DILLON, MT  – The Beaverhead County Varsity Beavers edged past the East Helena Vigilantes 4-3 on Saturday, securing the victory with a late-game surge. The game was tied at three in the bottom of the sixth when Trenton Moreni  singled, driving in the winning run. The Beavers opened the scoring in the bottom of the fourth inning. Logan Fox  drew a walk and scored on Sawyer Tackett ’s single, giving Dillon a 2-1 lead. The Vigilantes responded in the top of the sixth, tying the game with a single from Jack Taylor , a wild pitch, and a passed ball that allowed a run. In the bottom of the sixth, Moreni’s clutch single scored the go-ahead run, which proved to be the game-winner. Cohen Hartman  earned the win for Dillon, pitching one and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief, striking out two and walking two. Logan Fox  started for the Beavers, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned) over five and one-third innings, with four strikeouts and two walks. Liam Priebe  took the loss for East Helena, pitching six innings and surrendering four runs on seven hits, with eight strikeouts and two walks. Offensively, Hartman led Dillon with two hits in four at-bats. Moreni and Sawyer Tackett  each drove in one run. The Beavers were aggressive on the base paths, stealing five bases in the game and turning one double play defensively. For East Helena, Jack Taylor , Killian Snarr , Kai Richey , and Boston Adams  each had one hit. Taylor also led the team with one RBI and went 1-for-3 at the plate.

The Dillon Beavers scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to secure a 10-4 victory over the Park High Rangers V 2025 on Saturday. The game started with the Rangers scoring first in the top of the first inning when Dillon committed an error, and Kenna Benzel  doubled to center field, bringing in two runs. However, Dillon responded quickly in the bottom of the first with a run, and then took the lead in the bottom of the second when Bailey Blake  singled to the left side and Bridget Lovaas  grounded out, each driving in a run. In the fourth inning, the Beavers exploded offensively, with Katey Vezina  hitting a solo home run to left field, and both Kaitlyn Konen  and Kylie Konen  hitting grand slams to left, each scoring three runs. This outburst turned the game in Dillon’s favor, giving them a commanding lead. Adyson Creighton  started on the mound for Dillon, allowing three hits and two runs (no earned runs) over three innings, striking out seven and walking one. Peyton Coate  pitched for the Rangers, allowing three hits and three runs (one earned) over three and one-third innings, with five strikeouts and one walk. Tymber Barnes came in for relief, helping to maintain the lead. Offensively, Katey Vezina went 2-for-3 and led the team with multiple hits. Both Kaitlyn  and Kylie Konen  each drove in three runs, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive surge. For the Rangers, Peyton Coate  provided some offensive power with two RBIs and a 1-for-2 day at the plate. Quinci Wood  also contributed offensively, going 2-for-3 and leading her team in hits. The Dillon Beavers will next host Hamilton  on Tuesday, aiming to continue their winning streak.

WISER RIVER, MT  – An infrared (IR) flight conducted last night mapped the fire perimeter and confirmed heat remains throughout the area. Based on improved mapping accuracy, the estimated size of the fire has increased to approximately 1,834 acres . The IR flight also verified that heat persists across the entire fire footprint, excluding the roughly 200-acre interior “donut hole”  of unburned fuels. Strategic firing operations were completed yesterday in the interior “donut hole” on the north side of Sawlog Creek. Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), firefighters lit and burned fuels between the uncontrolled fire edge and existing control lines on the eastern flank. Today, firefighters plan to continue strategic firing on the south side of Sawlog Creek to reduce available fuels between the uncontrolled edge and control line. Crews also completed fireline just north of Tucker Creek from the south side, with fire suppression teams working along the existing fireline. Support includes two skidgen units conducting mop-up operations south along the fire boundary, with multiple smokejumpers and hotshot crews assisting on the eastern flank. Helicopters continue to deliver supplies to keep crews operational and well-equipped. Firefighters are actively checking and cold-trailing along the western and northern edges, extinguishing hot spots. A boat is being used to ferry personnel across the Big Hole River on the fire’s west side. This work will continue into the coming days to secure and improve containment lines. Weather conditions today and tomorrow are expected to be challenging, with strong southwest winds  and afternoon thunderstorms  likely to produce gusts exceeding 35 mph . Sunday could bring continued high winds, with a low chance of precipitation, but any rain is expected to be minimal. Public Safety & Closures:    The Fishtrap Creek Fishing Access Site on the Big Hole River is closed from Mudd Creek Bridge to Sportsman’s Park due to fire activity. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area at the Big Hole River ford site. Details are available on the InciWeb Sawlog Fire page . Fire officials remain focused on firefighter safety, protecting live and property safety, and working toward full containment.

