Montana — Writings — John N. Maclean

Opinion: This Montana river is threatened by one senator and a bitter clash over use of public lands

By John N. Maclean
The Washington Post, November 16, 2021

When after many years I finally found a way back to the Blackfoot River in western Montana, it was a dream come true. I returned at a lucky time, after an extraordinary restoration effort had brought the river back to health from a sorry state, caused by pollution and overfishing.

But today, thanks to one U.S. senator and the increasingly bitter clash over use of public lands in the West, the cold, clear waters of the Blackfoot are endangered once again.

Article, OpinionGuest UserNovember 22, 2021Montana

A Corner of Montana

By John Maclean
Commencement Address, University of Montanam Western Dillon, Montana: May 9, 2009

Good afternoon and welcome to the sunny world of adult responsibility. The economy you're about to join is the most prosperous in human history and America is its epicenter. With your new degree as an entrance pass, you will find ready employment at a job you can love in a location of your choice. Soon you will buy a three-bedroom home on a quiet street and start making contributions to a 401K, which will grow at a reliable 11 percent a year. Eventually, you will have a safe and secure retirement. And you know that most of what I've just said is a big fat lie.

Commencement, SpeakingGuest UserMarch 2, 2021Montana