assistance Program, which was created to encourage Montana’s college-educated youth to pursue a primary career in farming or ranching. The program also seeks to reduce financial stress on farm and ranch operators and promote succession planning to preserve interest in the state’s agricultural future. “With the average age of producers in Montana at nearly 60 years old, it’s critical we invest in young folks and ensure there’s a path to a sustainable career in agriculture, ” Governor Bullock said. “This program is vital to the future of Montana’s ag industry and supports our young producers by removing financial barriers and encouraging younger Montanans to pursue careers in farming and ranching.” The Montana Farmer Student Loan Assistance Program originated during the 2019 legislative session as House Bill 431 sponsored by Representative Zach Brown. This is the first round of awards made through the program and determined by the Agriculture Development Council. Successful applicants will receive loan assistance for up to five years for qualified education loans. The next funding cycle will open in the Spring of 2021. For more information, visit agr.mt.gov/Student-Loan-Assistance-Program . The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit www.agr.mt.gov .

Governor Steve Bullock announced that he will direct up to $20 million in funding to the Montana University System (MUS) to support its fall semester COVID-19 strategy for testing students.  “The ability of our Montana students to continue their education on campus this fall is critical to our state’s future, but we must ensure that we are doing so safely – and a comprehensive testing strategy is a key piece to making that possible,” said Governor Bullock. “This funding will enable campuses to carry out testing and response protocols that are targeted, rapid and effective.” MUS will prioritize rapid detection and isolation of new COVID-19 cases, rapid contact tracing for each of those cases, and rapid quarantine and testing of individuals who have had close contact with positive COVID-19 cases. To prioritize resources, MUS will not test each student arriving to its campuses, but tests will be available to those who need them and MUS will also use epidemiological surveillance testing to improve effectiveness of mitigation efforts.  MUS testing protocols are based on extensive consultation with university system medical directors and epidemiologists, as well as public health officials. “We’re taking a strategic approach designed to quickly identify and isolate infected individuals and their contacts,” said Clayton Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education. “It’s sustainable and targeted, with a focus on rapid testing, aggressive contact tracing and rapid quarantine and testing of those contacts.” “We’re deeply grateful to the Governor for this funding, which will help us better implement our testing protocols and procedures,” said Commissioner Christian, adding that while testing is critical to mitigating COVID-19, it is but one piece of a comprehensive plan. “We’ve established a physical environment designed to curb the spread of COVID, but its effectiveness depends on each of us doing the right thing – wear a face covering, stay home if you’re sick, mind your social distance, wash your hands and avoid large gatherings,” said Commissioner Christian. “As we welcome students and employees back to campus, we’re asking everyone to show your school spirit in the fight against COVID-19.” Funding for the testing is derived from the state’s allocation of federal relief dollars made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Funds will be used to assist with rapid testing of symptomatic individuals, contract tracing for positive cases, and quarantine efforts.

