Based at the United Methodist Camp at Rollins, campers got a broad look at our local range resources. This years instructors were from the MSU Extension Service, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Department of Natural Resource and Conservation, and Tribal Division of Lands. Green Hand winner was Holly Voermans of Whitefish, with Kathleen Dunkel of White Sulphur Springs as runner-up. Back to Newsletter Page Back to Main Page Anthrax Moving North Warnings have been released on a new outbreak of Anthrax in western states. The disease is usually not fatal by itself, but causes severe weight loss because of the difficulty caused in trying to eat.
Anthrax is a quarantinable disease because it can kill large numbers of animals in a short time.
VC spores survive in soil indefinitely, and significant climatic changes, such as spring flooding, drought, and strong winds can expose Anthrax spores where livestock graze. There will be no large restriction on the movement of livestock, or gatherings this year, but herds with symptoms will be quarantined for 30 days after the last sick animal has recovered. Back to Newsletter Page Back to Main Page Bitterroot and Blue Camas by Joanne Bigcrane, Herbarium A western Montana spring brings a variety of wild flowers, but two native species inspire special interest in the Flathead Reservation. Bitterroot, also the state flower, favors dry prairie lands, and blue camas flourishes in moist meadows. Generations of tribal people have relied on bitterroot and camas as a major food staple.