Season 2: Episode 2: The Fight to Protect Endangered White Sturgeon, Montana's Living Dinosaurs
In the second episode of Season 2 of Deep Dive, Daily Inter Lake reporter Kate Heston explores the fascinating story of Montana’s prehistoric white sturgeon, often dubbed 'living dinosaurs,' which have roamed North American waters for millions of years. Despite their remarkable resilience, the Kootenai white sturgeon was declared endangered in 1994, with its population steadily declining due to habitat loss and human interference.
Conservation efforts, spearheaded by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, focus on hatchery breeding and habitat restoration. While progress is slow—sturgeon take decades to reach maturity—dedicated conservationists are determined to prevent this ancient species from slipping into extinction.
Learn more about the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho's conservation aquaculture program: www.kootenai.org
October 28, 2024
MORE EPISODES
Season Three | Part Two | From the Ashes
Months after the devastating fire that wiped out Noxon’s beloved businesses, the town is still searching for answers — and a way forward. In part two of this series, Daily Inter Lake News Editor Derrick Perkins hears from local business owners, firefighters, and longtime residents about the lasting impact of the fire and the uncertainty of what comes next. From the Hereford Bar’s relentless rebuild after two separate fires to the debate over whether new businesses will rise from the ashes, Noxon is at a crossroads. Will it bounce back, or will it become another forgotten town?
A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm in Kalispell for sponsoring this season of Deep Dive: From the Ashes! Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, they provide expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit vannlawfirm.com.
March 2, 2025
Season Three | Part One | From the Ashes
In the early hours of Feb. 27, 2024, a devastating fire tore through Noxon, Montana, reducing its historic downtown to ashes. First responders raced to contain the flames, but within hours, beloved local landmarks — the Angry Beaver General Store, the Mercantile and Café, and Toby’s Tavern — were gone. In part one of this two-part series, Daily Inter Lake News Editor Derrick Perkins hears firsthand accounts from firefighters, business owners and residents as they relive the chaos, heartbreak and resilience that followed. What caused the fire? Could anything have stopped it? And how did the town come together in the aftermath?
A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm in Kalispell for sponsoring this season of Deep Dive: From the Ashes! Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, they provide expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit vannlawfirm.com.
February 28, 2025
Season 2: Episode 4: Using Endangered Species Act to Protect Montana’s Grizzly Bears & their Habitat
Join Kate Heston for our last episode of Season 2, as she explores Keith Hammer's decades-long battle to protect Montana’s iconic grizzly bears through the power of the Endangered Species Act. As president of the Swan View Coalition, Hammer has tirelessly fought against forest management practices that threaten wildlife, using litigation to halt projects impacting grizzly habitats. We delve into the legal and political challenges that have shaped—and continue to shape—conservation in Montana. From court victories to confrontations with state and federal agencies, this episode reveals the complexities and stakes of preserving Montana’s wild legacy for future generations.