Governor Bullock to Allow Counties the Choice to Conduct Mail Ballot Election and Expand Early Voting for November General Election Governor Steve Bullock today issued a directive to ensure all eligible Montanans can safely vote in the 2020 November general election by allowing counties to expand voting by mail and early voting. Whether or not they provide mail ballots, all counties will be required to offer in person voting opportunities and take precautions to ensure Montanans have the option to register or vote safely. “I am in agreement with our bipartisan election administrators – who are the ones on the ground with the first-hand knowledge of how to successfully conduct an election – that we must protect Montanans’ right to vote, while protecting the public’s health,” Governor Bullock said. “Locally elected officials best understand the voting needs of their communities, and taking this action now ensures they will have the time to make the right decisions for their localities. With this approach we can protect that fundamental right to vote, while easing crowding and pressure on voting on Election Day.” The directive permits counties, at their discretion, to expand access to voting by mail and early voting. Counties that opt to vote by mail will still require counties to allow in person voting. All counties must ensure appropriate social distancing to provide safe voting and voter registration for all Montanans. For the primary election, county election administrators adeptly managed the change in procedures and held a safe election marked by an increase in voter turnout compared to previous primary elections. In July, the bipartisan Montana Association of Clerk and Recorders and Election Administrators as well as the Montana Association of Counties requested that Governor Bullock again give counties the option to conduct a mail ballot election in November. Their request stressed the ethical concerns with following standard election procedures, which would produce serious risks for voters and poll workers alike—effectively forcing Montanans to choose between their safety and the right to vote. The election administrators also stressed the chaos that could follow if polling locations are closed at the last minute or if counties are forced to consolidate polling locations in response to outbreaks. The option to provide mail ballots while expanding early voting will protect Montanans’ right to vote, while protecting the public’s health. The CDC has recognized that in person voting on election day increases the risk of transmitting COVID-19, and has urged states to use voting methods that reduce crowd size. Many Montana election workers are over the age of 60 and are often in close proximity to each other, large crowds, and interact with paper, pens, and other items that could be infected and exchanged frequently. Governor Bullock’s Directive contains three central components: Counties may choose to send mail ballots and expand early voting for the November 3, 2020 general election. Counties are encouraged to publicize available options and to work with nonprofit organizations to ensure that all Montanans will have access to a ballot, whether in person, early, or by mail. All counties must establish, implement, and enforce social distancing policies at polling locations, designated drop-off locations, or other public-facing portions of facilities involved in voting. The Directive largely mirrors the June 2020 primary Directive, but also reflects feedback from the bipartisan group of county election administrators, who studied the June 2020 primary. The Directive encourages election administrators to publicize mail and early voting options, to make options available to voters early, and to work with local nonprofit organizations to facilitate voting on reservations in particular. Based on county election administrators’ feedback, the directive also requests that the Secretary of State’s Office include designated place of deposit locations on voters’ “My Voter Page” profiles in addition to available polling places and recommends that Automark or Expressvote technology be made available at polling locations from Oct. 2 through election day. Additionally, the Directive provides expanded timelines for voter registration, ballot distribution, and early voting opportunities. The Directive extends the close of regular voter registration until 10 days before the election to minimize the need for in-person registration or lines. County election administrators will be able to make ballots available from Oct. 2 until the end of the election. Mail-in ballots will be sent on Oct. 9 and no postage will be required to return ballots by mail. Finally, the Directive requires that counties, regardless of their voting procedures, implement social distancing guidelines to make voter registration and voting safer for all Montanans and reduce spreading COVID-19 within communities. As CDC guidelines provide, counties must ensure a minimum of six feet of distancing between individuals at polling locations, designated drop-off locations, or public-facing portions of facilities involved in voting. The full Directive is linked here .

