Snowpack Report

From the Billings Gazette: "Montana's winter season is off to a brisk start, with mountain snowpack statewide near average and in better shape than a year ago, a federal report said Friday.

"The Natural Resources Conservation Service reported snowpack in river basins across much of the state as being near or above average, with central Montana faring particularly well. The Bozeman-based agency measures snowpack in terms of the snow's water content."

You can find details in the weekly Snowpack/Drought Monitor Update. A Montana-specific report is available on the NRCS Montana state website. The website also provides more information on the Montana Snow Survey Program and links to long-term data.

Information on drought status in Montana by county is available on the Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) website.

Source: "Report: Snow season off to better start." Billings Gazette January 6, 2006.

DEQ Proposed Rule Changes

From the Missoulian: "Environmental advocates say they are wary of a new streamlining of Montana's environmental laws that was authorized by the 2005 Legislature and will soon be put into effect through rules proposed by the state Department of Environmental Quality."

You can view the proposed rules on the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) website. A public meeting will be held at 10:30 A.M. on January 31st in Room 152 of the State Capitol in Helena, and comments are due by 5 P.M. on February 7th.

The new rules were drafted due to two bills passed in the 2005 Regular Legislative Session, House Bill 428 and House Bill 429.

The DEQ website also recently posted two interesting documents on proposed changes to hard rock mining application requirements:

Economic Impacts of The Petition for Proposed Amendment of ARM 17.24.116 Pertaining to Hard Rock Mining Application Requirements for Operating Permits

Alternatives Analysis of Proposed Rule Making to Amend ARM 17.24.116 Pursuant to 2-4-405, MCA Application Requirements for Hard Rock Mine Operating Permits

Source: "DEQ plans to streamline enforcement." Missoulian January 9, 2006. A1.

CRS Report on Wiretapping Authority

From the Washington Post: "A report by Congress's research arm concluded yesterday that the administration's justification for the warrantless eavesdropping authorized by President Bush conflicts with existing law and hinges on weak legal arguments.

"The Congressional Research Service's report rebuts the central assertions made recently by Bush and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales about the president's authority to order secret intercepts of telephone and e-mail exchanges between people inside the United States and their contacts abroad."

You can read the full Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, "Presidential Authority to Conduct Warrantless Electronic Surveillance to Gather Foreign Intelligence Information," on the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) website. FAS also posted a link to a related Justice Department memo in the January 6th Secrecy News.

Source: "Report Rebuts Bush on Spying: Domestic Action's Legality Challenged." Washington Post January 7, 2006.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005
A report of the House Judiciary Committee.

Congressional Budget Justification and Annual Performance Plan
An accounting from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Employees in Postsecondary Institutions, Fall 2004, and Salaries of Full-Time Instructional Faculty, 2004-05
A National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report.

The Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government: FY 2004
An Office of Personnel Management (OPM) report to Congress.

EPA Nanotechnology Draft White Paper
The paper is "a road map that identifies critical questions that must be addressed in order for the United States to reap the potential environmental and economic benefits of nanotechnology."

Historical Effective Federal Tax Rates: 1979 to 2003
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

Iraq: Assessment of Progress in Economic Reconstruction and Governmental Capacity
A staff trip report to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Meeting the Challenge of Bird Flu: Commitment Science Response
A State Department document.

National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urban Areas
A new EPA publication.

New Electronic Titles, November 2005
A new list of web-based government documents is now available.

Notice of Intent To Audit
The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a public notice of the intent to audit 11 "nonsubscription and new subscription services that transmit sound recordings under statutory licenses."

Program of Research on the Economics of Invasive Species Management: Fiscal 2003-2005 Activities
A new report from the Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service (ERS).

Report on U.S. Portfolio Holdings of Foreign Securities
End of year (2004) data from the Treasury Department (the latest available).

The Role of Information Technology and Surveillance Systems in Bioterrorism Readiness
Bioterrorism and Health System Preparedness, Issue Brief No. 5 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

State Standards and Capacity to Track Frequency of Caseworker Visits With Children in Foster Care

State Standards and Practices for Content of Caseworker Visits With Children in Foster Care
Two reports from the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General. Thanks to DocuTicker for the links.

The Status of Telework in the Federal Government 2005
A report from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Summary of OPI Activities for January
Activities of the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI).

