We believe people working together can make a difference.

Northern Plains’ mission is to organize Montanans to protect our water, land, air, and working landscapes. We support a healthy, localized, and sustainable economy in farm and ranch country and in our towns, and build strong grassroots leaders, always considering the next generation.

Stay Informed

Check out our latest news and updates.

IRA clean energy funding is coming our way!

IRA clean energy funding is coming our way!

The Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law last summer, will work to reduce United States’ greenhouse gas emissions by up to 44%...
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PRESS RELEASE: Grassroots efforts, bipartisan cooperation create Montana Soil Health Week

PRESS RELEASE: Grassroots efforts, bipartisan cooperation create Montana Soil Health Week

Northern Plains leaders elevate soil stewardship HELENA, Mont. – A new resolution was signed into law on May 12 that will designate the first week of April as...
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Spring 2023 Plains Truth

Spring 2023 Plains Truth

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First steps in a long journey

First steps in a long journey

In late 1971, several months before a small group of people formed Northern Plains, some of those same people embarked on an ambitious project...
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Combining art and action to protect democracy

Combining art and action to protect democracy

A couple of years ago, Northern Plains member and Bridger farmer/rancher Tom Tschida found himself getting deeper and deeper into a new hobby, hand-printed...
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Our Vision

We are everyday Montanans who love where we live.

We are working toward a future where we live in harmony with nature, where our economy serves the people rather than the people serving the economy, where neighbors work side-by-side to build a world that lives up to our ideals of fairness, inclusion, and justice.

Get Involved

We stand up, shoulder-to-shoulder, to protect this place we all call home.

 Everyday, Montana’s neighbors and community leaders are standing together to protect our natural landscapes and unique quality of life. Everyday, you have the chance to get involved in the issues you care about, whether it’s protecting our climate, expanding clean energy opportunities, or promoting a strong local food system. Your voice matters, and you have the power to make a difference. Get involved by taking action today!

Sign up to receive important email updates!

Stay informed about the work we are doing across Montana to protect our air, water, agriculture, and natural resources.

We organize Montanans around these issues…

We believe that true prosperity begins with healthy land, water, and air. Northern Plains members work on a variety of issues across Montana, seeking creative solutions to secure a clean, healthful environment for all.

Local groups

Northern Plains has affiliate organizations in 13 communities across Montana, from Helena to Glendive and Livingston to Lewistown.

Get involved in your local community.

Roughly half of our members are active in their local affiliate groups. The affiliates are part of Northern Plains, but they also work on important issues in their local communities. Joining an affiliate is a great way to make a difference in your community and get involved in the issues you care about. Find your local affiliate today!

testimonials

What our members say…

Emily Petrik and Joel Harris
“Some of our dear friends were Northern Plains staff and member leaders. For us, it was a no-brainer to become members. Northern Plains uses a truly grassroots model, more so than any other conservation group in Montana. It’s not all about lawyers or ‘experts.’ And [Northern Plains] is effective – we really get stuff done. In a world where many people feel isolated and disconnected, the way we do our work brings people together and makes us all feel like we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Emily Petrik and Joel Harris
Deb Muth
“As a young mother, my children were experiencing health issues and I struggled to understand why, until I discovered they were related to toxins in our well water. It turned out that an out-of-date landfill was leaching into the ground water downstream, and illnesses were pandemic in our area. Cancers of all kinds… young children too! That landfill became a designated Superfund site, but the damage will still linger for lifetimes.  We know better now, about how to safely clean up toxic waste dumps! Membership in Northern Plains has helped me stand up for myself, my family, and my community and fight against special interests that would sacrifice our unique quality of life for short term profits!  I am proud to have worked with Northern Plains for the past 22 years to protect our clean watersheds, creeks and rivers, clean air quality, and our precious soil, the land we call home!”
Deb Muth
Emma Kerr-Carpenter
“My involvement with Northern Plains began when my local affiliate started a new committee to work on local issues such as city planning, zoning, and parks. I began to see that if I worked together with my friends and neighbors we could build a healthy, sustainable, inviting community that works for everyone.    I am a member of Northern Plains because there are very few other conservation groups in MT that are so grassroots. Through the incredible leadership of our members and the support of our staff we hold decision-makers accountable and organize to improve the quality of life of everyday Montanans.” 
Emma Kerr-Carpenter
Ed Gulick
“I love Northern Plains and take great pleasure in devoting my time and treasure as a member to further our collective vision. Montana is not going to become a more just, equitable and environmentally sustainable place by itself. It takes a committed group of organized citizens, working together to bring issues forward, educate the public on alternatives, and work through the various governing processes to create lasting change in our communities. Northern Plains is that organizing vehicle for me. I get to spend time with such committed and capable members and staff. And through our methodical, grassroots democratic process, we are incredibly effective, accomplishing more with investments of time and resources than anywhere else. Join us!”
Ed Gulick
Sue Beug
“I became actively involved with Northern Plains when there were rumors of expanding oil and gas development in Carbon County. I became an advocate for demanding development be done according to existing regulations and worked to increase protections where they didn’t exist. [This] has taught me how to be an effective activist for our environment and conservation.  Because of the support, knowledge and guidance provided by Northern Plains staff I have gained confidence and developed the ability to effectively speak out on issues of importance to me."
Sue Beug
Upcoming community events…

Check out these upcoming events in your area!

GTRC’s Annual Meeting and Potluck

GTRC’s Annual Meeting and Potluck

We believe people working together can make a difference. Northern Plains’ mission is to organize...

Thursday, June 15th from 5:30 pm-8:00 pm

Cottonwood Resource Council Farm Tour and Work Day

Cottonwood Resource Council Farm Tour..

With summer upon us, now’s a great opportunity to get outside and get our hands dirty supporting local agriculture! Please join Cottonwood Resource Council (CRC) on Saturday, June 17th for a Farm Tour and Work Day at Living Soil Farms!

Saturday, June 17th from 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Stand up with us to protect this place we all call home.

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