First weekend in August and a lot of fewer things to do, thanks to COVID. Still a few events hanging on for those looking for something to do. Also don’t forget if you go to the great outdoors be careful with your campfires. Friday August 7th Tai Chi (free classes) 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Free Tai Chi classes continue. Please practice social distancing. Annual Community Lab Screening Event In August 7:15 AM – 12 PM Choose Prevention—Over Cure It’s simple: Preventative lab screenings can save your life. Barrett Hospital & HealthCare wants to make it as easy as possible for you to get the screenings you need. Join us for our annual Community Lab Screening event held August 3rd through August 14th. WHEN: Monday - Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. WHERE: Hospital Location Only •No appointment is necessary, walk-in anytime Monday-Friday from 7:15 a.m.-12:00 noon. •Easy access: Lab screenings conveniently located at Barrett Hospital. •A provider’s order is not needed to obtain lab screenings. •Payment by cash, check or credit card is required at the time of service. • Results become part of your electronic medical record, available through MyChart or they will be mailed directly to you. Lab Screening Tests and Their Cost Complete Metabolic Panel $16.00 Lipid Panel $15.00 Vitamin D $25.00 Insulin $16.00 A1C $15.00 TSH $23.00 CBC $15.00 Hepatitis C Screening (HCV Ab) $25.00 CRP $22.00 C-Peptide $19.00 Vitamin B12 $21.00 Blood Type & Rh (ABO & Rh) $25.00 Magnesium $12.00 PSA $23.00 Ferritin $20.00 Iron $13.00 Uric Acid, Blood $10.00 HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab 4th Gen $20.00 Free Yoga in the Garden 12 PM – 1 PM Free gentle yoga in the garden, taught by yoga instructor, Joan Hendrickson. Enjoy the beautiful creekside setting, and living things growing all around. Children welcomed. Dyce Creek Mahogany Project Aug 7 at 5 PM – Aug 9 at 12 PM Beaverhead Mule Deer Chapter Mahogany Project The Beaverhead MDF Chapter would like to invite you to a field day Friday August 7 - Sunday August 9. Schedule: Friday, August 7 - Evening - Campout Saturday, August 8 - 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM with Lunch Break at 12:00 PM. Potluck to follow work party on Saturday Evening - Potluck Style:Last name A-N, Bring Dessert, Last Name M-Z bring a salad. Sunday, August 9 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Finish up odds and ends and clean up. The Location- Road will be flagged The UTM's for the worksite are Zone 12 E:339376, N:5017908 and the camp site is on West Fork Dyce Creek at E:337244, N:5016769. You can access the worksite off HWY 278 via Taylor Creek road to Red Butte Rd #1876- approx 4.5 miles. For camping take HWY 278 to Taylor Creek Road at the top of Badger Pass to BLM Rd #1878 to the West Fork of Dyce Creek and turn left on Rd #1879 to the UTM's provided. approx 4.5 miles from Taylor Cr Rd. A combination of factors has played against mule deer populations, but a crucial piece of the mule deer’s winter food supply, mahogany, has been a critical player. We will be cutting Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and juniper that grow much faster than mahogany. And as they grow, their canopies can also block out the sun and choke out the mahogany. The species is shade-intolerant, meaning it will die if it doesn’t get copious amounts of sunlight. When it’s infringed upon by an overstory of conifers that block out the sun, it withers away. Please respond if you are able to attend. Items Needed- Gloves, loppers, pruning shears, Contacts: Ryan Nagle 509-939-0185 Cory Creighton 406-660-0518 Kelly Bocktin 406-683-8000 Saturday August 8th Dillon Farmers' Market 9 AM – 1 PM Hand made and home grown local specialties offered by up to 20 vendors. High Country Harmony 7 PM – 9 PM Bannack State Park proudly Presents High Country Harmony! Saturday August 8th @ 7:00pm Located at the pavillion Debi Zohner and Angie Hurley met in Bannack nearly 30 years ago and have been making music together ever since. The duo, High Country Harmony, has recorded 2 CDS and enjoy singing old time hymns and cowboy songs. They will be singing the sweetest music this side of heaven, your favorite cowboy, folk, and gospel songs. Plenty of space for social distancing! Sunday August 9th Madison County Youth Rodeo 10 AM – 5 PM This SW Youth Rodeo is one of the best in the west! We have lots of age groups, lots of events and lots of prizes including snow cone tickets and cash payouts for the kiddos! As always if you have an event coming up please email us at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com we will put it on our event calendar and if it’s on the weekend we will include it in the Weekend Rundown for free.

Several rivers in southwest Montana will close to fishing during the afternoon each day due to a seasonal rise in water temperatures. “Hoot-owl” restrictions prohibit fishing during the hottest times of the day. A hoot-owl restriction prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day will go into effect on Aug. 6 for the following water bodies: The lower Gallatin River from the Highway 84 bridge near Four Corners to the Missouri River. The lower Ruby River from Duncan District Road to the Beaverhead River. The Big Hole River from the North Fork of the Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge west of Wise River, and from Maidenrock Fishing Access Site to the Beaverhead River, in accordance with the Big Hole Watershed Committee Drought Plan. The lower Beaverhead River from Anderson Lane to the Jefferson River. The entire Jefferson River, in accordance with the Jefferson River Drought Plan. Each of these areas have met their respective established requirements for hoot-owl restrictions, which include water temperatures exceeding 73 degrees for at least three consecutive days. Restrictions of this nature are designed to protect fish such as Arctic grayling and trout, which all become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions such as high temperatures combine with additional stressors. The restrictions for each river will be lifted when peak water temperatures stay below 70 degrees for three consecutive days, but no later than Sept. 15. A permanent yearly hoot-owl restriction also went into effect this year for the lower Madison River from the Warm Springs Boat Launch to the Jefferson River. That restriction will be in effect every year from July 15 through Aug. 15.