The Dillon Beavers scored 11 runs in the bottom of the third inning and overcame an early deficit to beat the Hardin Bulldogs 16-4 Saturday. Bridget Lovaas  led the offensive charge, driving in five runs on three hits. She singled in the third inning, scoring two runs, doubled in the third to bring in another, and doubled again in the fourth, driving in two more. Hardin took an early lead in the third inning, capitalizing on walks and singles. C. Chevalier  drew a walk, followed by K. Brown  with a single, T. Marty  with a walk, and G. Wilson Deputec  with a single, each scoring a run and putting the Bulldogs ahead 4-0. The Beavers responded in the bottom of the third, exploding for 11 runs on just two hits. A key hit from Lovaas drove in two runs, giving Dillon an 11-4 lead. In the fourth, Dillon added five more runs on only one hit. Reese Jensen  and Tymber Barnes  were both hit by pitches, driving in runs. Milee Vezina  scored after tagging up, and Lovaas doubled again, driving in two runs. Tymber Barnes  started on the mound for Dillon, pitching five innings and surrendering six hits and four runs (three earned), while striking out eight and walking two. K. Brown  went two and two-thirds innings for Hardin, allowing three hits and ten runs (three earned), with two strikeouts and seven walks. Barnes also led the team at the plate with three walks, and overall Dillon drew 11 walks in the game, demonstrating patience at the plate. C. Mehling , the Bulldogs’ number nine hitter, led the team with two hits in two at-bats. G. Wilson Deputec  and K. Brown  each drove in one run. The Bulldogs turned one double play defensively.

Adyson Creighton pitched a stellar game, striking out 13 batters and allowing only two hits and no runs over seven innings as the Dillon Beavers defeated the MHSA Havre Blue Ponies 2-0 on Friday. The pitching duel was intense, with both teams showcasing strong arms. Dillon’s pitchers struck out a total of 13 batters, while Havre’s Rachel Jette  sat down four over six innings, surrendering five hits and two runs with no walks. The Beavers scored the only runs of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning, sparked by a pair of home runs. Tyler Gibson  blasted a solo shot to left field, giving Dillon an early lead, which they extended later in the inning with another home run. Jette kept the Ponies in the game, limiting the damage through six innings before the Beavers broke through in the sixth. Offensively, Creighton  and Gibson  each drove in one run, while Kylie Konen  led Dillon with two hits in three at-bats. For the Ponies, Rachel Jette  and Heydon Olson  each managed one hit.

In accordance with 15-15-101(6) MCA, the Beaverhead County Tax Appeal Board will be in session from July 1st through December 31st, 2025, for the business of hearing appeals of property valuations set by the Montana Department of Revenue. Any taxpayer who disagrees with the appraised value of his or her property may file an appeal with the Beaverhead County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of the date on the Notice of Classification and Appraisal or Notice to Change Valuation (assessment notice). Appeal forms are available at the Beaverhead County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, or at the website of the Montana Tax Appeal Board, www.mtab.mt.gov. Any appeal must be filed with the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder. Upon receipt of the appeal, the County Tax Appeal Board Secretary will notify the appellant and schedule a County hearing. The Beaverhead County Tax Appeal Board members are Jason Karch, Vana Taylor, and Jim Harvey. An alternate may be appointed if needed. For further information, contact the Beaverhead County Tax Appeal Board secretary Heidi Schwandt (406)683-3720 or hschwandt@beaverheadcountymt.gov . Dated this 1st day of May 2025. Stacey Reynolds Beaverhead County Clerk & Recorder

