Stephanie Maltarich

Laser technology is being used to more accurately measure mountain snowpack — crucial information for farmers and water managers in drought-stricken areas like the Colorado River Basin.

Many small tourism dependent businesses around Montana didn’t know if they would make it through the summer with the looming pandemic. But with state level relief grants, many eked by, and some were busier than they expected. One business owner managed to navigate the complicated summer. Now she’s looking ahead to an uncertain winter.

Trails in Montana were busy this summer as people took to the outdoors to escape the stress of the coronavirus pandemic, so busy that race directors and researchers became slightly concerned about the impact of so many trail users on public health. Many worked to balance getting people outside while teaching them how to do it safely.