U.S.-UK Relations at the Start of the 21st Century
A new eBook issued by the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Agricultural Issues in the 109th Congress

Budget Reconciliation and the PBGC

Child Welfare and TANF Implementation: Recent Findings

Credit Card Minimum Payments

The "Farm Bill" in Brief

Federal Funding for Unauthorized Aliens' Emergency Medical Expenses

Federalism: Selected Opinions of Judge Samuel Alito

The Google Book Search Project: Is Online Indexing a Fair Use Under Copyright Law?

Humane Treatment of Farm Animals: Overview and Issues

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Schaffer v. Weast Determines Party Seeking Relief Bears the Burden of Proof

Interest Payments on the Federal Debt: A Primer

Mandatory Funding for Agriculture Conservation Programs

Medical Marijuana: Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies

National Security Whistleblowers

Russian Oil and Gas Challenges

Social Security Administration: Suspension of Benefits for Fugitive Felons

U.S. Arms Sales: Agreements with and Deliveries to Major Clients, 1997-2004

Veterans Benefits Issues in the 109th Congress

Vulnerability of Concentrated Critical Infrastructure: Background and Policy Options

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

Student Consolidation Loans: Potential Effects of Making Fiscal Year 2006 Consolidation Loans Exclusively through the Direct Loan Program

Welfare Reform: More Information Needed to Assess Promising Strategies to Increase Parents' Incomes

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

Improved National Prevalence Estimates for 18 Selected Major Birth Defects - United States, 1999-2001

Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule - United States, 2006

United Nations Documents:

Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians

Peacebuilding Commission Resolution

Federal Funds for Montana

From the Missoulian: "Montana has slipped a few notches in its share of annual federal spending.

"According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Consolidated Federal Funds Report for fiscal 2004, Montanans stand 14th in the nation for receiving $8,084.85 per person. Montana ranked 11th in 2003. The national average was $7,222 for every American in 2004."

You can find more details on the geographic distribution of federal expenditures in the full Consolidated Federal Funds Report. The Montana Census and Economic Information Center (CEIC) provides a helpful map showing county-level expenditures for Montana.

Sources: "Per person spending slips to 14th in U.S." Missoulian January 6, 2006.
"State's aging population brings in big federal bucks." Missoulian January 6, 2006.

Fire Shelter Report

From the Region 1 Forest Service press release: "The review board determined that the three firefighters; a dozer operator and two dozer bosses, were qualified for their assignments, acted properly, and that their actions mitigated the consequences of erratic fire behavior. The deployment occurred on the evening of August 10, 2005 on the Tarkio Fire, one of the I-90 Complex of fires on the Lolo National Forest."

The full report should be available soon on the Region 1 Fire Information page. The press release points to an excellent site for more fire shelter information.

Source: "Review finds use of fire shelters was warranted." Missoulian January 5, 2006. B1.

Big Game Hunting Regulations

From Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP): "Tentative hunting regulations, approved by the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission earlier this month, will be the subject of eleven public meetings around west-central Montana’s Region 2 in January. Public comments will be weighed as the Commission finalizes Montana’s 2006 hunting regulations in February."

Visit the FWP site for a list of meeting dates and locations and for more information on the proposed regulation changes.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Background Characteristics, Work Activities, and Compensation of Instructional Faculty and Staff: Fall 2003
A new National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report.

Beyond Connecting the Dots: A VITAL Framework for Sharing Law Enforcement Intelligence Information
An investigative report issued by the House Committee on Homeland Security Democratic Staff.

Cancer Trends Progress Report - 2005 Update
An update from the National Cancer Institute.

Census of Tribal Justice Agencies in Indian Country, 2002
A Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report.

Consolidated Federal Funds Report
This Census report is "the only consolidated source of data on the geographic distribution of federal expenditures."

The Constitution in Crisis: The Downing Street Minutes and Deception, Manipulation, Torture, Retribution, and Coverups in the Iraq War
A minority report produced by the House Judiciary Committee Democratic Staff. (Thanks to Red Tape for the link.)

Co-Offending and Patterns of Juvenile Crime
A new report from the National Institute of Justice.

Depression among Adolescents
A National Survey on Drug Use and Health report.

Driver Cell Phone Use in 2005 - Overall Results
A Travel Safety Facts Research Note from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2004
An Energy Information Administration (EIA) report.

Expanding E-Government: Improved Service Delivery for the American People Using Information Technology
A report from the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Fertility of American Women: June 2004
A report of the Census Bureau.

Iraq - Emergency Road Rehabilitation Project
A World Bank report.

Leaving the Nation at Risk: 33 Unfulfilled Promises From the Department of Homeland Security
A report of the House Committee on Homeland Security Democratic Staff.

