The wolverine, the elusive mammal that biologists believe was wiped out in the continental United States before re-establishing itself in the northern Rocky Mountains, warrants protection on the endangered species list, the U.S. Wildlife Service said Monday. However, the service said it is "precluded" from actually listing the animal because of more pressing wildlife issues in the United States. The announcement was met with measured celebration from conservation groups that sued FWS to re-examine the wolverine's status last year after the agency had previously found it did not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act. A Montana state biologist was more wary of a move to list the species. In its finding, the FWS cited global warming as the major threat to the wolverines. Specifically, wolverines need deep snow to reproduce. Female wolverines dig elaborate dens in the snow to protect their offspring from predators and the elements, according to the wildlife service. Current data trends suggest ...

  By STEPHANIE SIMON Landscape architect Robert Rock takes pride in talking to his clients to understand just how they'll be using the green spaces he designs. In his most recent assignment, however, he hit a roadblock. "You can't ask elk what they'd like for dinner," Mr. Rock said ruefully. View Full Image The Olin Studio A design from the Olin Studio in Philadelphia would cost about $12 million and span a six-lane highway. Nor can you ask them what would induce them to nibble that dinner while strolling across a lushly planted footbridge spanning a six-lane highway. Getting elk to cross highways safely—and encouraging lynx, bear, deer and bighorn sheep to follow suit—was the key challenge in an unusual global contest that concluded this month. The ARC International Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Design Competition asked engineers, ecologists and landscape architects to come up with an overpass bridge for pedestrians of the furry sort. The goal: to enc ...

 We often do not connect the dots--between the preservation of our precious state and the reality that those who are attracted to come here to vacation, travel, recreate, and live part of their life, base their decisions on the high quality of our wild spaces and the abundance of our great wildlife resource.   Big Sky's luxury buyers are also people who are keenly focused on helping to preserve the wild spaces of their new Montana home; whether that is at the Yellowstone Club, Big Sky, Spanish Peaks or Moonlight Basin.   By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press Posted: 12/12/2010 09:36:57 AM PST Updated: 12/12/2010 09:44:51 AM PST       BILLINGS, Mont.—Philanthropist Hansjorg Wyss grew up in Switzerland and now spends the bulk of his time outside Philadelphia, but it is the wild landscapes of the Rocky Mountains where he could leave his most lasting mark. In recent years the publicity-shy billionaire has quietly donated tens of millions of dollars to the preservatio ...

Moonlight Basin Ski Patrol offers a comprehensive three day avalanche one class based on the American Avalanche Association's Level One guidelines. Coursework blends classroom and on-mountain learning.

Price - TBD

For registration and questions contact:
(406) 993-6026 or events@moonlightbasin.com

 Geysers Galore!  Starts Dec. 15, ends March 15

 Afternoon Talks at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

 Return of the Wolf  Starts Dec. 24, ends March 4

  "Hawkwood" - 471 W. Boulder Road, Livingston, MT It is truly a rare instance when an authentic frontier Montana landmark is combined with a discerning eye and an artist’s touch to create a home of uncompromising beauty and charm.  These qualities are brought together and gently nestled in southwestern Montana’s West Boulder River valley at a former map dot known as “Hawkwood”.  The cornerstone of this true Montana treasure, that has garnered editorial acclaim, is the record contained within the walls of the home and the discriminating touches used to elevate this historic artifact to a modern masterpiece. The core of the home, originally built in the 1890’s and serving as the Old Hawkwood Post Office, was the center of activity in the West Boulder valley.  It also served as a stagecoach stop, bringing news from the East and ushering travelers into their new lives in the Montana frontier and later found noble use as a school for the area children.  The original walls of this com ...

 Ranch for Sale is a Montana Real Estate Gem in the Heart of Paradise Valley The Montana real estate market now boasts a highly coveted ranch for sale. The majestic Bullis Creek Ranch, a property of unmatched beauty and wildlife in Paradise Valley, overlooks the Yellowstone River and the Absaroka Mountain Range. The property has wolves, elk, moose, bear, golden eagles, and both mule and whitetail deer. This is a fly fisherman's paradise and a nature enthusiast’s dream home. View across Bullis Creek Ranch to Wineglass Mountain   Bozeman, MT (PRWEB) October 28, 2010 An iconic ranch for sale is a Montana real estate gem. Bullis Creek Ranch, located within the spectacular Paradise Valley, is listed for sale for $29 million by Jason Frey of PureWest Properties of Bozeman, Montana. Forty-eight miles from Yellowstone National Park, Bullis Creek Ranch is a private landscape in majestic Paradise Valley. The 6,765+/- acre ranch remains essentially the same as when Lewis and Clark p ...

Reposted from: www.chronicleoutdoors.com   The general big game hunting season opened last Saturday with hunters across the state scouring the hills for trophy bull elk and white-tailed deer. But just as hunters are gearing up for the season, grizzly bears are preparing for winter hibernation. It’s an unfortunate reality that occasionally hunters and grizzlies cross paths. “Hunting season is a dynamic time of year when grizzly bears are putting on weight and hunters are in the field producing a food source with carcasses and gut piles,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear management specialist Kevin Frey. “The bears want that food source.” Frey said every year there are encounters between grizzlies and hunters that lead to potential human injury and bear mortality. FWP is encouraging hunters to be bear aware this hunting season by taking simple steps to minimize the chance of a grizzly bear encounter. One of the most basic steps hunters can take to reduce the chance of an encounter i ...