HELENA, Mont. - The Water Resources Division (WRD) of the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) has launched new tools, including a fact sheet and a new webpage, in efforts to increase transparency and provide succinct data on water rights filings.Â
âUnder Director Kasterâs leadership, DNRC is helping change the way Helena does business to better serve Montanans,â Governor Greg Gianforte said. âThese new tools will increase transparency, improve information sharing about the water rights process and reduce associated regulatory burdens.â
The number and type of water right applications filed statewide are influenced by changing demographics and differing geologic and hydrologic conditions.Â
Grizzly Gulch Fire now 35% contained
Grizzly Gulch Fire; Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
By: MTN News
and last updated 2021-07-15 19:51:59-04
(UPDATE, 3:40 p.m.) The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation says the Grizzly Gulch Fire on Mount Helena is approximately 35% contained.
In an email to MTN, Paige Cohn of DNRC said, Crew is feeling good about working through the day and containing the fire even more, but they are cognizant of weather conditions and the fact that fire behavior can change rapidly based on those conditions.
In conjunction with the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest Service and DNRC, The Lewis and Clark Sheriff s Office (LCSO) will take the lead on the investigation on how this fire started.
Sunday evening update for Rock Creek Fire
Rock Creek Fire update for Sunday, July 11
By: Kailey Neitzel
and last updated 2021-07-11 21:20:10-04
NEAR WOLF CREEK â The
Rock Creek Fire north of Wolf Creek and west of Craig has now burned an estimated 3,420 acres. The fire started along Highway 287 on Saturday afternoon and spread toward Interstate 15 after an incident with broken machinery sparked the flames.
Resource on the fire on Sunday included 14 engines, three water tenders; two road graders; one dozer; and two helicopters. Containment is now estimated at about 80%.
âCrews are going to continue to work the fireâs edge through the night, so the fire will be staffed overnight,â said Incident Commander Scott Knauer. âOnce we decide how the progress went today, weâll determine the right staffing level for tomorrow, but there will be personnel on the fire working it for the next couple of days.â
UPDATE: Rock Creek Fire estimated at 500 acres and growing
Wildfire sparks between Craig and Wolf Creek
By: David Sherman
and last updated 2021-07-11 02:41:00-04
GREAT FALLS â Update 10:15 p.m. - The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) provided an update on the Rock Creek Fire Saturday night.
DNRC along with partners from the Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest, MDOT, MT Highway patrol, Lewis and Clark county Sherriff office, and Lewis and Clark County, and County Mutual Aid from many volunteer fire departments are working to contain the Rock Creek Fire located north of Helena, MT near Mile Marker 1 on Highway 287.
Rock Creek Fire burning between Craig and Wolf Creek
Wildfire sparks between Craig and Wolf Creek
and last updated 2021-07-11 01:24:09-04
GREAT FALLS â The Rock Creek Fire between Craig and Wolf Creek has burned several hundred acres.
The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff s Office says that I-15 southbound traffic is being turned around at the Craig exit to go north. I-15 northbound is being routed to 434 at the Wolf Creek exit. Seven Mile Road is closed from Craig. Highway 287 is closed from Craig to Seven Mile Road. The Frontage Road is closed between Craig and Wolf Creek.
The American Red Cross has established a shelter in Great Falls at New Hope Lutheran Church, 3125 5th Avenue South. Call the Red Cross at 800-272-6668 and ask for Shellie Creveling to make arrangements. If you cannot make it to Great Falls and need assistance in Helena, please call the same number and they can assist you.