Measuring Progress 1999-2003: The Priority Chemicals Trends Report
An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on "23 of the 31 priority chemicals found in some industrial waste, using 2003 data newly reported and compiled in the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI)."

New Electronic Titles, October 2005
A new list of web-based government documents is now available.

Records Pertaining to Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr.
Documents digitized and posted by the National Archives.

A Review of Remote Surveillance Technology Along U.S. Land Borders
A report from the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General.

Sexual Assault on Campus: What Colleges and Universities Are Doing About It
A report of the National Institute of Justice.

The Small Business Economy, 2005
A Small Business Administration report to the President.

United States Postal Service Annual Report 2005
The annual report on the financial state and service figures of the Postal Service.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Reports:

Career Guide to Industries (CGI), 2006-07 Edition

Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2006-07 Edition

Parental Transfers, Student Achievement, and the Labor Supply of College Students

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Anthrax-Contaminated Facilities: Preparations and a Standard for Remediation

Constitutionality of Applying the FCC’s Indecency Restriction to Cable Television

Electronic Voting Systems (DREs): Legislation in the 108th Congress

Excited Utterances, "Testimonial" Statements, and the Confrontation Clause

The Law of Church and State: Opinions of Judge Samuel Alito

Securing General Aviation

Economic Research Service (ERS) Reports:

Cotton and Wool Yearbook, 2005 Data Set

Farm Household Economics and Well-Being

Metropolitan Area Food Prices and Children's Weight Gain

Rice Yearbook, 2005

Rural Hispanics At A Glance

Wheat Backgrounder

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States

Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005

Pertussis--United States, 2001-2003

United Nations Documents:
As always, thanks to UN Pulse for the links.

Economic Report on Africa 2005: Meeting the Challenges of Unemployment and Poverty in Africa

Protection against retaliation for reporting misconduct and for cooperating with duly authorized audits or investigations

Report of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (conflict diamonds)

Review of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)

Second report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1595 (2005) and 1636 (2005) (Mehlis Report)

Tsunami Recovery: Taking Stock after 12 Months (President Clinton's One-Year Report)

United Nations Global Compact

United Nations Peacebuilding Commission

Rules for Commercial Human Space Flight

From Yahoo! News: "Thinking of spending that next vacation on the moon or Mars or circling the Earth? Before liftoff, there's a list of things the would-be 'space flight participant' should know.

"More than 120 pages of proposed rules, released by the government Thursday, regulate the future of space tourism. This don't-forget list touches on everything from passenger medical standards to preflight training for the crew."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has posted a Fact Sheet on Commercial Human Space Flight on its website. The Federal Register notice and the docket of the proposed rulemaking are available for review. The longer, original notice of proposed rulemaking is available on the Department of Transportation site.

Source: "Rules for tourist trips to outer space proposed." Missoulian December 30, 2005. A12.
"Gov't Releases Proposed Space Tourism Rules." Yahoo! News. December 29, 2005.

Statistical Abstract 2006

The 2006 Statistical Abstract of the United States is now available.

The Statistical Abstract (or "Stat Ab" for those in the know) is a key reference work that "contains a collection of statistics on social and economic conditions in the United States. Selected international data are also included." Check it out!

Department of Homeland Security Audit

From the Washington Post: "Nearly three years after it was formed, the immense Department of Homeland Security remains hampered by severe management and financial problems that contributed to the flawed response to Hurricane Katrina, according to an independent audit released yesterday."

You can find the audit on the webpage of the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General: "Major Management Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security."

Source: "Homeland Security Is Faulted in Audit: Inspector General Points to FEMA, Cites Mismanagement Among Problems." Washington Post December 29, 2005.

Last Best Trademarks

From the Missoulian: "Two of David E. Lipson's eight trademark applications for the phrase, the "Last Best Place," appear to have become registered marks, despite a bill signed into federal law by President Bush.

"Lipson's applications to use the phrase for travel information and hotel, lodging and restaurant services squeaked through the application process Nov. 22, the very same day that Bush made the measure law."

The recently signed law is Public Law 109-108, formerly House Bill 2862, the Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2006. "Last Best Place" is referred to within "General Provisions" for the Department of Commerce in section 206.

The most recent "Last Best Place" applications to achieve trademark status cover "hotel and lodge services" (serial number 76355577 ) and "travel information services" (serial number 76355243). Find more information and search the trademark system on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.

This issue has been addressed previously on this blog on July 17, 2005, July 28, 2005, and September 12, 2005.

