There's something about a new year that makes us reflect on where we are and what we want to do in the future. We make resolutions, plans, try to break old habits and begin new traditions. Coupled...

At Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), a focus on member education and engagement is increasingly gaining momentum, by way of a recently developed Member Education Program. MEC's General Manager...

Imagine trying to hike, bike or ride a snowmobile in your local mountains only to encounter a fence and no trespassing sign every mile or so. That could have been the future for hundreds of thousands...

Some say that events and people become of historical interest after 50 years have passed. If that is so, the early phases of Double Arrow Ranch will reach this milestone in June of 2022, just over...

What is a community foundation? Community foundations are organizations that can help manage community-wide discussions and collect and distribute funds for local projects. A community foundation is a...

I want to express my gratitude for the many decades of service of retiring Game Warden Bill Koppen and what his career represents. More broadly, I want to acknowledge the many thousands involved in na...

SWAN VALLEY - Many of us will gather with extended family or friends over the Christmas holiday to share gifts and good will. It seems the way we celebrate Christmas is rooted in Christmas past. A...

To the members of the Seeley Lake community, Have you ever had a dating partner who: • Embarrassed you or put you down? • Controlled who you see, where you go or what you do? • Took your money o...

Seeley Lake ROCKS' mission "To build healthy children, strong families and vibrant communities through outdoor recreation," has expanded significantly the past two years. Two years ago, ROCKS...

On Oct. 31, the Seeley Swan Pathfinder published a story discussing the possible detection of toxic blue-green algae on Seeley Lake. The article provided a thorough discussion surrounding such algal b...

We climbed up Napa Point, approaching the tree line as the forest thinned, a few ambitious Doug firs and whitebark pines clinging onto the ridgeline. I was surprised to see a heavy layer of snow in...

A wetland in a valley with a swan swimming by would have looked pretty enticing for a westward settler on the heels of Lewis and Clark, and not just because it was beautiful scene. The habitat's...

When we think of October, trick or treating, pumpkins and fall foliage come to mind. But at Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) and fellow cooperatives across the country, October is notable for...

Native westslope cutthroat and bull trout come to the Copper Creek tributary of the Blackfoot River for the cold, clean water. Copper Creek is especially attractive to spawning trout because...

The 2019 fire season has come to a close. There were 142 wildfires suppressed in west central Montana. In our communities, 2019 will be remembered as a welcome respite from wildfire smoke. Wildfire co...

As the season tapers into fall this month, we wrap up another beautiful Montana summer. While our gardens may be getting ready for their winter's rest, a little planning ahead this time of year can...

OVANDO - The Blackfoot Challenge is pleased to announce the hiring of Seth Wilson as Executive Director. Wilson assumed the position full-time on Sept. 3, concluding the organization's eight-month...

Immersing yourself in a beaver colony is something all outdoorsy people should experience. There are few habitats in Montana that more resemble a jungle than a good beaver colony. Explore one and you...

If you've visited Nature Conservancy land in the Seeley-Swan area in the past few months, there's a good chance that you've run into Tayler Templin. An avid camper, hiker, angler and photographer,...

As I further advance into elder years, I have more appreciation for this poem by Mary Oliver. "The Summer Day" Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper?...

For several years there has been an active dialogue regarding risks associated with recreation in wildlands and concern for the safety of people who choose to do so. Much of this discussion has been...