What is 'conifer expansion' and how does it affect the water supply?

Update: 2025-03-13

Description

More than half a million acres in southwest Montana have been impacted by conifer expansion. It used to be that fires would come through these landscapes and burn back the trees, but that natural cycle isn’t happening anymore. Now, more trees are encroaching into traditional sagebrush habitat, and that has impacts on our water supply.

Comments

In Channel

Kimjang: Come for the cabbage, stay for the community

2025-12-1812:37

What's the history of abortion access in Montana?

2025-12-0412:37

Montana's flag breaks all the 'rules.' Is it time for a redesign?

2025-11-2109:39

Why do Montana counties have such strange shapes?

2025-10-2308:46

The Little Why: Are there wild horses in Montana?

2025-10-0911:45

What happens to wildlife during a wildfire?

2025-09-2408:42

Why don't we recycle more plastics in Montana?

2025-09-1108:47

How did Montana get its strange shape?

2025-08-2808:39

What's the story with the big pile of 'dirt' outside of Shepherd?

2025-07-3108:27

Mountain face off: How trees choose sides

2025-07-1707:52

What lived in ancient Montana?

2025-07-0208:37

How will federal cuts affect Montana's libraries and museums?

2025-06-1908:36

Help protect public media from congressional funding cuts

2025-06-1000:18

Why are there so many snakes on Montana's roads?

2025-06-0508:37

The Pig Why: How Montana pork producers bring home the bacon

2025-05-2208:32

The Big Why: Where do the buffalo roam?

2025-04-2407:46