Source: "Two 'Last Best Place' trademarks approved." Missoulian December 29, 2005. A1.

Arctic Grayling draft programmatic environmental assessment

Montana Arctic Grayling found in the upper Big Hole River are a fish of special concern for both state and federal agencies. Since a majority of the fluvial arctic grayling habitat is located next to non-federal lands, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is trying to enter into a 20 year umbrella agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to help protect this species. The environmental assessment is open to public comments until 5 pm on January 23, 2006. You may submit comments to Grayling CCAA.

Montana Species of Concern - Fish
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serive - Arctic grayling
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain-Prairie Region - Arctic grayling

Employment Guide for Montana Seniors

"Experience Wanted: An Employment Guide for Montana Seniors" published by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry provides resources for older adults seeking employment. The introductory section "Myth vs. Reality" examines preconceptions about seniors in the workplace. Other notable chapters include "How Work Affects Your Social Security Benefits" and information about the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 protecting individuals 40 years of age or older from job discrimination.

NSA Eavesdropping Program

From the New York Times: "Months after the Sept. 11 attacks, President Bush secretly authorized the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on Americans and others inside the United States to search for evidence of terrorist activity without the court-approved warrants ordinarily required for domestic spying, according to government officials."

Statements made by the President on the "eavesdropping program" are available on the White House website:

December 19, 2005

December 17, 2005
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' statement is also on the White House website.

The President has cited Article II of the Constitution and Public Law 107-40 as legal justifications for the program.

Also frequently mentioned in news reports, information on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), Public Law 95-511, can be found in Title 50, Chapter 36 and Title 18, Chapter 119 of the U.S. Code.

Sources: "Bush Defends Eavesdropping Program: Congress 'Authorized' Domestic Surveillance in Iraq War Resolution, Says President, Attorney General." Washington Post December 19, 2005.
"Bush Lets U.S. Spy on Callers Without Courts." New York Times December 16, 2005.

2006 Regional Economic Outlook

From the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis press release: "The economy in the Ninth Federal Reserve District is expected to continue expanding in 2006, despite concerns about higher energy and materials prices, and a likely slowing in home building and residential real estate. The Ninth District includes Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana, northwestern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan."

The 2006 Regional Economic Outlook is available on the Minneapolis Fed website.

Source: "Agriculture, wage growth promising, experts say." Missoulian December 19, 2005. A1.

Friday Resource Round-Up

Broadband Use by Rural Small Businesses
A new report from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy.

Department of Justice E-Government Status Report – FY 2005
An assessment of the department's implementation of the E-Government Act.

Department of State FY 2005 Performance and Accountability Report
An annual report of the State Department.

Executive Order: Improving Agency Disclosure of Information
Executive Order issued by the President on December 14.

A First Look at the Literacy of America's Adults
A report of the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL).

Going to War With the Allies You Have: Allies, Counterinsurgency, and the War on Terrorism
A report from the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College.

Health, United States: 2005
A National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) report which includes a "Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans" and "Special Feature on Adults 55-64 Years."

International Macroeconomic Data Set
New data from the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the USDA.

Katrina: A Failed Response and Unmet Needs
A report from House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi's office.

Los Alamos Technical Reports and Publications
This archive of unclassified reports has been made available through the Federation of American Scientists Project on Government Secrecy.

A Potential Influenza Pandemic: Possible Macroeconomic Effects and Policy Issues
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report.

Protecting New Orleans From Future Flooding
A fact sheet and plan from the White House.

Psychological Operations Leaders Planning Guide
A PSYOP training guide archived and posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

Saving Starts @ Home
A new site on energy conservation from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Student Achievement in Private Schools
A report of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Tobacco Yearbook
New data on tobacco production, consumption, and trade from the Economic Research Service (ERS).

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Reports:

Employer Costs for Employee Compensation Summary

Occupational Outlook Quarterly: Charting the projections, 2004-2014

Volunteering in the United States, 2005

Census Bureau Reports:

Changes In The Lives Of U.S. Children: 1990 - 2000

Matched Race and Hispanic Origin Responses from Census 2000 and Current Population Survey February to May 2000

Mining: Product Summary: 2002

Statistics for Industry Groups and Industries: 2004

Supplemental Measures of Material Well-Being: Basic Needs, Consumer Durables, Energy, and Poverty, 1981 to 2002

Value of Product Shipments: 2004

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease): Agricultural Issues for Congress

Central America and the Dominican Republic in the Context of the Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with the United States

Civil Rights Opinions of U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Samuel Alito: A Legal Overview

Congress as a Consumer of Intelligence Information

The Direct Recording Electronic Voting Machine (DRE) Controversy: FAQs and Misperceptions

Is the U.S. Current Account Deficit Sustainable?

