Coal bankruptcies and cleanup/ Calexico Police

Missoulian: Mine environmental risk grows with bankruptcies in big coal

Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977
“The regulatory authority may accept the bond of the applicant itself without separate surety when the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the regulatory authority the existence of a suitable agent to receive service of process and a history of financial solvency and continuous operation sufficient for authorization to self-insure or bond such amount or in lieu of the establishment of a bonding program, as set forth in this section, the Secretary may approve as part of a State or Federal program an alternative system  68 that will achieve the objectives and purposes of the bonding program pursuant to this section.”

 Laws, Regulations and Guidance

Missoulian: Feds give scathing review of California border town's police

Department of Justice Releases Results of Its Comprehensive Review of the Calexico Police Department

Land Buy-back/ Voting Locations/ School Bathroom Policies/ Zika

Missoulian: More tribes added to land program, but money running out
Indian Land Consolidation Program
Land buy-back Program
“The Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations implements the land consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement, which provided $1.9 billion to purchase fractional interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers at fair market value. Consolidated interests are immediately restored to tribal trust ownership for uses benefiting the reservation community and tribal members.”

Missoulian: Montana sets up 13 satellite voting offices for tribes

2016 Polling places

Missoulian: After federal order, Billings school district reviewing bathroom policy for transgender students

Helping Schools Ensure the Civil Rights of Transgender Students
Dear Colleague Letter on Transgender Students
“Accompanying this letter is a separate document from ED’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Examples of Policies and Emerging Practices for Supporting Transgender Students. The examples in that document are taken from policies that school districts, state education agencies, and high school athletics associations around the country have adopted to help ensure that transgender students enjoy a supportive and nondiscriminatory school environment. Schools are encouraged to consult that document for practical ways to meet Title IX’s requirements.”

Missoulian: House to debate scaled-back Zika bill despite veto threat
H.R.5243 - Zika Response Appropriations Act, 2016

Bison/ Brucellosis/ Forest Pests

The bison is the largest land mammal in North America. Bulls are more massive in appearance than cows, and more bearded. For their size, bison are agile and quick, capable of speeds in excess of 30 mph. Each year, bison injure park visitors who approach too closely.

NPS/Herbert

Missoulian: Charges pending against tourists after Yellowstone officials euthanize bison calf
Wildlife

Do not approach wildlife, no matter how tame or calm they appear. Always obey instructions from park staff on scene. You must stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes. Do not feed any animals. It harms them and it is illegal.

Bison

Bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run.
They are unpredictable and dangerous.
Your best view may be from inside a hard-sided vehicle.
Every year visitors are gored and some have been killed.

Missoulian: Disease's spread blamed on elk, not bison or feed grounds
Study Shows Pathways of Disease Transmission Between Elk, Bison and Cattle in the Greater Yellowstone Area
The U.S. Geological Survey and its partners have shown how brucellosis has impacted cattle, bison and elk in the greater Yellowstone area.

Missoulian: Imported forest pests cause $2 billion in damage annually
Nonnative forest insects and pathogens in the United States: impacts and policy options

Bison/ Brucellosis/ Forest Pests

Montana Voting!

There isn't much news this Monday, so here is information on voting! Absentee ballots for MT's primary (which is open) have been mailed out.

• June 7, 2016 ~ Primary Election
  •     Regular voter registration closes May 9; late registration begins May 10
• November 8, 2016 ~ General Election
  •     Regular voter registraton closes October 11; late registration begins Oct. 12
• 2016 Election Calendar
• Absentee Ballots by County - updated daily
• Voter Registration by County, updated daily
• Primary Election Poll Locations

For more information go to My Voter Page (Montana)