At its meeting on Aug. 13, the Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear two petitions regarding River Recreation on the Madison River. The Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM) and the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GGTU) along with the Anaconda Sportsmen Association (ASA) will present their petitions directly to the commission. Both petitions are requesting rulemaking to address recreation on the Madison River. Following the presentation of the petitions, FWP staff will answer questions but will not represent any support or opposition to the petitions. Pursuant to 2-4-315, Montana Code Annotated, the commission must either deny the petition or initiate rulemaking on the petition. If the commission chooses to propose rule language other than what is contained in the petition, the commission must deny the petition and then propose rule language. If the commission chooses portions of the petitions to adopt or deny, it must be clearly indicated on the record. FWP recommends the commission propose rule language regarding management of recreational use on the Madison River for public comment, whether based on these petitions or not.  Shortly after the canceled June Commission meeting on this topic two petitions were received and the decision was made to dedicate the August 13 meeting to just the required petition process, rather than FWP staff presenting an EA.  If the Commission moves forward with any proposed rulemaking, an appropriately focused EA would accompany that process.  This would include ample opportunity for the diverse public interests and perspectives to review and weigh in, ultimately helping to assemble an effective and enduring solution.    Both petitions are available on the commission page of the FWP website, fwp.mt.gov . The meeting will be held using the video conferencing platform Zoom. Details on how to access the meeting will be posted on fwp.mt.gov closer to the meeting date. The meeting will also be audio streamed online at fwp.mt.gov . The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. The full agenda is available on the FWP website.

