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.

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Billings gets $1M for tree cover
Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council

Billings gets $1M for tree cover

Earlier this month, the US Forest Service announced that the City of Billings will receive $1 million in federal funds to design and implement...
09.27.23 Read More
PRESS RELEASE: YVCC helps Billings secure $1M for urban forests
Gaining Ground Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council

PRESS RELEASE: YVCC helps Billings secure $1M for urban forests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2023 BILLINGS, Mont. -  The United States Forest Service today announced that the City of Billings will receive $1 million in federal funds...
09.14.23 Read More
Kirk Panasuk: Modernized oil and gas rules protect taxpayers, public health
Oil & Gas

Kirk Panasuk: Modernized oil and gas rules protect taxpayers, public health

09.12.23 Read More
NorthWestern’s newest energy roadmap leads to a dead end
Clean Renewable Energy

NorthWestern’s newest energy roadmap leads to a dead end

NorthWestern Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is released every few years to serve as a roadmap for future power production and a preview of...
08.25.23 Read More
Challenging a rate case built on falsehoods (Part I)
History Project

Challenging a rate case built on falsehoods (Part I)

Montana Power Company – Northwestern Energy’s predecessor as the primary electric utility in Montana – owned 30% of Colstrip Units 3 and 4.In 1974,...
08.25.23 Read More
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.

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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!

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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.

Agriculture and Food
Clean Renewable Energy
A man in a hard hat and blue shirt stands with his back to the camera looking at the Colstrip coal mine.
Coal
Good Neighbor Agreement
Legislature
Oil and Gas
Soil
Local groups

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

Bear Creek Council
Beartooth Alliance
Bull Mountain Land Alliance
Carbon County Resource Council
Central Montana Resource Council
Cottonwood Resource Council
Dawson Resource Council
Golden Triangle Resource Council
Rosebud Protective Association
Sleeping Giant Citizens Council
Stillwater Protective Association
Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council
Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council

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!

Find your local affiliate
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!

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Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council Annual Meeting and Potluck

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council Annual..

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council (YVCC) is celebrating its Annual Meeting and Potluck on Sunday, October 1 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Sunday, October 1st from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm

2023 Helena Sun Run

2023 Helena Sun Run

Sleeping Giant Citizens Council’s Eighth Annual Sun Run will be held on Saturday, October 7th at the Central School, 402 N Warren Street in Helena.

Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Northern Plains’ 52nd Annual Meeting

Northern Plains’ 52nd Annual Meeting

Our favorite gathering of fellowship, fun, and learning is right around the corner and we’re bringing you movers and shakers from across Montana and beyond to help us commemorate the occasion! Join us at Northern Plains’ 52nd Annual Meeting: From Our Roots, to the Future.

Friday, November 10th at 9:00 am - Saturday, November 11th at 7:00 pm

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council Cowboy Supper

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council Cowboy..

For more than two decades, the Cowboy Supper has been a cherished tradition during the Northern Plains Annual Meeting. Come enjoy a delicious cowboy supper made with local ingredients, followed by live music and entertainment!

Friday, November 10th from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm

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

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