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.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida's Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday for 2026, running through December 31, providing tax relief on firearms, ammunition, and hunting, fishing, and camping supplies. The state expanded eligible price thresholds and firearm accessories coverage. DeSantis also broke ground on the new Florida Archery Center at Tenoroc in Lakeland.
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission will hold its bimonthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Fort Harrison State Park's Garrison Ballroom in Indianapolis, beginning at 10 a.m. ET. The meeting agenda and related materials are available at nrc.IN.gov/meetings-and-minutes/current-meeting-agenda.
Montana's State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force will meet September 14 at FWP headquarters in Helena and via Zoom. The task force will hear subcommittee reports and begin drafting recommendations for shooting facilities, with co-chair Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe emphasizing the importance of addressing facility needs across Montana.
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a special meeting Thursday, Sept. 24, via Zoom to discuss administrative rulemaking petitions on 24-hour trap checks and bear spray requirements, plus predator management policy. Public comment is accepted through Sept. 18 via online survey or mail.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife has amended four regulations effective September 19, including requirements for reporting big game, leashed tracking dogs, crossbow standards, and big game tagging and transportation. Commissioner Jason Batchelder stated these housekeeping measures simplify and update regulations based on public input.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing streambank repair and stabilization projects at Kelly Island Fishing Access Site and Kona Bridge Fishing Access Sites on the Clark Fork River in Missoula County. Public comments are accepted through September 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. MST to Cody Kenyon at ckenyon@mt.gov.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved naming Pat Fitts Oakwood WMA in honor of late director Pat Fitts. The 2,206-acre area became publicly accessible through a land trade with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Commission also approved a $5.1 million budget increase for habitat improvements and public hunting opportunities on private land.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Natural Resource Commission will hold its monthly meeting on September 10 at 9:30 a.m. in Des Moines. The public may attend in person or participate remotely via video conference or phone.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will host eight free wildlife habitat driving tours on state game lands throughout fall 2026, showcasing habitat improvements and wildlife management projects. Tours feature partnerships with organizations including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and various county conservation districts.