Archive for the ‘Ecology’ Category

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Input opportunity: Proposal for trail use in Island Unit (Blacktail)

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

from Don Wood, March 1, 2012

This information is provided so you can take an informed position on this controversial issue, then voice your opinion, should you so choose.

The US Forest Service is doing an environmental assessment (EA) on proposed trail work in the Island Unit (Blacktail), on the west side of the Flathead valley. The proposal includes not only walking and biking trails but also motorized trails in the existing non-motorized area.

Comments are due by April 1, 2012. You can view the EA proposal on the Forest Service website at Island Unit Trail System Additions Project, or for a paper copy, contact:

Andrew K. Johnson @ (406-837-7507) andrewjohnson@fs.fed.us

Posted in Community, Ecology | Comments Closed

Pledge for Honeybees

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Honeybee

by Catherine Haug, February 28, 2012

Perhaps one of the most important things we can do to honor Earth Day (which is coming up on April 22), is a small thing: sign the pledge for honeybees, to save them from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and then take the appropriate actions in your yard.

There has been a lot of research about CCD, and a lot of debate as to its cause, whether pesticides or pests (pathogens). But one thing is certain: pesticides play a very important role in CCD.

Sign the Pledge for Honeybees, and see below for more info and links to other articles on bees and CCD. (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Community, Ecology, Gardening, Landscaping | Comments Closed

Fresh: the film about moving toward sustainable food supply

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 26, 2012

Dr. Mercola featured this documentary film in his newsletter today. You can view it on his website FOR FREE through March 3, 2012. It’s a little more than 1 hour in length. Go to Polyculture vs Monoculture: Fresh, the Film. Mercola writes:

The documentary “FRESH” celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system.

The film demonstrates how we can collectively transform the current “industrial agricultural paradigm” into a healthier, more sustainable way of feeding the world, while restoring the health of our ailing planet.

You can also view the trailer for this movie: Fresh (the movie): Trailers. And you can support the film by purchasing a copy or making a donation.

If you miss the free viewing deadline, you may be able to Find a screening in our area, or host a screening. If you choose to host a screening and would welcome ESP members, let me know and I’ll publish an event notice.

Posted in Agriculture, Ecology, Food-Nutrition-Health, Gardening, Livestock | Comments Closed

Recycling Options for CFLs and more

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 23, 2012

The Waste Not Project has updated their recycling brochure; a printable pdf copy is available at Recycling in the Flathead Valley. The number of recycling options is ever increasing, so be sure to check out the update.

Here are a few highlights for drop locations: (more…)

Posted in Ecology, Recycle | Comments Closed

Why a Decrease in Organic Grain Production?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Field of Wheat

by Catherine Haug, February 4, 2012

(photo from Wikipedia)

Montana Organic Association’s Organic Matters Winter 2012 edition reports that organic grain production in Montana as well as Washington, Idaho and North Dakota is down significantly. Over 30,000 acres of Montana land has reverted to non-organic management over the past 2 years; this is over 20% of the total organic crop land in the state.

In an article that is the first of a three-part series, Amy Grisak explores why this is happening. I’ve transcribed the entire article below, but the bottom line for many organic farmer is weeds, especially bindweed. This weed is prolific, chokes out the grain crops, and manages to survive despite the organic methods tried to control it.

Paperwork, wind erosion and business issues affecting cash flow are additional significant issues facing Montana’s organic grain farmers.

The issue that has me wondering why, is the extraordinary time the farmers have to sit on their product – as much as two years – before a buyer steps up. Perhaps there is not a strong enough market for organic grain? (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Ecology, Organics | Comments Closed

The Amish on PBS: An example of sustainable living in community, Airing Feb 28, 2012

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 5, 2012

Setting aside their religious views, the Amish set an example to explore, for those of us who aspire to live sustainably and in community. A 2-hour episode of American Experience on Montana PBS, to be aired at 7 PM on Tuesday, February 28, explores this unique society that many of us didn’t know much about until the film Witness captured our attention in 1985.

The Amish movement began over 500 years ago in Switzerland as a branch of the Mennonite movement. Many emigrated to the US in the 1800s, settling primarily in Pennsylvania, then expanding into the midwestern states. Their lifestyle varies from community to community, but in general, they are known for  “simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt many conveniences of modern technology.” (2)

For more about this program, or on the Amish lifestyle, read on. (more…)

Posted in Community, Ecology, Home & Ranch, Survival; Primitive Living | Comments Closed

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