Hunters can get their 2020 Block Management Area (BMA) Hunting Access Guide, individual BMA map and rules information beginning Aug. 10. Hunters are strongly encouraged to request their 2020 BMA Hunting Access Guide and individual BMA maps and rules via mail, email, phone or by completing the online Access Guide request form and downloading or printing BMA maps at fwp.mt.gov/BMA . For those who’ve already have ordered one, guides will be shipped beginning Aug. 10. “Given our current situation with the COVID pandemic, we are trying to limit BMA walk-in traffic to our offices, and hunters are strongly encouraged to utilize our web resources,” said Jason Kool, FWP Hunting Access Bureau Chief.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock and the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced that over $7.5 million in grant funding has been awarded through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant (MMPIG) programs. The grants are designed to aid small and medium-sized meat processors in responding to the COVID-19 crisis through the adaptation and advancement of meat processing infrastructure and capacity in Montana. “The impacts of COVID-19 have highlighted how fragile the nation’s supply chain can be, especially when it comes to meat processing,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “It’s crucial that our producers have viable options for getting their meat to market. Investing in meat processing infrastructure will help our Montana producers, strengthen local food systems, and bolster food security for Montanans in communities across the state from Plains to Circle.” The grant program received incredible interest which reflects the necessity for increased in-state meat processing capacity. Strengthening infrastructure and capacity will increase market options for Montana’s cattle, hog and poultry producers and protect consumers from supply chain disruption. Businesses received funding for equipment and infrastructure, such as additional cooler or freezer space, slaughter floor enhancements, and other business adaptation and diversification activities that will increase processing and/or storage capacity related to local meat processing. Funding for the MMPIG was derived from the state’s allocation of federal relief dollars made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with a maximum award of $150,000. Over 60 businesses received funding. The Montana Department of Agriculture and Department of Livestock worked in conjunction to ensure projects adhered to meat processing rules and regulations. A list of recipients is included with this release. The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov . Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant Recipients 406 Processing – Great Falls, MT $120,428 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. 4th Avenue Meat Market – Billings, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. 5D Processing – Choteau, MT $54,500 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Amsterdam Meat Shop – Belgrade, MT  $138,140 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Auggie’s Processing Plant – Broadus, MT $145,000 to assist with equipment purchases and construction of a new processing facility. Bainville Meats – Bainville, MT $144,583 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. BCH Discount Meats – Great Falls, MT $87,160 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity. Bear Paw Meats – Chinook, MT $103,585 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity. Beaverhead Meats – Dillon, MT $90,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage capacity and upgrade waste management infrastructure and sanitization processes. Big Sandy Meat Shop – Malta, MT  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to achieve federal inspection certification. Biiluuke Strong – Hardin, MT $115,129 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Black Dog Farm – Livingston, MT $88,046 to assist with construction of a poultry processing facility. Butcher Block Specialties – Miles City, MT $100,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. C&C Meat Processing – Browning, MT  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications for increased cold storage and processing capacity. Castle Mountain Grocery – White Sulphur Springs, MT $149,872 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Christiaens Meats – Valier, MT $33,974 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Clark Fork Custom Meats – Plains, MT $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Cordova Farms – Choteau, MT $140,273 to assist with the purchase of a Plant in Box shipping container poultry processing facility. Cowboy Meat Company – Forsyth, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Craig’s Meat Processing – Sidney, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Dabucha’s Outdoors – Shelby, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor expansion and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Diamond D Bar Processing – Geraldine, MT $97,896 to assist with the equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Eastern Montana Meats – Sidney, MT  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and construction of a new facility. Farm-to-Market Pork – Kalispell, MT $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and expand processing capacity to include beef as well as pork. Feddes Family Meats – Manhattan, MT $147,490 to assist with and equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Hilger Meats – Lewistown, MT $139,711 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Judith Mountain Meats – Lewistown, MT $61,878 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. L and S Meat Processing – Lima, MT $99,065 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. K & S Meat – Helena, MT $145,830 to assist with the construction of a new facility for increased cold storage capacity and the purchase of a mobile slaughter truck for increased processing capacity. Lazy BK Ranch – Hamilton, MT  $41,900 to assist with equipment purchases and the completion of processing facility. Living River Farms – Stevensville, MT $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and the construction of a poultry processing facility. Lolo Locker – Missoula, MT  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Lower Valley Processing – Kalispell, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. M3 Meats – Sidney, Mt $125,259 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Matt’s Butcher Shop & Deli – Livingston, MT  $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Miles Community College – Miles City, Mt $117,397 to assist with training and educating Montana residents about meat processing. Millers Custom Processing – Red Lodge, MT $104,671 to assist with equipment purchases and facility upgrades to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Milligan Canyon Meats – Three Forks, MT $45,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center – Ronan, MT $72,500 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Montana Marbled Meats – Polson, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. North American Foods of Montana – Hamilton, MT $115,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage capacity. North West Montana Veterans Stand Down – Kalispell, MT $63,443 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase capacity for repackaging and distributing meat donations to veterans and their families. Pekovitch Meats – Malta, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Pioneer Meats – Big Timber, MT  $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and renovation of an existing processing facility to increase domestic animal processing and cold storage capacity. Powder River Meat Company – Terry, MT $116,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to reopen facility. Project Meats – Billings, MT $50,000 to assist with facility upgrades and construction of an additional facility. Ranchland Packing – Butte, MT $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Rawhide Meats – White Sulphur Springs, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Round Butte Custom Cuts – Ronan, Mt $136,477 to assist with equipment purchases and mobile slaughter unit to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Ryan Grocery & Processing – Jordan, MT  $116,939 to equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. S Ranch Meats – Hardin, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases for a new processing facility. School House Meats (Missoula Schools) – Missoula, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Superior Meats – Superior, MT  $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity. T and A Ranch – Cascade, MT $150,000 to assist with construction of a new processing facility. T&G Processing – Circle, MT $148,105 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. The Butcher Block – Great Falls, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Treasure Trail Meat Processing – Glasgow, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Triple T Specialty Meats – Glendive, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Uncle Sweetie’s Processing – Jordan, MT $94,472 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Vandevanter Meats – Columbia Falls, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. Western Meat & Sausage Block – Butte, MT  $71,201 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity. Western Wildlife Art Taxidermy and Processing – Forsyth, MT  $133,500 to assist with equipment purchases to covert taxidermy storage facility to a processing facility.

The drawing for antelope and antelope B permits will be held Thursday, Aug. 6. To check your drawing results, login to myfwp.mt.gov.   Because so many hunters selected the 900-20 antelope archery only license as their first choice in the drawing, there will not be any 900-20 antelope archery only surplus licenses available. Surplus License List timeline reminder The Surplus License List sign-up timeframes referenced below are based on when the original drawing date for each species is scheduled to occur and are subject to change from year to year. Deer & Elk Permits, Deer B & Elk B License/Permits: July 21 through Aug. 7 Swan, Crane, Special Mountain Lion: Aug. 12 through Aug. 24 Nonresident Hound Handler License: Sept. 16 to Sept. 28 Nonresidents who hold a NR Native license, Youth Combo license, or NR College Student Combination license may purchase Deer B and Elk B licenses at half price. For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950 or fwplic@mt.gov .

