Cycling tourism contributes nearly $377 million annually to Montana’s economy.
Montana
Posted inArticles
How to turn motorized rec into a sustainable economy
In 2010, Challis, Idaho, created a trail for ATV riders. Now, it’s enjoying an economic boost.
Posted inMay 14, 2018: Death in the Alpine
Craft breweries aren’t a new trend — but co-op pubs are
In Montana, the town of Ronan hops on the brewery bandwagon.
Posted inArticles
Can rural towns stem the trend of population decline?
Small-town Choteau, Montana, is working to find answers to the question that is plaguing 23 of the state’s counties.
Posted inJanuary 22, 2018: A Separatist State of Mind
Chronic wasting disease hits Montana deer, elk
State scrambles to respond to discovery of deadly neurological disease
Posted inArticles
The ‘scenery economy’ reinvigorates a Montana town
Tourism has given Philipsburg new life — but it’s brought few permanent families.
Posted inArticles
There aren’t enough affordable homes for rural Montanans
In the second story of the series, the town of Boulder’s aging population is likely to put more pressure on housing.
Posted inArticles
Nonprofits make rural home ownership more plausible
In the final part of a series on Boulder, Montana, a pathway for solutions for affordable housing woes.
Posted inArticles
How to turn a struggling small town around
In the first part of a series on Boulder, Montana, a well-rounded economic development effort.
Posted inArticles
The future of small-town Montana rides on public lands
From Dupuyer to Columbia Falls, a look at the growing recreation economy.
Posted inFebruary 19, 2018: Unfrozen North
Why some young professionals settle in small-town Montana
As rural areas struggle to hold onto youth, a look at a few young professionals who returned.
Posted inJanuary 22, 2018: A Separatist State of Mind
Courts challenge a piecemeal approach to species recovery
A recent ruling may cause Fish and Wildlife to reconsider how it protects grizzlies.
Posted inArticles
2017 in natural disasters
From massive wildfires to melting ice, the calamities that affected the West this year.
Posted inDecember 25, 2017: Bear Essentials
A visit to Pie Town; Mermaids on maternity leave; Airplane pit-stop
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
Why Western wildfires are getting more expensive
This year’s fire season was the costliest on record, burning more than 9 million acres.
Posted inDecember 11, 2017: Scorched Earth
In a burning West, wildfire smoke threatens public health
Montana hospitals handled an increase of respiratory-related problems this year.
Posted inArticles
The Sprague Fire, as it happened
Seasonal Glacier National Park ranger Daniel Lombardi tracked the path of fire’s destruction in photos.
Posted inArticles
After Oroville, officials across the West review dam safety
The California dam’s spillways are ready for rain as safety officials prepare for future catastrophes.
Posted inArticles
A new national monument – in Zinke’s home state
Interior threatens to shrink boundaries at Western sites, but Badger-Two Medicine might get designated.
Posted inNovember 27, 2017: Profit and Politics
Photos that trace migrations through Yellowstone
Ungulates overcome highways, rivers and other barriers while roaming the region.