Roadless Rule Fight: The Trump administration opened a fresh debate over rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move that could reshape how Montana’s national forests are managed by loosening limits on new roads and logging across tens of millions of acres, with supporters citing wildfire risk and critics warning it could increase development pressure on intact habitat and watersheds. Courtroom Win for Water Quality: A Flathead County judge ruled for Montana DEQ in the Lakeside groundwater discharge permit case, saying the environmental assessment adequately covered direct, secondary, and cumulative impacts and that downgradient pollution would stay below significant values. Bear Conflicts Rise: FWP says this is shaping up as one of the worst natural food failure years on record, with berries scarce and bears moving toward homes; the agency urges Montanans to secure garbage, pet food, bird feeders, and livestock coops to prevent conflicts. Conservation on the Ground: A 138-acre conservation easement north of Belgrade was finalized to keep farmland and wildlife habitat open while limiting residential development. Missoula Restoration: The city advanced Rattlesnake restoration with major trailhead improvements tied to dam removals that reopened fish passage and connected waterways. Climate Link to Snowpack: New MSU research finds human-caused climate change strongly tied to the West’s low 2026 snowpack, making severe snow drought more likely. Wildlife Management Debate: Montana’s wolf policy is back in the spotlight as public comment and commission decisions approach over proposed wolf harvest and removals.