WISER RIVER, MT  – Containment of the Sawlog Fire  has increased to 30 percent  as firefighters advance along the northern, southern, and western edges. While progress is steady, some residual heat remains along Sawlog Creek’s sides and in isolated hotspots inside the burn area. Today, firefighters plan to execute strategic firing operations on approximately 200 acres, creating a “donut hole” on both sides of Sawlog Creek. This tactic targets the high concentration of unburned fuels in the dead and downed timber, aiming to reduce the risk of further spread. A combination of hand and aerial ignitions, supported by Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)  technology, will be used. On the southern flank, crews will continue to secure and hold lines, hot-spotting residual heat from the Big Hole River northward towards Sawlog Creek. Heavy equipment will soon be used to construct firelines directly adjacent to the fire’s edge from Sawlog Creek toward Tucker Creek. In the north, smokejumpers and hotshot crews are patrolling containment lines and mopping up hotspots south toward Tucker Creek. A helicopter continues to support firefighting efforts with cargo missions on the eastern flank. Crews will also focus on cold trailing and hot spotting along the entire western perimeter, working to reinforce and improve containment lines over the coming days. Last night’s higher humidity helped limit fire behavior, but warmer and drier conditions are expected today with only a small chance of showers or thunderstorms. Gusty southwest winds up to 25 mph are forecasted in the afternoon. Saturday may bring scattered showers and isolated storms with gusts exceeding 35 mph, followed by similar conditions on Sunday with gusts over 30 mph. Safety and Closures:    The Fishtrap Creek Fishing Access Site on the Big Hole River is closed from Mudd Creek Bridge to Sportsman’s Park due to fire activity. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area at the Big Hole River ford site. Details are available on the InciWeb Sawlog Fire Page . Fire officials emphasize that firefighter safety and the protection of life and property remain their top priorities during this ongoing incident.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. ZONING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Agenda   1.    Call To Order   2.    Review and Approval of April 22nd, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes   3.    Director of Operations Report   4.    Applications for Zoning Compliance Certificates for Review:   2025-013       423 S Pacific                     Russell Scheffel                   Garage 2025-015       507 Highland Ave            Haverfield                            Single-Family Residence   5.    Review Work Camps Regulations in Zoning   6.    Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda                   and Within the Jurisdiction of the Zoning Commission.   7.      Adjournment               PLEASE NOTE : 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 .   z oning Commission Members:   Justin Rooley (Chair), Mike Watson, Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley

The Dillon Beavers Varsity team played to a 3-3 tie against the Billings Central Catholic Rams on Friday in a hard-fought contest. The game saw both teams exchange runs early. An error by the Rams in the bottom of the first inning allowed Dillon to score the opening run. In the top of the second, Kylie Konen  launched a solo homer to center field, tying the game, and Bailey Blake  followed with a single to right, driving in a run to put the Beavers ahead 2-1. Billings Central responded in the bottom of the second with a single from Allene Johnson  that helped her team even the score at two. The Rams then took the lead in the bottom of the third when Allene Johnson  singled and Lydia Todd  set the tone at the top of the lineup with two hits in three at-bats, tying the game at three. Konen delivered again in the top of the third, driving in her second run on a single, giving the Beavers a 3-2 lead. However, an error allowed the Rams to tie the game at three in the bottom of the third and keep the game scoreless through the rest of regulation. Adyson Creighton  started for Dillon, pitching four innings and allowing four hits and three runs (one earned), with seven strikeouts. Avery Nelson  was the starter for Billings Central, going six innings, surrendering five hits and three runs (two earned), with six strikeouts. Offensively, Konen led the Beavers with two RBIs and went 2-for-3 at the plate. Allene Johnson  also contributed from the middle of the lineup, going 1-for-3 and leading the team with one RBI. Dillon turned one double play on defense. For the Rams, Lydia Todd led the attack with two hits in three at-bats. The game ended in a tie as both teams prepared for their next challenge.

