At the top of our state capital building in Helena sits a beautiful copper dome. Nearly a century ago, that copper dome wasn’t just for decoration. It was a symbol of the copper barons and their ultimate power to decide who represented the people of Montana. While miners risked their lives working thousands of feet […]

There is nothing like a grandchild to conjure up memories of the past, and provide glimpses into the future. When I watch my grandkids swim in the clear waters of Beaver Lake, see the marvel in their eyes when they catch their first fish, and when they ride their bikes on the Whitefish Trail, it […]

Both President Barack Obama and his congressional adversaries have shown themselves to be better at making tough talk to each other than making the tough choices necessary for the country. Their response to the so-called “fiscal cliff” did not involve a single tough decision and actually increased the national debt. The country continues to face […]

A number of articles have appeared statewide in recent days announcing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park’s (FWP) decision to oppose threatened status for Montana’s wolverine. Some of these articles have argued that the threats to wolverine populations have nothing to do with trapping, implying that the trapping should therefore continue. This argument flies in the […]

With the new session of Congress just beginning, the U.S. Senate has an opportunity to reform its filibuster rule, an arcane parliamentary device which has paralyzed the proceedings of the entire legislative branch of our government and crippled our nation’s ability to meaningfully address the issues of our time. Long before cable television, 24-7 news […]

It is completely predictable that government officials and their compliant media would use the tragedy of a mass killing to promote governmental tyranny in the form of gun control for law-abiding citizens. Such an approach will increase mass shootings because those with evil intent will still be able to obtain firearms, and even the most […]

I am sadly reserving judgment about whether to continue membership in the National Rifle Association. I own about 20 guns, and have taken elk, antelope, whitetail, mule deer and many game birds. If all the gophers gunned down by me were placed end-to-end they would probably extend from Whitefish to somewhere east of Billings. As […]

Winter snow continues to pile up in the mountains and fortunately we even have snow on the valley floor. If you are planning on heading out to enjoy winter in the backcountry make sure to check weather and snow conditions before you go. Although general information is available on the radio, television or in print, […]

The movie “Lincoln” opened in theaters across the country and has rekindled America’s interest in our 16th president. In these current difficult times we need to remember and learn from Abraham Lincoln. He changed our understanding of the meaning of the words “the United States of America,” and rearranged our view of both our government […]

Of the many challenges facing Montana’s lakes and streams, perhaps the most pressing but controllable is the threat posed by aquatic invasive species, or AIS. Aquatic invasives include non-native plants, mussels, pathogens and fish that threaten environmental, commercial, and recreational resources. Montana is still free of many problematic species, but some that plague other states […]

Now is the perfect time to travel the Swan Valley. The numerous deer usually on the road are now aware of hunting season and very scarce. The three-point buck I passed on the way to Helena last week must have sensed that I wasn’t carrying a rifle as he stood next to the road and […]

Folk philosopher Will Rogers commented that “We elect our Presidents, be they Republican or Democrat, then start daring ‘em to make good.” Implicit in Rogers’ observation is that either a Republican or a Democrat is capable of making good. In the modern era when each side assails and demonizes the other we are implored to […]

Although winter is not technically here until Dec. 21, for those who recreate and work in the winter backcountry, winter is here! Snow cover is well established on the mountain peaks and beginning to accumulate on the valley floor. With that said, if traveling in the winter backcountry this season, we need to start thinking […]

Recently I read about the Kalispell City Council meeting where councilors removed themselves from consideration for putting the Ten Commandments and a few other noteworthy displays for all to view at Depot Park. What made it disturbing for me was the comment by a council member that the Ten Commandments was a “divisive” display. I […]

Montana is a powerhouse. For generations, our natural resources have powered this nation’s homes, cities and economy. And we stand to keep powering America for generations to come as one of the top producers of biofuels and bioenergy. Through hard work and innovation, Montana can remain one of the nation’s top energy producers, preserve our […]