Ports in Louisiana: New Orleans, South Louisiana, and Baton Rouge

Proposals in the 109th Congress to Split the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

The Proposed U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement

Protecting New Orleans: From Hurricane Barriers to Floodwalls

U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

General Accountability Office (GAO) Reports:

China Trade: U.S. Exports, Investment, Affiliate Sales Rising, but Export Share Falling

Defense Acquisitions: DOD Has Paid Billions in Award and Incentive Fees Regardless of Acquisition Outcomes

Electronic Waste: Strengthening the Role of the Federal Government in Encouraging Recycling and Reuse

Federal Compensation Programs: Perspectives on Four Programs

Hurricane Protection: Statutory and Regulatory Framework for Levee Maintenance and Emergency Response for the Lake Pontchartrain Project

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Provision of Charitable Assistance

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Education Should Provide Additional Guidance to Help States Smoothly Transition Children to Preschool

Large Truck Safety: Federal Enforcement Efforts Have Been Stronger Since 2000, but Oversight of State Grants Needs Improvement

Livestock Market Reporting: USDA Has Taken Some Steps to Ensure Quality, but Additional Efforts Are Needed

Medicare: Contingency Plans to Address Potential Problems with the Transition of Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries from Medicaid to Medicare Drug Coverage

Medicare and Medicaid Coverage: Therapies and Supplies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Natural Gas and Electricity Markets: Federal Government Actions to Improve Private Price Indices and Stakeholder Reaction

Prescription Drugs: Enhanced Efforts and Better Agency Coordination Needed to Address Illegal Importation

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Articles:

Guidelines for the Investigation of Contacts of Persons with Infectious Tuberculosis: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC

Update: Influenza Activity - United States, October 2-December 3, 2005

West Nile Virus Activity - United States, January 1-December 1, 2005

United Nations Documents:

Food Supply Situation and Crop Prospects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings Focusing on Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence in Emergencies

National Human Development Report for China 2005

Reaching the Poor with Health, Nutrition, and Population Services: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why

The State of the World's Children 2006: Excluded and Invisible

Recent Actions in Congress

Patriot Act Renewal

USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005, H.R. 3199

Conference Report 109-333

Title VII--Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005

House roll call vote 627

Sources: "USA Patriot Act renewed in House, faces possible filibuster in Senate." Missoulian December 15, 2005. A7.
"Restrictions on Meth Ingredients Are Sought." New York Times December 15, 2005.

Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, H.R. 3010

House roll call vote 628

Source: "House barely passes health and education funding legislation." Missoulian December 15, 2005. A6.

Anti-torture Provision

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006, H.R. 2863

House roll call vote 630

Source: "House Backs McCain on Detainees, Defying Bush." New York Times December 14, 2005.

Immigration Changes

Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, H.R. 4437

House Report 109-345

Wildlife Responses to Motorized Winter Recreation in Yellowstone

From the Billings Gazette: "Most elk, bison and trumpeter swans barely reacted last winter to the presence of snowcoaches and snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park, according to a study released Tuesday.

"Scientists watched more than 2,100 interactions between over-snow vehicles and wildlife last year to try to determine how they responded.

"Of those, 81 percent of the animals had no apparent response or they looked and then resumed what they were doing, the study said."

The study, "Wildlife Responses to Motorized Winter Recreation in Yellowstone" is now available on the Yellowstone National Park website. A new scoping report is also available on the site.

Source: "Snow sleds OK for elk, study finds." Billings Gazette December 14, 2005.

Montana Legislature Update

School Funding

Governor's School Funding Proposal - Senate Bill 1

Revise school funding - House Bill 3

Quality schools interim committee school funding model - House Bill 4

Sources: "Schweitzer school funding bill advances." Missoulian December 15, 2005. A1.
"Education groups back rival legislation." Missoulian December 15, 2005. A5.
"Teachers union still backs governor's proposal." Billings Gazette December 15, 2005.

Pension Bailout

Appropriate funds for schools, TRS, and PERS - House Bill 1

Source: "Bailout for pensions clears House 51-49." Billings Gazette December 15, 2005.

More

Additional information can be found on the website of the December 2005 Special Session of the Montana Legislature. You can find a list of all introduced and unintroduced bills in the LAWS database.