August 9, 2025 The Dillon Police Department is accepting applications to create a 2025 hiring list for probationary patrolman which will be used for an anticipated opening. Requirements include possessing high ethical standards, and the desire to serve and protect in a community-oriented police department. The starting salary is $24.50 an hour increasing to $26.25 an hour when the probationary period, and Montana Law Enforcement Academy is successfully completed. Uniform allowance, for the first year is $1,200 every year after is $750. Competitive insurance and other benefits. Police Officer Standards in Training (POST) applications. Applications need to be turned in to either 2 S. Pacific St, Dillon, MT 59725 or emailed to dillonpd@beaverheadco.mt.gov , can be mailed to 125 N. Idaho St, Dillon, MT 59725. POST qualified applicants wage will be determined based on years of service. Other questions may be referred to Chief Jeremy Alvarez at (406)683-3714. Open until filled.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS May 8th, 2025 City Council Chambers 7:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.         Call Meeting to Order 2.         Approval of Minutes               a.         April 10th, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes             b.         April 30th, Public Hearing Transcript 3.         Review/Approve Waters Variance Request 2025-004             a.         Complete Findings of Fact on Variance Request (Quarterly Training) 4.         Introduction to Variance Request 2025-010             a.         Public Hearing May 15th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 5.         Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on the Agenda and Within the Jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustments. 6.         Adjourn   Members: Tim Stoker, Joleen Schultz, Diane Armstrong, Mike Watson, Stephen Sievert

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information DILLON, Mont. - University of Montana Western seventh-year head volleyball coach  Katie Lovett  has announced her team's schedule for the 2025 season. The Bulldogs come off a historic season that saw the no. 16-seeded Bulldog women's volleyball team make history by upsetting top-seeded and previously unbeaten Northwestern (Iowa) during the NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship pool play. The Bulldogs capped their season with an overall record of 25-10 and played in a whopping 21 games against teams that were either ranked or receiving votes. This season's slate will continue to challenge the Bulldogs as they enter the season ranked no. 8 in the country. Their schedule includes a pair of preseason non-conference tournaments, including a first-time trip to Florida to play in the Vipers Sports Academy Classic hosted by Keiser University. Following preseason play, the Bulldogs will begin conference play in the realigned Frontier Conference that will see six new teams join the conference. With the realignment, the Bulldogs will face each conference opponent twice through the regular season. "We're really excited about this upcoming season and the new opportunities that come with a conference expansion. We are starting off with two great tournaments at Keiser University and LCSC and then dive straight into conference early September. This already tough conference just got a lot stronger, and we are excited for the new challenges," Head Coach Katie Lovett said. The Bulldogs look to return to NAIA National Tournament Opening Round play for the third consecutive season on November 22, 2025, with the National Tournament final site kicking off December 3-9 in Sioux City, Iowa. To view the full schedule,  click here.

WISE RIVER – An emergency closure is in effect for a portion of the Big Hole River due to the Sawlog Fire. The portion of the Big Hole River from Mud Creek Bridge downstream to Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site is closed to all recreation. Fish Trap Fishing Access Site is also closed. Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site remains open. These closures are for public safety during fire suppression operations, which may include bucket drops happening in and close to the Big Hole River. The closures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow. For more information about site restrictions and closures, click here .

Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information Photo Credit Gary Marshall HELENA, Mont. –  The Montana Western track and field teams finished out their season this weekend with the Frontier Conference Championships this weekend, hosted by Carroll College. Olivia Steadman was crowned the Frontier Conference champion in the 10,000m race after she earned a person record in the event, earning her spot on the all-conference team. In addition, Gracie Yakos earned a personal record in the 400m hurdles after she placed third in the event. "Conference was really good on both the men's and the women's side. It was great having people in events that Western hasn't had individuals I for some years," Head Coach Taylor Grove said. "On the women's side, Olivia had both a really good 5k and really good 10k running very strategic races while also being able to PR. Gracie was also able to come away with a 3rd place finish in the 400 hurdles which was big. Lots of PRs around in the women's side was exciting to see." Brody Henry led the Bulldog men after he claimed third in the men's 800m race, earning an all-conference nod for the second year in a row. "On the men's side, Brody was able to finish 3rd in the 800m with a PR which was a fun race to watch. With the weather, the throwing events were really tough but Layne came away with a 4th place finish which was great for the team. Harrison ran a very strong 5k. Overall, really strong performance and a fun weekend," Grove continued. Women's Results Gracie Yakos – 100m Hurdles (8th, 16.87), 400m Hurdles (3rd, 1:08.69, PR), 4x400m Relay (4th, 4:39.76) Justene Santi – 400m Hurdles (8th, 1:20.71), 3000m Steeple (6th, 12:43.73), 5000m (8th, 20:02.28, PR), 4x400m Relay (4th, 4:39.76), 4x800m Relay (4th, 11:13.08) Olivia Canney – 800m (12th, 2:45.80), 1500m (8th, 5:37.38, PR), 4x400m Relay (4th, 4:39.76), 4x800m Relay (4th, 11:13.08) Ruby Smith – 1500m (7th, 5:26.30), 5000m (10th, 20:53.55), 4x800m Relay (4th, 11:13.08) Olivia Steadman  – 10,000m (1st, 40:34.99, PR), 5000m (2nd, 18:44.30, PR) Kylee Wyatt – 1500m (11th, 6:58.07), 4x800m Relay (4th, 11:13.08) Braden Kopp – Discus (8th, 31.91m) Ellie Stutsman – Discus (15th, 25.09m), Shot Put (14th, 9.03m) Sarah Clark – Discus (17th, 24.36m), Javelin (11th, 31.78m, PR) Men's Results Wade Dahood – 110m Hurdles (7th, 16.04), Long Jump (13th, 5.78m) Erick Piazzola – 200m (19th, 24.46, PR), 400m (14th, 57.28), 4x400m Relay (4th, 3:46.13) Drake Delude – 400m (7th, 52.62, PR), 4x400m Relay (4th, 3:46.13), 4x800m Relay (4th, 8:33.75) Brody Henry – 800m (3rd, 1:57.45, PR), 4x400m Relay (4th, 3:46.13), 4x800m Relay (4th, 8:33.75) Bridger Wheeler – 800m (12th, 2:14.70), 1500m (16th, 4:47.14), 4x400m Relay (4th, 3:46.13) Noah Rovente – 1500m (15th, 4:46.84), 5000m (13th, 17:47.44) Kreg Butler – 1500m (18th, 4:47.70), 5000m (12th, 17:44.76, PR), 4x800m Relay (4th, 8:33.75) Harrison Silverio – 5000m (6th, 16:13.63) Layne Cooney – Discus (4th, 44.16m), Shot Put (8th, 13.66m) Carson Bain – Discus (10th, 38.27m) Justin Maier – Discus (13th, 36.50m), Shot Put (17th, 9.87m) Landon Darsow – Discus (15th, 35.76m), Shot Put (14th, 11.55m) Tad Tackes – Discus (17th, 32.94m), Shot Put (16th, 10.40m) Gunner Thomas – Javelin (10th, 26.46m)

