Briefs for March 10, 2021
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FWP reminds recreationists to stay vigilant for avalanche danger
News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks
MONTANA — Avalanche danger is high across Montana, with the addition of new snow and weather systems moving across the state. People recreating outdoors are advised to use caution and stay up to date on the avalanche dangers in their area.
There are three regional Avalanche Centers in Montana. Their work provides quality and timely forecasts, education and materials to meet a growing user base both of local recreationists and visitors from outside Montana.
For statewide and regional avalanche forecasts, please visit:
— Nationwide: Avalanche.org
— Southcentral Montana: Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
— Northwest Montana: Flathead Avalanche Center
— Southwest Montana: Missoula National Forest Avalanche Center
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks provides funding for all three avalanche centers in Montana through Recreational Trails Program funding. This can include supporting innovative approaches like the free community avalanche awareness and safety classes in Cooke City, Montana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ODQX3SusLk
Daines: Amtrak critical for MT jobs, travel
News from the office of Senator Daines
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines cosponsored legislation to restore daily long-distance Amtrak service and reinstate employees who have been furloughed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Amtrak supports Montana jobs, helps connect Montanans across the state and brings visitors from all over the country to Big Sky Country. The Empire Builder is critical to the Hi-Line and I will continue fighting to restore this much needed service,” Daines said.
Daines named top Republican of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on national parks
News from the office of Senator Daines
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines was renamed top Republican of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks.
“Our national parks are what help set us apart from the rest of the world—they’re also part of our Montana way of life,” Daines stated. “I look forward to being Montana’s voice on important energy, natural resources, public lands and forest management issues in the Senate. I also look forward to serving as the top Republican on the National Parks Subcommittee to bolster our parks and public lands so Montanans and all Americans can enjoy our great outdoors for generations to come.”
Daines served as the chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks in the 115th and the 116th Congress where he was instrumental in passing the “Great American Outdoors Act” which provides funding for critical maintenance projects and infrastructure within National Parks.
Fully immunized Montanans surpass total infections
News from the office of Governor Gianforte
HELENA — Today, the total number of Montanans fully immunized against COVID-19 surpassed the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic, according to data from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
“This encouraging milestone is a testament to the tireless efforts of our health care workers who are administering these safe, effective vaccines. It’s also a testament to Montanans who have taken steps to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors from the spread of the virus,” Governor Gianforte said. “We’ll keep up our efforts as the light at the end of the tunnel shines more brightly with each passing day.”
The total number of Montanans fully immunized as of March 5 was 105,977, while total infections up to that date were 100,656.
USDA extends deadline for the Quality Loss Adjustment Program
News from USDA
BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline from March 5 to April 9 for agricultural producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment Program because of recent winter storms and some clarifications to program rules.
This program assists producers, including those here in Montana who suffered crop quality losses due to qualifying 2018 and 2019 natural disasters.