Hunters and their gun dogs have less than a month before the upland game bird season begins, so it will be a good time to dig into this season's hunting access guide. To get started, hunters can refer to the Projects Access Guide, published annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP). The guide contains all active projects administered through the UGBEP, including Open Fields, habitat management leases, food and cover plots, CRP enhancements, shelterbelts, and grazing systems. These project types are designed to enhance upland game bird habitats on lands open to free upland game bird hunting when permission to hunt is secured.  The guide includes tables that provide hunters with project-specific information such as project location, acres, and the method to contact landowners for permission.  Hunters should note that several private land projects are walk-in game bird hunting with no further permission required.  Many UGBEP projects are located on lands enrolled in Block Management, and hunters will need to refer to the Block Management guide for specific access and permission information.   FWP reminds hunters to obtain landowner permission before hunting private lands in Montana.  Beginning Aug. 10, hunters can find the new guide and the maps online at fwp.mt.gov . Click UGBEP Projects Access Guide .  FWP anticipates newly enrolled Open Fields projects available for game bird hunting this fall that won’t be included in the published access guide due to timing.  FWP will create an addendum available for download on the Access Guide web page as soon as the enrollment process is complete and will include maps and access information.  Printed access guides will be available at FWP headquarters and regional offices late August. Hunters can also request a copy of the access guide via FWP's website.  FWP will begin mailing guides to hunters the week of Aug. 17. FWP extends thanks to all partners who collaborate on habitat conservation and access opportunities that benefit wildlife and hunters. Through critical partnerships formed with private landowners, government agencies and conservation organizations, UGBEP enhanced nearly 370,000 acres of habitat while providing nearly 700,000 acres of access to upland game bird hunters. For more information, contact Debbie Hohler, UGBEP Coordinator, at: 406-444-5674, or by email: dhohler@mt.gov .

COVID-19 Cases continue to be confirmed in Beaverhead County Beaverhead County has a total case count of 50. At this time there are 14 active cases. We have identified community spread within Beaverhead County. Community spread occurs when cases do not have an identifiable origin. We’ve seen a major community surge in recent weeks. Please continue social distancing, frequent hand washing/sanitizing, and staying home when you feel sick. As public health becomes busier with contact investigation, it will take longer to identify and investigate contacts. We ask for the public’s patience while we work on cases and contacts. A close contact is considered someone who is within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes with a positive case. There may be times that the case does not remember all close contacts so if you feel you were a close contact and have not been called by public health after a couple of days, please call the health department at 683-4771. Please do not seek immediate testing at the hospital. The proper procedure for testing is a request to your health care provider or public health for a test. We do ask that if you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, that you wait until after the weekend to request a test. No courier is available on the weekend to take tests to the state lab. However, if you are experiencing severe illness, please seek care at the hospital immediately. It is important that you remain quarantined from the community for 14 days from last exposure to the positive case. If you are in contact with a positive case and receive a negative test result during quarantine, you MUST finish your 14 day quarantine. Beaverhead County Public Health is asking everyone to please do their part in keeping themselves and others in our community safe. Follow the Governor’s mask mandate unless you are exempt under the directive. The mandate can be found at https://covid19.mt.gov/joint-information-center .

Burning in wooded areas north of Bannack State Park, the Bon Accord fire is at 160 acres. The fire is at 30% containment with two Hot Shot crews, and air support fighting the fire. Fire fighters thought they had a handle on it but a down burst and thunderstorm came through with a shifting of winds pushing the fire in a different direction. No structures are threatened by the fire at this time.

A wildfire is burning Northeast of Bannack. The fire started around 4 PM and has burned an estimated 50 to 80 acres. Four Type 6 engines, 2 Type 2 helicopters, and 2 Type one air tankers are assigned to the fire, along with a ground crew of 35 firefighters. Crews have been facing directional changing wind and small thunderstorms with some lightning. Further personnel is expected to arrive Sunday morning. There has been no reports of injury or property damage.