HELENA – The wait is over. You can now check the drawing results for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison licenses.   There are a few ways to get your drawing results. Visit fwp.mt.gov , click on MyFWP Login in the upper righthand corner, then click on “Lookup Draw Results, Register for Lists” tab on the left-hand menu, or login to your MyFWP account. You can also sign up for an account at fwp.mt.gov/MyFWP . Applicants can also call any FWP regional office or the licensing office at 406-444-2950.  If you haven’t already downloaded the MyFWP mobile app, now is a great time to do so. This app will hold your licenses and permits, as well as your E-tags which can be validated in the field if you harvest an animal. The app works with or without cell service in the field, as long as you’ve downloaded your E-tags to your device. To find out more about the MyFWP mobile app including a how-to video, click here .  Deadline reminders:  The deadline to apply for elk B, deer B, antelope, crane and swan is June 1. All applications must be completed online or at an FWP office. Most FWP offices with license sales are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Bookstore will be hosting Ennis author Jonathan Klein on Saturday, May 10th from 1:00-3:00. The retired forester will be signing copies of his book Back to the Trees and Caves: A Wilderness Journey.   He will read from the book at 1:30 followed by a discussion. After dedicating over three decades to managing wilderness areas for the USDA Forest Service, Jonathan Klein comes to a sobering realization: the wilderness within the lower forty-eight is, at best, a theatrical semblance of the real essence of wild. Upon retirement at age sixty, Klein embarks on a solo canoe journey across the untamed expanses of northern Canada, yearning to uncover the authentic wilderness that eludes him. Back to the Trees and Caves unfolds this riveting 700-mile adventure from Saskatchewan to Hudson Bay, across landscapes untouched by time. The voyage is far from tranquil. Klein battles violent storms, navigates raging rapids, and crosses lake expanses that mirror oceans. After seven grueling weeks, an utterly exhausted Klein reaches Churchill, Manitoba, but not without facing a life-and-death encounter with an apex predator, a confrontation that brings him face to face with the harsh yet majestic reality of the wild. As Klein paddles through the endless miles, the journey morphs into more than a physical quest; it becomes a conduit for profound reflections on the intrinsic value of wild places. Not just for the wandering souls of humans, but as irreplaceable havens for the myriad wild creatures that inhabit them. The narrative encapsulates Klein's evolving insights on the sanctity of these landscapes and the imperative to shield them from the unrelenting grasp of human consumption. After dedicating over three decades to managing wilderness areas for the USDA Forest Service Klein embarks on a solo canoe journey across the untamed expanses of northern Canada yearning to uncover the authentic wilderness.  Back to the Trees and Caves unfolds this riveting 700 mile adventure fro Saskatchewan to Hudson Bay, across landscapes untouched by time.  If you have any questions or would like reserve a copy of the book please call The Bookstore at 683-6807

