Since our founding in 1972, Northern Plains has recognized that whether we’re from the plains, mountains, cities or towns, all of us share the common goal to protect this place we love and call home. We began when neighbors organized themselves to defend their ranches, farms, and livelihoods from plans to strip mine huge swaths of eastern Montana. We’re inspired by that “neighboring” spirit of our founders, knowing we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder to tackle the problems of today that threaten our tomorrow.
At a time when too many fan the flames of division, Northern Plains brings folks together, uniting people from differing backgrounds and perspectives under a shared purpose. Join us this year as we look to connect with one another, bolstering our collective courage to address today’s most complex challenges, together. If we look beyond our fences, listen to one another, and keep our minds open, we will find creative solutions to secure a clean, healthful environment for all.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Olivia Vesovich
Held v. Montana youth climate trial plaintiff
It was in her 6th grade science class when Olivia first recalls understanding what climate change would mean for the future. “My teacher informed us that the children of my generation would not be able to see the glaciers in Glacier National Park; my generation would be among the last.”
Olivia’s love for her hometown and nature has led her to take climate action by organizing with Seedlings for Solidarity, a mutual aid project expanding equitable access to seeds and seedlings, as well as organizing Missoula’s Sunrise Movement hub where her community has elevated the urgency of climate change, grown local participation in climate activism, and challenged local politicians’ involvement with fossil fuels.
Nate Bellinger
Our Children’s Trust, Lead Attorney – Held v. Montana
Nate is the lead attorney in Held v. State of Montana, the first ever constitutional climate case to go to trial, and won an historic ruling against the state. The court established that every additional ton of greenhouse gas pollution is causing constitutional, human rights injuries to young people, and made clear that transitioning to clean energy systems is essential to protecting the life, health, and dignity of every child, everywhere.
As a Senior Staff Attorney at Our Children’s Trust, Nate works to protect the constitutional rights of youth to a stable climate system and advocates for science-based solutions to the climate crisis. Nate’s scholarship has been published in the ABA magazine, Natural Resources & Environment, and the Wake Forest Journal of Law & Policy. When not at work, you can find Nate working in his garden, running in the woods, or exploring the Pacific Northwest’s magnificent lakes and forests with his family.
SESSIONS
The Big Sky State is a frontier for the developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry. CCS takes carbon dioxide from large emissions sources and pumps it deep into the earth. While carbon sequestration sounds good on paper, this incredibly expensive technology remains unproven, has a track record of dangerous pipeline ruptures, and is more a pipe dream than a legitimate solution to curb climate pollution. However, by surfacing lessons from Northern Plains past we can identify effective efforts to protect Eastern Montana’s working landscapes and push for the future we want here in Montana!
AUCTIONS
This year, we are excited for our Annual Meeting Auction to be held both in-person and online! The in-person silent auction will run over the two days of the Annual Meeting, November 15-16. The online auction will begin on Tuesday, November 12 and end on Tuesday, November 19.
Our auction plays a key role in the success of the Annual Meeting and in strengthening Northern Plains work for the year ahead. Do you have an item, activity, or vacation experience you’d like to donate to our auction? If so, please contact Effy at (406) 248-1154 or effy@northernplains.org.
Click the button below to download a form detailing your online auction item donation (and thank you)!
DEADLINES
November 1: Nominations due for Bob Tully and Mary Donohoe awards
November 14:
- Election ballots must be received at the Northern Plains office by this date, in-person or by mail.
- Online registration deadline for in-person attendees. After this date, you can register for in-person attendance on November 15th and 16th at the event.
November 16: Online registration for virtual attendees closes on Saturday, November 16 at noon.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 16
9:00 AM Registration opens
9:30 AM Opening remarks
9:45 AM Family Farms and Ranches Today: The Final Line of Defense
10:45 AM BREAK
11:00 AM The True Cost of Coal Mining: Untangling Revenue, Tax Abatements, and a Just Transition
12:00 PM Lunch, Keynote, and Awards
2:00 PM Flash talk – Indigenous People’s Day
2:15 PM Carbon Capture & Storage: Facts, Fallacies, and Field Notes
3:15 PM BREAK
3:45 PM Shifting Mindsets: The Power of Narrative and Disciplined Messaging in Winning Campaigns
4:45 PM Flash Talk – Planned Giving
5:00 PM Cocktail hour
6:00 PM Dinner and fun
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn
The Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn has set aside a limited number of rooms at a discounted price of $114 a night. This includes complimentary breakfast at Stella’s Bakery & Diner and on-site parking. The deadline to reserve under the Northern Plains room block is October 27, and this hotel is across the street from the Pub Station. Call (406) 259-5511 to book your room at the Clocktower Inn today!
Home2 Suites by Hilton
In need of more spacious rooms? Home2 Suites by Hilton has also set aside a limited number of rooms at a discounted price of $139. This includes complimentary breakfast and on-site parking, and the hotel is less than a mile from the Pub Station. The deadline to reserve under the Northern Plains room block is October 18. Call (406) 252-2255 to book your room at Home2 Suites today!
PARKING
Complimentary parking is available for hotel guests at the Clocktower Inn, across the street from The Pub Station. Limited street parking is available near the venue or at the Park II Garage just down the street.