STATE AGENCIES

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including prescribed fire projects at Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area, Travelers' Rest State Park improvements, Smith River boat camp restoration, bass removal at Sacajawea Lagoon, Baker Lake fish transfer operations, Hannah Ranch conservation easement, Glasgow Shooting Range development, and Stream Protection Act permitting through October 23.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed Hannah Ranch conservation easement to protect 3,652 acres of wildlife habitat and provide public access. The 99-year easement will be considered by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission at its October 14 virtual meeting, with comments due by October 9.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously rejected two citizen petitions: one from Footloose Montana and Gallatin Wildlife Association requiring 24-hour trap checks on public land, and another from Patty Ames on behalf of approximately 65 NGOs requesting mandatory bear spray in grizzly habitat. The commission approved FWP staff to prepare a draft predator management policy for future consideration.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department encourages hunters to voluntarily use non-lead ammunition. Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder notes that non-lead copper or copper alloy bullets are now widely manufactured and provide health benefits for wildlife and safer game meat for human consumption.

Michigan DNR's Upper Peninsula staffers will answer viewer questions live on WNMU-TV13's "Ask the DNR" hosted by Mike Settles on Thursday, October 1 at 8 p.m. EST. Panelists include Mike Evink, John Bauman, Brian Roell, and Tom Seablom, with the U.P. Whitetails Association of Marquette County underwriting the broadcast.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved changes to antlerless deer license sales procedures, providing greater flexibility in determining availability. The board also approved multiple land donations, acquisitions, and exchanges involving organizations including the Department of Environmental Protection, Northern Allegheny Conservation Association, and JKLM Energy, LLC, while tabling oil and gas rights agreements.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Transportation, and Indiana State Police urge motorists to exercise caution during harvest season when encountering slow-moving farm equipment. From 2020-2024, 22 occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana, resulting in seven deaths.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources is hosting multiple October meetings across various advisory councils and committees, including the Forest Management Advisory Committee, Michigan Natural Resources Commission, and State Parks Advisory Committee. The Accessibility Advisory Council is seeking to fill vacancies representing veterans and Indigenous communities.

The Michigan DNR's Accessibility Advisory Council is seeking to fill two vacancies representing the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Michigan's Indigenous community. Brenda Henige, AAC executive sponsor, encourages applications from those passionate about advancing accessibility and inclusion across the state.

NorthWestern Energy and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are opening Cochrane Dam near Great Falls to hikers and bikers on September 26, 2026, for National Public Lands Day. This rare access allows visitors to cross the Missouri River and complete a loop trail on both sides of the river.

FWP hosts multiple Bear Aware events throughout September at locations including Missouri River Brewing Co., Montana Wild, Travelers' Rest State Park, and Region 1 Headquarters. Activities include bear trivia, safety training, bear spray practice, and family-friendly programs.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a public meeting on October 1 in Livingston to discuss removing illegally introduced smallmouth and largemouth bass from Sacajawea Lagoon. The bass pose a risk to the upper Yellowstone River's wild trout fishery. Public comment on the draft environmental assessment is open until October 2.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a public meeting on October 9 in DeFuniak Springs to gather stakeholder input about flathead catfish in Panhandle rivers. The meeting will allow interested parties to share perspectives on this nonnative species and its presence in northwest Florida river systems.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is implementing rate adjustments at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex, the facility's first price increases since 2018. The changes, effective for the 2026-27 season, reflect rising operational costs and regional market comparisons. Park Supervisor Mike Knack emphasized the adjustments will support continued investment in operations and maintenance for quality visitor experiences.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host a public meeting on October 15 from 6-8 p.m. at Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake to discuss FWC activities and conditions on Orange, Lochloosa, and Newnans lakes. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will present on harmful algal blooms.

The Michigan DNR Education Services Section announced staff changes including Tracy Page's promotion to Education Services manager, Katie McGlashen as the new aquatic education coordinator, and Tamara Jorkasky joining as the Nature Awaits specialist.

Woodside Bridge Fishing Access Site on the Bitterroot River will close to vehicles September 22-25 and September 29-October 1 due to Montana Department of Transportation highway bridge closure for design planning. Walking path access remains available.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will meet on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at their Harrisburg headquarters. Public comments begin at 8:30 a.m., with registration starting at 7:45 a.m. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Game Commission's YouTube channel.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan 2027-2030, Upper O'Brien Creek restoration, Kelly Island and Kona Bridge fishing access site stabilization projects, Sluice Boxes State Park streambank stabilization, Upper Thompson conservation easement Phase 2, and a Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area prescribed fire project.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for volunteer positions on the Eastern and Western Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils, with a September 30 deadline and terms beginning January 2027. The councils advise the DNR on regional programs and have submitted over 145 recommendations since their 2008 creation.