WISER RIVER, MT  – Yesterday, a reconnaissance flight and infrared UAS detected scattered heat across the fire footprint, mainly in smoldering fuels. Crews continued “mop-up” operations along the previously constructed sawline and handline on both the southern and northern edges, completing approximately 20% of the fire perimeter so far. Operations are ongoing with plans to expand along both flanks toward full “mop-up” completion. Fire activity is expected to increase today as a dry cold front moves through with gusty winds. On the western edge, the UAS supported firefighting efforts by flying infrared and reconnaissance missions over inaccessible areas dense with hazard trees (“snags”). Crews are also conducting structure assessments along the Highway 43 corridor. On the northern flank, smokejumpers and a large 2,500-gallon skidgen are working to locate and extinguish hot spots moving southward. A “hotshot” crew was flown into Tucker Creek yesterday, focusing on constructing safe firelines by tying into existing roads and trails to prevent eastward spread. On the southern side, firefighters have completed approximately two miles of fireline along the Big Hole River north of Toomey Creek. Crews will continue to secure these lines, “mopping-up” residual heat. Two hotshot crews and two skidgens will also work on upgrades to previous control lines from the 2021 Alder Creek fire footprint, removing fuels and mitigating snag hazards near Sawlog Creek. A dry cold front arriving today is expected to keep temperatures steady with minimal chances of rain, although erratic winds up to 40 mph may produce severe fire behavior, especially when aligned with drainages. Fuel conditions remain extremely dry, and fire activity could reach moderate to extreme levels. Important Safety Updates:    The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area at the Big Hole River ford site. Details are available on the InciWeb page . A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area to ensure safety. Firefighting aircraft operate in restricted airspace; drone activity in the area is prohibited as it poses a safety hazard and could impede suppression efforts. The fire footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire is located east of the current fire, with the Christensen Fire footprint to the south. Fire officials continue prioritizing firefighter safety and the protection of life and property during these critical operations.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is continuing its focus on trout health and population monitoring in the upper Jefferson River basin as part of a cooperative research effort that began last year. Trout surveys in 2023 found population estimates to be at or near historical lows in sections of the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers, coupled with observations of sick trout. Since then, FWP has collaborated with Montana State University in three PhD studies looking at causes of mortality for adult trout, how tributaries contribute to mainstem trout populations, and ways to enhance proactive fish health monitoring. In 2024, fisheries staff found nearly all sampled trout in the basin to be healthy, with less than 1 percent of captured fish showing signs of infection. In the past two years of spring sampling, population estimates have improved in some sections of these rivers, though most remain below average. While river flows are a major contributor to fish health and abundance, the joint research aims to provide better understanding of other potential contributors to population declines. “We remain committed to managing for a healthy fishery in the upper Jefferson River basin, and these studies will help identify actionable steps for improvement,” said FWP’s Chief of Conservation Policy, Quentin Kujala. “We appreciate anglers’ contributions to this important research.” As part of this effort, FWP will continue to share results from annual spring population sampling, as well as other findings as they become available. Interim reports on the three MSU studies can be found on FWP’s website . 2025 spring sampling Trout surveys in the basin this spring showed continued trout population improvements in some mainstem sections, while other areas indicate trout abundances lower than those observed in 2024. Estimates for 2025 show increases from 2024 estimates for brown trout in all sampling sections of the Beaverhead River. While some sections of the Big Hole and Ruby increased from last year, estimates in nearly all sections remain below long-term averages for both brown and rainbow trout. Despite low flows and warm water temperatures throughout much of the region last summer, a relatively strong cohort from 2023 appears to have stabilized many populations for now. “Although spring estimates are encouraging in places like the Beaverhead River, there’s still work to be done in other areas, and we need to remain vigilant in our efforts to improve conditions, even where rainbow and brown trout populations have rebounded the last several years,” said FWP’s Fisheries Program Manager in southwestern Montana, Mike Duncan. Collaborative research FWP and MSU are in the second year of collaborative research to better understand the major limiting factors contributing to the trout declines in the upper Jefferson Basin. The MSU projects, coupled with other research aimed at forecasting future abundances based on juvenile trout recruitment, will allow FWP and partners to take a much more proactive approach to supporting those popular fisheries as well as providing the public with a better idea of what expect for the coming fishing season. This spring, FWP staff continued tagging fish in parts of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby and Madison rivers. When anglers report each tagged fish they catch, they’re substantively contributing to the informed management of these fisheries by helping researchers identify individual fish and monitor their health, survival, movement and other indicators over time. FWP and MSU have been working with Montana Trout Unlimited to host drawings for guided fishing trips, equipment and other prizes for anglers who have submitted reports of catching tagged fish. Some anglers also received cash rewards. These reward opportunities will continue for anglers who submit reports of tagged fish. To learn more about the research effort and how to report a tagged fish, click here .

The University of Montana Western has announced that Dr. Johnny MacLean, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, has been appointed as Chancellor of Montana Technological University. Dr. MacLean will begin his new role this summer. Since joining Montana Western, Dr. MacLean has played a vital role in strengthening academic programming, championing student-centered learning, and advancing faculty development. His leadership has helped shape a dynamic academic environment rooted in innovation and excellence. Dr. Johnny MacLean “Dr. MacLean’s leadership has elevated every corner of campus life at Montana Western,” said UMW Chancellor Michael Reid. “We are grateful for his many contributions, his tireless dedication to our students and faculty, and the deep care he has shown for the success of our university. We wish him all the best in this well-deserved new role at Montana Tech.” Montana Western will begin a comprehensive national search for its next Provost immediately, with the goal of providing a strong candidate pool for review when faculty return to campus this fall. Dr. Brian Elliott, Chair of UMW’s Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Professor of English, will serve as Interim Provost during the transition. Dr. Brian Elliott Dr. Elliott earned his B.S. in Computer Science and English from Muskingum University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Ohio University. His research and teaching interests include early American literature, British and Transatlantic Romanticism, satire, mythology and folklore, and the social dimensions of violence in literature. At Montana Western, he teaches courses in graphic novels, early American literature, fantasy and science fiction, and composition.